94 cav newbie ?'s

I'm thinking about purchasing a 94 cavalier convertable with 40k on it. I know the owner and its been taken care of and looks immaculate. Is $4k a decent price for the car? It has leather, power, auto 3.1 and the top still looks good, new tires and brakes also.
Just want to check with some people that know these cars as I'm a Ford guy by nature, but a deal is a deal, I like the way the car looks and it seems like that 3.1 could be made to run pretty good, and I want a conv for the summer. I know it runs and isnt abused. Anything to look out for with this car? HOw do the tranny's hold up? any place in particular start leaking oil? cv joints? How's the after market for these cars? Any help would be appreciated. thanx

Greg

Check around the intake manifold for oil or coolant leaks. The 3.1 and 3t40 transmissions are pretty good combo. Other than the covertible parts being expensive to replace, I would say go for it.:)

Originally posted by jgillham
The 3.1 and 3t40 transmissions are pretty good combo.

I agree. These motors take quite a bit of abuse, and the tranny as well. If you're looking to mod your car... it's gonna be pretty difficult to find worthwhile goodies. Really the only thing available is to pull the motor and rebuild with high-perf. parts if you're wanting 200+ HP.

Thanks for the comments...I just wanted to make sure I wasnt buying into a total money pit. I wasnt looking for a firebreathing tire roasting monster, although it will probably recieve a few bolt ons if I can find any. what are the specs on that motor if anyone knows...seems like i saw 130 hp some where but cant find it again or the torque numbers the car seemed fairly peppy.
anyway thanx again, and I'm sure I'll be asking a few more ?'s in the future

If this is not exact it is very close, I believe it is right though.

3.1 LHO 60DEGREE V6
HP 140@4800
TQ 180@3600

Dude i own a 2000 Z24 and you can pick up a used 2000 Z24 for 7K, i've seen some for less than that also. 4k for a 9 yr old car is a rip off considering the low resail value of cavaliers. dude 2k tops. listen for 4k you could buy a 96 Z24 and its twice as fast and its newer. i would never buy a 94 for 4k. do some research they are not worth 4k.

From what i know there is little after market support for this car. just look around for a 2000 z24 used. look on autotrader they are going for 6k. plus the 2000 model z24 has good after market support. they have the GM blower which i'm getting that puts you into the low 14's. in my eyes i would never buy that car especially for that amount. you can get a much better car for the money or a little more. i'm sure you could talk an owner down from 6k to maybe 5,700. so you have like 4 months til summer. you should save another couple grand and get a better car.