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Posted a few days ago about a '81 Vette for sale. My mechanic made it out to look at it and here's what it needs.
-power steering slave cylinder leaks
-fuel pump is leaking
-driver's door window regulator is out of adjustment
-noise suppressor needed for the stereo as you can hear the alternator thru the stereo
This car has 47,xxxx miles, molded in front end, never wrecked, the problem is I'm 1,200 miles away and can't check it out myself till the 25th. Hate to let it get away.
It looks pretty darn nice! If the paint looks as good in real life as it does in the pictures, and it drive fine, I'd say it is a great price. All the things your mechanic listed that it needs are common problems and easily resolved. Almost all original power steering slave cylinders seem to leak that aren't brand new. Probably a couple drops overnight.
FYI, The original slave cylinders had a chrome plated rod. Eventually the chrome wears off right at the wheel centered position (from minor steering adjustment over time). The new ones with a stainless steel rod resolve that problem.
I can't find a low mileage '80-'82 with nice paint for less than $10kish and even then they don't have cool wheels or the interior/exterior colors I like.
#1 I would never buy a car that I had not personally inspected or had been inspected by someone I trust with very good car/Corvette knowledge.
If I thought the car was in good condition--except for the items you listed--I would make those items a condition of the sale; the seller would have to get them repaired for the deal to be completed.
If that were not the case, the car you listed would not be worth $9K. If you want to purchase the car "As-Is", I would only offer $7500 for it.
2nd owner , 47,000 miles, aftermarket wheels, doesnt look like its seen rain, has it parked in front of a garage so I'd bet money its been garaged all its life, sounds like your mechanic got down and looked underneath, mirrored T-tops...did I say you've actually had someone look at it, if you trust them, to good to pass up. If you dont trust them dont buy it. folks buy 'not much rust buckets' for $4-5000 and then spend $9000 getting them not quite as nice as that
I've bought vehicles 'sight unseen' that turned out to be great deals. Always had pics to look at. If you had the mechanic look at it, I'd feel a lot better about that.
1st question - Is this the car you want? Don't settle; you won't be happy.
Best advice given to me (after buying 4 cars) - Buy the best car you can, you will be huge bucks ahead.
Yes, my mechanic looked at it, but that doesn't really matter now, as I've purchased it. I will be back in town on the 25th. I'll follow up and let you know how I did. To answer your question as to is this what I want. Yes...once I get an LS drivetrain installed.