7T1vette

I'd a little leary of a $9000 Vette from a car dealer. The dealer's got to be making at least $3K on the deal, or it wouldn't be on the lot. Add in his clean-up and prep costs, and he probably paid about $5K+ for it. Make sure you ask about frame damage/wreck history. Call state police and ask if they have anything on that VIN, such as wreck, stolen, etc. And check carefully for rust. There's got to be a reason why the dealer is not asking more for the car. If all that pans out, give it a spin and test the engine/transmission. If all A-OK, it sounds like a good deal.

P.S. I really prefer to buy from a private owner who can supply history and service receipts.

Joe Buck

Go with an 1980. Best price/bang for your buck. I myself am now looking for a mid '90s model to add to my '80. It sounds like you're more interesetd in looks rather than performance; the 80-82 are beautifully smooth, just be prepared. Went in gun-ho at 19, bought my '80 for $10,000--4 years later and an "additional $15,000" I'm content, but still not where I want it. Need another $8,000 or so till I'm utterly happy. You've been warned: it becomes an addiction.

srosa75

Phat Cat

Don't know if you've seen it, but there is nice looking 77 just listed for $7850 in the C3 For Sale section.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1907863

selecw

Nice! I just PM'd him

fauxrs2

Thats a beautiful car with what appears to be a very good price...be aware that as it described it is not technicly legal in California.

The dual exahust with dual cats will not pass a complete smog exam in California (or technicly anywhere) however some stations have been known to let you slide. Also it is possible that the car origianlly was required to have other bits of emissions equipment - I'm sure the owner could fill youin on that. Since there isnt any of the more odious bits of emissions gear on the car.. if California determines you need that equipment, it can be very costly to acquire.

I'm not trying to talk you out of buying what looks like a great car, just want you to be aware of the peculiarities of California.

1mpalss

I just saw this guy's add again. No affiliation to seller or Craigslist.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/pts/550671343.html

Listed in the SF Bay craigslist for $2600 as "1980 Corvette, parts or whole. Has LT1 auto. Santa Cruz"

If I was thinking about an '80, I'd sure be checking it out - if I wasn't in the desert right now!
I hope posting the CL link isn't against the rules, I'm just trying to help my fellow members out!

San Diego Ron

Come down to San Diego, you can have my '74 for 10 thousand. I want a new '07 or '08 and they don't give anything on trades.

Rickman

Whoa, San Diego Ron's C3 looks really nice for $10k. (I do have a weakness for the red ones!)

My .02, which is a slightly different perspective from the others:

Forget the C3 & C4-get a loan approved for $16-18k and get a C5. I guarantee you will never look back. I say this because it appears you want a sports car but need a reliable commuter car. I think most CF Members would agree that the C5 is a far superior automobile. The ease of getting in and out of a C5 vs. C4 is worth the added cost alone. You owe it to yourself to at least drive one to compare.

If you can't swing that, a 91 C4 w the L98 engine is a good choice. You avoid the digital dash problems of early C4's, plus you avoid the opti-spark problem of the 92-96 LT1's. You also get the newer style back end.

The 91 will not have the 300 hp of the LT1, however. Whatever you purchase, have a trusted mechanic check your car out carefully to save you later headaches. Good luck w your search,

Rickman