i've driven nothing but fbodies since i turned 16...i'm on my 6th or 7th i think and all have been 3rd gens except my last two. i think they're about as reliable as any other car if you can do your on basic maintenance, however if this is a car you need to drive in the winter time i recommend getting a winter beater along with it. you could find a real nice 3rd gen for around 4000 if you look. then buy a 1000 cavy or escort or something to get you through the winters. i found a 96 cavalier for $1300, so the Z stays garaged all winter.