Looking for C3
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Remember, these cars are NOT investments, they are more of an expensive hobby.
My advice is to find a car that you can live with, and go for it. Sounds like you are willing to some of the work to keep it going, and are not too worried about a perfect car.
Good luck in your quest.
My advice is to find a car that you can live with, and go for it. Sounds like you are willing to some of the work to keep it going, and are not too worried about a perfect car.
Good luck in your quest.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 831
Likes: 54
From: Arlington TX
Hello all, I'm looking to buy my first corvette. I've done a lot of research on the C3s but it's time to start looking for my own. I'm not picky at all, as long as it's driveable and isn't too big of a project (my funds are limited for right now)
On that note, I dont have too much to spend, probably maxing out around 5k but like I said by no means does it need to be perfect, I just need to be able to drive it about 5 miles a day for a few months before I can invest more into it.
If you don't have one to offer but advice, that's well appreciated too.
On that note, I dont have too much to spend, probably maxing out around 5k but like I said by no means does it need to be perfect, I just need to be able to drive it about 5 miles a day for a few months before I can invest more into it.
If you don't have one to offer but advice, that's well appreciated too.
Don't forget to read the "10 things...buying a C3" write up. Valuable info...
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
There are many different values to each year C3. If you are looking for the best driver value for your money, you will likely find yourself looking for a 1977 L-48 model. Highest production year, translating into lower price and larger sea to pick from.
Don't forget to read the "10 things...buying a C3" write up. Valuable info...
Don't forget to read the "10 things...buying a C3" write up. Valuable info...
Smokin' BBQ Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,692
Likes: 29
From: To the far right side of the far left
NC Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
Remember, these cars are NOT investments, they are more of an expensive hobby.
My advice is to find a car that you can live with, and go for it. Sounds like you are willing to some of the work to keep it going, and are not too worried about a perfect car.
Good luck in your quest.
My advice is to find a car that you can live with, and go for it. Sounds like you are willing to some of the work to keep it going, and are not too worried about a perfect car.
Good luck in your quest.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 530
Likes: 10
There are many different values to each year C3. If you are looking for the best driver value for your money, you will likely find yourself looking for a 1977 L-48 model. Highest production year, translating into lower price and larger sea to pick from.
Don't forget to read the "10 things...buying a C3" write up. Valuable info...
Don't forget to read the "10 things...buying a C3" write up. Valuable info...
http://tech.corvettecentral.com/2010...ction-numbers/
Pro
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 530
Likes: 10
While they have already taken their initial depreciation hit, values on old cars do not necessarily go up, or keep going up forever. And sometimes values actually go down like they did in 2008. The collector car market in general, well, really all collectibles took a huge hit when the economy tanked and given the tepid, largely jobless recovery we've seen since then it is still a very soft buyer's market for cars. The good thing is you can pick up some real bargains, the bad thing is there is no guarantee that they will go up in value and if they do if the appreciation will even match inflation. And an old car can be a money pit for maintenance. Any appreciation may be eaten up when, for example, you have to buy a new set of tires every few years even if you don't drive the car much because they become unsafe just from weathering. Same thing for belts, hoses and fluids... and parts like master cylinders, calipers, etc. that have o-rings in them... they all go bad over time no matter what you do. And if you actually drive the car like it was meant to be, you are going to depreciate it by adding miles and put wear on things...
All that said... don't let that stop you from buying and enjoying a C3... just assume that the "expensive hobby" is reality, because most of the time, it is.
