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Old Apr 7, 2007 | 10:24 PM
  #1  
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Default 82 question?

I just took a look at a 82 vette with mileage under 20K, priced at 20K.
It looked like a car with 20k - but the ride was disappointing, it rattled...everything rattled.

I'm not familiar w/ 82's although I once owned a 74 that drove much nicer. I'd like some input from owners if this consistant with this yr or is this particular Vette in need of work. The price was way too high.
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Old Apr 7, 2007 | 10:58 PM
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I own a 82 with approx. 44K and have no problem with squeeks or rattles. I don't think excessive squeeks and rattles are a common problem although you're sure to get a few with any 25 yr old auto eventually. Sounds like it probably needs some work. I would definitely get an inspection/appraisal if I had any intention of buying it! $20K for a 82 is not a cheap price! Just my opinion.
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Old Apr 7, 2007 | 11:25 PM
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If I had $20,000 to spend I would be looking for a convertible bumper car. Just my .02's.


greg
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Old Apr 7, 2007 | 11:27 PM
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I agree that the price is way too high. I would think that an '82 in show condition would still be under $20k, and a nice driver closer to $13k. Keep looking.

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Old Apr 7, 2007 | 11:40 PM
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You can't always believe the odometer, it may have gone around once already and have 120,000 miles.
$20K for an '82 is really high. You can get a really nice '82CE for that.
Dave
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Old Apr 9, 2007 | 12:33 AM
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Originally Posted by mooneyd
You can't always believe the odometer, it may have gone around once already and have 120,000 miles.
$20K for an '82 is really high. You can get a really nice '82CE for that.
Dave
This is what may be the situation. Put the car on a lift and see if there is any rust. If there is any oil dripping. A 20k car should be in pretty good shape. As far as price a low mileage 82 in excellent shape can goes as high as 25k. Just don't buy anything that needs a lot of work. By the time you put in your time and money to make a nice car you will be in the 20 to 25k area. Remember to put the car on a lift. This is the only way to purchase a Corvette.
Steve
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Old Apr 9, 2007 | 09:17 AM
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20K for an 82? I paid 8k for my 82 however it has 120K on the clock and is a good driver with a few things that need attention. I think you can do much better for 20K. You can find a nice small block bumper car for that kind of money. I would look at 68-71 models If I were you.
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Old Apr 9, 2007 | 10:18 AM
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$20K is too high. You should be able to find a real nice one for 1/2 that price. I did.
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Old Apr 9, 2007 | 10:27 AM
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I paid $6000 for mine with 92,000 miles..
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Old Apr 9, 2007 | 10:38 AM
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Asking price and selling price can be very different although $20K may not be way out of line if it's in showroom condition. I sold my 82CE for over $20K and that was over 5yrs ago. As far as the ride goes if it has the optional FE7 (Gymkhana) syspension that could account for the harsh ride. If it also has it's original shocks they might be due for a change.

My 82 had the FE7, original shocks and the ride was stiff. I changed out the shocks w/air shocks which made quite a difference in ride quality.
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Old Apr 9, 2007 | 12:27 PM
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just adding my 2 cents.. the price sound a little to high (if thats the true odometer reading) also my 82 sounded like a bucket of bolts. I found it to be a simple ajustment of the windows and T tops. Now its quiet and smooth! PLUS you can't beat the MPG
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Old Apr 9, 2007 | 12:30 PM
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An 82 for $20k should be a Collector Edition or a super nice perfect car. I'd offer lower or keep looking.
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Old Apr 9, 2007 | 01:06 PM
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Originally Posted by TexasYankee
$20K is too high. You should be able to find a real nice one for 1/2 that price. I did.
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Old Apr 14, 2007 | 08:56 PM
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Thanks all for your input-I passed on it mainly due to the unwillingless to budge on his price. Since, I've decided as suggested to find a nice 68-73 for that kind of scratch. So if you see one let me know.

Thx
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Old Apr 14, 2007 | 10:16 PM
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I disagree guys, an 82 with DOCUMENTED mileage by more than one source with under 20K miles will pull $20K+ assuming the car is a 9 ~ 10. The latest edition of Corvette Magazine's C3 price update lists a show ready '82 non CE car at $22K. The CE's are in the low $30Ks for this condition.

As for rattles, most likely the glove box lock, that or a few things rolling around in the rear compartments. My T-tops have developed a squeak on the passenger side that I'll adjust once the temps settle down.
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Old Apr 14, 2007 | 10:40 PM
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I paid a little over $3k for my '82 with only 51K on the ODO.

Of course, I have spent close to $3K already, and will be putting close to $10K in the car to alltogether, to get it perfect.

I hope it will be worth $20K when I am done.

Then I am gonna put about 200K miles on it!

I think the 68-72 are the most desirable of the C3, but the '82 is very close. Fuel Injection and Overdrive make it a great car as long as it is running well (mine is).

A cam, springs, lifters, headers, and true dual exhaust will really wake that thing up, too.

I just had a super strong 700R4 tranny built for it, and plan on a nice Dana 44 with a 3.43 or 3.73 rear end to make it quicker than my C5.
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Old Apr 15, 2007 | 09:13 AM
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Originally Posted by IdriveC5

I just had a super strong 700R4 tranny built for it, and plan on a nice Dana 44 with a 3.43 or 3.73 rear end to make it quicker than my C5.
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Old Apr 15, 2007 | 11:49 AM
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Originally Posted by xccter
I agree that the price is way too high. I would think that an '82 in show condition would still be under $20k, and a nice driver closer to $13k. Keep looking.

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Old Apr 15, 2007 | 05:02 PM
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Hi,
My 82 has the FE7 Gymnkana suspension which makes for a very hard ride. I don't think that it creaks or rattles much though.....
Good luck,
Tom
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