Thanks
Any major weak points (engine or bodywork?) I'd guess they qualify for classic car insurance which, considering I only do a minimal amount of travelling would be good - also behing LHD does that pose any other issues (never driven a LHD car before)
There are several buyer's guides online if you look
The LT1 is a very tough, reliable engine. As mentioned the only service items it takes are filters, plugs, oil, coolant and occassionally a serpentine belt. The plugs are platinum and have an 80k lifespan - but they do have to be changed on a lift (from underneath) so more a workshop job than a DIY one that. If you can find an LT4 engined one then they're even better as they tend to make about 350 at the crank factory!
The only issue that the LT1 can suffer from is a leaky waterpump - which in itself is no problem, but it leaks onto the vent holes for the optispark ignition system (as that's at the front underneath it) which makes itself apparent as a misfire then a complete ignition system failure. Most have been replaced by this point, and with a revised breather system to avoid the same problem

It usually costs about 500 to replace with an aftermarket part if it goes bang. Sometimes they suffer from oil leaks so check where it's parked to make sure it drops no fluids. The autoboxes are excellent 4 speed with overdrive types and are very reliable and will go on indefinitely with regular fluid changes - they also give a very relaxed cruising speed of 70mph/1800rpm. The 6 speed is a real bulletproof piece too and found behind much more powerful stuff - so just the usual manual and clutch checks with that. Make sure there's no odd noises from the suspension or steering - should be quiet without any knocks or bangs.
The bodywork is fibreglass so obviously doesn't rust - but is susceptible to accident damage and poor repairs so dig around, check the paint, and look underneath and inside panels to look for damage to the chassis. HPI will show if the car's ever been involved in anything UK-side. Make sure there's no damage to the windscreen as it's a big piece to have replaced! Check the headlights work smoothly and the cruise operates as intended.
Interiors usually wear quite well but just check all the small trim, all the switches (as all the seats, bolsters, windows, mirrors, etc are electric) and the condition of the weather strips - i.e. that it's dry inside. Make sure the trip computer and additional gauges function correctly (as they have oil pressure, oil temperature, trans temperature, voltage, coolant, fuel and consumption readouts and needles). Operate the climate at the lowest temperature to make sure the AC's alright. The only 'weak' point that springs to mind is that '93 onwards cars tend to have passive keyless entry - which can sometimes give trouble. If it works, fine - if it doesn't, however, it's not expensive or complex to over-ride. Most by this age have typically been replaced by an aftermarket alarm/immobiliser/RCL.
Mine wasn't a classic policy when I had mine insured - rather a specialist American policy (I had my mileage set at 6k but it was forever flexible) through Adrian Flux. I had my LT1 when I was 21 I think, that was 600 quid FC which (to say the least) wasn't too bad. Pretty free for mods too.
LHD only poses two issues in daily use - one, when it comes to overtaking obviously you can't just nudge out a little bit to look past, as you're on the wrong side - you either have to pull back until you can see past, or position yourself so you can see around the other vehicle (i.e. looking ahead past it around corners). The only other problem is with ticket machines/parking barriers - as obviously they're on the wrong side. I could usually reach across and grab it though, or just get out - but you can get one of those little plastic arms you get in toyshops and grab them that way
On the plus side though, when you parallel park, you step out onto the pavement instead of into the road!
I'm off to work in a bit so have just bodged this together so will think about it and post up some other things tomorrow if anything springs to mind.
tl;dr - Get one that's been looked after and serviced correctly, with relatively low mileage and it should be perfect and will not give you any trouble
Pretty much just the basic car buying checks (i.e. for crash damage and things that don't work or haven't been serviced) apply! They're designed to be used daily, rack up starship mileages, and have been built to take it - they ain't trailer queens and as such are very tough!
I bought mine completely blind, with 50k on it and it was superb! Needed a good polish though!