thornblack66

good evening- as I'm sure is obvious, I'm totally new here. that being said, I would like to toss a question out in the hopes that some of you knowledgeable gentlemen will be able to assist me.
I have the opportunity to purchase a 1986 base model coupe for $3800. The interesting tidbit here is that this immaculate C4 has only 9,554 original miles! And if I buy it, I will be the 3rd owner.
My question is this: is it worth the money? Or is it in that range of years that no one seems interested in? Any input and/or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!
ps. yes, this would be my first Corvette...

Lloyd Smale

yup. Even if you have to replace the weather seals and the motor seals and belts and hoses and tires ect that have dried up you will still only be into 6k or so for a mint low mileage vette. Id jump on it if you are interested in a vette.

antfarmer2

sounds to good to be true

WVZR-1

Options I believe would maybe be the determining factor here, maybe. Whether the car was an early "cast iron" headed car OR a later "aluminum headed" would be maybe very important.

What your intentions are after purchase I'd think important also. An NCRS project? Maybe again - options?

An '86 would have a SPID label I believe on the console lid. You might snapshot that, post it and let some voice opinions and let you know what it is your actually getting for a car.

GOOGLE "1986 Corvette SPID label" and you'll get several images, some are Corvette (most aren't) but you'll see what I is that I've suggested. OPTIONS ARE LIKELY EVERYTHING !!! VERY LIKELY!!

84wuzmy1st

$3800 for an 86 with less than 10K miles sounds suspicious unless it's being sold from a family member or something like that.

bcrich1975

I agree with this statement 100%. Something doesn't seem right, if the mileage is accurate and the car is in real nice shape (which you'd assume it is w/ those miles), it should be a whole lot more $!

crowz

Carfax should show if the mileage is legit or not.

C4-85RedZ51

Agree with others, price seems way too cheap for 86 with so little miles.

RollaMo-LT4

Either the mileage isn't correct, or it is some type of scam.

WVZR-1

He didn't ask us if it sounded "suspicious" or not. He only was concerned if it was "worth the money" OR is it maybe a car of "less than optimal interest". I'd say he understands the "circumstances of the sale" and that's his business

If he presents the options "maybe" my opinion might change also but from what he's presented I can't imagine assuming it's to good to be true, a scam or whatever .............................

It would seem that if he would be the 3d owner maybe this car hasn't been presented for sale previously or for a "very long time" so it may have escaped the CARFAX and NMVTIS reports...

1984Z51auto

I have two questions for the OP:

Have you actually seen the car?

Why is the car low mileage?

I have bought older, low mileage cars, and inspection has shown early engine over-heat, cracked heads, bad bearings to name a few. There is a reason such a nice sounding Corvette hasn't been driven and the OP/buyer should find out why before parting with his money!

If the OP is good at mechanical work this still (if real) represents a good opportunity.

crowz

Carfax is notified every time a dealership does an oil change so the odds are good you can get a picture of mileage tampering especially when its showing that low for the mileage. That many years and 3 owners the odds on it making it somewhere to get recorded even with title changes should be good. All it takes it one 10,000 plus mile recording to know.

As for the original question. Heck yeah its worth the price they are asking with that mileage. Its probably worth that price no matter what the mileage if the car is in good condition.

WVZR-1

I had on my mind this and thought I had mentioned it but I hadn't, does it run and drive? Will tires get it through a state "safety inspection"?

Only the OP can answer the visuals that have been mentioned.

hcbph

An 86 coupe likely is cast iron heads while the conv is aluminum.
Even if the mileage is 95K instead of 9500 miles, unless it's been damaged, salvage title or comparable, it's likely worth the $$ IMO.

Go see it and decide for yourself.

crowz

My 86 coupe had aluminum heads so they are out there.
Its just a matter of when it was made during the run for that year. Early = cast iron and late = aluminum. Other parts of the car changes too from early to late.

enventr

I too am suspicious about the miles.

DGXR

Stated condition is -- one word -- immaculate.

Doesn't say if it's running or not. Post pics and more information (including options plate/SPID as mentioned above).

1993C4LT1

Look at the gas pedal and brake pedal for signs of wear. If so, not.true mileage.

73n95

Price seems low but then who knows. Its certainly a good deal. I'd look closely at the paint and other wear points like seats, *****, levers, sills. With less than 10k it should look showroom fresh. You'll be surprised at the responses from the forum if you can post pictures.

aklim

Way too good to be true. Only way I buy it is if an experienced GM tech I know and trust will do a PDI. We will scan for all and any codes, run compression and leakdown and check fluids. If the fluids are "out of the bottle" fresh, I'm out since I think you are trying to hide something. Any bulbs removed or not working will be verified to see if it would come on usually.

I'm more suspicious of a family member. I usually pass on doing business with family and friends. If something I sell breaks on their hands, I find myself involved in making it right whether it is my fault or not. Buying from family and friends makes it harder for me to play hardball. So more than $500, I pass. When I sell to you, I disclose all I know and allow you to take it (With MY supervision) where you like for inspection. After that, you will let me copy your DL AND sign a "No warranties expressed or implied" statement. Either are not forthcoming, I walk.