I am getting ready to purchase my first C3. I am having problems finding out the approximate value of a C3. Does anyone know of a website or book that will give me approximate value of a car.

Currently, I am looking at two cars. A 1975 convertible in very good condition 56K miles and a 1979 with less than 12k miles.

Any pointes would be nice.

 

www.nadaguides.com
www.kbb.com
www.edmunds.com

 

What prices are they asking for those cars? If you post them here you will get some very good feedback as to the reasonableness of the prices.

 

Any collector or hobbyist should own Cars+Parts Ultimate Collector Car Guide...it's a book that can be purchased for under $20 from Barnes and Noble, Borders or Amazon. Unlike KBB and NADA, classic car price guides like C+P (and Sports Car Market magazine) goes by actual vehicle sales prices.

In terms of values for these cars, you're really looking at many factors:
-Condition: this is the most important -- is it a #1 non-driven concours winner, #2 seldom driven perfectly restored (or perfectly original survivor) regional show winner, #3 Show and Shine restored, #4 partially restored or original driver, #5 restoration project(running or not,) or #6 parts car. Most people call their cars #1s and #2s when the car is really somewhere between #3 and #4. (Most classics you see at a show and shine are #4s!)

The book value of a '75 Convertible is between $11K and $15K for #4-#3, which is probably what it is.

The book value on a late 70s coupe is: $6000-$1000

-Options: 4 spds are worth more than autos, A/C in a convertible is a plus. In the mid-to-late 70s, options play less of a factor because there are no high hp engines. Colors play heavily. Resale red is good...brown not so good!

-Supply and Demand: Are there a lot of C3s in your area, but not a lot of demand. That's the way it is in the Northwest, so prices are significantly cheaper. I've turned down buying a really nice '77 for $4800.

-What is the car worth to you? If you're willing to wait, you can get cars cheaper than if you want a car now.

 

Hey Sammy, I love your sig. pic !
How old is your daughter ?!?

 

The "commercial" guides, like NADA et al, are good only for late-model vehicles. For classics like these, there are SO MANY variables, especially vehicle condition and mileage. And the part of the country you're in can affect prices. They're cheaper in some parts and more expensive elsewhere. (FYI: C3's are very cheap in Canada!) :yesnod:

 

Boaz
I bought a 79 4 speed L-82 with 14,000 miles on it almost 3 years ago for $16,000. I know a lot on this thread will say that was to high, but Ive never regretted it. You get what you pay for.....usually.............LT

 

Go and buy Hemming's Motor News or The Corvette Trader.

 

Knock $5000 off the asking price of the convertible and about the same off the '79. That'll get you around the real value. :D

 

Well not always.... but you certainly don't get what you don't pay for! :nonod:

Buy the best car you can because it will ALWAYS cost more to bring a car back to a certain condition than just buying it that way in the first place. Especially with corvettes! Let the previous owner take the "hit" while you enjoy his investment. FWIW.

And welcome to the forum! :yesnod:

Good Luck!

:seeya


[Modified by ACECO, 2:36 AM 2/13/2004]

 

Also, you may find this pricing guide to be a bit more "real world" when it comes to older classics. FWIW

http://www.manheimgold.com/

:seeya

 

Also as a reference you can see what similar cars sold for recently on Ebay.

 

So sorry gentleman. Please forgive a newbie to the forum. I forgot about this post. I now know how to get "notified" when somone answers an inquiry.

Thanks for all the info. I am in the progess of purchasing EDT's 74 convertible. It's such a nice car. It will be a great learner vet.

 

Hey Ed. Put that plow on the trailer that picks up the car. I can us that on my Yukon, make alittle $$$. lol

 

This month's Corvette Magazine has a price guide for C3s in it.

 

I had a 77 coupe 3 Yrs ago, bought it for 4500.00, and had to spend anoughter 4500.00 to get her anywhere close to what I prefered the car to be axceptable.? , then had to sell (cause of coustdy battle? :banghead: $4000.00), took 2 more years for me to get a 75 Vert. , the convertable models are more desirable, but I had to spend 12500.00 for her and have so far had to spend 2000.00 to get into the shape I preferr,(and will probly spend anoughter $10,000.00 ) you have to decide if you want a every day driver car?, or are you going to purchase a car that is a weekend cruiser?, or a show car?,or racer?,,,, yr final car that you want will be the first key to help deciding what yr willing to pay in the begining. the parts add up. if ya find a nice car in the begining and can live with most of whats there? then yr going to be happy... but ya got to consider what am I willing to put into a car and will it be worth the expense?... also is it going to take 5 /10 Yrs to get the car to where ya want it?, .are ya willing /able to take that long???.. personaly Ive always liked the convertable. but do lots of searching. use the search button on yr cp?, and when yr confident .... then make yr purchase.... Good Luck. and save the Wave :seeya

 

Depends on your specifications

Does it have to be a numbers matching car?
What work are you willing to do yourself?
Are you looking for a show car, something to work on or a driver?

the deals are out there, I picked up my 77 a few months back for 6000 with a 92 LT1 and 6 spd, she needs alot of little things but she runs and drives nice.