Buying a classic car requires deep commitment because, for many, it represents a luxury purchase. Cost is often prohibitive, meaning some abandon their dreams. However, this 1989 Chevrolet Camaro RS may ride to the rescue, as it is undeniably affordable. It could serve as an equally effective weekend cruiser or a daily driver, and it is ready to find a new home. The seller has listed the Camaro here on Facebook Marketplace in Appleton, Wisconsin. It could be yours for $6,500, and I must say a big thank you to wonderfully named Barn Finder Lothar… of the Hill People for spotting this tidy classic.

The RS badge rejoined the Camaro range in 1989, serving as the entry-level offering. Chevrolet value-added to the Camaro range in 1989, with the RS receiving similar aerodynamic features like the spoilers and side skirts found on the more sporting variants. The strategy worked, with 83,487 buyers ordering an RS Coupe and 3,245 driving away in a Convertible. This RS makes a positive impression in Dark Red Metallic. The seller doesn’t mention repairs or restoration, and the prone surfaces, like the front bumper and spoiler, are remarkably free from chips and marks. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and there is no evidence of leaking T-Top seals. One thing this Camaro lacks is rust. The seller supplies several underside shots showing nothing that could cause its new owner sleepless nights. The plastic and glass are in good order, and the factory alloy wheels show no signs of stains or physical damage.

One aspect of classics from the 1980s that is prone to deterioration is interior trim. There was nothing inherently bad about many of the materials utilized during the era. It is simply that over three decades of use and exposure to UV rays can take a toll. This Camaro is no exception, although its presentation is okay for someone seeking a survivor or driver-quality classic. The carpet, particularly in the front footwells and rear cargo area, exhibits stains that are probably beyond deep cleaning. A replacement set retails for around $280, and fitting this would make a significant difference. The state of the front seat upholstery under the slipcovers is unknown, with the remaining vinyl and cloth looking pretty respectable. There are no issues with the dash or console, and the CD player appears to be the only addition. The new owner doesn’t score power windows. However, the air conditioning, cruise control, and tilt wheel should make life on the road quite comfortable.

Lifting the hood reveals what might cause some potential buyers to turn their backs on this Camaro. Those expecting a V8 will be disappointed because the engine bay houses the entry-level 2.8-liter V6, teamed with a five-speed manual transmission. The powerplant should produce 135hp and 165 ft/lbs of torque, launching the car through the ¼-mile in 17.2 seconds. That isn’t fast, but the situation could be worse. The ET would have nudged eighteen seconds had the first owner selected the four-speed automatic. However, there is another factor to consider. The V6 may not be a powerhouse, but it is relatively fuel-efficient. Therefore, this RS could function as a practical daily driver. The seller states the vehicle recently received a new exhaust system and distributor, listing an odometer reading of 45,000 miles. They don’t mention evidence confirming the originality of the reading, so it must be taken at face value. The car is a turnkey proposition, making flying in and driving home a viable option.

This 1989 Camaro RS won’t appeal to buyers seeking a high-performance model, but it is an undeniably affordable, tidy classic. It would be ideal for someone contemplating dipping their toe into the water of classic car ownership who doesn’t want to get in above the neck. There is another alternative that some may find irresistible. Slipping something more potent under the hood is possible, and with a ready supply of candidate engines, that is a tempting idea. What would you do if you found this RS in your garage?