Looking for buying advice
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 760
Likes: 104
From: Lewiston NY
2020 C8 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14,'17, '20-'21
Looking for buying advice
I have a c2 and I think I have a handle on them, but I have no idea what to look for in a c3. As a kid, I always wanted a c3 and I think I am just going to go get one. There is a Corvette resto shop in town with a selection of moderately road worthy c3's for sale. I think I will look at them and drive them. Maybe pick one. I want something my wife and kids can drive around, something I can drive in the rain and not me not worry about the car. Someday I would like to sell it for more than I paid. I cant see c3's not being a great buy.
Here are the cars. Any thoughts on what might make one better than the other would be appreciated. All have good paint and reasonable to very good interiors. All have 350's. All have good tires etc...
78 silver, auto, t-top, 60k mi - $8500
76 red, auto, t-top, 46k - $8500
78, silver, auto, t-top, 'loaded', 107k, $9500 (why would this be 'loaded' and the rest not?)
74, blue (looks like red orig), red int, t-top, 64k, $7850
Looks wise I like the red 76. The 78 60k is my next fav but I would take any thoughts on driveability, reliability, or collectibility into consideration.
Here are the cars. Any thoughts on what might make one better than the other would be appreciated. All have good paint and reasonable to very good interiors. All have 350's. All have good tires etc...
78 silver, auto, t-top, 60k mi - $8500
76 red, auto, t-top, 46k - $8500
78, silver, auto, t-top, 'loaded', 107k, $9500 (why would this be 'loaded' and the rest not?)
74, blue (looks like red orig), red int, t-top, 64k, $7850
Looks wise I like the red 76. The 78 60k is my next fav but I would take any thoughts on driveability, reliability, or collectibility into consideration.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,491
Likes: 312
From: Scottsdale AZ
For what it's worth, I'd think seriously about looking at cars in the west and southwest. Take a look at Craig's list in Phoenix, Orange County, CA or San Diego if for no other reason than to compare cost and condition. There are lots of forum members out here than can check cars out for you or at worst, you can spend a weekend and hop on a flight.
The difference- and I'm admittedly biased- is remarkable for a 30+ year old car when you compare one that's spent it's life in the west, compared even to many of those well cared examples in the northeast. Frame and birdcage rust can be real problems- so whatever you consider, inspect thoroughly and carefully.
Yes- you'd have to ship it and incur additional expense to travel to see it - - but I'd encourage you to at least consider the alternatives. IMO, it'll be worth it in the long run.
PM'd you a couple examples.
Good luck-
The difference- and I'm admittedly biased- is remarkable for a 30+ year old car when you compare one that's spent it's life in the west, compared even to many of those well cared examples in the northeast. Frame and birdcage rust can be real problems- so whatever you consider, inspect thoroughly and carefully.
Yes- you'd have to ship it and incur additional expense to travel to see it - - but I'd encourage you to at least consider the alternatives. IMO, it'll be worth it in the long run.
PM'd you a couple examples.
Good luck-
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,237
Likes: 4,327
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi J,
I think you'll be quite lucky to buy a mid-70s Corvette and get more money for it than you paid, and SPENT on it, when you sell it.
The cars you're looking at are on the opposite end of the collectability scale from the 63-67 cars you're used to.
These cars will be fun for your wife and kids to play with, but will take continual financial/labor contributions from you to keep on the road.
Just my thoughts!
Regards,
Alan
I think you'll be quite lucky to buy a mid-70s Corvette and get more money for it than you paid, and SPENT on it, when you sell it.
The cars you're looking at are on the opposite end of the collectability scale from the 63-67 cars you're used to.
These cars will be fun for your wife and kids to play with, but will take continual financial/labor contributions from you to keep on the road.
Just my thoughts!
Regards,
Alan
Last edited by Alan 71; Apr 17, 2012 at 02:30 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,644
Likes: 479
From: OK
I believe the 70's will come into their own someday in the near future, if and when the economy turns around..
but, they will need to be very clean, original, low miles, highly optioned cars Gymkahana Suspension,4spd, Tilt and Tele, .....preferably Big Block 4spds to be collectible....just my humble two cents.
I agree with Alan that a run of the mill 70's corvette are a dime a dozen......and you may or may not get your investment back......but, the investment of giving your kids and wife the thrill of cruising around in a C3....................Priceless!
but, they will need to be very clean, original, low miles, highly optioned cars Gymkahana Suspension,4spd, Tilt and Tele, .....preferably Big Block 4spds to be collectible....just my humble two cents.
I agree with Alan that a run of the mill 70's corvette are a dime a dozen......and you may or may not get your investment back......but, the investment of giving your kids and wife the thrill of cruising around in a C3....................Priceless!
Drifting
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,526
Likes: 8
From: Atlanta Ga
From a collectability stand point. I think your best bet would be the 76 since the 74 is not original color or paint. But a better bet would be to find a Chrome bumper car if you are looking to possibly make some money in the future. But you also said you want the kids to drive it, you want to drive it in the rain and not care and so on. So with that I don't think you really need to worry about which will bring you more money in the future and more about which one will require the least amount of work/money NOW since this will be a driver and just a toy. Find the best car for the money you want to spend and enjoy it.
When it says loaded it more than likely has power everything as well as a/c etc...
If the others are not "loaded" and that one is, then there is probably an option missing...i.e..power windows, power door locks, leather seats, a/c etc..
When it says loaded it more than likely has power everything as well as a/c etc...
If the others are not "loaded" and that one is, then there is probably an option missing...i.e..power windows, power door locks, leather seats, a/c etc..
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,050
Likes: 124
From: Wichita KS
That said, I have an 80 - I like the looks of the later C3. I would put the 1982 Collector Edition on my list of possible candidates.
