Should I bother looking??
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,156
Likes: 1
From: Pittsburgh Pirates PA
Should I bother looking??
Hi fellow C3-er's.
I currently have a 95 C4. I am looking at getting into the search for a C3 to replace it. But before I struggle looking around, I want to see if I am in the right ballpark. I have the Black Book and have read the many C3 Forums.
For $20K, can I get: A completely stock, C3 Convertible, 4 speed, original factory paint, average interior, and a good running motor. If so, what years? 73-75?? Thinking older than 73 may be out of the price range. Mileage or options unimportant. It has to be in complete running condition and no projects. I cannot work on cars. (Mechanically stupid). But 2 of my best friends are lifelong mechanics and own C3's themselves.
The only problem is I need it to be decently local, (w/i 100 miles of Western PA), and I will not buy online or if I cannot look at the car myself. I go to a decent amount of car shows, but I am only wanting a purely stock car. Not into mods. (Personal preference.)
Just putting my toes into the water. I love my C4. It is in mint condition, comfortable, and low mileage 6 speed coupe. I just desire a more nostalgic, car of my childhood dreams Corvette.
Thanks for answering. It is appreciated.
I currently have a 95 C4. I am looking at getting into the search for a C3 to replace it. But before I struggle looking around, I want to see if I am in the right ballpark. I have the Black Book and have read the many C3 Forums.
For $20K, can I get: A completely stock, C3 Convertible, 4 speed, original factory paint, average interior, and a good running motor. If so, what years? 73-75?? Thinking older than 73 may be out of the price range. Mileage or options unimportant. It has to be in complete running condition and no projects. I cannot work on cars. (Mechanically stupid). But 2 of my best friends are lifelong mechanics and own C3's themselves.
The only problem is I need it to be decently local, (w/i 100 miles of Western PA), and I will not buy online or if I cannot look at the car myself. I go to a decent amount of car shows, but I am only wanting a purely stock car. Not into mods. (Personal preference.)
Just putting my toes into the water. I love my C4. It is in mint condition, comfortable, and low mileage 6 speed coupe. I just desire a more nostalgic, car of my childhood dreams Corvette.
Thanks for answering. It is appreciated.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 0
From: Mobile, Alabama/ 29 Palms, california
I think you can find some pretty good cars for $20K, just take your time to find the right one. Oh, and I hope your friends will be willing to help with the c3, because chances are something will go wrong with it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 2,461
Likes: 354
From: Madison Alabama
Here's some food for thought - Convertible stopped at 1975 - so did horsepower - (no flames '75 guys, just stating facts!) The 1975 was the bottom rung on the horsepower ladder. If you're willing to look beyond a convertible you can find a 4 speed all the way up to a 1981. I'd look at AND drive all the C3's you can. I love the looks of the older ones from the outside but not the inside and not on the road - that's why I ended up with a later model, nice cruisers for the short or long distance runs.
The C3 market is hot; IMHO you'll get more of a car for $20K in the 80 - 82 market than in the 73 - 75. I wouldn’t rule out a chrome bumper car (68 – 73) but for $20K it will be somewhat rough around the edges or NOM (Not Orig. Motor).
The C3 market is hot; IMHO you'll get more of a car for $20K in the 80 - 82 market than in the 73 - 75. I wouldn’t rule out a chrome bumper car (68 – 73) but for $20K it will be somewhat rough around the edges or NOM (Not Orig. Motor).
Last edited by 2TONE82; Jul 17, 2006 at 09:08 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
You can find some deals on Chrome bumper cars for less than $20 K if you look around. Monitor the C3 For Sale section and you might get lucky. Finding a completely original car is going to be the challenge. Most cars have been modified one way or another over the years. If you are looking for a NCRS type of car then I agree that you probably won't find one in the pre-73 years.
Rick B.
Rick B.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 1
From: New Cumberland PA
Originally Posted by bdvdvh7
For $20K, can I get: A completely stock, C3 Convertible, 4 speed, original factory paint, average interior, and a good running motor. If so, what years? 73-75?? Thinking older than 73 may be out of the price range. Mileage or options unimportant. It has to be in complete running condition and no projects. I cannot work on cars. (Mechanically stupid). But 2 of my best friends are lifelong mechanics and own C3's themselves.
The best advise I can give is be patient and have the car throughly checked to make sure it's solid. You may not find everything you're looking for so decide what is most important for you. Vettes, like other cars, that are original have either had good owners or sat for periods of time.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,049
Likes: 675
From: FL
The convertible will cost you. I bought my '75 back in 1993 as a numbers matching all stock 4 speed. I paid $15k back then. My buddy got a nice '77 coupe for $7500. It will be hard to find a convertible for $20k in decent shape.
