1978 Price ?
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Advanced
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 95
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1978 Price ?
I've been looking at 1978 Corvette it has 41000 miles on it auto trans, L82 numbers matching engine..Black with red interior. Power windows and locks.. Runs and drives great ..Everything works.. It is in near perfect condition inside and out .. The asking price is 13999.00. I am really interested in the car but am wondering if the price is high,and if so what a good offer would be.. Any advise would be great , thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,235
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
Everything works.. It is in near perfect condition inside and out .. The asking price is 13999.00. I am really interested in the car but am wondering if the price is high,and if so what a good offer would be.. Any advise would be great , thanks
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
From: Shearwater Nova Scotia
If it passes inspection, that is a good deal.
The real question is, "Is it the C3 you want?"
For instance - I wanted a 1978 Silver Anniversary L-82 with Manual Trans.
I settled for a 35k mileage 78 SA L-48 with Auto.
I am happy with the car - but really want(ed) the drivetrain. To get the car I "want" would cost double the price I paid to convert it over.
Long story short - just make sure its the car you want.
The real question is, "Is it the C3 you want?"
For instance - I wanted a 1978 Silver Anniversary L-82 with Manual Trans.
I settled for a 35k mileage 78 SA L-48 with Auto.
I am happy with the car - but really want(ed) the drivetrain. To get the car I "want" would cost double the price I paid to convert it over.
Long story short - just make sure its the car you want.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 18,341
Likes: 101
Not knocking your car......just pointing to the obvious. You WANT the '78.......he WANTS cash....... you'd be offering a car in the deal he wasn't looking for.
Doesn't exactly put you in a position of strength.
Can you pony up the cash and sell the '96 yourself later? Seems like a better way to get full and fair value for your '96!
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
ask for a straight up trade. a dealer will have an easier time selling your '96, especially since it looks like it's a convertible according to your avatar.
My brother recently traded a triple white 6 speed '93 straight up for an '03 Cadillac Escalade, because we were getting a snow storm the next day and the Corvette was his only vehicle at the time.
My brother recently traded a triple white 6 speed '93 straight up for an '03 Cadillac Escalade, because we were getting a snow storm the next day and the Corvette was his only vehicle at the time.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 7
From: Bluffton,SC
I have both a C3 and C4 and I would make sure you spend some time behind the wheel first.
The C3 in my opinion has the better looks and I will always enjoy looking at the C3 over the C4, but that is where it ends.
Whenever I go for a drive I will get in the C4 over the C3. The C4 is quicker,handles much better,has better a/c, brakes,power and is just better to drive. Unless you are buying garage art like my 72,you may be disappointed.
I am not trying to discourage you at all,just wanted you to hear from someone who has both.
The C3 in my opinion has the better looks and I will always enjoy looking at the C3 over the C4, but that is where it ends.
Whenever I go for a drive I will get in the C4 over the C3. The C4 is quicker,handles much better,has better a/c, brakes,power and is just better to drive. Unless you are buying garage art like my 72,you may be disappointed.
I am not trying to discourage you at all,just wanted you to hear from someone who has both.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 60
Likes: 1
I think that price is too high.
3 months ago I bought a 42K mile L48 4-speed silver anniversary for $8500.
It is in very good condition, 1 repaint 10 years ago, new carpet, original excellent black leather seats.
At the risk of upsetting some, I think the auto trans reduces price. I also think the red interior reduces price.
Of course, the L82 adds.
I think if you look at private sales you will be able to find a much better deal.
3 months ago I bought a 42K mile L48 4-speed silver anniversary for $8500.
It is in very good condition, 1 repaint 10 years ago, new carpet, original excellent black leather seats.
At the risk of upsetting some, I think the auto trans reduces price. I also think the red interior reduces price.
Of course, the L82 adds.
I think if you look at private sales you will be able to find a much better deal.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 7,009
Likes: 11
From: Philadelphia, sub burbs Wynnewood, PA
Just buy it that's a great deal
Honestly tell me where the car is and ill buy it. 
....besides then your corvette forum name would makes no sense. 
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 18,341
Likes: 101
A dealer would certainly be more interested than a private seller but I'd still be ready to sell the '96 myself if I were in your shoes.
I know it seems obvious but really.....
Any dealer needs to make money on each car he brings in and turns around for a sale.
He's almost DEFINATELY gonna low ball you on your trade. If you car is a rag top it should sell pretty easily this time of year. Especially if it's as clean as you describe it.
Then again....... we're talking small numbers here. Neither a '96 or a '78 go for big price tags so maybe I'm wrong. If you're willing to "eat" a couple of thousand dollars to avoid the grief of selling in a private sale....then just trade it drive away and enjoy the rest of the summer.
If I put some perspective on this? The average price of a new car today is now in excess of $30,000, more than twice what these two cars are worth and let's face it people trade away used cars for new everyday. Most are willingly to give up a lot more than you are likely to spend for the convenience of trading these Corvettes.
I know it seems obvious but really.....
Any dealer needs to make money on each car he brings in and turns around for a sale.
He's almost DEFINATELY gonna low ball you on your trade. If you car is a rag top it should sell pretty easily this time of year. Especially if it's as clean as you describe it.
Then again....... we're talking small numbers here. Neither a '96 or a '78 go for big price tags so maybe I'm wrong. If you're willing to "eat" a couple of thousand dollars to avoid the grief of selling in a private sale....then just trade it drive away and enjoy the rest of the summer.
If I put some perspective on this? The average price of a new car today is now in excess of $30,000, more than twice what these two cars are worth and let's face it people trade away used cars for new everyday. Most are willingly to give up a lot more than you are likely to spend for the convenience of trading these Corvettes.