Faults:
I replaced the alternator at 48,000 miles.
I replaced the waterpump at 49,000 miles.
I developed a diagnostic problem which caused the car to jerk forward when in drive at idle at 52,000 miles which the dealer could not fix after two trips in and over $400.
I had the spark plugs and wires changed, and got a tuneup at 60,000 miles which cost me $700 from Goodyear.
My power driver's side window went out at 65,000 miles.
My power convertible top motor went out at 66,000 miles.
The heatercore went out at 71,000 miles.
My rear defrost stopped working at 78,000 miles.
Finally, the head gaskets blew at 81,000 miles (it would have cost me $1400 to get them fixed, so I sold the car).
I also had the plastic around the automatic shifter lever break right after I bought the car.
The glove box also never met correctly on its latch.
Not to mention I had the common F-car problem of replacing light bulbs all the time (1 fog light, 2 headlights, and 5 tail-light bulbs).
Overall the car cost me a fortune.
General Comments:
Well, now you have read all the bad things, so I'll say something nice. The car was ver very quick. I wish I had bought it with a manual, but it was very fast none the less. It also sounded great too. It was relatively confortable car to take on long trips (I took it to and from TN to VA (700 miles) several times and also from TN to FL on one occasion). The convertible was great and it always got me looks. I loved my Camaro, but I hated fixing it all the time. I was sad to see GM kill the F-cars, but I am hoping they will resurrect them with all the style, power, and hopefully some reliablity on its next incarnation. My advice is if you want to buy one of these cars, buy one that is at least as new as 2000 (from what I have learned they were made better after about that point) and try to stick to one with low miles. Take very very good care of it and it might not give you the problems mine had (although I did take very good care of my car, but we must not forget its age). Finally, if you are in the market for 2+2 sports car, don't fret, the Mustang GT is a very very good alternative, we also own one of these which is a '99 GT. It has 70,000+ miles and has had no major replacements. It is a not quite as fast as a Z-28, but it is very close. Not to mention they are still making them! To find out more about the Mustang, check my upcoming review for it as listed above.
13th Apr 2005, 16:09
Ha! Sandbags in a Camaro.. Are U kidding me!? It's not a winter car, so don't try and make it one. I have a '94 Z-28 loaded with mods, and it sits in my heated garage all winter! Like it should. But have fun cleaning out the sand out of the rear every spring.