With only 36,000 genuine miles on the clock, this 1988 Camaro presents quite nicely, both inside and out. On face value, the price also looks quite reasonable. So it might be worth digging a little deeper to see how it stacks up. Barn Finder Joseph I located the Camaro for us, so thank you for that Joseph. The Camaro is located in Columbus, Ohio, and is listed for sale here at Northwest Auto Brokers. The owner has set the sales price for the Camaro at $6,918.
The overall presentation of the Camaro is quite acceptable, with the Bright Blue Metallic paint having a good shine to it. There is some color inconsistency with the painted plastic surfaces, but this isn’t uncommon with cars of this era, and it seems to be something that affects cars with metallic paints more often than those painted in a solid color. Whether you love the 3rd Generation Camaro or not, I have always felt that Chevrolet deserved some credit for the work that went into the design and engineering of the car. It was a long way removed from the fire-breathing beasts of the late 1960s and early 1970s, but Chevrolet worked particularly hard to regain some of the lost performance by undertaking a lot of hard work in engineering, weight reduction, and aerodynamics. They did this in a bid to address the horsepower losses that resulted from tightening emissions regulations.
The interior of the Camaro also presents quite well, and the condition is certainly within keeping for a car with a claimed 36,000 miles on the odometer. There are no real issues to report, although the carpet appears as though it might be slightly faded. It still looks good, and there is no sign of actual wear. The upholstered surfaces are all well preserved, and the overall condition is quite impressive for a car that is 31-years-old. Don’t go looking for too many luxury appointments and accessories, because there isn’t a lot. Apart from full instrumentation and air conditioning, there is an AM/FM radio, and that’s about it.
This is the moment when a few people will probably be put off the Camaro. Under the hood is the 2,838cc (173ci) V6 engine, which is coupled to a 4-speed automatic transmission. Any thoughts of high performance have been firmly thrown out the window, as you would only have 135hp to play with. With a car that weighs 3,075lbs, this equated to a ¼ mile time of 17.7 seconds, which is not fast. The owner doesn’t give us any real information about the mechanical health of the car, but is the low mileage claim is both correct and can be confirmed, then the car should be in good health. This particular car is definitely more about style than substance, and was really designed to be an affordable entry point into the “Camaro Club.” It’s also worth considering that the horsepower and performance figures for the V6-equipped Camaro weren’t a long way behind the cars fitted with 305ci V8.
For someone looking for a 3rd Generation Camaro on a budget, the condition of this car does offer that person an alternative. Whether that person is willing to accept the compromise of a V6 engine over a V8 is a question that only they can answer. Before we dismiss this car, it is worth remembering that many people bought the original Mustang in six-cylinder form, and this was mainly because they liked the styling and image of the vehicle. Perhaps that is where this particular Camaro fits into the scheme of things. As I said, the condition looks to be quite good, so if you bought this Camaro, what would you do with it?
So many people have messed with nice original V8 Camaros of this vintage – missing a/c compressors, different wheels, etc, that this can be driven as is without guilt of the future… the LS swap later down that road…which may be sooner than later, or leaving it as is to enjoy the ride, albeit raspy and slow(er). Those 2.8 and 3.1 “litre” V6 engines always had a distinct sound.
About as ho hum as a third gen Camaro gets while still wearing the ground effects. I don’t care for the color, but appreciate the honesty of the car. I also appreciate the raspy growl of the 2.8’s and 3.1’s having owned several, but I don’t think I want one in a Camaro. After the nostalgia wears off I bet this would bore me to tears.
Instant LS3 swap.
Every stinkin’ car doesn’t have to have a V8 in it. A swap seems like a lot of work just to impress the pimply faced kids at Wal-Mart and the local burger joint cruise in.
I agree with you Coventry. I’m also a fan of GM 6 cyl motors. But having never owned a Camaro and always wanting one, I would hold out for and 8 cyl motor. With that said I wouldnt hack up a nice 6 cyl car to transplant an 8 either. Just my 2 cents
Interesting footnote in Camaro history. 1988 Sport Coupes got the old Z28’s general look because that year, the IROC became its own independent model. In 1989, GM got rid of the Sport Coupe and the base Camaro became the RS model.
Very nice example but it’s probably not going to generate a lot of interest because it’s a V-6. All the action on these is in the TPI V-8 models.
Well that’s my new thing learned today. Thanks!
I’m certainly relieved that this car has 36K genuine miles as opposed to disingenuine or is it ungenuine miles.
Genuine—adjective
possessing the claimed or attributed character, quality, or origin; not counterfeit; authentic; real:
genuine sympathy; a genuine antique.
I was ready back in the day for one of these (in white) to become my first brand new car at the age of 21. I had worked out the car payment but was trounced when I discovered that my monthly insurance payment was going to be more than the car note. So much for that.
Looking back, it was probably a blessing in disguise.
I had the exact same car down to the interior.if I remember it had a 2.8 liter. Nice car .only had it a few years terrible in snow as most camaros where
One of the worst v-6 engines ever produced . Nice car otherwise.
Why do you say that? That has not been my experience and I have had a lot of them.
It would be fun to tool around in. With some exhaust work, cold air intake, high performance plug wires you could see an honest 10% HP gain, maybe a bit more. Gain a bit of performance to go with the looks and you could have a nice balance without having to swap in a fire-breather.
For $6900 (and you could probably talk them down) it’s a car that would make a great impression for a young person to own.
If my High School daughter were into cars, this is what I would like to see her drive. Instead, the only car she ever showed interest in is a Nissan Cube, so that’s what she drives.
I bought an 89′ RS new with the 2.8l. Although she lacks power, being fuel injected she has never let me down with 120K. I was hooked on the looks. I call her all show, no go. But, if that little V6 ever fails………
Very nice. Always liked the monochrome RS cars.