Hi guys, I've been away for a while and thought that I would never ever own a corvette in my life time because life threw me a curveball. BUT, as the saying goes it all worked out and I am free again to make decisions! (I went away to join a religious order (poverty, chastity, obidence) but after the three month trial period, I was told I would be happier if I tried something outside of religious life) So now after I left my girlfriend of 6 years and sold all of my possesions, I'm back home with nothing but my clothes, a really good job, and the kindness of my parents.

So.... Before I left I was nursing a lifelong obsession with Corvettes by being a forum member and collecting models of them, but that won't work anymore. I have a great job that will allow me to buy one, and I feel now I deserve a chance to drive my dream car. Gotta live my life now right, no holding back.

Now Here's the post now that you know my life story, Is it better to buy from an owner or a dealer? I feel that a dealer might be pickier on the cars he will accept to sell, and they will be easier to find, but my brother takes the school of thought that says if you buy from an owner it will be a better deal and you can judge how good the car was taken care of by "talking cars" with him.

And once I have this car, is it feasible to use it as a daily driver? I live in houston, wich isn't known for storing cars in the winter, or really having a winter at all. Although it does get wet, can I trust 20-25 year old brakes? Is the back end always going to be breaking loose on me? Can I handle a car this light with that much power? Granted I'll probably end up with an 80-82 with about 190 HP (kinda lame)

So you will be able to answer this I've only owned one other car, a 1991 T-Bird with a 5.0, I could handle that one safely, it was rated at 210 HP.

Safety and drivability are the issues here I guess because I've never owned one and I'm really getting serious about owning one soon and I don't want too many "surprises".

Thanks Guys!

 

I'm still kinda of new. I have loved vettes since i was a kid and the guy next door had a yellow one. I never even knew this forum exsisted until after i bought my 81. I it bought from a used car dealer. I don't care for dealers, but it was the car that i wanted at a price i could afford. The headlights didn't work but they took care of them after i said i wouldn't buy it without working headlights. Overall the car has some minor issues that will one day be resolved. But i have no mojor grips. The key is to look it over good. Check it out. Whether its a dealer or not. Take your time. Mine sat on there lot for at least a month. I agree with the 190hp, but time will cure that ill, as will a new tranny. Gonna dump the auto in the river.

As for a daily driver. I live in northern Ohio and drive mine every day. Not looking forward to the snow, but we don't get a ton, i live 2 miles from work, so i think i can handle it. My breaks work fine. I have no worries about stopping. They don't leak. Although i get a squeal every now and then. I checked the pads and they looked almost new.

Just realize that you will have to spend money on upkeep. A 20 some year old car is not going to be perfect.

 

I'm not picking on you, but I'm curious why many people consider these cars light.

From what I've seen, they come in around 3500 pounds, which I don't personally consider light. I'm guessing people consider them light because of the outer panels, but forget about all the steel elsewhere?

Good luck in your hunt!

 

As above, the cars are not that light. Most of the mid year C3s have good power for everyday use (not spinning the wheels racing stuff) and stay on the road very well. A good set of all weather tires and good brakes (unless porven that they have been replaced recently, replace at least the pads and check the rotors), the car will handle fine in wet weather. The majority of the engines are small blocks and can live forever with proper care.

Who to buy from is tough. If this is to be a daily driver, buy the best car for the money from someone who will let an independent mechanic check her out.

 

They are not light cars. I have mine down to around 3200 lbs but most weigh in around 3500. 80 to 81 are in the same boat.
Many here use them as daily drivers. You are not going to get away with no repairs on a car that is 20 to 25 years old. They can be reliable cars but they will need some work. Go buy the best car you can afford but save some for repairs it will need it.
From a dealer you will probably pay slightly more but it might come with some type of warranty on the car. This is a plus for an old car. Private probably pay a little less but once you hand over the money you are on your own. Good luck and have fun with it.

 

i live in nyc , a much different perspective than your warmer climate , but i havent found any need to not drive the car yet . it is as safe in the rain as my 92 blazer . you just need to learn to drive it in those types of conditions ( no heavy foot stomping , sharp turns at high speeds ) etc... also i do not think the car is light , its heavier than the 68 camaro ( all steel ) that i owned. personally i would prefer to purchase the car from the exsiting owner than a dealer because they know as much about that perticular car as you do . the only convenience is that you will have broader choices. best of luck.

 

Where to buy? Who knows? Look every where, check the first 30 you can find for sale with no intention of actually buying. This will give you an education on whats out there in your price range. If you are set on a shark era car, you might want to make sure you have backup transportaion. Everyone here will tell you that they can work just fine one day and not the next. They require constant attention (which I guess is why most are referred to as her) to be a daily driver.

That said don't forget to look at the ones for sale here on the forum. :seeya