Is An 82k Mile Car About To Be A Money Pit?

[CJREX]

I am new to the board and am about to purchase an LS1 Z28.

I have found one that is equipped exactly like I want, but it has 83k miles.

Is this high mileage?

Are a multitude of things about to need a $$$ infusion?

I have heard that the auto transmissions frequently need rebuilt around 90k. Is this true?

Also, what can I expect from the engine with those miles? This one does not have the cold rattle at startup.

Sorry for all the newb questions but I want to make sure the water is deep enough before I dive in

Thanks!

[doug_20]

I know 2 people where I live with LS1's and one has close to 100k and the other has just turned over 100k. No problems with theirs except the one girls car had an electrical problem with the battery light coming on and off and Chevy couldn't figure it out so they changed the computer and that fixed it. Changed the alternator before that and that didn't fix it. Never heard of them having any major problems. I have a 107k on my '96 LT1 and it runs like a dream.
All depends on how it was taken care of.

[jakeblkSS]

what year is it, how old is the owner, how many owners? whats the asking price?

Well take it to a local shop and put it up on a lift to check for any leaking issues.
Drive it make shure its not making any niose or pulling in any direction.
I mean if your spending 10 grand or more then get that thing checked out.
yes the trannys and rears are know to go out but thats from abusive driving for the most part. 82 k is kinda high but if it was taken care of ( oil changes, maintance) it can last.
My car has 70,000 on it and no big issues so far (cross my fingers)

I mean this is a basic used car issue, you could be asking about any car.

[CipsZ28]

Yes. Every car is a money pit.

[greg_74]

Yes it will be a money pit because you will want to keep modding it and putting money into it.

BUT, that is really not high miles. I bought my 98 Z a year and a half ago with 85,000 miles and it now has 92,000 with no major problems. I seriously doubt it will need rebuilt at 83k, unless it has been driven hard. LS1's last a pretty long time so I would get it if the price is good.

[camaro_guy]

Well, my Ls1 JUST rolled over 100k.

I had to rebuild my trans. But then again, transmissions dont last forever, especially manuals. I also have a squeak in the engine bay. I cant figure out what it is but im leaning toward water pump. I have also replaced the power steering pump, but that wasnt expensive. It was like 60 bucks. Oh and both power window motors.

I have yet to get really frustrated with problems on my car. I just view it as character.

But when you buy a high-mileage car - you have to expect to replace some stuff.

I would say 82k miles you should have anything to worry about for at least another 15k miles, depending on how well its been treated.

[jblindy]

My car has 75k miles and there is not a thing wrong with it. There are guys running around in cars with over 150,000. If the car has been well taken care of I wouldn't have a second thought. I would take it to a mechanic though and pay to have it checked over.

[Greg Norris]

no, that isnt a lot of miles. 177k is a lot of miles (ask me how I know). it will be a money pit, depending on you and how much you want to mod and upgrade.

how much is the asking price for the car?

[mustang muncher]

No especially not in the LS1 world.....Ive seen 150k cars cammed for the first time and sprayed at the same time.....these things will last aslong as u do proper maintenance on them.

[Neenjah]

ya iv got 135k on mine an it still ring strong. It recently dyno'd at 290hp and 306tq with stock exhaust and cats, I'v recently put a lid on.. thats one of the first things id do if I were you..

[myk]

I think it's safe to say that the motor itself will probably last a while, but don't count of the rest of the car to be the same way. A4? Plan on rebuilding it. Stock 'diff? Ditto on that piece. Power window motors, running lights and just about everything electrical tends to go out alot on these cars. Trim pieces? Don't be surprised if something breaks if you handle it alot; I've got two pampered F cars and it's happened more often than not.

You gotta' love the way these cars look and run, but GM threw quality control out the window on these things...

[CJREX]

Originally Posted by Greg Norris

how much is the asking price for the car?

It's a 2000 SS and the asking price is 10k.

The car is listed on this board HERE

All the car evaluation sites list the Private Party value at between $9500 and $10500 if the car is as described.

Thanks!

[Mase]

82000 miles I wouldnt be worry. I would have a mechinac look it over before hand to be on the safe side though. But heres the deal. If you were to buy it I would expect to have to do a tune-up on it soon plus I would recommand getting a trans service and the rear end fluid change, along with the fuel filter. These are all maintance items that need to be done. I recommand the trans flush and fuel filter ever 30000 miles personally.
Also mine has 112000 miles on it and engine and tranmisson wise I havent had any problems. Did have to put a new rear end in and a new clutch but the car had been abused since I brought it. The only two things that went bad for no knowed reason was my pcm and fuel pump and the fuel pump was 2 years ago.