Buying my 1st Corvette

After many years of persistant whining, my wife has finally relented and allowed me to spend up to $13,000. I have found a beautiful '85 red coupe, first owner, with 25K. It has all of the available options of its day. It has been garaged its entire life and is flawless. He has all the paperwork, etc. The asking price is $10,500. Blue book says (maybe) $7,000. I really want the car, and actually care more about the 25K, rather than the $3500 valuation difference. I would greatly appreciate comments on the deal I am getting, and/or decision I am making.

Thanks and best regards
stevem@nuprecon.com

[warren s]

This is really up to you. Book value on older Corvettes really doesnt apply in the traditional sense, like book value on a Buick LeSabre. The collectability or desireability is based on what the market will bear.

If you really like the car than go for it.

[Brett]

That seems a little steep for an '85.

With 13K, I would try to get at least an '87 or beyond. In '87 they really improved the horsepower of the L98 engine.

With the C4, the newer you can find, the better. The car was constantly being improved throughout the years. 13K is a nice chunk that can buy you a great 'vette. Patience and waiting for a good deal can really make a difference.

In the end, it comes down to what makes you happy. Don't go for anything less than you want, and make the right choice the first time.

[RedRagTop]

Getting one 88 or newer allowed for larger tires&brakes, more power etc.
13K should get you into the 90's...

[Rain]

Yes, I agree. Get something a bit newer.
Check here in the C4 For Sale section. I have found the cleanest vettes for sale here by fellow members and enthusiasts!

Susan and I paid just around 15k for our 96' coupe with about 50k miles on it over a year ago.
Id pass on the 85 and keep looking and as always, get the newest/best condition model that fits your budget.

These cars are easy to buy, expensive to keep!

Let us know when you come across some other models. Each tends to have its own set of quirks and special points that are ust know: features. (ie the opti spark on late C4s)

Rain

[94C4]

I agree with Rain. The newer the C4 the better. That sounds like a sweet 85, but for that you should be able to get something newer for the money. I paid $13,500 for my 94 with 44,000 miles on it. Whatever you get though, a Vette is still a Vette whenever it was made. They are great cars! Good luck.

[Daryllawman]

Look for a newer C-4.....For that money you can find maybe a 94 model.......I saw a clean , low miles 94 around two months ago here for 10,300

[Edmond]

I also say pass on it. I would go 88 or newer because of the improvements that everyone else said. Lack of power? Hmmm, you can take care of that problem.

I do have a bias towards the L98, the simplicity of the motor won't scare a first timer away from repairs. Not saying that you're a first time mechanic but it certainly didn't scare me off.

[taegdh]

Rule number one: Don't buy the first one that comes along! You don't have to go like a wild man to a whore house! Take it easy.

Rule number two: Don't buy based upon price alone. Do some research. Use all the different search engines at your disposal. Look at what is available and your personal likes are. As an example: I've had bad luck with aluminum headed engines when I was young, so I steered clear of the 90s and the late 80s. My 85 will probably remain with me until death, iron heads are safer for me. I try to work under the KISS principle. I waited and all of a sudden this one fell into my lap, just like the Candid Camera jingle, "when its least expected, you're elected, you're the star today".

Rule number three: Look the vehicle over. Test Drive it completely. (Take a knowledgeable friend with you). Leave and come back the next day. Look at it again. Don't let a "sales pitch" drive you to dig into your pocket right away. If it is from a private owner, there has to be a reason. Use Carfax to see if it has been in a wreck, flood, etc...

Rule number four: Now is the time to bargain for the vehicle, don't let emotions drive the deal.
Be very business like.
Get a Clear Title!
Go to DMV.
Do all the paperwork!
Pay the taxes and fees!
IT'S MILLER TIME!

[Rain]

Hey Steve -
LOTS of great info here on the CAC. Please continue to ask questions. These guys and gals can help anyone find the perfect vette (or vettes) for their budget, region, and lifestyle.

http://corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/buyform.html

A must when you are looking at used vettes!

I would suggest a "call out" to other Corvette Action Center menbers who are also in Seattle.
See if one or a few of em could help you check out some of the corvettes in your area.
Are you able to travel a few hours to go check one out in person?
Otherwise, finding a reputable person here on the forum that happens to live in the area of the used vette is not a difficult task.
(i checked out a C3 for a gentleman from the north east.. The vette was down here on the MS gulf coast. I took a few pics, verified that the car actually existed and was his to sell. Checked the VIN #.
And made notes on body and paint and general condition as requested by the buyer)
I emailed him all I had and he did indeed buy the vette. He had it shipped up to him on a truck the next week.

(more in a minute - baby daughter needs me - )
Rain

[Edmond]

Rain brought up a good idea: ask to see if a CAC member can go along with you to take a look. Last year; I checked out a ZR-1 for a member and the dealership took me for a quick spin on the expressway. To say the ZR-1 is fast is a terrible understatement!

Once you get into Corvette ownership; you'll see that it's more of a family than any other car lineage out there.

[Rain]

I bought a 98 Chevy Astro conversion van for my business last fall. Site unseen!
It was spooky. Have never purchased anything this high dollar on Ebay before.
Was a learning experience.
I emailed the seller at least twice a day. I did a car fax check on it.
I started a google.com search for car transport companies. Most wanted 450-500$ to ship it from Arlington, TX to Biloxi, MS. The seller was a mom & pop run used lot which didn't mean I wasn't about to get screwed. Just meant that I was buying from someone who knew little about the history of this vehicle, just the current condition.
They did not tell me it needed freon in the AC. I put 25$ worth in and its held up great so far.
They also did not tell me it needed 3 new tires. Sears put me 4 new ones on for about 400$ or so.
Then I had a local mechanic keep it for a week while Susan and I took a Vette road trip.
he went over it with a fine toothed comb and it came out squeeky clean. WHEW!

So I emailed the seller and let him know that I was keeping the van, not returning it for a refund, and felt like I got a good enough deal to cover the minimal repairs I had to make. ( I paid 5k$ for this conversion Astro with a blue book over 10k)

Would I do this on a vette on Ebay.. Maybe not without having someone check it for me ahead of time or haveing a very positive reference on the seller by someone here on the CAC.(someone who has more than a single post too) Usually when a vette pops up for sale, there are a few here on the CAC that either know the car's history or know the seller personally.
Those you can trust!

See if you can't find some fellow Seattle area vette owners or a Seattle Corvette Club ( I contacted my local Vette Club and learned where to take mine in for oil changes, who had best parts prices, and even where the vette shade tree mechanics were that could be trusted with my first vette).
Let them know what you are doing and they are going to be more than willing to help ya out.

Keep us posted!
Rain

Thanks for all the good info. So, I have been doing more investigation. My cousin is going to St. Clair, MI to look at a '95 (85K) C4. 2nd owner asking 13K for it. Pictures look real nice, but....

I also have a couple other local C4's to check out.

[Rain]

Thats wonderful - Again, keep us posted. Show us pics/ give us details.
That will spark this group into "buy" mode and you will get lots of insight.

Trust me, these CAC'ers are like junkies when it comes to tracking down a great vette to buy.
They will do it vicariously thru you! haha

Seriously, sounds like you are on the right track. keep us up to date!
Rain

[craig0ry]

Don't let the mileage hold you back from a good condition Corvette. When a car is that old it's more about maintanence than mileage. I'd rather have 150k on a daily driven Corvette then one that sat in a garage untouched for years just so it could have 5k miles on it.