Im looking at a 1989 Vette coupe that might go up for sale.
Its red 32k miles and automatic for 11k firm. If I buy this Vette what kind of maintainace will I run into lets say for the fist 20k miles????
Also is it hard to change the plugs on the L98???? Do you guys like the Gm rapid fire plugs or the Bosch Plantinum plus 4???? Will the L98 keep up with an LT1 at the stop light???? Are the 89' Vettes ok or would you pass on it for a newer model????????

 

I would do the same thing we've told you 15 times before, and buy the newest model you can afford. As long as the bells and whistles work, this sounds like a fair deal. I would check to see if its FX3 or Z51 though, those are desirable, as is the rear gear ratio 3.07.

I use AC Delco Rapidfire plugs, its not particularly hard to change them, but not quite what id call 'easy' on a couple of them.

In the first 20k, all youll want to do is tune it as far as regular maintenance, perhaps a tranny service but thats probably it. Nothing major SHOULD break that soon. You might want to check out the alternator though.

You can play with anything at a stop light in an 89. Would be better with 3.07 though.

 

I agree with Vader.

Vic

 

You shouldn't have any significant problems. 89 is a good year in my opinion. You should just the expect just routine maintenance items.
Make sure all the electrical stuff works before you buy.

 

I'd also look at the exhaust. even though low miles rust could be getting to it after 14 years. Brake pads and master cylinder belt and hoses could also be tired after the miles and age.

 

Make sure the mileage is actual; it's easy to swap out the odometer. Check for the screws that hold the display cover for any signs that they've been removed. Low mileage vettes or any car for that matter are prone to have leaking oil seals. Check where it's normally parked for telltale signs of leaking oil. '89 problems include blown head gaskets (GM redesigned the head gasket & the heads for better intake sealing and to prevent galvanic corrosion which was washing out the head gaskets between 30 & 50k miles - none of the changes made it into production until '91, though). Crummy looking coolant - even if frequently changed - & plugged heater cores are some of the early indicators. The a/c system is probably near the end of it's useful life regardless of mileage. Check for a/c oil on the underside of the hood above the compressor which would indicate a leaking seal or for frost on the windshield which might indicate a leaking evaporator. Difficult to imagine a 13 year old car is still holding it's original charge even if the system is "tight". If you're handy with tools, the car is fairly easy to work on and some dealers will discount Vette parts if you ask for it. Swapping out head gaskets and getting the heads reconditioned will run a couple hundred if you do it yourself. A/C work is a bit more, with a good compressor running about $500 and R12, if you're licensed, was running $12 to $15 a can at Autozone (you'll need 4). If you can't do it yourself, expect to pay a great deal more.

 

My 89 will keep up with a LT1 at a stop light :yesnod:
:hurray:

 

Are you saying that the dirty coolant is an early indicator that the head gaskets are shot?

 

Could be, especially if it's only been 6 months or so since changing it out & it looks like crap. Other signs would be coolant loss or a spark plug with rust (I'd check #7 first as that seems to be where most fail). Any radiator shop should be able to check a sample for exhaust contamination.

 

I honestly don't beleive in that "buy the newest model you can afford". I believe in buying the nicest Vette you can afford with the options and feature you want. For me their are some change in 88 & 89 vettes that I don't like and their are somethat I do like. For the L98 models my favorite year is 90. I don't particaulerly like some of the changes of 94-96 either.

In 89 their it won't have FX3 or Z51 because it was limited to 6 speeds.

Cosmetically a 32K miles car should very nice, if it isn't pass on it. As mention above their maybe some problems assocaited with a low mileage car, bad fuel Injectors, oil leaks, but they will work them selves out pretty quickly if driven regularly.

I have bought three vehicles that have either sat for 2 years or driven in ultra low mileage. Some have had some problem that go away, so problems crop up shortly after, and some vehicle have had no problems.


[Modified by dgoodhue, 2:23 PM 2/3/2003]