Hello Everyone.
I wanted to stop into the forum and get some expert advice before I bought a C3 and got the answers myself later. My Rx8 is need of repair and I have had an increasing fascination with C3's. So rather than put more money into the Rx8, I thought about picking up a Stingray.

I was curious though; will I be able to make a daily driver out of a stingray? What is the cost of ownership? Is it constantly breaking down, if so are parts expspenive/ rare? I'm a decent mechanic if there is a manual or do it yourself forum, are the cars so complicated that they need to be brought to a shop( ie. my rotary engine)?

I will be a C3 owner eventually, I just don't know if now is the right time. If this is going to be where I will be depositing all of my checks I may need to wait until the financing is right. However, if it is no different in terms of putting a little money into a car to maintain or improve its value then I think the C3 makes just as much sense as a dodge viper.

I own motorcycle and share a another vehichle with my soon to be fiance (who also has a motorcycle. So I will have transportation to rely on if the c3 needs a break. We live in San Diego so I can use the motorcycle fairly often, San Diego also being the reason I think I want a 74'/75' convertable (open to 74-79's). Any for sale out there?

I appreciate your input and will be looking forward to your responses!

 

I love my 72 but... if your looking for simple or cheap or reliable I would not sugest a C3. They are wonderful cars but they are also unique, in both the good way and some not so good ways. It is hard to pick up one in good condition with out the aid of a trained eye. I as well as many others on here have been burned with the birdcage blues. If you use the search fuction you can find some good threads on buying a first C3 though.

Cm2 Dinger

 

If you are handy and can do your own work, you can't beat the feeling of having an old C3. Sounds like you have back up transportation and live in an all year round top down part of the country so I would think about it. Like CM2 said, there are not many out there that are in good shape and you definitely want someone to be looking with you who has lots of experience with old vettes (if you find one you are interested in and someone is located nearby from this forum they will often help out with inspection). You should also think of a non-#s matching car if you want to save some bucks and use as daily driver.

 

remember you are deaing with an almost 40 year old car and everything that goes along with it as far as reliability, etc. if you are looking for dependability, you will neex to buy a restored situation in my opinion to try to insure that. in addition, keep in mind that a stated value insurnace policy will come with a load of restrictions including no driving to work, or even for an errand. basically pure pleasure, cruising, shows, club events, etc. something to consider if you are spending the $$ on a restored or near mint c3.

that said, there is nothing like them.

 

The earlier cars with fiber optics, vacuum wiper door, etc., have more kinda weird things to go wrong than the earlier chrome-bumper cars. Since you live in San Diego smog is an issue as well if you choose to go with a later car, unless you choose to go the 'bogus smog' route (not that anybody would ever do that or that those places even exist,mind you!). Otherwise, with the exception of the IRS and trick four-pot brakes a C3 is basically not much more than a 60's Chevy truck with a swoopy glass body on it. If you're used to working on an RX8 there is certainly nothing on a C3 that's any more sophisticated than the Mazda...just a lot more beef.

 

Thanks, I am searching just as hard for someone to come inspect with me as I am for the car.

Non matching numbers? Cheaper just because its not the original engine? Why would this be better as a daily driver, because its newer?

I don't think I can afford near mint, but a semi restored would be nice. I asked my agent and he said it boils down to safety, Ill ask him more about it.

I didn't think we had to worry about smog as the cars are so old. looking forwards to some beef.

 

...In CA '75 and up you gotta deal with smog...

 

Thats making the 74 convertable look pretty good.