posted
In the next day or two I'm going to check out a '96 SS for sale. It's a non-TTop coupe, 6M, 81K miles, straight, no-rust body w/original paint & leather. I checked the VIN with SLP and it's real, and a Carfax report is clean. Only accident is last year (insurance paid out $900, so can't have been too bad). New clutch, synchros are good, no smoke, only rattle is the exhaust shield. Except for 11 months/14K miles in Wisc., it has spent its life in Florida.
Anything expensive (and special to LT1s or SS's) that I should check before I plunk down my hard-earned cash?
Oh yeah, the owner wants $9,000, will prolly take less. Sound right?
Posts: 1 | Registered: Sep 2002
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posted
...nothing really jumps out as what 'specifically' to check for on a '96 or other for that matter. If the car was well maintained, runs smooth, and is clean, you should be OK. Reference Kelley Blue book for a price check. It's more a matter or how well it was taken care of than it is of any 'problems' inherent to the car. Hope it works out...
Posts: 1046 | From: Pine Bush, NY USA | Registered: Aug 2001
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posted
www.edmunds.com is good for a price check too. Kelly Blue Book tends to run a little high.
Posts: 9 | From: Portland, OR | Registered: Sep 2002
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LT-1 motors tend to develop intake gasket leaks at the front and/or rear. This is a common problem and I believe GM has TSB out on it. You may wish to check the car's service history to see if it was ever repaired. If not, it can be a fairly expensive repair at the dealer.
At 81000 miles, I'd check the wheel bearings and the opti-spark is probably not long for this world. That should be looked at too. I'd listen for any noises out of the rear-end and check the u-joints. If the car has been hammered, I'd expect to see/feel slop in the drivetrain. 81k is not bad mileage for '96. On average, it seems like it saw regular use. If the current owner has a complete service history, ask to see it. If the owner has been meticulous enough to keep all his/her records in order and the car is clean, then it is likely he/she took good care of the car and you'll be OK.
Good luck, Andy
-------------------- Back Home Where She Belongs... 2001 SS #3122 M01-3122 Sunset Orange Metallic / Ebony Leather M6, All GM Options SLP Options:Bilstein, Dual-Dual, Chrome 10 Spokes, SS Grille, Mats, Key Fobs, Dash Plaque, Car Cover Posts: 214 | From: Pepperell MA USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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