found a C4.. Questions.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Upstate NY
found a C4.. Questions.
After reading around a bit one these forums I have picked up some good info on the Corvette in general. I am not a member of the Corvette owners club yet, but am looking to join soon. I found a 1993 40th Anniversary Edition as the current owner claims. Every 40th I've seen on this site is the dark (ruby) red with ruby interior. This one is Briliant Red with black leather. Could this be a true 40th? Also, what are some things I need to look for. The car has been garage kept and has 26k miles on it. Obviously it hasn't been driven a whole lot, do I need to worry about any problems from it sitting? The car looks mint inside and out, but have not got a chance to drive it yet, or peek under the hood. Also, I imagine you guys would have better knowledge to give me a price range on the car (better than KBB which lists it at $13,295).
This is a quick pic I took of it yesterday.
I've always wanted a Corvette of this generation, and this seems to be a hard opportunity to pass up...
Thanks,
-BB98
This is a quick pic I took of it yesterday.
I've always wanted a Corvette of this generation, and this seems to be a hard opportunity to pass up...
Thanks,
-BB98
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,867
Likes: 3
From: Pasadena Maryland
All 1993 Corvettes are the 40th year of Corvettes 1993-40 = 1953. The 40th anniversary (Z25) option package is the Ruby Red inside and out. You will get different opinions here about the whole 40th thing. Some say mileage is everything, some say it is meaningless. Drive the car, look for leaks under the car, look for SERVICE ENGINE SOON warning lights. If you buy it, remember it has an LT1 engine with an OPTI-SPARK distributor. DO NOT pressure wash the engine bay, don't even spray it with your hose. Water can hurt them, it's OK to drive in the rain, just don't wash the engine bay.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 110
Likes: 2
From: SnoCo, WA
If you are still unsure that it is a 93, just check the VIN. For 1993, the numbers ranged between 1G1YY23PXP5100001 THRU 1G1YY23PXP5121142 for non-ZR1's.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Upstate NY
Originally Posted by kalister1
All 1993 Corvettes are the 40th year of Corvettes 1993-40 = 1953. The 40th anniversary (Z25) option package is the Ruby Red inside and out.
I think I will go drive it this weekend if not before, thanks for the tips. I'll be sure to post back here if I buy it
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,867
Likes: 3
From: Pasadena Maryland
Originally Posted by badbasser98
Alright, I was under the assumption that the Anniversary part was a limited edition type thing that was only available on certain cars. I guess that's beacuse I come from a Subaru background and they offer the Anniversary Edition as a different trim level when that year comes around.
I think I will go drive it this weekend if not before, thanks for the tips. I'll be sure to post back here if I buy it
I think I will go drive it this weekend if not before, thanks for the tips. I'll be sure to post back here if I buy it
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Upstate NY
Could anyone give me a round about price that I should be looking at? I know what the seller is asking, but I would like to be informed about what a car in this condition (which IMO is mint without closer inspection) could go for on a private sale. Since most users have been buying/selling vettes for years this site would probably be the best resource for current pricing. Thank you all for the help and tips thus far 
-BB98
-BB98
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Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,960
Likes: 707
From: WI
Originally Posted by kalister1
$10,000 to 15,000 is about close. Look at the want adds in your area. Check Autotrader, cars.com.....? Remember low mileage cars often are priced high.
I would pay more for good paint, and a well maintained car. Check the fluids to see if they are fresh and clean. How are the tires? If they are super old there will be cost in replacing them.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,698
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From: Just the Tip... Just to see how it feels...
Unless the previous owner painted the car, changed all emblems, replaced the wheels (obviously), and had the interior redone, that is not a 40th Anniversary Edition. If all that is the case 
, check the build sheet inside the car, a 40th will have a Z25 option code.
As for price, with the above. Look around comparing other vettes of the same nature in your area (not 40th anniversary models or ZR1.) That should give you a good idea of what the price should be.
Good Luck
, check the build sheet inside the car, a 40th will have a Z25 option code.As for price,
with the above. Look around comparing other vettes of the same nature in your area (not 40th anniversary models or ZR1.) That should give you a good idea of what the price should be. Good Luck
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Upstate NY
Originally Posted by zo1boy
Unless the previous owner painted the car, changed all emblems, replaced the wheels (obviously), and had the interior redone, that is not a 40th Anniversary Edition. If all that is the case , check the build sheet inside the car, a 40th will have a Z25 option code.
, check the build sheet inside the car, a 40th will have a Z25 option code.I think if I can get the owner down to the $15k mark I will be buying this car assuming I find nothing majorly wrong with it. The tires look new, and I have a friend that drove it a few days back that said it drove and rides great. I will make sure to do a closer inspection before the purchase.
Thanks to you all. You guys have been a great help so far and I don't even own a car yet. Its a pleasent surprise compared to other forums I've been a member of.
-BB98
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,348
Likes: 233
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
Originally Posted by badbasser98
I've always wanted a Corvette of this generation, and this seems to be a hard opportunity to pass up...
Buy it and enjoy it.
Z25 or not, it's still a very nice car and you may kick yourself if you pass it up.
Good Luck!
Larry
code5coue
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,705
Likes: 30
From: Chesapeake Beach Maryland
2015 C5 of Year Finalist
The headrests on the seats should still have the 40th emblem embroidered on the non Ruby cars.
http://www.web-cars.com/corvette/1993.php
http://www.web-cars.com/corvette/1993.php
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,971
Likes: 9
From: The reason time exists is so everything doesn't happen at once
With your location in upstate NY you might have some bargaining power because winter is coming. Depends on how quickly the owner wants to get rid of the car or if he wants to hold it until next spring.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 628
Likes: 3
From: Greenville NC
Look for DOCUMENTATION on mileage
26K on a 1993 is low mileage. Do the seats, carpet, brake pedal and gas pedal look like they have been used for 26K miles? Another forum member put me onto another red flag area - does the windshield pitting look consistant w/ low mileage. Look for paint overspray if the car has been repainted.
Last edited by BigDR; Nov 7, 2006 at 03:57 PM.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Upstate NY
Originally Posted by zo1boy
...check the build sheet inside the car, a 40th will have a Z25 option code.
I have a friend who owns an 89 C4 and ever since my experience with that I've wanted one. I've also driven a '76 that had a high compression 396 (not sure if the number is correct) in it 
Originally Posted by Sawbladz
Are the tires brand new or do they have a few thousand on them. A car with brand new tires might be hiding something. New tires can hide improper tire wear like nothing else. Hope that helps.
Originally Posted by BADDUCK
If it is complete, and checks out to be totally sound and water tight, I would give 15K in a heartbeat.
Originally Posted by BigDR
26K on a 1993 is low mileage. Do the seats, carpet, brake pedal and gas pedal look like they have been used for 26K miles? Another forum member put me onto another red flag area - does the windshield pitting look consistant w/ low mileage. Look for paint overspray if the car has been repainted.
Thank you to everyone for the tips!
-BB98
Last edited by badbasser98; Nov 7, 2006 at 04:29 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
Besides your obvious knowledge of buying used cars, I would also advise a carfax/autocheck by experian on the vin AND a Corvette technician/mechanic to put it up in the air and give it a thorough going over with a report to you on what may/is wrong. I can guarantee you: there will be things wrong with it. It is 14 model years old.
What is wrong with it may be as relatively minor as one or some dirty fluids, not the end of the world, but not great either.
You didn't originally state the price the owner was asking but later posts say 18K. Truthfully, he's dreaming and needs to wake up. If he went for a trade in or to sell it outright to CarMax, he'd get under 10K for it.
With that in mind, altho I agree with rocco16, that is to buy it, the chances of your getting him to a point of reality are slim.
The greater fool theory abounds, but next spring will tell the tale for his sale of the car. However, reality also suggests that "it only takes one...", and so it could very well sell for his asking price or very close to it.
If you want it, and don't care about price to value, buy it and never, never look back. If you're very concerned about the real "value" vs. what you're going to pay for it, expect the worst case which is he won't come down to that number you want to buy it at.
What is wrong with it may be as relatively minor as one or some dirty fluids, not the end of the world, but not great either.
You didn't originally state the price the owner was asking but later posts say 18K. Truthfully, he's dreaming and needs to wake up. If he went for a trade in or to sell it outright to CarMax, he'd get under 10K for it.
With that in mind, altho I agree with rocco16, that is to buy it, the chances of your getting him to a point of reality are slim.
The greater fool theory abounds, but next spring will tell the tale for his sale of the car. However, reality also suggests that "it only takes one...", and so it could very well sell for his asking price or very close to it.
If you want it, and don't care about price to value, buy it and never, never look back. If you're very concerned about the real "value" vs. what you're going to pay for it, expect the worst case which is he won't come down to that number you want to buy it at.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 22,267
Likes: 15
From: The light that never warms.
St. Jude Donor '12
The "40th" embroidery on the headrest causes a lot of people to claim any '93 is an anniversary car.
Like the "Grand Sport" plate on every LT4 throttle body will cause some to claim a '96 LT4 car is a Grand Sport, when it isn't.
Like the "Grand Sport" plate on every LT4 throttle body will cause some to claim a '96 LT4 car is a Grand Sport, when it isn't.