Which year to buy?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 49
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From: Hillard Ohio
Which year to buy?
What year Corvette should I look for if I am new to Corvettes and want something relatively inexpensive and fairly easy to work on? I like the look of the 1977 models. Would that be a good candidate? What should I look for?
Thanks!
Rocky
Thanks!
Rocky
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,897
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From: Moon Township PA
Re: Which year to buy? (rocky1)
Rocky, without trying to sound like a smart butt, buy the car that YOU like. The differences in the mid to late 70's Corvettes is often subtle. You already mentioned the 77. If it strikes your fancy, go for it! There are some folks who will tell that the mid to late 70's haven't appreciated as much the earlier years. That should help you in your decision. Same thing with auto versus manual transmission. I wouldn't own a Corvette with auto but there are others who love their slush boxes. Same thing with the "what color should I buy or what color should I paint my car?" Again, the one YOU like.
Gary
Gary
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,310
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Re: Which year to buy? (rocky1)
"relatively inexpensive" is relative, but the chrome bumper cars are definitely more expensive than the later C3s. I think that even the later C3s have hit their low spot in the market already though and are holding their own or increasing in value.
Personally, I think these cars are relatively easy to work on and a lot of the parts are "generic Chevy" parts (making prices lower than you might think). I've done a lot of jobs on my Corvette that I never thought I would do. Of course, the knowledge and support you get on this forum makes a lot of jobs easier than they would otherwise be.
There are some good buying guides here and other places on the Web (hopefully, someone else has them bookmarked, Sorry I don't) that will tell you what to look and look out for.
The only other thing I'd offer is the advantage that the '74 model has. If you are in an area that is strict on emissions regulations and you are not the type to "work around" those regulations, the '74 (and earlier) is exempt. That could be a big factor with engine & exhaust mods later on.
Good Luck & ask questions once you start to look at cars.
Personally, I think these cars are relatively easy to work on and a lot of the parts are "generic Chevy" parts (making prices lower than you might think). I've done a lot of jobs on my Corvette that I never thought I would do. Of course, the knowledge and support you get on this forum makes a lot of jobs easier than they would otherwise be.
There are some good buying guides here and other places on the Web (hopefully, someone else has them bookmarked, Sorry I don't) that will tell you what to look and look out for.
The only other thing I'd offer is the advantage that the '74 model has. If you are in an area that is strict on emissions regulations and you are not the type to "work around" those regulations, the '74 (and earlier) is exempt. That could be a big factor with engine & exhaust mods later on.
Good Luck & ask questions once you start to look at cars.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 169
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From: CA
Re: Which year to buy? (jerryp58)
The only other thing I'd offer is the advantage that the '74 model has. If you are in an area that is strict on emissions regulations and you are not the type to "work around" those regulations, the '74 (and earlier) is exempt. That could be a big factor with engine & exhaust mods later on.
Good Luck & ask questions once you start to look at cars.
Good Luck & ask questions once you start to look at cars.
i recommend a '69 just to be safe :D
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 54
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Re: Which year to buy? (rocky1)
My picks, not in any certain order, would be any of the chrome bumper years (69-72), '75 Roadster (last year of the convertible for what, 11 years?) and naturally, the '82 Collector Edition because of it's low production numbers (6700 and change) or any '82 really for that matter as they signified the end of the C3 era.
But that's just me...
Regards,
But that's just me...
Regards,
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,365
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From: Lake Villa IL
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St. Jude Contributor
Re: Which year to buy? (rocky1)
I love them all. Each year has something different, even though subtle (in most cases). I love my '77, because it's the last of the flat back windows, but it has some of the later model styling cues. The sport mirrors, for me, are the biggest difference. I really like these. Performance, while relatively crappy, is easily improved upon. They all make great toys. And there's nothing else like them on the road.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Semper ubi, sub ubi
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Re: Which year to buy? (rocky1)
Rocky,
Get the best car you can afford to buy. The better condition it is in, the less it will cost you in the long run. It doesn't much matter which year in my opinion, I like 'em all. From the 68 thru the 82, they are all beautiful and have their own particular flavor.
If you find a pristine 80 for a good price buy it! If you find a great looking 75 for the right price buy it, if you find a super clean 69 BB for a good price, call me! :D
Get the best car you can afford to buy. The better condition it is in, the less it will cost you in the long run. It doesn't much matter which year in my opinion, I like 'em all. From the 68 thru the 82, they are all beautiful and have their own particular flavor.
If you find a pristine 80 for a good price buy it! If you find a great looking 75 for the right price buy it, if you find a super clean 69 BB for a good price, call me! :D
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 1,468
Likes: 1
From: Kirkland WA
Re: Which year to buy? (Tom73)
One thing to consider (along with the great advice of getting the one you like) are your local smog **** laws.
Cars newer than 74 (I think) are generally a bit easier to legally mess with performance-wise because they are usually exempt from smog testing. I'm almost certain that '77 will require a smog checkup which can hamper the fun of getting some extra poines out of your 350. Also, 74 was the last year for true dual exhaust so you always have to run a 2-1-2 system with a cat. converter.
Anything is possible (as the great people of this forum have shown), but I think that most would agree you have to be a lot more creative when dealing with smog checks.
Just one thing to think about. It was one reason I kept my Corvette search under '74's. But it all depends on what you plan to do with the car.
Good luck and have fun! :cheers:
Cars newer than 74 (I think) are generally a bit easier to legally mess with performance-wise because they are usually exempt from smog testing. I'm almost certain that '77 will require a smog checkup which can hamper the fun of getting some extra poines out of your 350. Also, 74 was the last year for true dual exhaust so you always have to run a 2-1-2 system with a cat. converter.
Anything is possible (as the great people of this forum have shown), but I think that most would agree you have to be a lot more creative when dealing with smog checks.
Just one thing to think about. It was one reason I kept my Corvette search under '74's. But it all depends on what you plan to do with the car.
Good luck and have fun! :cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
Re: Which year to buy? (rocky1)
The best advise I can give you is buy the nicest Corvett you can afford/find with the stuff you want, regardless of the year. This will allow you to enjoy the car and see if you like the Corvette hobby and the people. A bad condition car that you are always having trouble with will not let you see the good side. Of course unless that's what you're looking for. :D
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 2
From: Round Rock, Texas, USA Texas
Re: Which year to buy? (rocky1)
'77's are cool, fun, easy to upgrade - had some cool factory options - roof panel carriers for factory installed luggage rack for one - almost had first ever factory glass t-tops - later interior allows for any kind of radio (not only Vette-specific) .... did I mention they are cool, fun, easy to upgrade
I love the "nothing fancy"'77 wouldn't trade it for anything - but might get it a friend
I love the "nothing fancy"'77 wouldn't trade it for anything - but might get it a friend
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 49
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From: Hillard Ohio
Re: Which year to buy? (rrent)
Thanks for the good information everybody. I think that I will concentrate on the 77 model.
How much should I expect to pay for a nice unmolested driver?
rocky
How much should I expect to pay for a nice unmolested driver?
rocky