new guy seeking wisdom.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
new guy seeking wisdom.
Hey,
I've been a big fan of Stingrays. Always dreamed of owning one. At last, I am out of college and found a job which means I can afford something less pricey. I had few questions:
1. I will primarily use the car to commute to work. Do you think classic cars shouldn't be used as everyday cars?
2. What year should I be aiming as a beginner?
3. Would it be too costly to maintain a C3?
I am not even sure I am asking the right questions - please go easy on me I am new.
Thanks.
I've been a big fan of Stingrays. Always dreamed of owning one. At last, I am out of college and found a job which means I can afford something less pricey. I had few questions:
1. I will primarily use the car to commute to work. Do you think classic cars shouldn't be used as everyday cars?
2. What year should I be aiming as a beginner?
3. Would it be too costly to maintain a C3?
I am not even sure I am asking the right questions - please go easy on me I am new.
Thanks.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 570
Likes: 11
From: Lancaster PA
A C3 can be used as daily commuting and there are a few members here who do just that. Once the fall semester starts up I will drive my 80 to class regularly (between 15-25 minutes)
Since youre looking for less pricy, i would stay away from the chrome bumpers and look into one made after 74. Probably as new and in as good of condition as you can find in your price range.
Remember that the newest of these cars are aproaching 30 years old. things will go wrong.
Since youre looking for less pricy, i would stay away from the chrome bumpers and look into one made after 74. Probably as new and in as good of condition as you can find in your price range.
Remember that the newest of these cars are aproaching 30 years old. things will go wrong.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,456
Likes: 102
From: Piedmont Va
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13,'19-'20
Heya! Welcome to the madness. There are lot's of variables in your line of questions. As an initial reaction I would advise against someone in your position purchasing any 30+ year old car as their primary transportation. However, C3's are very reliable cars IF they have been well maintained. So, if:
1. You are Mechanically inclined
2. Have a place to work on the car
3. You find a well maintained car thats fit's your
budget.
Go for it!
ps; Lot's of sellers cover up lot's of issues on these cars and make them look really good. the members of this forum are very helpful. Use us to assist in helping you select a good car!
1. You are Mechanically inclined
2. Have a place to work on the car
3. You find a well maintained car thats fit's your
budget.
Go for it!
ps; Lot's of sellers cover up lot's of issues on these cars and make them look really good. the members of this forum are very helpful. Use us to assist in helping you select a good car!
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
paul 74;
I am not a student (not anymore)
. I just moved out to San Francisco - selling my '06 Hemi Grand Cherokee. So I have an idea how much fuel these cars consume. If I were looking to buy a Civic I wouldn't be posting on this forum.
Smadoo;
I'll keep those in mind.
dosoctaves;
1. I wouldn't say I am mechanically inclined but I am willing to learn.
2. I do have a place to work on the car.
I am not a student (not anymore)
. I just moved out to San Francisco - selling my '06 Hemi Grand Cherokee. So I have an idea how much fuel these cars consume. If I were looking to buy a Civic I wouldn't be posting on this forum.Smadoo;
I'll keep those in mind.
dosoctaves;
1. I wouldn't say I am mechanically inclined but I am willing to learn.
2. I do have a place to work on the car.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
Hey,
I've been a big fan of Stingrays. Always dreamed of owning one. At last, I am out of college and found a job which means I can afford something less pricey. I had few questions:
1. I will primarily use the car to commute to work. Do you think classic cars shouldn't be used as everyday cars?
2. What year should I be aiming as a beginner?
3. Would it be too costly to maintain a C3?
I am not even sure I am asking the right questions - please go easy on me I am new.
Thanks.
I've been a big fan of Stingrays. Always dreamed of owning one. At last, I am out of college and found a job which means I can afford something less pricey. I had few questions:
1. I will primarily use the car to commute to work. Do you think classic cars shouldn't be used as everyday cars?
2. What year should I be aiming as a beginner?
3. Would it be too costly to maintain a C3?
I am not even sure I am asking the right questions - please go easy on me I am new.
Thanks.
Answers:
1. Depends on whether you want to keep your new job. A few "My car overheated on the highway" or "My car started running rough and died" phone calls to your boss will get old fast. Get something newer for work and put some money away for Vette repairs and improvements. Use the Vette once in a while for work to impress your co-workers and enjoy it on the weekends.
2. Something like a 79 or 80 is good for a new owner. There is a much better selection of cars in these years and they don't have the primitive computer controls (not sure about the 80). Later models have the Crossfire fuel injection, which can be fine if maintained properly, but many systems have not been maintained and have a lot of problems.
3. As a weekend/casual car no. As a daily driver probably. Fuel mileage is poor and if something breaks and you have to pay to have it fixed fast the costs will pile up quickly.
Rick B.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,547
Likes: 12
From: Carbondale Pa.
paul 74;
I am not a student (not anymore). I just moved out to San Francisco - selling my '06 Hemi Grand Cherokee. So I have an idea how much fuel these cars consume. If I were looking to buy a Civic I wouldn't be posting on this forum.
Smadoo;
I'll keep those in mind.
dosoctaves;
1. I wouldn't say I am mechanically inclined but I am willing to learn.
2. I do have a place to work on the car.
I am not a student (not anymore)
. I just moved out to San Francisco - selling my '06 Hemi Grand Cherokee. So I have an idea how much fuel these cars consume. If I were looking to buy a Civic I wouldn't be posting on this forum.Smadoo;
I'll keep those in mind.
dosoctaves;
1. I wouldn't say I am mechanically inclined but I am willing to learn.
2. I do have a place to work on the car.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
You just need to be aware of some 'common' issues/problems with owning a C3 and using it in a college environment.
1,) The car is likely to get damaged...either by accident or from vandals or other jealous 'idiots';
2.) They are very un-economical, getting around 10-12 mpg in city environment...unless you buy a 1982 {with an ECU system}.
3.) While expenses for vehicle taxes may be much lower due to the car's age, you will also pay a pretty good premium for driving a sports car on a daily basis. Most collector car insurance policies stipulate narrow 'useage' requirements and regular insurance is costly and won't cover your real loss if the car is totalled.
4.) Theft of the vehicle and/or components on or in it is highly likely. A C3 screams, "TAKE ME!!"
If none of that bothers you, go for it.
1,) The car is likely to get damaged...either by accident or from vandals or other jealous 'idiots';
2.) They are very un-economical, getting around 10-12 mpg in city environment...unless you buy a 1982 {with an ECU system}.
3.) While expenses for vehicle taxes may be much lower due to the car's age, you will also pay a pretty good premium for driving a sports car on a daily basis. Most collector car insurance policies stipulate narrow 'useage' requirements and regular insurance is costly and won't cover your real loss if the car is totalled.
4.) Theft of the vehicle and/or components on or in it is highly likely. A C3 screams, "TAKE ME!!"
If none of that bothers you, go for it.
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Verdad Gallardo
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
paul 74;
I am not a student (not anymore). I just moved out to San Francisco - selling my '06 Hemi Grand Cherokee. So I have an idea how much fuel these cars consume. If I were looking to buy a Civic I wouldn't be posting on this forum.
Smadoo;
I'll keep those in mind.
dosoctaves;
1. I wouldn't say I am mechanically inclined but I am willing to learn.
2. I do have a place to work on the car.
I am not a student (not anymore)
. I just moved out to San Francisco - selling my '06 Hemi Grand Cherokee. So I have an idea how much fuel these cars consume. If I were looking to buy a Civic I wouldn't be posting on this forum.Smadoo;
I'll keep those in mind.
dosoctaves;
1. I wouldn't say I am mechanically inclined but I am willing to learn.
2. I do have a place to work on the car.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
72LS1Vette;
I do want to keep my job - considering my job is heavily dependent on meeting tight deadlines, I'd say me being late or not showing to work will be an issue.
From my quick research - something between 76-80 looks reasonable for my price range too.
moosie982;
From the sounds of it, I might even have to get professional help since I wouldn't be able to differentiate a junk and a good deal.
7T1vette
I am not a student therefore I won't be in a college environment. But I'll keep in mind the vandalism factor since this car is a looker. My dad had some serious vandalism issues with his Jag XF.
Theft would bother me :/
paul 74;
It's okay - thanks for the concern tho.
I do want to keep my job
- considering my job is heavily dependent on meeting tight deadlines, I'd say me being late or not showing to work will be an issue.From my quick research - something between 76-80 looks reasonable for my price range too.
moosie982;
From the sounds of it, I might even have to get professional help since I wouldn't be able to differentiate a junk and a good deal.
7T1vette
I am not a student therefore I won't be in a college environment. But I'll keep in mind the vandalism factor since this car is a looker. My dad had some serious vandalism issues with his Jag XF.
Theft would bother me :/
paul 74;
It's okay - thanks for the concern tho.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,982
Likes: 6,209
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
I think the key here is finding some help from someone "Corvette experienced." Mechanics are nice, but if they don't know Corvettes there's too many pitfalls out there. I've lost count how many stories I've heard from first-time buyers like, "he said the numbers matched, but after I bought the car I checked at home and..." or "Rust?" or $17,500 sounded reasonable for a '79. No?" And so on.
Get someone who has a clue about the market. Never allow someone to hand you an NADA Guide. Get someone who has heard of an independant rear suspension to help you. Never believe what the seller says without verifying it. Never allow people to BS you with stuff like "numbers matching or correct colors don't matter on entry-level cars." They are wrong.
Finally, never be in a hurry and always be prepared to walk away.
Get someone who has a clue about the market. Never allow someone to hand you an NADA Guide. Get someone who has heard of an independant rear suspension to help you. Never believe what the seller says without verifying it. Never allow people to BS you with stuff like "numbers matching or correct colors don't matter on entry-level cars." They are wrong.
Finally, never be in a hurry and always be prepared to walk away.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,246
Likes: 4
From: Bay Area CA
My advice would be to get a 74 or 75 and immediately rebuild the motor with some good 64cc vortec or aluminum heads, get you to around 300HP, you could also put a crate motor in it, but stay away from the GM 290HP motor, it's a dog. then, the motor will go,, you can drive it, but count on rebuilding the brakes and rear suspension in the future, what ever else you feel like doing to it. Main checks on a C3 are birdcage rust and frame rust and condition. Paint is expensive on these cars >5k, so a good paint job in a color you like is a big +, but obviously, mechanicals come first. C.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 4
From: Anderson SC
I always kept a spare motorcycle when my C3 was my only car. Just in case.
It's about to be my only car again (finally!) .... and I still have my XR250 in the wings.
That said, if you can anticipate problems with it, you can stay ahead of the curve. Matching numbers might add long term value, but do nothing for reliability. If you can find a car that's already had the suspension redone, that's a plus. Steel bumper cars cost more, but are a bit simpler under the hood. I agree a well maintained C3 is very reliable - the trick is to buy it right.
Some managers who are struggling under a mound of personal debt may resent the hell out of your car - and by proxy you. There is no way to keep a C3 unobtrusive. So make sure it's what you want to say - because it will keep on saying it.
I assume you have a vision of what you want it to look like for color, style etc... take your time and get THAT car. Live it, learn it, love it.
-W (30+ years in a '68 roadster - still love it)
It's about to be my only car again (finally!) .... and I still have my XR250 in the wings.
That said, if you can anticipate problems with it, you can stay ahead of the curve. Matching numbers might add long term value, but do nothing for reliability. If you can find a car that's already had the suspension redone, that's a plus. Steel bumper cars cost more, but are a bit simpler under the hood. I agree a well maintained C3 is very reliable - the trick is to buy it right.
Some managers who are struggling under a mound of personal debt may resent the hell out of your car - and by proxy you. There is no way to keep a C3 unobtrusive. So make sure it's what you want to say - because it will keep on saying it.
I assume you have a vision of what you want it to look like for color, style etc... take your time and get THAT car. Live it, learn it, love it.
-W (30+ years in a '68 roadster - still love it)
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,810
Likes: 0
From: NJ
I think the key here is finding some help from someone "Corvette experienced." Mechanics are nice, but if they don't know Corvettes there's too many pitfalls out there. I've lost count how many stories I've heard from first-time buyers like, "he said the numbers matched, but after I bought the car I checked at home and..." or "Rust?" or $17,500 sounded reasonable for a '79. No?" And so on.
Get someone who has a clue about the market. Never allow someone to hand you an NADA Guide. Get someone who has heard of an independant rear suspension to help you. Never believe what the seller says without verifying it. Never allow people to BS you with stuff like "numbers matching or correct colors don't matter on entry-level cars." They are wrong.
Finally, never be in a hurry and always be prepared to walk away.
Get someone who has a clue about the market. Never allow someone to hand you an NADA Guide. Get someone who has heard of an independant rear suspension to help you. Never believe what the seller says without verifying it. Never allow people to BS you with stuff like "numbers matching or correct colors don't matter on entry-level cars." They are wrong.
Finally, never be in a hurry and always be prepared to walk away.
I think he's found one......you seem to know everything
@Sinan07,
I'd suggest taking your time and finding the right one and try to avoid the knee-jerk purchase. I think all the replies are valid but in the end....I'm sure you'll make the right choice
CF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 19,365
Likes: 5,244
From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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Hey,
I've been a big fan of Stingrays. Always dreamed of owning one. At last, I am out of college and found a job which means I can afford something less pricey. I had few questions:
1. I will primarily use the car to commute to work. Do you think classic cars shouldn't be used as everyday cars?
2. What year should I be aiming as a beginner?
3. Would it be too costly to maintain a C3?
I am not even sure I am asking the right questions - please go easy on me I am new.
Thanks.
I've been a big fan of Stingrays. Always dreamed of owning one. At last, I am out of college and found a job which means I can afford something less pricey. I had few questions:
1. I will primarily use the car to commute to work. Do you think classic cars shouldn't be used as everyday cars?
2. What year should I be aiming as a beginner?
3. Would it be too costly to maintain a C3?
I am not even sure I am asking the right questions - please go easy on me I am new.
Thanks.
2. If you want to drive a Corvette as your primary a C4 or C5 might be a more reliable, fuel efficient choice.
3. Driving a C3 daily will get expensive unless you are mechanically inclined.
Hate to be a naysayer or discourage you. The 3rd generation is a terrific car but, in my opinion, a poor choice for daily transportation.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 1
From: SOUTH ELGIN IL
I have not spent a lot of time in San Fran but you do get snow and ice on those hills, right? My '74 with a mild crate motor gets squirrely if it even sees a cloud, much less snow and ice. Actually, I had to move it from one storage place to another last Feb and it had just snowed in Chicago and it's an experience I would prefer not to repeat. A stock C-3 may not experience this on the same level as I did but it's a concern. The C-5's behave very well with the traction control and other features. They will also be more reliable, and I bet you could pick up a used one for under $20,000 in today's market. By the time you purchase your C-3 and the tools, etc to work on it and keep it running you might be further ahead with the C-5.
I like the C-3's better or I wouldn't be on here with one, but for a dialy driver I think I'd go a little newer.
Whatever your decision, best of luck
Edit: Almost forgot, bet you can find someone on here in your area to assist you when scouting for your car
I like the C-3's better or I wouldn't be on here with one, but for a dialy driver I think I'd go a little newer.
Whatever your decision, best of luck
Edit: Almost forgot, bet you can find someone on here in your area to assist you when scouting for your car
Last edited by Dantana; Jul 27, 2009 at 10:01 AM.