Beater Discussion

*The_Blur* · 08-17-2009, 07:41 PM

We need to talk about cheap holdovers because some of us—me—have to replace our cars with something that isn't exactly immaculate like the Camaros we wish we were driving. I'm going to post up some random cars that have sparked my interest, mainly due to their incredibly low prices. Tell me what maintenance problems I can expect, and whether these cars will probably last for about 6 months without serious problems. Base your opinion of these cars on what problems usually happen with cars in this condition or cars that have experienced that sort of mileage. I will post as much information as possible. Assume all cars have around 100k miles. Try to keep discussion limited to the pictured generations.

Cars Under Consideration

Chevrolet Camaro & Pontiac Firebird & Pontiac Trans Am

Pontiac Ventura & Chevrolet Nova

Chevrolet Monte Carlo

Chevrolet Impala & Chevrolet Caprice

Start by discussing these. I may add more later.

0235th · 08-18-2009, 07:10 AM

My bro had im gonna say an 87 or 88ish monte carlo SS. That car was badddddddddasssssssss.
Oh and the 94-96 impala SS are badass cars too.

MrIcky · 08-18-2009, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Blur

We need to talk about cheap holdovers because some of us—me—have to replace our cars with something that isn't exactly immaculate like the Camaros we wish we were driving. I'm going to post up some random cars that have sparked my interest, mainly due to their incredibly low prices. Tell me what maintenance problems I can expect, and whether these cars will probably last for about 6 months without serious problems. Base your opinion of these cars on what problems usually happen with cars in this condition or cars that have experienced that sort of mileage. I will post as much information as possible. Assume all cars have around 100k miles. Try to keep discussion limited to the pictured generations.

Cars Under Consideration

.

It's going to be really hard to talk about all those vehicles in general because so much is based on how they were treated as opposed to mileage. Any of those vehicles would run for 150000+ miles if they have a good service history. As far as the mid-90s Impalas (of which I have the most personal experience) they are pretty bullet proof. They seem to get some generally annoying electronics quirks. Otherwise, same crap as every 100k used vehicle- if it runs and the tranny shifts smoothly and quick, you're probably ok.

shank0668 · 08-18-2009, 10:27 AM

I would try to stay away from 80's and older, my dad has a 78 corvette that drove great, at first. Then the front brakes started to grab, replaced battery, brake lines, some fuel lines, soon power steering hoses, a caliper, needs a starter, needs u joints, replaced radiator hoses, radio, idler arm, and thats about it. about $500 in repairs. o it has about 60k miles.

Zabo · 08-18-2009, 10:39 AM

Bump for..uh.. *looks out window @ 'Christine'*

I mean Sage SAGE!!!!

SleepWarz · 08-18-2009, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shank0668

I would try to stay away from 80's and older, my dad has a 78 corvette that drove great, at first. Then the front brakes started to grab, replaced battery, brake lines, some fuel lines, soon power steering hoses, a caliper, needs a starter, needs u joints, replaced radiator hoses, radio, idler arm, and thats about it. about $500 in repairs. o it has about 60k miles.

Thats nothing, you should see what the 69 tbird costs....
4 core rad alone was $600, waterpump $400..... (damn frigging fords)

Got a list a mile long of crap still to do. Roofwork/Vinal Top and redoing the back seat in matching leather is gonna run a few grand. =p I'm waiting for it to come out of the body shop so I can send it to the guy who does the roof... I have a msd ignition and chrome valve covers to put on it now. Damn bodywork needs to hurry teh hell up.
Drive what you like as long as you enjoy it.

Zabo · 08-18-2009, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SleepWarz

Drive what you like as long as you enjoy it.

And some can only wish this were possible for them. :(

EDIT: Oh, and I can finally discuss this. Christine got distracted and is off stalking some small Honda hatchback or something..

shank0668 · 08-18-2009, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SleepWarz

Thats nothing, you should see what the 69 tbird costs....
4 core rad alone was $600, waterpump $400..... (damn frigging fords)

Got a list a mile long of crap still to do. Roofwork/Vinal Top and redoing the back seat in matching leather is gonna run a few grand. =p I'm waiting for it to come out of the body shop so I can send it to the guy who does the roof... I have a msd ignition and chrome valve covers to put on it now. Damn bodywork needs to hurry teh hell up.
Drive what you like as long as you enjoy it.

It still is a great car for 4k. the 78 corvette.

AngryAmish · 08-18-2009, 12:37 PM

2k Impala models:

Some tend to rust around the rear wheel wells. They have an annoying little pocket that hold water and debris. As long as you keep up on it, its not really a problem. The exhaust tends to rust out quick too. I'm not 100% sure, but I think the air conditioning unit drains close to it, and some of the water might drip on the pipes. Other then that, the only thing I've had to replace on mine was the air flow sensor.

All in all, its been a very reliable car for me. Considering Blue Book is about 2k on them, you should be able to get one for a damn decent price.

nUcLeArEnVoY · 08-18-2009, 01:00 PM

Why 6 months? Is 6 months the amount of time that will pass before you can finally get a new Camaro? If I were you, I wouldn't even buy them and instead buy some $1,200 beater 4-cylinder car.

Although cool, not all of those cars are as reliable as something like a used Civic or Corolla which will save you a ton of money. If you want a car JUST to get by and get you from point A to B, then search for one to that effect.

Rockytophummer · 08-18-2009, 01:14 PM

My 1st car was 87 Monte Carlo SS Aero coupe which made it alot rarer. I loved the car. Only problem I had was when I was gettingrid of it and 4 barrel was going out. It was only running on 2 barrels when I sold it. Crazy thing is she still ran pretty good. But she was black with burgandy interior. Wish I still had that car alot of fond memories in her!!

08-17-2009, 07:41 PM	#1
The_Blur Moderator Drives: 2018 Harley-Davidson Street Bob Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: San Diego Posts: 14,768	Beater Discussion We need to talk about cheap holdovers because some of us—me—have to replace our cars with something that isn't exactly immaculate like the Camaros we wish we were driving. I'm going to post up some random cars that have sparked my interest, mainly due to their incredibly low prices. Tell me what maintenance problems I can expect, and whether these cars will probably last for about 6 months without serious problems. Base your opinion of these cars on what problems usually happen with cars in this condition or cars that have experienced that sort of mileage. I will post as much information as possible. Assume all cars have around 100k miles. Try to keep discussion limited to the pictured generations. Cars Under Consideration Chevrolet Camaro & Pontiac Firebird & Pontiac Trans Am Pontiac Ventura & Chevrolet Nova Chevrolet Monte Carlo Chevrolet Impala & Chevrolet Caprice Start by discussing these. I may add more later. __________________ RDP Motorsport//GEN5DIY//Cultrag Performance//JPSS//Rodgets Chevrolet// Operation Demon//Buy at Invoice//RACECARWEAR RESPECT ALL CARS. LOVE YOUR OWN. warn 145:159 ban

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08-18-2009, 07:10 AM	#2
0235th Lol wut Drives: 2010 Cobalt LS Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Hattiesburg MS Posts: 152	My bro had im gonna say an 87 or 88ish monte carlo SS. That car was badddddddddasssssssss. Oh and the 94-96 impala SS are badass cars too.

08-18-2009, 10:27 AM	#4
shank0668 Drives: '14 LML/'06 LJ/'76 Trans Am Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 8,438 View My Garage	I would try to stay away from 80's and older, my dad has a 78 corvette that drove great, at first. Then the front brakes started to grab, replaced battery, brake lines, some fuel lines, soon power steering hoses, a caliper, needs a starter, needs u joints, replaced radiator hoses, radio, idler arm, and thats about it. about $500 in repairs. o it has about 60k miles.

08-18-2009, 10:39 AM	#5
Zabo Gunning for Sixth Drives: '03 ZR2 Blazer Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Woodhaven, Michigan Posts: 9,358 View My Garage	Bump for..uh.. looks out window @ 'Christine' I mean Sage SAGE!!!!

08-18-2009, 12:37 PM	#9
AngryAmish Drives: Impala Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, Pa. Posts: 813	2k Impala models: Some tend to rust around the rear wheel wells. They have an annoying little pocket that hold water and debris. As long as you keep up on it, its not really a problem. The exhaust tends to rust out quick too. I'm not 100% sure, but I think the air conditioning unit drains close to it, and some of the water might drip on the pipes. Other then that, the only thing I've had to replace on mine was the air flow sensor. All in all, its been a very reliable car for me. Considering Blue Book is about 2k on them, you should be able to get one for a damn decent price.

08-18-2009, 01:00 PM	#10
nUcLeArEnVoY Oldbie that nobody knows Drives: 2011 1SS/RS M6 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Homestead, FL Posts: 3,459 View My Garage	Why 6 months? Is 6 months the amount of time that will pass before you can finally get a new Camaro? If I were you, I wouldn't even buy them and instead buy some $1,200 beater 4-cylinder car. Although cool, not all of those cars are as reliable as something like a used Civic or Corolla which will save you a ton of money. If you want a car JUST to get by and get you from point A to B, then search for one to that effect.

08-18-2009, 01:14 PM	#11
Rockytophummer Drives: 2006 Hummer H2 2010 2SS Camaro Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Maryville tn. Posts: 585	My 1st car was 87 Monte Carlo SS Aero coupe which made it alot rarer. I loved the car. Only problem I had was when I was gettingrid of it and 4 barrel was going out. It was only running on 2 barrels when I sold it. Crazy thing is she still ran pretty good. But she was black with burgandy interior. Wish I still had that car alot of fond memories in her!!