What would you look for?
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
What would you look for?
I got a lead on a red 1980. 30k original miles. Rolled out of the garage every couple of weeks and washed. Pushed back in. Driven 3 or 4 times a summer. Auto. Barely used. Second owner right now. Had it since 81. No snow or rain ever. Engine still looks new. Never run hard.
I asked here earlier about c3's and someone told me very wisely to not look around here because of the salt on the roads. This one is a legit rust free car a few miles from home.
I will be looking at it in a few weeks. Wondering what to look for and some ballpark on value.
I asked here earlier about c3's and someone told me very wisely to not look around here because of the salt on the roads. This one is a legit rust free car a few miles from home.
I will be looking at it in a few weeks. Wondering what to look for and some ballpark on value.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,289
Likes: 4,380
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi J,
It sounds like you may have a nice find here.
I guess if it's really as described, and rust isn't an issue, the question becomes how are you going to use it.
If you're going to continue pushing it around, it's probably fine as it is.
If you're going to begin to drive it you may want to think about what it may cost to get it ready to drive on a regular basis. Things like tires, alignment, brakes, tune-up, hoses, fluids, and probably a few other things. It might need all those things, or a few of them, or none of them.
Might those possible costs affect what you pay for this car, and what your total budget might need to be?
Regards,
Alan
It sounds like you may have a nice find here.
I guess if it's really as described, and rust isn't an issue, the question becomes how are you going to use it.
If you're going to continue pushing it around, it's probably fine as it is.
If you're going to begin to drive it you may want to think about what it may cost to get it ready to drive on a regular basis. Things like tires, alignment, brakes, tune-up, hoses, fluids, and probably a few other things. It might need all those things, or a few of them, or none of them.
Might those possible costs affect what you pay for this car, and what your total budget might need to be?
Regards,
Alan
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 3
From: Lehigh county Pennsylvania
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,627
Likes: 242
From: Russell Ontario
St. Jude Donor '09
Mine was the same kind of story , never driven and washed more that he drove it , but it was all true , even the girl at the liscence bureau knew the PO. I paid less than 11k CDN for it . here it is 15yrs later.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 44
From: Gods Country WI
Well, I have a 78 with 31K miles on it. We bought it ten years ago with 21K miles. In the time I have owned it I've replaced plugs, wires, dist cap, tires, (still had the originals) Still have the original brakes although one caliper is finally starting to leak, original exhaust, paint, all interior, u-joints, you get the picture. 
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,652
Likes: 80
From: Lakeland Florida
that sounds like a good car to go look at and eventually own. Some of the things you may need to consider though is to replace the things that may not have been done to the car because it is not driven so much.
If it has the original rubber brake lines you may want to consider replacing these. Along with the brake fluid. it is doubtful the owner has replaced the fluid if he only drives it 3-4 times a summer.
the same is with the belts and radiator hoses. I would worry that these have begun to dry rot.
And dont forget the tires. If they are more than 10 years old, then they should be replaced.
kdf
If it has the original rubber brake lines you may want to consider replacing these. Along with the brake fluid. it is doubtful the owner has replaced the fluid if he only drives it 3-4 times a summer.
the same is with the belts and radiator hoses. I would worry that these have begun to dry rot.
And dont forget the tires. If they are more than 10 years old, then they should be replaced.
kdf
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,627
Likes: 242
From: Russell Ontario
St. Jude Donor '09
Yes most of the rubber stuff, will be pretty dried up I have done many inspections on C-3's and most of the issues are rubber parts, no biggy , take you time and replace has you go along.Ron
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
thanks for the thoughts. As soon i get in the garage i will get some picks. The car belongs to a golf buddy of mine. It is completely legit and true. It will be a fantastic car.