mjposner

This one seems reasonably priced for what I want:

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...75395050&Log=0

Looks clean in person, but have not sat inside or opened doors yet.

What should I pay? Will I hate the autobox (this is a 2nd car, and my daily is a stick)

jakecol

Make sure you check every operation from head lights to antenna and everything in between. Also check error display especially tire pressure monitors compared to actual pressure. Each one has a battery that does not last forever. Also these "wagon wheels" are prone to slow leaks due to chrome pitting on the inner bead.
As for the price, I'm sure there are more experienced guys on this forum to advise you.
Good luck.

Mr.Bill

Seems like a good price, But if you prefer a manual got one, I would hate to have buyers remorse afterwards, 89K is low miles. If you do look at it again it would be nice if it had the 3.15 gears in the rear and not the 2.73.
I love my auto.

R2R

1. I love my automatic - got tired of stoplight traffic long ago. That said I've replaced both bushing ends on the tranny and shifter ends of the cable. Not hard so don't worry much about that.
2. I see the antenna is up - ok if car is running, but not up when shut down. Anywhere from $15 to $80 depending if cable is bad or motor.
3. Look top over really well. A new on is about $1700 installed.
4. Learn how to pull codes up on the DIC. Search this forum and then pull codes in front of the dealer, and have the error code interpretation in front of you. HVAC codes can be costly as can the BCM code.
5. Key FOBS - if they have the 'shaker' thing and they work that's good. Otherwise you spend the $450.00 to buy the upgrade kit with the module, fobs, and TPMS.
6. Tires will set you back $800 to $1000 so look them over well - along with the date code on the sidewall. If 5 years old or older you'll be looking new soon.
7. Check all the drivers door buttons as well as the power seats
8. Cycle the Air Conditioner to cold then move to Heat to make the Blend doors on both sides blow the same temp. Pricey to have those replaced - or a real PITA for DIY work.
9. Driving and stopping - smooth or need rotors?
10. Cycle the headlamps up and down a few times.
11. Pop the trunk button. Trunk may not pop up enough to grab with your fingers. No worries, for a couple of bucks you will buy a spring that will do that later on - and until you do the trunk will pop up with the windows closed and top up when you close the doors.
Even though a good price you may still be able to get some dollars off if some of this stuff isn't perfect - I always think a dealer has lots of room. You'll eat next week if you don't buy it - the salesman may not so he's got to sell something.

BADBIRDCAGE

Nice looking car in the photos posted. It is a 16 year old car. Low mileage for the age. As others have said make the test drive, check all the operating features from wipers and horn to cruise control, turn signals, headlamp operation, top up and down, etc. If everything is working and you like the car and the price buy it. If things are not operating correctly have the dealer fix them prior to purchase or have the dealer drop the price. I am betting they have less than $2,000 to play with on profit margin but they don't want that Corvette sitting there on their parking lot taking attention away from their Toyotas and Scions. Things are going to go wrong as the car ages. If you are mechanically talented you can address a lot of things yourself, especially with the help of forum members to advise/guide you. My family has two 97's, my 2000 and a 2001. All auto boxes and all fun cars to drive. Good luck with your decision.

Vetteman Jack

Not a bad price. You might want to do some reading in this thread - it might help you out when you really look the car over.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ion-files.html

joe's98

I bought a Silver '98 convertible a year ago and it has been a lot fun. I paid a little bit less than what they are asking for the one you are looking at. As mentioned above, the car is 16 years old. I had to replace the ac compressor this summer. It was a big expense, but I bought the car right and now I know what I have. I had them replace waterpump, hoses, thermostat, belts and d a tune up while they were there. Also had to replace 10 year old tires. Drove the car 2500 miles to Bowling Green and back and car was very dependable. I got 29 mpg cruising at 75. While at the Corvette museum I had a new Corsa exhaust put on. You are always going to find things that will need attention, or things you will want to do to make the car what you want with different mods. Have fun!

CQRT

See if the dealership can get one of their GM dealer to run a VIS report-- it'll give you some details on the car's previous warranty work and service. Good miles, tires look good - -cosmetics look good and a reasonable price.

Crawl all over it and listen /feel for any issues.

Good luck - -

mjposner

07/27/2001 Service Facility Pre-delivery inspection completed
Oil and filter changed
Air dam replaced

02/17/2003 Tom Bannen Chevrolet
Madison, TN
615-851-8000
tombannen.com Oil and filter changed


11/10/2004 AutoNation Honda Clearwater
Clearwater, FL
727-531-0444
AutoNationHondaClear
water.com Pre-delivery inspection completed
Oil and filter changed
Tire condition and pressure checked
Washed/detailed



03/14/2006 Dimmitt Chevrolet
Clearwater, FL
727-791-1818
dimmittchev.com Emblem replaced

06/28/2007 Jacky Jones Chevrolet Buick GMC Truck
Murphy, NC
828-837-2322
jackyjonessuperstore
.com Engine checked
10/18/2007 Jacky Jones Chevrolet Buick GMC Truck
Murphy, NC
828-837-2322
jackyjonessuperstore
.com Engine checked

08/01/2008 Jacky Jones Chevrolet Buick GMC Truck
Murphy, NC
828-837-2322
jackyjonessuperstore
.com Fuel filter replaced

01/13/2009 Crystal Chevrolet of Homosassa
Homosassa, FL
352-795-1515
crystalautos.com Vehicle serviced
02/11/2009 73,193 Love Chevrolet
Inverness, FL
352-341-0018
lovechevysales.com Fuel filter replaced
Fuel system checked
03/04/2009 Crystal Chevrolet of Homosassa
Homosassa, FL
352-795-1515
crystalautos.com Four wheel alignment performed




12/28/2011 Lauderdale Infiniti
Fort Lauderdale, FL
954-845-3700
lauderdaleinfiniti.c
om Maintenance inspection completed
Tire condition and pressure checked


03/21/2012 87,154 Lauderdale Infiniti
Fort Lauderdale, FL
954-845-3700
lauderdaleinfiniti.c
om Battery serviced
Tire condition and pressure checked

roadbike56

If it checks out, that's a good price with that mileage for a vert. Hope it works out for you.

civi

If I had to do it again, check it at night with the lights on to see that all the lights in the radio and climate control work. Not a big deal if you are handy or sending the units out for and upgrade to LED's. While you are at it, check all the lights in the mirror, seat, lock, computer control etc on the right of dash etc.

jr105

It looks like the vert I bought this spring. I don't know about the prices in your area, but around here in MA that would be a great price. Mine cost a little more and had less mileage.

I checked mine out for most of the things mentioned above and bought it expecting issues like I would any 16 year old car. I found that cleaning up the grounds fixed most of the problems that arose. I put about 4k miles on it this summer and am really glad I bought it.

TOPCATHR

i have a 98 vert, i agree with all the things the guys say. I would also urge you to check the balancer for wobble, it is an inherint problem. the fix can be near 600 dollars or so, otherwise good luck

Elizabeth City Vette

Looks like it has been well cared for and a good deal. As someone else pointed out, check the TPMS as I do see that one of the pictures shows a high tire pressure reading error. Check that tire and see if it really has high pressure or is the sensor bad.
Good luck and hope everything checks out.

mjposner

Drove car today and everything worked as it should and no tire warnings. Ran obd-ii codes, all clear, all lights, gauges worked, ice cold a/c, clean inside and out. biggest issues is seat handle to loft seat back seems weekly made, an some stain on the left speaker grill. We are about $1,100 off in price.

tcrote5516

I dunno...the asking price seems like more then a good deal to me. I'd jump all over it.

Mr.Bill

As others have said it is a great price and you are still trying to loBall the seller? Verts cost more than coupes. I bet it won't last long at that price.

mjposner

They told me, "Last day to buy, going to auction tomorrow." Also, its been at the dealer awhile per the carfax:

06/19/2014 89,800 Dealer Inventory Vehicle offered for sale

We will see what happens. Doubt they will get more than I am offering at the auction.

92GA

That car is about 4 grand cheaper than it would be around here. I wouldn't take that for my car and it's got 143,000 on it.

mjposner

Well they haven't responded to my last offer.