Looking to buy
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 22
Likes: 2
Looking to buy
Hey fellow Corvette peeps.
I am looking to buy my first C3. I have owned classic cars and motorcycles in the past, but this is my first Corvette. I am eyeing this guy: https://www.gatewayclassiccars.com/F...rolet-Corvette
I am familiar with the basics in regards to the buyers checklist, but I am a novice Corvette enthusiast, and figured I would post this car here first to see if anyone with a more keen eye wouldn't mind giving me any feedback? It all checks out, from the inquiries that i have done thus far, but I am sure a second pair of eyes wouldn't hurt.
Much appreciated!
PS New to the forum.
A
I am looking to buy my first C3. I have owned classic cars and motorcycles in the past, but this is my first Corvette. I am eyeing this guy: https://www.gatewayclassiccars.com/F...rolet-Corvette
I am familiar with the basics in regards to the buyers checklist, but I am a novice Corvette enthusiast, and figured I would post this car here first to see if anyone with a more keen eye wouldn't mind giving me any feedback? It all checks out, from the inquiries that i have done thus far, but I am sure a second pair of eyes wouldn't hurt.
Much appreciated!
PS New to the forum.
A
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,703
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
Welcome to the forum!
i watched the video but did not look at all of the pics. $16,500 is a little pricey for a 74 coupe, but it is a dealership and the car looks to be in good condition. The car has a lot of mods including the wheels (nice), seats (very nice), side exhaust and an aftermarket tach/shift light. The last, though cool, would make me wonder how much time the car spent at the drag strip.
i watched the video but did not look at all of the pics. $16,500 is a little pricey for a 74 coupe, but it is a dealership and the car looks to be in good condition. The car has a lot of mods including the wheels (nice), seats (very nice), side exhaust and an aftermarket tach/shift light. The last, though cool, would make me wonder how much time the car spent at the drag strip.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 22
Likes: 2
Appreciate the reply. That's drag strip thing is a great observation. I wouldn't have thought of it myself.
I did watched the video a few times and noticed that it's blowing a little bit of smoke. That worries me a bit.
I did watched the video a few times and noticed that it's blowing a little bit of smoke. That worries me a bit.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
If marked as such, the Owner states, this vehicles as numbers matching and/or original mileage. It has not been verified by Gateway Classic Cars. As such Gateway Classic Cars is not guaranteeing the authenticity of this claim. Buyer is encouraged to verify this information on their own, prior to purchase.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 1,191
How about a late C3? I will be listing one of my Corvettes for sale soon. The red '80 has 49k miles. The white '81 has 42k miles. Both are 4-speed cars. I would want $15,500 for either one. They are located near Crystal Lake, IL turbo.jet427@yahoo.com
Racer
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 421
Likes: 34
From: Troy Michigan
Hey fellow Corvette peeps.
I am looking to buy my first C3. I have owned classic cars and motorcycles in the past, but this is my first Corvette. I am eyeing this guy: https://www.gatewayclassiccars.com/F...rolet-Corvette
I am familiar with the basics in regards to the buyers checklist, but I am a novice Corvette enthusiast, and figured I would post this car here first to see if anyone with a more keen eye wouldn't mind giving me any feedback? It all checks out, from the inquiries that i have done thus far, but I am sure a second pair of eyes wouldn't hurt.
Much appreciated!
PS New to the forum.
A
I am looking to buy my first C3. I have owned classic cars and motorcycles in the past, but this is my first Corvette. I am eyeing this guy: https://www.gatewayclassiccars.com/F...rolet-Corvette
I am familiar with the basics in regards to the buyers checklist, but I am a novice Corvette enthusiast, and figured I would post this car here first to see if anyone with a more keen eye wouldn't mind giving me any feedback? It all checks out, from the inquiries that i have done thus far, but I am sure a second pair of eyes wouldn't hurt.
Much appreciated!
PS New to the forum.
A
due to the not original engine I am asking 8 k, which is quite a good price (half of the other costs)!!! Car runs perfect and I’d love to tell you all about it, I love the car and the car is beautiful. I painted it myself so I know all about it! 
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 581
From: Conway South Carolina
You may want to look at www.hobbycarcorvettes.net, they always seem to have a good selection of C3's. From what I saw $16.5 is a bit pricey. The Hookers have rust, saw some chrome pitting, and someone never figured out how to park it without bashing the nose. I'd take a step back, and continue your search.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 19
Likes: 2
Hey fellow Corvette peeps.
I am looking to buy my first C3. I have owned classic cars and motorcycles in the past, but this is my first Corvette. I am eyeing this guy: https://www.gatewayclassiccars.com/F...rolet-Corvette
I am familiar with the basics in regards to the buyers checklist, but I am a novice Corvette enthusiast, and figured I would post this car here first to see if anyone with a more keen eye wouldn't mind giving me any feedback? It all checks out, from the inquiries that i have done thus far, but I am sure a second pair of eyes wouldn't hurt.
Much appreciated!
PS New to the forum.
A
I am looking to buy my first C3. I have owned classic cars and motorcycles in the past, but this is my first Corvette. I am eyeing this guy: https://www.gatewayclassiccars.com/F...rolet-Corvette
I am familiar with the basics in regards to the buyers checklist, but I am a novice Corvette enthusiast, and figured I would post this car here first to see if anyone with a more keen eye wouldn't mind giving me any feedback? It all checks out, from the inquiries that i have done thus far, but I am sure a second pair of eyes wouldn't hurt.
Much appreciated!
PS New to the forum.
A
good luck with your search
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,180
Likes: 297
From: Sarasota Florida
Welcome to the forum.
Take your time. You'll be amazed at how much valuable information you'll acquire by searching sites and forums. The search is just as much fun as buy. Then the real love affair begins. Educate yourself, it'll become a lifetime passion.
Take your time. You'll be amazed at how much valuable information you'll acquire by searching sites and forums. The search is just as much fun as buy. Then the real love affair begins. Educate yourself, it'll become a lifetime passion.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,558
Likes: 548
From: Round Rock Texas
Hello Adam, and welcome.
I’m pretty new to C3 ownership, but I can tell you the folks here know everything there is to know about these cars. I think $16.5K is too high for this car and I’m thinking the engine might be a little “tired” with 83K miles. Our first C3 came to us with 87K miles and the engine is currently being replaced with a brand new crate engine.
i think a good rule of thumb is to plan to put at least half of your purchase price into one of these to fix or replace everything that needs fixing or replacing. (That’s a conservative estimate on many of these cars). Good luck. Take your time and enjoy the search for your C3!
I’m pretty new to C3 ownership, but I can tell you the folks here know everything there is to know about these cars. I think $16.5K is too high for this car and I’m thinking the engine might be a little “tired” with 83K miles. Our first C3 came to us with 87K miles and the engine is currently being replaced with a brand new crate engine.
i think a good rule of thumb is to plan to put at least half of your purchase price into one of these to fix or replace everything that needs fixing or replacing. (That’s a conservative estimate on many of these cars). Good luck. Take your time and enjoy the search for your C3!
Last edited by Jstan2014; Aug 28, 2019 at 12:45 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,150
Likes: 154
nice looking vette(didn't watch the video)but(there's always a but) Depending what state you live in if the pollution controls are gone you can't get it inspected.Personally I would look for a bone stock vette even if it needed a little work.One that's been owned by a middle or older person that's owned it for a number of years.They are out there ,you just have to find it.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,558
Likes: 548
From: Round Rock Texas
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
You have 16k, you can afford chrome bumpers. No dealers. They tack on 5k. Read post 133. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...orvette-7.html. and take your time. One thing I recommend is look at the local ones to you. Cheap projects and stuff over your budget limit.
Last edited by derekderek; Aug 31, 2019 at 11:44 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 205
Likes: 15
From: East Greenwich NJ
I realize it is a bit of a moot point now, but I will throw in a comment about the dealer. Gateway always carries an impressive variety of cars (multiple locations around the country). I have been to one of their facilities, and condition does vary in a way not really reflected in pics. Their prices tend to be strong, but I have not purchased there, so I do not know how much room they build in for negotiation. I do know they go after consignments. I had a CTS-V coupe listed locally, and they reached out and offered to list my car for a fee to take the necessary glamour shots. In my mind, consignment in any field means 2 people need to make money, so buyer's end price tends to be higher.
My .02
My .02
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 22
Likes: 2
Hello. I have continued my search and came across this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1977-Chevro...2/123902326552
I am in talks with the seller and considering buying. I will likely use https://lemonsquad.com/landing-page-...RoCF1UQAvD_BwE for the inspection services unless any of you k now of a better option? (The vehicle is 2000 miles away so I wont be able to inspect it myself in person)
Any thoughts would be appreciated
thanks!
I am in talks with the seller and considering buying. I will likely use https://lemonsquad.com/landing-page-...RoCF1UQAvD_BwE for the inspection services unless any of you k now of a better option? (The vehicle is 2000 miles away so I wont be able to inspect it myself in person)
Any thoughts would be appreciated
thanks!