The body looks straight for the most part, but like I said earlier if its got only 51k miles on it he would have taken better care of it. It's definitely shows its age but thats to expect on an old car. But I am about 80% positive it does not have 51k. $2000 is a good buying price for a car of that age with over 100k miles. If it has only 51k miles in that shape it should be for sale for atleast twice as much as his asking price. A car thats sat in a barn for over 10yrs is scary. That thing could be infested with mice at one time

 

look good but the inside look like need work in the passenger side try to talking down at least $1500

 

Looks kinda rough. If you were looking for a solid no rust Monte to build into a hot street car, its a good start - for $1,500 or so.

That does not look like a 51,000 mile litle old lady car, though. It looks like a 151,000 mile car that was driven hard. Paint looks iffy, probably needs tires, brakes, motor work, interior, who knows what else. Not even sure that a "truck motor" would be what you want in there. It could be nice, but will need time, and $$$.

 

Here's a link to a guy selling a 1988 that looks almost new - asking $5000. Just providing this for some perspective. That 1986 with "51,000" miles will cost way more than $5,000 to look like the one for sale here. THIS IS WHAT A 50,000 MILE CAR LOOKS LIKE !!

Cars for Sale: 1988 Chevrolet Monte Carlo LS in SAINT GEORGE, UT 84790: Coupe Details - 288763468 - AutoTrader.com



Extremely clean 1988 monte carlo. I bought this car in Aug. 08, to take my mother to her Dr. appts. This car is always garaged and covered. It is rust free, and the paint is in excellent condition. the dash isn't faded, and has no cracks. The interior is in great shape, has been cleaned and scotch-guarded. I've just installed a new headliner, and a new windsheild. I've also installed bucket seats, that have been re-upholstered. It has a new radiator & hoses, new rear brakes, new rear air shocks. I recently had the local chevy dealer replace the entire air conditioning system, and recharge it with R-34A refrigerant. It also has the lighted vanity mirror, dual remote mirrors, rear spoiler, and power trunk release. I have reciepts for all work done, and it recently passed it's yearly safety inspection. The car looks and runs great. I'm selling the car because I don't hardly drive it anymore. The

 

Yeah I am worried that the odometer rolled over. The one thing that gives me a little hope is the fact that there is no rust anywhere on the car and living in upstate NY there's its almost impossible to avoid rust especially on a high mileage car. The guy claims the reason he bought it because his first car was an 86 somethin, monte or an olds, not sure what he said. And he said he's got a bunch of cars and gettin rid of a bunch because he's moving. I feel like the storage could have been the reason for the exterior being a little rough but who knows. He said he had to have floor pans replaced but that was it as far as the body.

He had it painted so that could have been to hide the true mileage but it seems like he was on his way to restoring it because of the bigger v8 and the interior work he was doing. I'm just trying to make sure it's worth having my dad go and take a look at it. It's the best deal for a monte i've seen for sale while i've been looking

 

did you check the floor panel , make sure he did a good job.he did a ****ty paint job , I would low ball the guy, start at $1000
Good luck

 

yea that looks like a beauty. but check underfloor. do a knock check or with a coin (go from the front of the car and knock against the body checking for difference in sound. this will more than likely mean bondo. look for cracks in paint and check if it could be bondo.)
if its hard body like my 86 ss then u found a good one. my 85 monte was so full of rust and bondo and also small roaches in the dash gauge. i dont regret buying her because i went from 0% knowledge of cars to 75% with her. if you're looking for fun and knowledgeable experience with a car and you have enough money to back it up then go for it.
the way i think of it, motors, trannys, hoses and wires can be swapped anytime. as long as you have a hard body then youre good. But thats my view. good luck though. 4th gen is my fav gen of montes

 

Thanks to all member's that posted to help our new member 4-Sure....

Also check the T-Tops (They are known to leak) If the rubber is cracked & old, you will have major leak problems when it rains...The repair can be costly. Check all rubber seal/connections on this Monte...In ten years this decay

Purchasing a car is one Cost....Reconditioning/repairing is another great cost....If you like and have the ability to work on cars, it can be fun, but also a Money Pit `if you buy a Bad One.

Good Luck & let us know what you decide...