WTB 4TH Gen. Trans am

[QuickTop]

This will be my very first f-body, so i am a bit anxious.
Heres what i want
- Leather (preferably black)
-T-tops
- Actual Trans am, No formy's

Ive got right around 5k to spend, please no cars with 150k miles unless its got the receipts to prove its been rebuilt somewhere. Auto and 6-speed doesnt matter much to me. It will be my DD so, no project cars. im willing to go about 100 miles out of eastern Michigan to pick her up.

Also while im here i did find one for sale. heres the ad http://toledo.craigslist.org/cto/2856575243.html I have yet to call him because i just saw the ad, what are you thoughts

Thank you!

[meissen]

I'm probably in the minority in that I actually like the yellow color, but the "350 crate engine" part makes me a little curious of the true condition.

[QuickTop]

The yellow is ehhh to me. ill agree with you on that part, who knows if hes got the LT1 mixed up with a 350 or if hes got an actual GM 350. And i see no need to swap an engine at 35k miles if those are actual. ill give him a call today and let you guys know.

[ktl711]

To me, "needs finishing" = project car. I think at your price point, though, you're going to have to expect a little of that, and if you could get this car for a little less than what he's asking, you could make out pretty well. Just make sure it doesn't have the usual rust-out that you get in local cars. There ain't no easy fix for that.

Yellow seems to work for that car, but it's obviously not an original color for 1994. My gut feel tells me that this car has had a rough life, but since you're new to all this, I'd go look at it if you have time, and through experience of seeing lots of cars you'll learn how to judge quickly what has promise and what's a potential money incinerator. If you find cars closer to metro Detroit, you can ask some of the folks on here if they'll go along with you and share some tips.

[QuickTop]

I do expect a little of a project but not too extreme that it cannot be driven reliably. Where do these cars normally rust? wheel wells? I dont like the replaced engine at such low miles but i think it would be worth going to look and drive to see if it is worth the work it needs. What should i look for when i go? and what are common problems with that year?

[meissen]

To me, "needs finishing" = project car. I think at your price point, though, you're going to have to expect a little of that, and if you could get this car for a little less than what he's asking, you could make out pretty well. Just make sure it doesn't have the usual rust-out that you get in local cars. There ain't no easy fix for that.

Yellow seems to work for that car, but it's obviously not an original color for 1994. My gut feel tells me that this car has had a rough life, but since you're new to all this, I'd go look at it if you have time, and through experience of seeing lots of cars you'll learn how to judge quickly what has promise and what's a potential money incinerator. If you find cars closer to metro Detroit, you can ask some of the folks on here if they'll go along with you and share some tips.

Yellow was an original color for 1993, not 100% positive but I believe it was still offered in 1994.

[Lucky SOB]

I know you're anxious, but don't rush into buying a car because it's available. Wait for the right one, with the options you want. I waited a loooong time for my TA, but I love it and it's exactly what I wanted.

[QuickTop]

Whats the scoop on the rear end? does anyone disagree on going to look at it?

[hoogiesngrinderz]

To me it sounds like the car itself probably has a ton of miles, but the engine and rear have ~35,000 miles on them.

[Fox Slaughter]

Well considering a 96 Trans Am comes with a LT1 stock and he says there is a crate 350 in there. If I do recall a 350 can not use a LT1 wiring harness. Correct me if I am wrong?

[Iroc'nthe87]

I would imagine you could pick up a respectable ls1 car for 5k too.

[QuickTop]

Well considering a 96 Trans Am comes with a LT1 stock and he says there is a crate 350 in there. If I do recall a 350 can not use a LT1 wiring harness. Correct me if I am wrong?

which would make me think that he is just a little lazy with his words and is meaning that he replaced the LT1 with another one. & just decided to call it a 350.. i mean its got the same CI and i know a lot of people who dont recognize the trans am engines by LT1/LS1 (especially older folks).

[Fox Slaughter]

which would make me think that he is just a little lazy with his words and is meaning that he replaced the LT1 with another one. & just decided to call it a 350.. i mean its got the same CI and i know a lot of people who dont recognize the trans am engines by LT1/LS1 (especially older folks).

To mean that means he isn't a car guy, and a non-car guy doesn't take care of a car.

[98blackbeauty]

Lot of good advice here, my interpretation of add is: new engine and rear 35,000 miles ago. Car was beat to crape and has ton of miles on it. Normal rust area is floor pan in rear seat area and inside of rear fender well. If my thoughts are true then you can expect cracked tore up leather seats, A/C not working, and in need or suspention and other parts replaced.
4,000 maybe OK price but I would keep looking.

[Darren]

For $5k you could search hard for a good buy on a LS1 car... That is what I would do in a heartbeat. We are good at spending other people's money I bet a few guys here will post some good buys for ya.