cooperbiker74

I am looking at getting a '93 or '94 Z28, SS, Trans Am, or Firebird. I'm looking for one under, as much as possible, 100k miles on the odometer (found one with only 25k!).
What should I look out for with these cars? Any specific problems that they might have that I could spot without a mechanic? Is it worth having a mechanic look the car over before I buy?
Is a car like this of this age going to be useable as a daily driver? Or is the gas bill likely to kill me (I'm assuming I'd want to feed it 93 octane right?)? I drive an F150 right now that gets about 10-12 mpg, but I feed it the cheap stuff.
thanks in advance.

ibanez6rg

Well if you do find a 93-94 SS, let me know! Just look for the usual. Opti, leaks, weird noises, modded or not.

X-Jester

I just picked up my '94 about 2 months ago. She's got about 96k on the clock, I bought her with 92k. If you got a vehicle that was well maintained (which may be hard to find, a lot of original owners beat the hell out of their Z's) you shouldn't run into any problems. Internals shouldn't be a problem as long as you're good with the oil changes, but I'd watch out for the external components. In 4000 miles I've replaced my opti, coil, water pump, alternator, all 4 pads and rotors, oxygen sensors, plugs & wires, and my power steering pump is about to go out. It's just a risk you take buying a high mileage vehicle -- someone's going to have to maintain it. After doing all of this work, the car's running like brand new again. I guess if the previous owner didn't take care of the car, you'll have your work cut out for you. But if you get a good one, you'll do fine. I see about 26mpg on the highway, around 16-17 in the city (during D.C. rush hour traffic.) Go for it, you won't be disappointed. Just give your car some loving, and she'll love you right back.

Fastbird93

First, you've not going to find a true 93-94 SS, or WS6 for that matter. Neither made it's official appearance until 96.

Things to look out for when buying a used LT1........

Opti -- let car warm up, and when test driving, with engine at about 1000-1500 rmp in a higher, mash the gas. If it cuts out, stutters, ect, this is a good tell tale hint that opti is crapping out.

Usual noises and sounds. Stock, the LT1 is a pretty quiet motor (I'm NOT talking exhaust here). Any strange ticks or anything from the motor may need to be addressed.

The usual oil leak at the rear of the intake manifold. This is pretty common, albeit a pain. Nothing a day can't fix.

Pinion seal leak -- Could be just an old seal going, could be an out of balance driveshaft blowing the seal out.

any strange clunking or grinding coming from the rear end, especially going around corners. The rear is a notorious weak spot on these cars.

Others will chime in I'm sure.

cooperbiker74

Guess I showed my *** a bit with the SS thing, thanks for pointing that out guys.