camaro v6 questions

hey guys i'm thinking of getting a v6 4th gen soon ...i have a few questions about them though..first is i want to know about reliablility, how reliable are they and how expensive are they to maintain? the second question is what are some things i could do to make the interior look good..dont get me wrong i love the interiors stock but i want it to be unique. i'm gonna put a new steering wheel, new pedels,new handbrake, new floormats and a new shift knob all in chrome. does anyone have more ideas?...and also i find that it looks like alot of 4th gens ride kinda high compared to the 3rd gens...has anyone put lowing springs on their 4th gen..and if so how has it worked out for you?..i'm really not interested in performance upgrades given the fact that it's a v6 and i dont want to put the amount of money it would take to make it fast..i'm only 18 right now and so if i like the v6 i'm planning on getting a v8 when i turn 25 and the insurance drops and i have more driving experience. thanks for any feedback in advance

In my opinion, the 4th generation V6 Camaro is as reliable as any other late model car. The 3.8 liter (96 up) is used in a number of different GM vehicles. The 3.4 liter (used in 93, 94, and most 95 models) is also a popular engine with many different vehicle applications. I'm not aware of any major problems with these 2 V6s.

However, if you buy a auto, there are some "abrupt shift" problems with the 4L60E auto trans used in the 4th gen cars. I can't remember the exact details; do a search for trouble code 1870 for more info.

As far as maintenance expense ... well it depends on what you compare it to. Compared to a typical front drive import, there's no timing belt, front CV joints/boots, distributor to replace and the 3.8 liter uses 100,000 mile plugs and coolant. On the down side, you've got drive shaft U joints and a rear differential to worry about. I guess it's going to be about as expensive/inexpensive as any other car.

Check out http://camarov6.com

Can't help with any of your other questions.

You can also check out:
www.sick-sixx.com
www.firebirdv6.com

thanks alot guys

also i was wondering about insurance costs...i know a v8 will be way too much for me but i dont THINK that the v6 will...if anyone else here is under 25 and has a camaro i'de be interested in what their paying....i'm only 18 but i would be going under my parents insurance as a occasianal driver

I don't remember what my V6 insurance was, but my SS insurance is $719 for a six month period. I've never had an wrecks, or any speeding tickets that have added points to my license. These two factors help alot. Just start shopping around and asking questions of insurance companies and see what you can come up with...

thanks for the response...i was also wondering about how long the engine should last considering i do all the proper maintenance?....i've narrowed down my two cars i'm considering to either a camaro v6 or a nissan 300zx...i know alot of you domestic guys dont want to hear that but i just love the way they look so much. also how much roon is there in the front seats of a v6 4th gen..i'm 6'2" and about 260 so i need a little room.

I'm 6'5" and have had no problems with either of my Camaros, you should be good...