im looking to spend $6000 on a corvette. is it possible to find a nice on for the money or am i just wishing? i really dont want any years from 83 to90.i would really like to become an owner but dont think its possible for the money..no fixer uppers

 

Eliminate the chrome bumper cars from your search. Eliminate the 83's they are very very rare. No fixer uppers? No, not possible for that price. A good driver that looks decent and could use some smaller repairs? Very possible in that price range. Particularly 74-81 cars

 

I don't think so. A car at that price is basically junk.

 

I disagree
http://huntsville.craigslist.org/cto/2811287321.html

 

It most certainly is possible. You have to live on CL and move fast.
I just got a very nice L82 1979 for less than that. This economy makes some crazy things pop up.

 

You can find a nice car in that price range.

You need to concentrate in the 76-79 years. 1979 had the single largest production run of any year. And every one of those years they made more Corvettes than any other (except 1984, and that was a 2 year run). In each of those years they made over 45K cars. Looking in these years also allows you to pick either rear window style.

 

Interesting... 76 with a 78-82 rear window. Not the first time I've seen something like that...

 

This statement is incorrect.

If I can find this car for $7,000:





then you can find a car for $6,000.

My car has a few little things to work on, but it has a lot of really good stuff and it drives great.

KEY #1: TAKE YOUR TIME!!! You won't find it tomorrow. And you'll probably go see a few that don't fulfill your expectations. Filter through ads from multiple sources and there will be one that pops up and surprises you. As my wife put it, "This is the fun part! Don't rush it!" Looking for something to spend money on is sometimes just as satisfying as putting your money on the right thing. On the other hand, rushing out and putting your money on the WRONG thing stinks all around.

I found mine by searching 10 different Craigslist areas within a 200 mile radius every single day, waiting for something new and interesting to pop up. This one showed up for $9,000 and I sent an e-mail immediately. The guy didn't respond for 4 days, then at 3:45 in the afternoon last Monday, he sent me an e-mail. By 4:10, he shared that he'd be very happy with $7k. By 4:30, I was at the bank getting cash. By 5:15, I had my trailer connected and a friend in the car, heading out for a 2 hour drive to it. While I was at the guys house, 2 people showed up looking to buy the car also. Had the car in my driveway around midnight.

Which brings me to my other point...

KEY #2: BE ALL OVER IT LIKE WHITE ON RICE!!! Be ready to drop everything at a moment's notice and do what you need to do. If you are able to have the cash on-hand, even better. For every "you" looking for a good deal, there's another 20 of "you", so the important thing is to be first in line.

Having JUST been through this exact experience, those are the two points I can offer. And I am pleased to say that it worked for me...

 

Mine was 6k. I have fixed things but none of it was critical, just nice to have.

 

that makes me feel better..thought i might be kidding myself

 

Tiger-
It is absolutely possible with patience and a good eye . . but do yourself a favor and fill out your profile so people know where the heck you're located.

If you put a WTB in the cars for sale section- you'll set off on an important first step- - -but people have to know where you are . . . .

Good luck - - -

 

WOW what a gem. im jealous..good for you..that would a dream..congrats!!!!

 

i see..with a little imagination..

 

thanks for the heads up. im new to the forum.still figuring out how to navigate..appreciate the help!!!

 

what did you get!?

 

Wow, times are tough. Barbie had to see her 'vette :-)
Like the others said: take your time. And while you are waiting, read up on what to look for. There are some real bargains out there now, and there is also junk. Use this time to learn the difference and you can do well. For that money, you can find a decent car, but I doubt that you will find one that does not need at least a little work. Just a heads up so you know for your budget.

 

Where have you looked? What did you find?

 

Tiger,

I have a 76 Stingray. L-48 with 4 speed. Dark Brown interior with Bright Yellow paint. AC/PW/PB/PS

I have put on 3000 miles since I bought it two years ago. It now has 117k.

Frame solid, birdcage solid, paint fair, engine strong.

I have redone the interior and AC. It is very comfortable to cruise in. I am now replacing the clutch.

It turns heads everywhere I go.

John

 

Got my '82 CE for $6K as a bank repo. There are things I will do to improve my owner experience, but it is a 7 out of 10 and ran well when I drove it off the lot. Good luck!

 

Is it possible? Yes. Is it likely? No.

The real issue here is whether you have enough knowledge about C3's to make a good decision about the car you are inspecting and whether it will make an acceptable candidate for a good, solid car. You need to be well-versed in judging frame/birdcage integrity and mechanical systems assessment (drivetrain, steering, suspension, brakes, etc.). You also need to be able to spot missing pieces that can be expensive to replace.

The cars you will be finding with that price tag are going to be in mediocre to 'rough' condition. You have to be able to spot the "diamond in the rough" or you might end up with a "turd".

If you have the skills necessary to sort out 'potentially good' cars from the used-up junk, then "Yes", you can find one at that price that you want. Just put your plan together on what you must have, stay on that course, and keep looking till you find it.