A used fourth-generation Chevy Camaro from the 1993 to 2002 model years is worth buying when the door-hinge weld campaign is closed on late cars, the V8 or V6 is healthy and the title is clean. On Nov. 5, 2026, the NHTSA recall API for 2002 returned 01V381000 for welds near the lower driver door hinge that may not meet crash standards, plus several aftermarket lamp campaigns. The 1993 and 1998 queries returned aftermarket equipment campaigns only. Run the VIN on the NHTSA recall lookup before you pay.
Which Camaro this is
Wikipedia lists the fourth generation as the 1993-2002 Camaro, with an LT1 V8 early and an LS1 V8 from 1998, plus V6 cars. Match the engine and trim to the VIN, because Z28 and SS badges are easy to add. Our Camaro buying guide covers the nameplate, and our Chevy recall check shows the VIN search.
Door hinge welds
Ask for the dealer invoice for 01V381000 on 2002 cars. Open the driver door and check for sag or cracks near the lower hinge. A sagging door on an open campaign is worth a hard look before you price it.
LT1, LS1 and T-tops
On LT1 cars, ask about the ignition distributor behind the water pump, which is known for moisture trouble. On LS1 cars, check oil use and listen for valvetrain noise. Run water over T-tops and check carpets.
A test drive that tells you something
Drive it from cold, not after the seller has warmed it up. Listen for ticks and knocks at start-up, watch the mirror for smoke, and check that every gauge and warning lamp comes on and then goes out. Try every gear, a hard stop and a slow full-lock turn both ways, then look underneath for fresh drips. Bring a flashlight and a magnet for filler checks on the lower doors and rear wheel arches.
Insurance, registration and inspection
Call your insurer with the VIN before you pay, because an older sports car or truck can be valued low after a loss. Ask your state DMV whether the vehicle needs a VIN inspection, a safety inspection or an emissions test at transfer, and what happens if a prior registration lapsed. Budget for new tires if the date codes are old, even when the tread looks fine.
When to walk away
- A sagging driver door on a 2002 car with an open 01V381000.
- Wet carpet from leaking T-tops.
- A Z28 or SS without matching VIN details.
- A VIN that does not match the title.
Questions to ask the seller
- Was 01V381000 done? Was the work done, and is there a receipt?
- Is this a true Z28 or SS by VIN?
- Has the LT1 distributor been replaced?
- Has the title ever been branded?
Reading the history on an older car
Do not expect a complete service log. Many independent shops never reported their work, so the report matters most for title brands, odometer readings at title transfers and registration gaps by state. A car that moved from a coastal or rust-belt state to a dry one may have been retitled; look at the dates and ask why. An approved NMVTIS check adds salvage and junk records from insurers and recyclers. If the odometer readings go backward or the car shows as exempt, ask for the paper trail before you price it. Our odometer discrepancy guide explains what those entries mean.
Private-sale paperwork
Most cars like this sell privately. Make sure the name on the title matches the seller ID, the VIN on the title matches the plate and the stamping on the car, and any old lien is released in writing. Our lien release guide walks through that step. Pay by a traceable method, get a dated bill of sale, and do not accept an open title signed by someone who is not present.
How to price it
Fourth-gen Camaros sell across a wide spread. Compare recent private sales and dealer listings for the same year, engine and transmission, then subtract engine, roof and body repairs.
What the report costs
As of early November 2026 a CARFAX bought direct usually costs around $44.99, and AutoCheck sits a little lower. We are a licensed CARFAX and AutoCheck reseller, not affiliated with CARFAX, AutoCheck or Experian. Our guest price has been about $5.50 a report, about $4.50 for members, and about $6.75 for a CARFAX and AutoCheck bundle. Confirm the price at checkout, since it can change.
On a car this old, read the report for title brands and odometer readings first; service entries are often thin.
Sources
- NHTSA recall lookup (API checked Nov. 5, 2026; 2002: 01V381000 door hinge welds; 1993/1998 aftermarket equipment only)
- Chevrolet Camaro (fourth generation), Wikipedia
- NMVTIS
- Hagerty (valuation tools)
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