Would post a picture but I haven't figured out how to do that yet.

I've got an opportunity to trade in my 1988 White Corvette for a Copper Metallic 1994 plus some cash. Here's the deal: Dealer said the 94 was stolen at one point in it's life and the Carfax shows "salvage" in it's history, which drops the value of the car hence the lower price. It's about $3 to $5K lower than others of the same year and mileage. But the car is in near perfect condition with only 62K miles and a like new interior.

They want $10K. Does this sound like a fair deal? I'm going to ask for $5K for my trade-in. May ask for $6K, not sure yet. Don't think I can get $6K though.

I'd like to trade in on a newer Corvette as mine is showing it's age now.

What do you think? Is 1994 a good year for Corvettes?

Bill

 

A freind of mine got a 50000 mile 94 for about $15k back in the summer. Pic below. Car is near perfect. Dollar value depends on a lot of things. I keep cars a long time so resale does not mean much to me. If you trade every 2 years you should be concerned about that title.

 

Sounds Ok....only problem is the above statement....a true contradiction in terms by way of truth!!!

 

Try this for posting pictures:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1336733

 

Be very careful with that car. Salvage title means a lot of things, regardless of what the dealer says. And if you have to sell it, at any time, you may have a very difficult time doing so. Dealers have posted on this site before; they say they wouldn't buy one. You may be getting a good deal. Or you may be getting a dog, either by resale value sometime down the road, or things that are wrong with it.

 

Look it over good. I am not certain but the reason for not many copper metallic was paint issues make all paint is matched up correctly. Chisel them down a thousand bucks.

 

'94 is a good year as the C4s just continually improved in my opinion. The copper is nice. They are rare and I like them. If it checks out good and you can get it for $4K difference, I'd say do it. Believe me, you've got the leverage here because of the title issue.

 

I like the coppers. Something different.

 

Have the dealer get you a copy of the police report. All dealers are required to provide full disclosure paperwork for a vhicle with a slavage title history.

Do not sign any "salvage disclosure" paperwork with the dealer until they have provided copies of ALL the salvage paperwork to you.

Check with your states DMV and your insurance company on what paperwork they want to see.

If the dealer hesitates in any way, WALK AWAY!

 

You need to know what the basis was for declaring the car as "Salvage". Was it a wrecked car, flood car, or simply stripped down?? A 'stolen' car by itself may not mean that much unless the owner was paid for the car, released legal ownership to the insurance company and the car was later recovered in good condition.

Even though the price at 10K for one of the 116 Copper Metallic cars sounds like a good deal, I would insist on taking the car to an independent auto repair facility for a complete mechanical check and then to a reputable body shop to carefully inspect the car for any damage. Get the places to give you a written report that outlines any problems or issues discovered along with repair cost estimates.

Also check the RPO sticker to make sure the RPO color code is 66U (Copper Metallic) and the WA code is 136A. That way you can tell if it is one of the original CM cars.

 

Took my 1988 C4 to the dealer for possible trade for his $10.9K Copper Metallic 1994 Corvette. He claimed he didn't even want my car. Said he would be willing to sell mine on consignment on his lot for a fee but couldn't give me anymore than $3K for the car. My car has 138K and is white. He said "white" cars are hard sells.

The '94 drove well, has good tires and has a near perfect interior. Has a Bose Gold with Cd and it sounds great. A/C works well, weather stripping all is good and from my feeble skills, there didn't seem to be any evidence of prior accidents. Perfect lines on the body. Has 62K miles and overall, I liked the car.

The dealer said the car was stolen and later recovered after the insurance settled with the owner. So, because of this, it was listed as "Salvage" on the title.

I didn't study the paperwork that he claimed to have on the car but I think I'll do that today. I'd like to get the car but I can't do it unless I can unload my '88.

Bill

 

As far as your car as a trade-in in terms of the amount and the color, the dealer is feeding you a line of

If he wants to make a sale, he will give you a decent value for your car. $5K is probably a reasonable trade-in value as the dealer will wind up asking $8K to $10 or even more for it once it's on their lot. They could even wholesale the car off for $6K.

A consignment sale is not a good idea, if the salesmen don't push the car, you don't get anything at all and after a set period of time, you may have to take the car back and sell it yourself. And the dealer may want a percentage of the sale amount instead of a flat fee.

If you want the 94, decide on what you think is a reasonable trade-in value and go back to the dealer with the title to your car and a check for the difference. Make the check out for that amount and show the dealer as the payee. Tell him you are prepared to sign right now and make the deal with no further bickering. But you must be also ready to walk out if they don't budge.

And definitely review the paperwork if they have it and will let you look at it. If you have time, get the name of the insurance company and the agent to see if you can verify everything. Also check with your DMV to see if the "Salvage" comment on the title stays on there forever. That may cause you problems down the road when you go to sell it.

 

Try to take the trade-in out of the equation.

1. Get your very best cash price off this dealer (sounds like you are using the salvage title to your advantage; I don't see why he wouldn't go for $9K cash eventually)
2. Get it inspected by a good mechanic -- takes away some of the natural emotion associated with getting a 6 year newer, 70K less miles, and very nice looking upgrade for not too much $$$
3. Get together as much cash as you can to minimize the loan for the difference -- these days you can get a loan pretty quickly without going thru the dealer if your credit is half-decent
4. Sell your car outright -- it would not shock me if you could get $6K if it is in good shape
5. Use that cash to pay down the loan. With any luck, what's left of it will be a very small number when all transactions are complete.

Keep the car a while -- that makes the whole salvage/resale thing a non-issue.

 

Let them know your ins. company will only insure that car up to 50% low blue book and grind him down. If it was in an accident, have a good frame/alignment guy check it out. Sounds good, though.

 

That would be enough right there for me to walk away

 

I agree.

www.kbb.com
1988 cpe 138k miles

trade in good $4550.
Fair $3,700.

Look for a car without a slavage title, pay a little more, get a lot more.
Sell your car on the street, the miles are a killer.
$10.9 is way over the top for a salvage.

 

Very good advice! If it checks out it sounds like a good deal. Take it for a nice loooong test drive and to a independent shop to check out.

 

I would check the w/a code ,its on the inside of the console lid this would only take a couple seconds if it has a 136a wa code ya good to go then get the frame checked out good luck..