C3 Values Dropping
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 15,802
Likes: 90
From: Fairfield, VA
Most guys really don't like the PO2s either.
(get those rallies back on)I have been looking forever, and I find the nicest cars
are keeping steady, just a tad lower or even to than '08.
There is so much rusted junk out there that there is NO WHERE to go but down,
they are nightmares, which
helps hold the decent to better than average to excellent cars
up in price. Junk skews the price. Some guy had a DD '75 that
was a pc of crap w/ 150k+ and wanted $7500 near me. No chance.
It's virtually worthless.
Autos won't sell for money, either. I would NEVER buy one.
SO that cuts the market.
BB's, not my cup of tea, I have not looked.
If you have a nice, rust free, 4 spd C3, sure, that limits your buyers $ wise,
but they are there.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 721
Likes: 105
From: hernando fl
I just checked out the link Paul74 put up. it seems to me the prices have stayed steady for a while , with the exception of the high end stuff. in my opinion the high end stuff was overpriced prior to the economic downturn and there has been a " correction" in that area of the market.
During the last 6 or 7 years , everything has taken a huge hit in value , real estate , stocks , you name it , it has taken a pretty bad beating.
if the information is correct , and I think it is , it says a lot about the popularity , collectability , financial stability and staying power of these cars. I have to believe there will be a nice steady rise in value if the economy ever does turn for the better. I do realize that is a BIG if.
FWIW I have found no great deals on any C-3 , I have been looking for a deal too good to pass up for several years and they are just not out there.
During the last 6 or 7 years , everything has taken a huge hit in value , real estate , stocks , you name it , it has taken a pretty bad beating.
if the information is correct , and I think it is , it says a lot about the popularity , collectability , financial stability and staying power of these cars. I have to believe there will be a nice steady rise in value if the economy ever does turn for the better. I do realize that is a BIG if.
FWIW I have found no great deals on any C-3 , I have been looking for a deal too good to pass up for several years and they are just not out there.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 469
Likes: 24
From: Kansas City KS
You are making a generalization on all C3s. My 1974 L-48 convertible value (condition #3) has basically not changed since 2006.
http://www.hagerty.com/valuationtool...port?vc=655723
http://www.hagerty.com/valuationtool...port?vc=655723
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 98
From: Ontario
I just checked out the link Paul74 put up. it seems to me the prices have stayed steady for a while , with the exception of the high end stuff. in my opinion the high end stuff was overpriced prior to the economic downturn and there has been a " correction" in that area of the market.
During the last 6 or 7 years , everything has taken a huge hit in value , real estate , stocks , you name it , it has taken a pretty bad beating.
if the information is correct , and I think it is , it says a lot about the popularity , collectability , financial stability and staying power of these cars. I have to believe there will be a nice steady rise in value if the economy ever does turn for the better. I do realize that is a BIG if.
FWIW I have found no great deals on any C-3 , I have been looking for a deal too good to pass up for several years and they are just not out there.
During the last 6 or 7 years , everything has taken a huge hit in value , real estate , stocks , you name it , it has taken a pretty bad beating.
if the information is correct , and I think it is , it says a lot about the popularity , collectability , financial stability and staying power of these cars. I have to believe there will be a nice steady rise in value if the economy ever does turn for the better. I do realize that is a BIG if.
FWIW I have found no great deals on any C-3 , I have been looking for a deal too good to pass up for several years and they are just not out there.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,672
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
You are making a generalization on all C3s. My 1974 L-48 convertible value (condition #3) has basically not changed since 2006.
http://www.hagerty.com/valuationtool...port?vc=655723
http://www.hagerty.com/valuationtool...port?vc=655723
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,031
Likes: 13
From: Milton GA
My opinion: C3s will appreciate as the entry cost into the C2 market gets out of hand.
C4s will plummet. C5s and C6s are depreciating on a daily basis.
In short: C3 is the latest production generation that you can expect to most likely NOT LOSE money on unless you do something to screw it up.
C4s will plummet. C5s and C6s are depreciating on a daily basis.
In short: C3 is the latest production generation that you can expect to most likely NOT LOSE money on unless you do something to screw it up.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,274
Likes: 6
From: Corvetteville USA
I do agree though, I think they would even look better with the redline tires though. I have a feeling my next set will be those tires. But I am taking my time in getting those. There will be no burnouts allowed in this car, ever!!!!!!!
And yes, love this car big time!
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,231
Likes: 115
From: Yelm Wa
My opinion: C3s will appreciate as the entry cost into the C2 market gets out of hand.
C4s will plummet. C5s and C6s are depreciating on a daily basis.
In short: C3 is the latest production generation that you can expect to most likely NOT LOSE money on unless you do something to screw it up.
C4s will plummet. C5s and C6s are depreciating on a daily basis.
In short: C3 is the latest production generation that you can expect to most likely NOT LOSE money on unless you do something to screw it up.
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,499
Likes: 6,971
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
You guys just don't know how to invest........
my wife says the value of this rookie's C3 goes up 20% every time UPS shows up at the door!
Soon I'll have both headlights aimed in the same direction (and maybe the correct cap installed...LOL
my wife says the value of this rookie's C3 goes up 20% every time UPS shows up at the door!
Soon I'll have both headlights aimed in the same direction (and maybe the correct cap installed...LOL
Pro
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 557
Likes: 3
From: El Sobrante CA
Because I'm a realist, I expect to keep this car for several years, making fiscally reasonable improvements as I go. Then, if I sell - say - in 10 years - and the car's in a low #3 condition, I'll likely break even (less repairs/upgrades) or even be slightly below. Doesn't really matter. For my desires, situation, and other hobbie$, a more expensive bumper or 'vert wouldn't make much $ense. And there are probably others like me out there.
Or not.
Last edited by Capkunu; Dec 26, 2013 at 03:28 PM.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,923
Likes: 6,179
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
Lots of arguments about values and market these day... a popular topic to debate... but I just haven't seen much movement at all in the real world of C3s of all models for years now. Very steady.
I do tend to ignore most of the print sources as most are usually very wrong. A better gauge is real world sales. I just dont see where they are dropping. The more expensive bumper cars and convertibles and big blocks are selling for similar money as they were years ago, as are the lower-priced cars.
I do tend to ignore most of the print sources as most are usually very wrong. A better gauge is real world sales. I just dont see where they are dropping. The more expensive bumper cars and convertibles and big blocks are selling for similar money as they were years ago, as are the lower-priced cars.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,923
Likes: 6,179
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
Thats like adding a stinger hood or sidepipes to a split window to me. Some people love it, but it seemed you were going for a correct '71 look?
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,274
Likes: 6
From: Corvetteville USA
It's total personal opinion of course, but I think redlines on a car that you have been so arduous on regarding correctness and originality would be a terrible idea...
Thats like adding a stinger hood or sidepipes to a split window to me. Some people love it, but it seemed you were going for a correct '71 look?
Thats like adding a stinger hood or sidepipes to a split window to me. Some people love it, but it seemed you were going for a correct '71 look?
Is that right? That appears to be what you are stating. If redlines never came from the factory on a 1971 corvette I don't want them!
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,358
Likes: 379
From: Plano TX
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,274
Likes: 6
From: Corvetteville USA
Racer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 475
Likes: 3
From: Windham NH
The problem with them if I'm correct are that they are not a tire to use for everyday driving. The originals and the reproductions are bias ply where most drivers want radials. They are more for judging or short rides. It sounds like you are looking to drive slightly more than that.
I would love to get a set of the Firestones for my car but I like to drive it so might hold off..
I think most people with the PO2's use the white stripe tires instead of the white lettered tires..
Last edited by 63vette427; Dec 26, 2013 at 07:25 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,274
Likes: 6
From: Corvetteville USA
You can get either Goodyears or Firestone tires. I don't think either of the reproductions are totally NCRS Correct. I think they are both small deductions but the Repo Goodyears are closer to correct.
The problem with them if I'm correct are that they are not a tire to use for everyday driving. The originals and the reproductions are bias ply where most drivers want radials. They are more for judging or short rides. It sounds like you are looking to drive slightly more than that.
I would love to get a set of the Firestones for my car but I like to drive it so might hold off..
I think most people with the PO2's use the white stripe tires instead of the white lettered tires..
The problem with them if I'm correct are that they are not a tire to use for everyday driving. The originals and the reproductions are bias ply where most drivers want radials. They are more for judging or short rides. It sounds like you are looking to drive slightly more than that.
I would love to get a set of the Firestones for my car but I like to drive it so might hold off..
I think most people with the PO2's use the white stripe tires instead of the white lettered tires..
Racer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 475
Likes: 3
From: Windham NH