[79TA455]

The '93-'02 Trans Am section seems kind of dead so thought I would try here.

I currently own a '76 400 equipped T/A and I have always owned 2nd gens from the time I was 17 but I have always wanted a 4th Gen ('98-'02). They seem to come up from time-to-time but the price is outrageous or they have been modified; I want a stock WS6 with a manual.

That brings me to my point....I found a 2002 and I have included the link here. I'm looking for pros and cons of owning one of them vs the '76.

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-view-details...dId=1462941988

[Lee]

The 4th gens have great brakes, handle excellently, get much better MPG. Overall more solidly built than a 2nd gen.

On the flipside, they are NOT fun to work on - look at the picture of the engine bay, and note how far behind the windshield the engine sits, I think the easiest way to change the rear spark plugs is from underneath the car. The pop-up headlights can fail. Before spending big money on one, I'd look into similar year Corvettes even the Z-06's from those years are getting to be more reasonably priced.

[1968firebird455]

You are 10 times better off with a C5 Fixed roof coupe. I love my 2000 C5. They have a couple small issues that you want to take care of but after that they are very reliable and cheap to maintain. I don't look at is a replacement for my 2nd gens but it is a much better car for extended trips.

[Sirrotica]

I'e owned both and for a road car the 4th gen is a better choice. Since I also do all my own work on my cars, and made my living as a mechanic for 40 years the 4th gen is a PIA to work on as has been already said.

The SBC powered cars (93 through 97) also have the poorly engineered optispark distributor on them. The 98 through 2002 cars with LS engines have a much better and reliable ignition system on them. The LS cars also have more power in stock form, and have more potential to make more power than the SBC cars, using aftermarket parts.

The rear axles of the 4th gens are adequate for road use, but putting sticky tires on them may lead to breakage (7.5 rear axles under the cars)

The electrically operated hideaway headlights are prone to strip the nylon gears in the motors, the aftermarket can supply metal gears that won't strip.

The door panels are also subject to cracking and has been an issue on the 4th gens for years. The electric motors that actuate the power windows are prone to failure, not a real pleasant job to replace, especially if they haven't already been replaced, they're riveted to the doors.

Changing plugs and wires on the SBC cars is a royal PITA, I never did an LS F body, but I know from owning an LS2 05 GTO it has to be much easier than the SBC cars.

High mileage examples of the 4L60E will many times will exhibit a slam shift from 1st to 2nd after the transmission is warm. Caused by the separator plate under the valve body having elongated holes from wear of the check balls. If you shut the car off and restart it the hard shifts will go away for a bit, but will return after the transmission shifts a few times.

Some of the drawbacks I can recall off the top of my head. I put about 80,000 miles on my 97 (2002 through 2008) so I had it long enough that I experienced some of the most common ailments.

[79TA455]

Thanks guys. I'm familiar with the cracks in the door panels and know that an newer car is harder to work on. Also, I said '98-'02 as I want the LS1 and not the LT1.

Did anyone check the link I posted? I'm not familiar with the pricing on the 4th Gen's so not sure if that is a good price $13,999 for a 240,000km (149,000m) car.

[Mr Twister]

I don't know about Canada pricing, but I payed $16750 for a 2000 WS6 Triple black Trans Am last year. Car had 22,000 miles and clean Carfax. I felt that I was paying top dollar for the car.

[gtojeff1967]

I'm seeing cars with that many miles for 5000-7000 US dollars. there are some nice ones for under 10000 in the states.

[79TA455]

Originally Posted by gtojeff1967

I'm seeing cars with that many miles for 5000-7000 US dollars. there are some nice ones for under 10000 in the states.

Thanks Jeff. did not want to deal with importing but if I am going to go the 4th Gen route, that may be the best way considering the prices on them here are outrageous for most.

[RocktimusPryme]

I would also say that seems high to me. It might be geographic though. I want a 98-02 T/A as well so I look at them from time to time. That hood commands a premium. You can get a Formula or I think even some T/As came with a flat hood for less. That pissed off looking ram air hood is extra.

[TAKerry]

The car you posted seems priced high for the given mileage. But that may be the price of admission for a clean car in the Great White North. I look at car prices all of the time, not the 4th gens so much, but I think for that kind of money you can get a really nice low mileage example stateside. If I were looking for that kind of a car i think i would go firehawk!

[72projectbird]

I owned a 2000 WS6 for a while.

The 4th gen LS1 cars are very fun, and are addicting when it comes to modifications. The aftermarket is huge for them. I understand you want a stock one, but I'd bet you'll get the itch shortly.

They handle well, and are decently quick in stock form. The interior is snug (in a good way), but can get a little uncomfortable on long trips. The stock Monsoon sound system sounds good if it's not blown out, but most cars end up with replacement speakers and head units because thr stock stuff just doesn't last.

Overall they're super fun cars, but they don't compare to a classic muscle car. Even with improved everything, you dont get the same feeling you do with an old car. I was fortunate enough to own both at the same time, which is the only way I can own one.

[red1975pacer]

Well lets see, I own a 79 25k mile tenth anniversary 4 speed and a 2000 Ram Air convert so I feel I can make a statement or two . The 79 is not a fast car, but a great windows down cruiser. The 2000, a 11k mile car I bought new, has no soul. The one I enjoy the most is my 2012 Camaro SS Convert. All the old school cool, with fantastic color combo's. Not only that, but people "dig" it, and it feels vintage going down the road. My recommendations is to check one of the newer SS's before buying anything. Just my 2 cents

[poncho-mike]

I have been a second gen Firebird enthusiast for years, owning a number of HO and SD cars. About ten years ago, I got the bug for a Sunset Orange Metallic WS6 convertible with a 6-spd. I actually looked for about three years before I found a low mileage stock one. The cars are super smooth, incredibly fast, handle well, but they can get uncomfortable. I am going on 63 yrs old and I have bad hips. The seats are deep, and the side load they put on my hip was uncomfortable. As several have noted, they can be hard to work on. It's my understanding that if you need to replace the engine, you have to drop the whole subframe out from under the car.

Due to the high mileage on the car in the ad, I think it is way overpriced. My car only has 23K miles on it, and is ultra-rare being an orange WS6 6-spd convertible (only 30 were built). I think my car is worth around $22K.

Mike

[1965gp]

I have a few second gens and several 4th gens.

I think that if you are willing to buy a high mileage car there are much cheaper options.

I think these are great cars. Fun to drive, fast and increasing in value..

I would not work about working on it- they don’t take much to keep in good running condition.

[79TA455]

Thank you for the replies guys. I am going to wait as I agree that the mileage is a bit high and I would like to see one with a lower number.

[gtohurstjudge]

I had a 2001 WS6 T/A I bought new........never liked all the cheap plastic body parts on the car. Sold it after 5 years. In 2010 I bought a new 2010 Yellow Transformers Bumblebee Camaro.......I like it ten times better than the 01 T/A and I still have it and will never get rid of it.....an awesome car in every respect and in ten years
and 100K miles the only problem has been one burned out tail lamp bulb. It turns heads every where it goes and gets comments all the time.

[GT182]

Give me a 2nd gen 'Bird any day. I hauled both the 2nd and 3rd gens, and never liked the 3rd or 4th gen 'Birds. They were too small for my liking. If I was to sell my GTO I'd go with a 79 10th Anniversary TA or a 79 Formula again.

[3tas4me]

I have several of each. I also enjoy driving both the second gen cars and the fourth gen cars. I have taken several long trips in my fourth gens and do not find them uncomfortable. Back in 2015 I did the entire Hot Rod Power Tour in my '99 30th anniversary. Put on about 3k miles in one week. Never once was I uncomfortable or sore from riding.

That being said, I like the second gens better. I grew up with those cars and IMO, they are the best looking cars ever made. The downside is the poor fuel economy. My recommendation? One of each!

[79TA455]

Originally Posted by 3tas4me

I have several of each. I also enjoy driving both the second gen cars and the fourth gen cars. I have taken several long trips in my fourth gens and do not find them uncomfortable. Back in 2015 I did the entire Hot Rod Power Tour in my '99 30th anniversary. Put on about 3k miles in one week. Never once was I uncomfortable or sore from riding.

That being said, I like the second gens better. I grew up with those cars and IMO, they are the best looking cars ever made. The downside is the poor fuel economy. My recommendation? One of each!

Believe me, if I could afford one of each, I would have a 4th Gen and my preference would be one you have....the '99 Anniversary car. I have always wanted one of those.

As far as being comfortable or not, I'm not worried as my '15 Cooper S has the sport seats in it and I don't get uncomfortable on long drives. I'm only 43 so maybe in time that might change but who knows.

[pontiacstogo]

We have a 4th gen (but it's a Camaro and not a Firebird).

My wife and I use it for Autocross events and have our first HPDE event coming up at PittRace in May. It's an LT1 not an LS1 but it still surprises newer, more powerful cars from time to time. If you want to compete seriously then there are other cars that make a better choice, but 4th gens definitely have the potential to be fun weekend racers for not a lot of investment/expense.

So our 4th gen has a whole other mission in life than our 2nd gen - the T/A is nice for a weekend cruise or Sunday morning coffee run, but the Camaro provides us with the most fun and enjoyment.

You can't tell from this video, but my wife is grinning from ear-to-ear

https://youtu.be/I0L-_PoNq60