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I need some opinions from those more knowledgeable about C3s and external opinions on their possible values. This C3 is a 1973 101,000 original miles with the 350 small block. Basically 100% original except for basic maintenance and replacing warn out parts. The car was involved in a rear-end accident while being towed to have some maintenance done. The damage and paint has been repaired.
This really isn't a car I'm interested in, But it was my late papaw's car and has stayed in the family since his passing. My aunt has had it for 20 years in a barn. No upkeep or maintenance was done. My cousin purchased it about 4 months ago for around $12,000. He's since spent about $10,000 worth of basic maintenance that's been needed for the last 20 years. He's now wanting to sell it. 😑 He's willing to sell it to a family member for $20,000 but if no family member wants to purchase it, he's going to list it for $25,000.
I was thinking he would be hard pressed to sell it for $15-16k. I've seen similar condition with lower miles going for $18-19k from dealers.
I am going to offer him $15,000 to keep it in the family.
I was wanting some external opinions that's not emotionally invested to tell me what they think about the value.
No disrespect, but if you are not interested in the car, why fool with it?
because my papaw meant a great deal to me. I'm not interested in a 1973 Corvette. However, this specific corvette holds an emotional value for me. With that said, I'm not going to make a poor financial choice based purely on emotion. Hints this post.
$15k is a little low for a sorted, mostly original 1973 Vette, especially one that has some emotional value. But it all comes down to what you're willing to spend. Pick a number, stick to it, if you get the car great, if not, it wasn't meant to be.
$15k is a little low for a sorted, mostly original 1973 Vette, especially one that has some emotional value. But it all comes down to what you're willing to spend. Pick a number, stick to it, if you get the car great, if not, it wasn't meant to be.
cool deal. Thanks! If you was looking for a C3 and given the information you have here, what would you feel is a good offer? If I could understand what a fair offer is for this vehicle, then offer him a few thousand less for the "family" discount, I would be happy with that. I can pay the 20k he wants, but honestly it pisses me off how he's handle this whole thing. Family drama, we'll just leave it at that. From what I was seeing other similar cars priced. I figured 16-17k would be fair for this car and asking him to knock a few k off for family got me to $15k.
Looks good to me and you have the history of car which is worth thousands of dollars. Buy it life is to short and what can you buy for that price as a sport car?
No problem offering $16K for it. But depending on where you are located, a '73 car in that condition could sell for $18-20K+ (higher values if near a large city). It's a nice car in a desirable color with early-C3 tail and bumper design....and it is in mechanically good condition.
I'm not sure that a financial "investment" strategy is such a good idea, but over the long-haul that car should increase in value. How much? Who knows?
IMO, if that car has emotional value for you and you have the [good] storage space and money to support it, $18K +/- is reasonable to expect. Why your cousin would put another $10K into a $12K (purchased) car that is worth less than $20K, I'm not sure. If I were him, I would place the car on consignment sale in the nearest large city and take what I could get.
You have to decide how much keeping the car for 'sentimental' purposes is worth to you. Since you really don't want or need a C3 vehicle, maybe you should just help your cousin find a good home for the car.
Looks good to me and you have the history of car which is worth thousands of dollars. Buy it life is to short and what can you buy for that price as a sport car?
I hear ya. I will more than likely buy it. Sadly, if I do there won't be a supercharger going on my Camaro this year. The wifers already gave me that ultimatum lol.
No AC. T-tops, 4-speed manual. Not sure of any other options. Mechanically it's decent. But it still needs some love to be a reliable driver. Needs new tires like 10 years ago.
No problem offering $16K for it. But depending on where you are located, a '73 car in that condition could sell for $18-20K+ (higher values if near a large city). It's a nice car in a desirable color with early-C3 tail and bumper design....and it is in mechanically good condition.
I'm not sure that a financial "investment" strategy is such a good idea, but over the long-haul that car should increase in value. How much? Who knows?
IMO, if that car has emotional value for you and you have the [good] storage space and money to support it, $18K +/- is reasonable to expect. Why your cousin would put another $10K into a $12K (purchased) car that is worth less than $20K, I'm not sure. If I were him, I would place the car on consignment sale in the nearest large city and take what I could get.
You have to decide how much keeping the car for 'sentimental' purposes is worth to you. Since you really don't want or need a C3 vehicle, maybe you should just help your cousin find a good home for the car.
hey thanks for the reply! Lot to think about there, but I do appreciate the info.
Just another opinion mind you , but if the car needs some more finishing work, tires etc $15k is in the high side ( I am not including any sentimental value)
What shape is the paint in? The interior? Original drivetrain ? A 1973 is a unique year , some people love it and some don’t. I would place the value at $11 to 12k.
Remember what he put in it financially to get it up and running is irrelevant.
Of Course I am a very sentimental guy. Can’t put a value on that. Ike
just remind the current owner that the 10k he spent on the car was 2k in parts and 8k in labor. labor does not increase the value of the car.
in fact, upkeep doesn't really increase value. the headlights are supposed to go up and down. the belts and hoses are supposed to not pop when driving down the road. the lights are supposed to work...
Last edited by derekderek; Jul 20, 2021 at 09:13 AM.
Just another opinion mind you , but if the car needs some more finishing work, tires etc $15k is in the high side ( I am not including any sentimental value)
What shape is the paint in? The interior? Original drivetrain ? A 1973 is a unique year , some people love it and some don’t. I would place the value at $11 to 12k.
Remember what he put in it financially to get it up and running is irrelevant.
Of Course I am a very sentimental guy. Can’t put a value on that. Ike
So I was just talking this over with my Dad since the car was originally his father's. He knows a bit more of its history. So the car was originally crashed. My uncle rebuilt the car. So the blue that's on it is not the original paint. With that said, it is in very good shape for the age. It's a bit faded with small blemishes. The interior is worn and nothing near anything resembling new. Most of the switches and **** are faded or cracked. The drive train is original as far as I know. And it felt solid the last time I drove it.
just remind the current owner that the 10k he spent on the car was 2k in parts and 8k in labor. labor does not increase the value of the car.
in fact, upkeep doesn't really increase value. the headlights are supposed to go up and down. the belts and hoses are supposed to not pop when driving down the road. the lights are supposed to work...
Wrecked, high miles needs work. He would be real lucky to see 15 out of it and thats pushing it.
20-25 hes on crack to ask that from family? Greed.
Maybe he should try ebay or pass it to you.....I think he overpaid in the first place. Yeah its neat, 4 speed and all but its an old chevy thats gonna suck your money up.
Score it right, drive it and get your usage out of it, letting them sit just ruins most cars.
Have you driven the car? By "Papaw", I'm assuming it was your grandfather's car and not your fathers (?) and you are a younger guy. Are you familiar with older cars? I see a late model Camaro in your avatar so don't expect the Vette to drive like a new car. That said, I love older cars (maybe because I'm 65) and especially old Corvettes. The sound, the feel and the view out the front with the fender bilges gives you an experience you can't get with a new car. I know you said the car itself doesn't turn you on but maybe after you start driving it around and getting thumbs ups from everybody you'll value the car even more and come to really like it.
I think your starting price is a good offer and I'd probably go $20K max on it too. The car market is a little crazy right now though so your cousin might be able to get his asking price if he knows the right places to advertise it. Waving a fist full of hundies in front of his face might sway him to take the money and run though. Good luck!
Last edited by ChiliPepperGarage; Jul 20, 2021 at 10:17 AM.
Wrecked, high miles needs work. He would be real lucky to see 15 out of it and thats pushing it.
20-25 hes on crack to ask that from family? Greed.
Maybe he should try ebay or pass it to you.....I think he overpaid in the first place. Yeah its neat, 4 speed and all but its an old chevy thats gonna suck your money up.
Score it right, drive it and get your usage out of it, letting them sit just ruins most cars.
Yea, issue is, he isn't really a "car guy". He wanted the car because it was our papaws and thought having a classic would be awesome. Then he started sinking $$$ just to get it drivable and now thinks that's exponentially increased the value. I'm just hoping I can pitch a good enough argument his way to convince him to sell for less than what he thinks it's worth. I think $15k is more than reasonable. Also, going to offer to just keep it at my place and I'll take care of it for him haha. Doubt that will fly.
Have you driven the car? By "Papaw", I'm assuming it was your grandfather's car and not your fathers (?) and you are a younger guy. Are you familiar with older cars? I see a late model Camaro in your avatar so don't expect the Vette to drive like a new car. That said, I love older cars (maybe because I'm 65) and especially old Corvettes. The sound, the feel and the view out the front with the fender bilges gives you an experience you can't get with a new car. I know you said the car itself doesn't turn you on but maybe after you start driving it around and getting thumbs ups from everybody you'll value the car even more and come to really like it.
I think your starting price is a good offer and I'd probably go $20K max on it too. The car market is a little crazy right now though so your cousin might be able to get his asking price if he knows the right places to advertise it. Waving a fist full of hundies in front of his face might sway him to take the money and run though. Good luck!
hey, thanks for the input! Yes, papaw = grandfather. I know enough about older cars to be a tad dangerous. I try to do my own work where I can. I'm proud to say I've currently done all modifications to my Camaro except the CAM install, flex fuel install and tune.
I have driven the corvette a bit. We have a weekly drive in car show every Friday. I plan to take the vette this Friday to get a feel for it and judge how all the new additions/maintenance done since he purchased the car feels.
Opinions on C3 value.
