Buying a Cavalier.. 96 2.2 or 99 Z24 need advice - Third Generation Forum

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Buying a Cavalier.. 96 2.2 or 99 Z24 need advice
Tuesday, May 03, 2005 3:39 PM
hello all,

I dont post much on here because I had to take my old 91 2.2L to the junk yard (rotted out too bad) That car got 33 mpg expressway and had 240,000 miles on it.

In july 2004 I purchased a 2004 Z71 Silverado. The gas milage is 15 mpg (to be expected) and I am looking for a vehicle to go back and forth to work in and trips to the store and 4 hr trips to my parents house down the expressway.

So, I have been looking at good old Jbodys again..

I have found 2 that I like. The first is a 96 4 door white not loaded automatic 2.2L cav. It was old lady owned most its life. It has 93,000 miles on it and is in almost new condition. The dealer wants $2,880 (american) for it and will go down on price of course. I know the 2.2 is a great motor and gets great gas milage.

The other cavalier is a 1999 Black Z24 2 door automatic with the 2.4L loaded with sunroof with 97,000 miles and the asking price is 4,200$ and he will also go down on price. I have only driven one 2.4L and it was very peppy with nice powerband. I read the post here about that motor some before I posted this. This car is also in great condition.

I am curious as to what you all think. Remember my main objective is Gas Mileage and for the car to last a long time. But that Z24 is a sweet looking car. They both look nice but the Z24 just looks better. The Z24 comes with 90 day warranty, the 96 comes with 30 day and is at a gm dealer (its in tip top condition). The Z24 is a rinky dink dealer..

I have decided to only buy from the dealer after looking at a few offered by individuals. One was told to me as being perfect and not a salvage title. That was a 2000 with 65,000 miles on it for 3 grand. I ran a carfax and it had been stolen, wrecked, auctioned as salvage, sold at many auctions and individuls totalling 5 owners. I want a good long lasting car with a warranty.

Sorry I typed to much. But you all are the ones to ask. Thanks alot!!!





99 cav 2.2L 212,000 miles
97 cav 2.2L 110,000 miles
91 cav 2.2L 236,000 miles RIP
04 Silverado Z71 Ext.Cab 55,000 miles
01 Suzuki SV650 22,000 miles
97 Arctic Cat ZRT 600 6,000 miles

Re: Buying a Cavalier.. 96 2.2 or 99 Z24 need advi
Tuesday, May 03, 2005 6:28 PM
Well...i don't post here much either, nor do am I any sort of expert however i just went through a similar dilema in either purchasing a nice 2.2, pewter, unloaded,auto,2000, 85K,2,500 or a nice,1999,fully loaded ,white,auto, z24, 49K , 4,300$....the decision i made was in favor of the z24 because it has nicer interior, features, plus it's sporty and just more fun to drive than the 2.2....Plus it gets only 1 less MPG than the 2.2 City....it's highway gas milage is exactly the same as the 2.2.......at least thats what it's rated at...22/33......but every car is a little different so it could be more or less.......i hope i helped you out somewhat
Re: Buying a Cavalier.. 96 2.2 or 99 Z24 need advi
Tuesday, May 03, 2005 8:11 PM
It sounds to me like your better choice would be the 4 door, although I would personally not go for a 4 door. The 4 door is much cheaper, the 2.2 is damn near indestructable, and it sounds like it's in far better condition.





Re: Buying a Cavalier.. 96 2.2 or 99 Z24 need advi
Wednesday, May 04, 2005 7:34 AM
Thanks...

I somewhat decided on the 96 4 door because the price.
The "sale" price of it is 2880, the book price says 2650.. I asked them to get closer to 2,000 and I might be over with cash.

I also asked them if they could change the catalitic converter and give it a tune up.. he said to do the converter is 1000 dollars (HAHA).

So I said cancel all that, just get it as close to 2 grand as you can and let me know. He was a jerk about it because I didn't buy my silverado from them after screwing with them over it (They had a bad interest rate). He was like, I remember you.

In the end I am thinking that if I can get it (Without the work I want done to it) for 2,300 I am happy. 350$ less then kelly blue book.. If they cant do the deal and continue to be jerks.. I am off to make an offer on the 2.4L.. 99 z24




99 cav 2.2L 212,000 miles
97 cav 2.2L 110,000 miles
91 cav 2.2L 236,000 miles RIP
04 Silverado Z71 Ext.Cab 55,000 miles
01 Suzuki SV650 22,000 miles
97 Arctic Cat ZRT 600 6,000 miles
Re: Buying a Cavalier.. 96 2.2 or 99 Z24 need advi
Wednesday, May 04, 2005 8:20 AM
convertors at GM are expensive... just buy one from autozone,or wherever for cheap.
Re: Buying a Cavalier.. 96 2.2 or 99 Z24 need advi
Wednesday, May 04, 2005 2:59 PM
well, they called back.. the stupid sales manager.

They said they would go 2669 on it and thats it..

I said 2,300 cash.. they said NOPE

I will call in the a.m. and ask to talk to the sales girl that I have been... if they still say nope.. onto the next car, there are enough out there below book I don't need to screw with these people. I will keep ya informed.


99 cav 2.2L 212,000 miles
97 cav 2.2L 110,000 miles
91 cav 2.2L 236,000 miles RIP
04 Silverado Z71 Ext.Cab 55,000 miles
01 Suzuki SV650 22,000 miles
97 Arctic Cat ZRT 600 6,000 miles
Re: Buying a Cavalier.. 96 2.2 or 99 Z24 need advi
Wednesday, May 04, 2005 6:41 PM
I would also go for the sedan. Just because you have a pleasure vehicle and this is more or less a beater for ya.



Re: Buying a Cavalier.. 96 2.2 or 99 Z24 need advi
Wednesday, May 11, 2005 10:49 PM
yeah but it is nice to have the power there when you would need it.

just my thoughts, i am extremely happy with my Z.







1996 Cavalier Z24-1976 302 powered 280Z
What the heck is a "Datsun" ?
Re: Buying a Cavalier.. 96 2.2 or 99 Z24 need advi
Thursday, May 12, 2005 8:49 AM
I am happy with my Z but if you only purpose is just to comute then the 2.2 would be a bettter choice but it all on what you are looking for. If you think that there may be some modification then i would say go with the 2.4


2004 Grand Prix GTP (Competition Group)
SOLD-->1999 Z24 5M-#30 to register on JBO
"You can please some of the people some of the time but you can't please all the people'
all the time


Re: Buying a Cavalier.. 96 2.2 or 99 Z24 need advi
Thursday, May 12, 2005 11:28 PM
Z24 all the way. Still gives good gas mileage and has power.



www.kronosperformance.com / 732-742-8837

Re: Buying a Cavalier.. 96 2.2 or 99 Z24 need advi
Friday, May 13, 2005 9:11 AM
yeah why would u want a slow 2.2L? A few times its been considered one of the 10 top worst engines of all time. Get the Z, you will be so much happier in the long run.


2006 Black Cobalt SS Supercharged G85
13.91@102.77

Re: Buying a Cavalier.. 96 2.2 or 99 Z24 need advi
Tuesday, May 17, 2005 11:57 AM
Z24!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Re: Buying a Cavalier.. 96 2.2 or 99 Z24 need advi
Tuesday, May 17, 2005 6:17 PM
My 2.4L gives me 30mpg average 80% hiway 20% city. I have got 33 or so with it on long trips.
Re: Buying a Cavalier.. 96 2.2 or 99 Z24 need advi
Friday, May 20, 2005 9:39 PM
What's wrong with the 2.2L?

I agree - don't give into dealers that want to be pricks. There are enough of these cars around for good deals that you don't need to put up with the .



Re: Buying a Cavalier.. 96 2.2 or 99 Z24 need advi
Tuesday, May 24, 2005 1:53 PM
Z24 man... dont waste ur time on that 2.2



-------------
Now Blazing: Bunker Bud
Re: Buying a Cavalier.. 96 2.2 or 99 Z24 need advi
Tuesday, May 31, 2005 12:23 PM
4 sure the 4door i say! no dought about it... 2.2 is a longer lasting engine... better gas millege... insurance will be better with the 4door 2.2 then with a z24 obviously... it's not like your a kid that has to ahve as much as he can to impress everyone... you have a wicked truck for that... this is just for the use of brigning you from point a to point be.... 4 door it is in my opinion



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