I confess I find reasons to love almost every car I ever meet, and I’m particularly entranced with well-kept cars – no matter the model. Here’s one that fits the bill, this 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo LS advertised on craigslist for just $8800. This car has traveled only 28,750 miles since new. It’s been coddled in a climate-controlled garage in Scottsdale, Arizona and yes of course you can drive it home. The seller says the car shows no signs of wear; punctuating that claim is a “best in show” trophy from earlier this year – ok maybe it was a cars ‘n coffee but that shouldn’t distract us from appreciating this Chevy’s condition. T.J. found us this sterling example of a ’90s sedan – thanks!
Chevrolet introduced the Monte Carlo in 1970 as a “personal luxury” car, aimed at Ford’s Thunderbird. With the longest hood ever offered on a Chevy, more than 25 gauges and switches facing the driver, and nothing less than a V8 in the engine bay, the Monte Carlo was immediately successful. Tire-smokers could even opt for a 454 CID with 450 hp. Of course, it was a short leap from that kind of promise to the backstretches of NASCAR. The Monte Carlo has accumulated more than 380 NASCAR Cup wins since 1970. This more sedate road car has a fuel-injected 3.1 liter V6, good for 160 hp and backed by a four-speed automatic with overdrive. The seller also notes that its fuel economy is excellent; the window sticker shows EPA estimates of 20 mpg city/29 mpg highway.
The interior offers nothing to complain about. The velour cloth seats, carpet, dash, gauges – all look nearly new. Here’s that odometer reading – it’s completely believable. The rear seats fold for interior access to the trunk. The listing doesn’t mention whether the seller is the car’s first owner, but if he isn’t, he did have the presence of mind to acquire the car’s manual, keys, and receipts.
The Regal Blue Metallic paint is perfect. The car recently passed an emissions test and inspection; it now has brand new tires and wiper blades. Is this a future classic? With the paucity of sedans coming to market these days, I wouldn’t be surprised at all to find these late ’90s examples crowding show fields of the future. Considering the price in light of just about any used car of reasonable condition today, this car seems like a bargain. Would you enjoy the ride in this ’98 Monte Carlo?
Wow, interesting window sticker. $3500 worth of dealer installed accessories including an $89 solid brass license plate frame? That’s almost a 20% increase in the price.
The 3.1L is a great motor, I had one in a Regal. This could be a real nice, if not very exciting, daily driver for someone for YEARS to come.
I always bashed on them till I used a 1997 Century as a DD for a couple years. I travel 50-120 miles per day and it never let me down. Was a good cheap throw away car.
Already gone.
I don’t miss doing crank shaft position sensors on those, probably done hundreds.
Loved my 77 Monte Carlo, last of the big Baroque boats. SUBSEQUENT Monte Carlos left me cold, but THIS Monte Carlo has a much better look. My 77 listed for $6,300 new. This is definitely a great opportunity and a real Bon Marche!
One of the last, if not THE last 2-door American sedans. RIP.
I’ll take a supercharged Riviera over this any day.
It is a 2 door Lumina, renamed as a Monte Carlo. I am sure the brain trust at Chevy figured it would sell better with the Monte nameplate.
My best friend had this exact car back except with alloys and a floor shifter back in 1999. It was actually a nice car and we took a few 1000+ mile trips in it. I hate the wheels on this one, but it is nice to see something so dull and ordinary in such good shape!
Somebody got f***ed, and not in the fun way. $3500 in “accessories,” including an $800 market adjustment (dealer markup on a 1998 Monte Carlo?) and $600 in “dealer prep” (whatever that is, because GM already paid them to prep the car)? I don’t think I’ve ever seen such shameless overcharging. Then again, stupid is as stupid does. A little research would have saved this poor soul thousands.