I have a white 1998 Monte Carlo Z34 with 119,000 miles on it. It has the terrible white gm paint that flakes off and then lets the car rust. My neighbor has a 1988 black Monte Carlo SS with almost flawless paint that he is selling for around $2,500. It's got the 305 in it and has the rear spoiler and it has beautiful t-tops. The interior looks flawless. He is in his 70's but he has always babied that thing. I'll ask him the mileage on it tomorrow. But I do know it has been sitting for about 5 years because he got sick and wasn't able to do much. He's retired but he was a mechanic and is in the process now of getting it running good and ready to sell. What would you guys do? I need something reliable to get me to work during the summers and that will take me back and forth to college every once and a while. Would you guys get this Monte or would you say hold what I have. My car paint wise looks terrible but I know the 3800 is really reliable.

 

Here is another shot of it.

 

Another picture of it.

 

And here is my last picture of it.

 

wouldn't even think twice about it! BUY IT...........even if it was in somewhat bad shape, it's worth $2500............Keep your Monte and at worst you could use it as a DD. 119,000 miles on the Z34 is not that much and yes the 3.8 is a great motor.

 

I would keep the 98 monte and take it to Maco or Earl Schieb and get it repainted, or put a wrap on it. Then tell the guy with the nice 88 monte that I will buy it. Just kidding!! Seriously the 98 monte will be the best gas mileage, the other one no. I have had an 85 and an 87 they were ok, but gas mileage wasn't there. For a rule of thumb if your driving at 75 mph and the rpms on the tach are below 2,000 rpms you will get good mileage, @ 1800 you could see mid 30's if you don't have a heavy foot.

 

Keep your car. I'm biased though.

If you have 2500 bucks laying around though, hey go for it.

 

Me personally, I have a fondness for the 1986- 1988. They have a style my 2000 does not have. I am not a fan of front drive, I like easy to fix, and reliable cheap parts. This is a no brainer for me, I live in a state where emissions do not exist, so that is a non issue.

 

If you could go for both of them. Just use your 5th gen as a DD and the other as a summer ride. If you are worried about the paint, you could always plasti dip the whole car.

 

I think it's a STEAL > You can't lose > If you can afford `it get it...There's more the $2,500 in parts on it...
Let us know what you decide & `if you don't get it tell a friend or one of your Monte Carlo Family Member's about it...Good Luck