Purchase Advice eBay/craigslist/etc
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5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2018
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Purchase Advice eBay/craigslist/etc
Hello, newbie to the forum. Am looking for a C3, 69 Coupe preferred, and was wondering what advice you'd have for looking at cars for sale on eBay and Craigslist? Seeing them in person isn't always feasible. Not necessarily concerned with numbers matching. More concerned with underneath the fiberglass issues.
This one looks decent (https://www.ebay.com/itm/CHEVROLET-C...xbWkUE&vxp=mtr) but am not sure what else I should be looking at or requesting the dealer to provide (video of engine running, underneath car, etc.)
My apologies if there's already a posting of this topic.
Thanks, Joe
This one looks decent (https://www.ebay.com/itm/CHEVROLET-C...xbWkUE&vxp=mtr) but am not sure what else I should be looking at or requesting the dealer to provide (video of engine running, underneath car, etc.)
My apologies if there's already a posting of this topic.
Thanks, Joe
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Joined: Jul 2015
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Hello, newbie to the forum. Am looking for a C3, 69 Coupe preferred, and was wondering what advice you'd have for looking at cars for sale on eBay and Craigslist? Seeing them in person isn't always feasible. Not necessarily concerned with numbers matching. More concerned with underneath the fiberglass issues.
This one looks decent (https://www.ebay.com/itm/CHEVROLET-C...xbWkUE&vxp=mtr) but am not sure what else I should be looking at or requesting the dealer to provide (video of engine running, underneath car, etc.)
My apologies if there's already a posting of this topic.
Thanks, Joe
This one looks decent (https://www.ebay.com/itm/CHEVROLET-C...xbWkUE&vxp=mtr) but am not sure what else I should be looking at or requesting the dealer to provide (video of engine running, underneath car, etc.)
My apologies if there's already a posting of this topic.
Thanks, Joe
Point is you will def pay a higher price for a car with a full resto.....I think ebay is a more trusted site than craigs list.....Some good dealers advertise on eBay and you can check there reviews....With craigs list you really can't check reviews its more of a private sale.....I would not buy anything off a craigs list add sight unseen...
EBay is a little different.....You can check a dealers status on eBay and there inventory of other quality cars...
Check the for sale section on this forum...Seems there are some knowledgeable sellers.If distance is an issue you may find someone close who can check the car out....
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,377
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From: Bedford New York
That one appears to have the very rare 4-wheel drive option. 
Best advice I can give you is this: find one that is appealing to you, but have a local expert on C3 Corvettes give it a pre-purchase inspection ("PPI") before you commit to anything.
Good luck on your search!
Best advice I can give you is this: find one that is appealing to you, but have a local expert on C3 Corvettes give it a pre-purchase inspection ("PPI") before you commit to anything.
Good luck on your search!
Last edited by Tonio; Jul 30, 2018 at 01:32 PM.
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From: To the far right side of the far left
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I just sold my C3 on CL a couple weeks ago. I was up front about the condition of the car, provided plenty of pictures and inspection details. I delivered it to the owner and spent time making sure he was comfortable with it.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2013
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I always doubt the dealer cars. You get a ton of outside pictures, less on the inside, none on the engine compartment so ask for them. They need top dollar, that's what they do. Look for a private owner!
RVZIO
RVZIO
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From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
Dealers at least have something to lose when they lie. I don’t think one or the other is better. Judge the car, period.
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Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,355
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From: Draper Utah
The L46 is not a base car and should bring a $3k to $5k premium. That car looks like a factory AC car that had the compressor switch out when it was converted to R134, I did the same when I upgraded my AC. But $39k is too much in my humble opinion. YMMV
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Chino Hills CA
If I was spending a few grand for a car, I'd take a chance, but for forty large, I'd buy a plane ticket and check it out in person. A $300 plane ticket is only 1 % of the purchase price. Plus, it could be an adventure to drive it home.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 4,399
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Your entitled to your opinion, but if you know what your looking at a dealer won't budge as much as a private owner. Agree to disagree?
Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Clarkston MI
C3 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
2018 C3 of Year Finalist
When you're spending that much on a car why not spend another $200-$300 to have someone check it out in person. In the past I've reached out to the local NCRS chapter chairman who've put me in contact with a knowledgeable person in that area.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,458
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From: Indy Indiana
the best advice I can give you is to NOT buy the car sight unseen. so many horror stories out there.
40K is a very high retail price. no underside pics, plan on a couple K to fix the little things.
cracked console and hole in passenger seat in a new restoration, usually means other things have been overlooked and not restored. so i question 'fully restored'
easy to draw that rear end down with longer bolts. or just needs a year or 2 to settle.
with no underside pics, you have no idea about the rust.
insist on many underside pics before you even think about going to go look.
40K is a very high retail price. no underside pics, plan on a couple K to fix the little things.
cracked console and hole in passenger seat in a new restoration, usually means other things have been overlooked and not restored. so i question 'fully restored'
easy to draw that rear end down with longer bolts. or just needs a year or 2 to settle.
with no underside pics, you have no idea about the rust.
insist on many underside pics before you even think about going to go look.