Well I went today to go look at a 78 vette and I just want your opinion if it is a good price. Like I said it was a 78 25th anniv vette silver and black. It was all origional w/ 47k miles on it. The car is in almost perfect shape, the only problems I noticed are a big chip off the paint by the door and the interior door panels are faded and need to be replaced. The dealership is asking 15k pretty firm. What do you think?

oh and it is a 3 spd. I was driving it and Im not sure exactly to work it. Do you drive it like a manual and shift up and down, or do you drive it like an auto and just throw it in 3rd?


[Modified by MBVette, 5:54 AM 8/25/2001]

 

No - not 15K.
12 - 13 K with excellent interior, but not 15 K.

 

Greetings,

I agree with Bseery, 15k sounds like a lot (I hate to admit it being I own one myself). However, you don't mentioned a few other things.

By all original, does that mean you checked the engine numbers and the trim tag inside teh drivers door for the correct codes?

Is it the L82 or L48 and is the engine original? If the 5th digit of the VIN is an "L", it came stock with the L48 (350/185hp). If the 5th digit is a 4, it came stock with the L82 (350/220hp)

Is it the right paint and interior colors? Check the trim tag inside teh drivers door along the windshield pillar. It should have two code for the paint, 13 and 07. Silver top with dark gray bottom. This was the Silver Anniversary paint code option "B2Z".

If it's silver bottom with a Black Top, now we're talking 78 Pace Car. If that's the case, it's in very good condition, doesn't need a paint job, and pretty much original, 15k might not be too bad. The trim tag code would be 19/47 instead of 13/07. There would also be a special commemorative plate on the console near the shifter.

By 3-speed, I assume you are talking 3-speed automatic. If so, just put it in drive "D" and leave it there. Forget shifting for the most part.

Check out the Part 1, 2 and 3 inspection sites below:
http://www.sharkwerkes.com/sharktank/tech2/tech2.html

For the engine number locations, check out the site below:
http://www.sharkwerkes.com/sharktank.../vinguide.html

The car pictured in my signature below is the 13/07 Silver Anniversary paint.

 

Too Much $$$$$$.

 

15k does sound high , but something you need to keep in mind.
This is a dealership, considering how much dealerships normally jack up prices, this seems about right.
But you would find it alot cheaper from a normall seller/owner
just my .02

 

I did not check the numbers so that I can not answer with 100% certainty but the guy was oretty honest w/ me b/c I looked at a couple other cars and he went out of his way to tell me problems with them w/o me asking (not like it means everything was the truth)

It was the silver top and the dark grey bottom, the silver anniversary paint and I did check the paint to make sure it did match.

It has the smaller engine the L48 in it.

So you think that I should be able to talk this guy down from his price then. My problem is that I dont have much time to look around everywhere for the car as I totaled my previous car and my time in the rental is ticking. I know I should not rush this, but that has to come into consideration.

 

I would buy a beater and take my time to purchase a really good Vette at a fair price. There really isn't anything special about an L48 automatic and $15,000 sounds like too much. I would read the above listed threads and get real familiar as to what mechanically to look for in purchasing a Vette. There are a lot of things to check to help insure you are getting a sound vehicle.

Just my $0.02.

 

ok so I have a question for you guys then, as much as I agree I should buy a beater until I truly find the car I want I doubt I will do that as my funds are very limited.
I do like this car very much and it is in very good shape. If I can get him down a little on the price is it worth to overpay now? Or should I just keep looking.

 

Everyone likes giving purchasing advice... including me... :rolleyes:

Have a good mechanic knowledgeable about vettes check this car out. Maybe someone from your area will chime in with a recommendation. Make sure it is mechanically sound. RUST FREE frame. Good strong engine, good suspension, especially rear trailing arms (big bucks). If it checks out... go for it. Price may be a bit high, but its a dealer.

Be sure to check out some other cars, too. A good guide to prices can be found on many of the online classified sites. I really like this one...
http://www.collectorcartraderonline.com/ Great search engine.

Shopping for your first vette can be a lot of fun. It sure was for me. Took me about 8 weeks.

Cheers and good luck! :cheers:

 

Hold up here.

Is it silver and black or sliver and dark silver or is it a Pace Car????????/

THAT will make a huge $$$ difference!


[Modified by Rhys, 7:08 PM 8/25/2001]

 

Right now you have Corvette fever. Listen to the other posters. $15K is way to much. There are plently of nice cars out there, you just have to take your time to find them.

 

it is a sliver top w/ a dark grey almost black bottom. It is not a pace car. Is there a difference between the black/grey bottom and a dark silver bottom? Oh and it has maroon interior.

 

MBV,

I'd suggest you hop over to my web site and read the letter I wrote called Corvette Lust - The Story. And I bought mine from the most respected dealer in the area who has been in business selling nothing but Corvette's for 25 years.
http://home.hvc.rr.com/joesvette/corvette_lust.htm

 

ok I would admit that I prolly have corvette fever :yesnod: as I am sure most people do when they are getting ready to buy there 1st vette. As with you I am looking at probably the top dealer in the area. The guy has been pretty staight forward to me, there was another car I was looking at and he basically told me that the other car was not in good shape and has no idea why the previous owner did certain things to it. This does not mean he is being truthful about the '78 but who knows.

Is there a way to seach the members and see who lives where?

 

I agree with everyone above. 15,000 is too steep.

 

Yep, too much.


[Modified by Rhys, 10:24 PM 8/25/2001]

 

Its a high price, but if that is absolutley what you want, and all nums match ( eng and tranny) and frames are in good cond, and everything else is in good cond......You can easily spend that much on a beater and not enjoy it as much. Needless to say, if you don't buy it, someone will, for that price.

 

Your in the drivers seat. My 2cents. dont get in a hurry. If there is any question then this may not be the one for you. go slow and get what you want. I did and i couldnt be happier.
just my 2 cents