retcav1sg

I'm usually on the C6 board but have gotten an interesting offer. I'm selling my 2007 Mercedes SL550 looking to get into a GS convertible. I got an offer from a guy wanting to trade a 1990 ZR-1 with 20k miles plus cash for my SL. I have no knowledge of the car or how to value it. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Here's the picture he sent:

PatternDayTrader

You didn't say how much cash but I would be giving that deal serious consideration. I would expect the ZR is worth 20k on an absolute fire sale unless its really beat up, which its probably not, but the picture doesn't inspire confidence.

FASTAZU

I would have to check it out, but than I'm a ZR-1 guy! If your interested see if you can find someone here on the ZR-1 forum or on the ZR-1 net who will help you out and take a look at it. Someone may even know this car. Good Luck

http://www.zr1.net/forum/index.php

I see cheap sumi tires missing lug nut caps and A-molds replacing the original 90 only wheels.Looks like the windshield may have been replaced as most have a bit of de-lam around the outside edge.. Paint looks good need pics of the money shot the LT5

retcav1sg

Only received the initial email asking if I was interested so no cash has been discussed. So the wheels are not original? I saw them on other ZR-1s, I guess 1990 only had one type. Replacement tire choices seem to be very limited. The person I'm dealing with states it's in above average condition. I'm waiting on his response to my questions on cash, condition, history, etc, etc. Thanks for the replies so far.

FASTAZU

90 wheels, The owner my still have them be sure to ask. Here is a 90 I had back in 04.

http://zr1netregistry.com/Marketplace/BuyersGuide.aspx

retcav1sg

I guess I overlooked that there is a dedicated ZR-1 forum...moderator can you move this thread over please?

Thanks

cv67

What is the avg value of your MB?

Zs need to be seen in person, driven (try all the electonics) and should idle and drive smooth as silk, no bucking jerking etc.

retcav1sg

Here's what the owner responded with:

Thank you for your interest. I have owned the ZR1 for about 13 years now where it has been kept in storage along with all of my other vettes. About 3 years ago I started to sell what I had because I knew i would never get around to restoring anything. And this is the last of the cars I have left and because she is newer required the least to get her running again. Just a fluid change, new battery, an air condition recharge, and an adjustment to the parking brake. The mechanic said that it had been hit previously in the passenger front and repaired. The headlight motors will need a little work, I just haven’t gotten around to addressing that problem. The car runs and drives very well and is very road worthy. The repaint occurred before I had the car and is average. The radio turns on does not work. The interior is very good. Minor wear on the seats. I judge the car as a good number 3. I have an 07 conv. and they seem to be about the same in speed. The car has 20,500 miles. New C5 aluminum wheels. I have the original wheels but they could use refinishing. This is an early model ZR1 number 265

Thoughts?

pologreen1

Zr1's will be going up in price for obvious reasons.

They are a fun but collectable car, so it depends on your plans for the car.

They have some special needs a regular shop might have issues with or take advantage of.

They are 375hp in '90, is that fast enough?

If you mod it you might lose some of your investment.

If you want to get a fast car is and not care about money is 375hp enough?

You can mod a regular c4 to be 425chp with heads and cam and lt1 style intake.

where do you want to put your money?

Do you love Zr1's?

If not a collector or the car is not worthy to be one, maybe a c5 z06 is more up this trades alley?

ronniev

If it's been hit, no thanks.

PatternDayTrader

I'm a pretty picky person, and I don't like the way that sounds. I'm not surprised he wants to trade it. You cant really value it without inspecting the quality of the repair to the rt front, if its a hack job then 20k may be too much.

retcav1sg

Just got the VIN and ran a background check...it was a total loss vehicle back in 1995. He's owned it for 13 years and only put 250 miles on it. I think I'm out, unless he wants to let it go super cheap. I think the engine itself should be worth quite a bit. Thanks for all the comments!!

enventr

Keep the benz👍

FAUEE

Counterpoint... keeping an 07 SL550 is just waiting for the next $10k+ repair. The ZR1 won't cost you more money to keep and drive.

The ZR-1 is a very interesting car, and you might decide that you like it more than you'd like a newer GS (I personally could easily see that, I loved my GS looks and performance wise, but my C4 is more fun to drive).

I think your best bet is probably to sell your Mercedes outright to some poor unsuspecting fool or dealership, and then drive a few Corvettes of different generations to see what you like.

3JsVette

Salvage title? I'm willing to guess a personal inspection would be very disappointing. The owner is saying the repaint is "average". I doubt you would have to look real close to find flaws in the repairs.

MRANT212

Wouldn't do the deal at all..a ZR-1 with a salvage title isn't going to be worth a lot...I'm sure your SL is probably worth @20-25k. Ok I would do the deal for his car plus he gives you 35k

GTc4

Junk is junk a reason they call it a total loss! Because it is!

I have a 76 450sl and Damb thing doubled in value just last year according to Hagerty valuations and the other insurance company's I don't think the vette will ever do that hang with the Benz!

retcav1sg

Thanks for all the responses...I think the deal is dead, I've not heard from him since I informed him that he had a total loss history car. He seemed very surprised/shocked, maybe he didn't know, anyway, no response since. Thanks again for the advice.