what do you think
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Advanced
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 97
Likes: 7
From: N Fond Du Lac
what do you think
Hi all found 1990 135 k miles can be had for 6k. Has new tires and new seats. Overall from just pics looks to be quite good. Only problem as far as owner has told me is trans has some issues. Has clean autocheck. Please help as is my first vette purchase. I can pull trans myself for repairs and put back in. Thanks for input.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,566
Likes: 4
From: Mt Laurel NJ
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
Welcome to the madness.
Generally speaking, the most expensive thing to do to a Corvette is to paint it. If the paints OK, and it doesn't have any electrical issues, I would buy it. You will be able to find out how to fix just about anything here on the forum.
BTW, is it stick, or auto?
Post some pictures.
Good luck.
Generally speaking, the most expensive thing to do to a Corvette is to paint it. If the paints OK, and it doesn't have any electrical issues, I would buy it. You will be able to find out how to fix just about anything here on the forum.
BTW, is it stick, or auto?
Post some pictures.
Good luck.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
If it has A4 issues I'd have it rebuilt by a performance shop with hardened parts, a TransGo shift it installed along with a 2,000-2,400RPM lockup TC. When I had such work done the tag came to ~$2k but the shop did all the work as I can't pull the A4.
Indeed paint is very expensive to have it done right, top quality rubber will run ~$800-$1k, seats ~$800-$1k.
Though that '90 has high mileage it could last quite a while before an engine rebuild. My '88 has ~180k on the clock and still pulls well down the 1/4 mile.
If the car "feels right" go for it.
Indeed paint is very expensive to have it done right, top quality rubber will run ~$800-$1k, seats ~$800-$1k.
Though that '90 has high mileage it could last quite a while before an engine rebuild. My '88 has ~180k on the clock and still pulls well down the 1/4 mile.
If the car "feels right" go for it.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,517
Likes: 19
Fortunately,
Rebulding a c4 auto trans is no more difficult or expensive than it is to rebuild a chevy pick up truck. If you can pull it yourself, you can often get it overhauled and a new converter for $1000 or less.
Upgrades always add to the bill, but a stock refresh is not too expensive.
If you have difficulty finding someone in Georgia, mail it (trans) to me and I will hook you up.
Rebulding a c4 auto trans is no more difficult or expensive than it is to rebuild a chevy pick up truck. If you can pull it yourself, you can often get it overhauled and a new converter for $1000 or less.
Upgrades always add to the bill, but a stock refresh is not too expensive.
If you have difficulty finding someone in Georgia, mail it (trans) to me and I will hook you up.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 22,287
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From: Sussex,Wi
2023 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C3 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 97
Likes: 7
From: N Fond Du Lac
vette
Car has Auto trans. Paint looks pretty good in pics. I havent seen it in person. Car is approx 400 miles away from me. So Im going on what owner has told me. Any other things I should ask him before I travel 6.5 hrs to see it. Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Any other things I should ask him before I travel 6.5 hrs to see it. Thanks
-leather seats
-power seats
-electronic HVAC & heated mirrors
-selective ride control
-Z51 or Z52 handling options
-sound system
-two tops
-mods done
Pick up a copy of the "Corvette Black Book" before you make the trip so you can look for the major option codes in the RPO list under the center console lid.
Have you yet driven a late 80s Vette? If not, be prepared for a great experience.
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Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 66,660
Likes: 86
From: Santa Cruz CA
St. Jude Donor '15
400 miles is a long, long way to drive to check out a car. There's gotta be a Forum member closer that can check it for you. And like 65Z01 says, get a copy of the Corvette Black Book, tons of good info for someone not familar with Vettes. 
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Would you lay 8, 9k or more for it? Once you buy it, put a trans, probably converter and whatever else (small stuff adds up), you may be into it that much realstically. Seems every used car I buy I spend an easy $1k right off the bat in fluids, filters, braked, tires, tune up parts etc.
personally I think 6k is too much but thats based on being here where theres a million of every car so they generally sell for less.
personally I think 6k is too much but thats based on being here where theres a million of every car so they generally sell for less.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
I think he's nuts to expect 6k for an average 1990 with a bad trans.
Knock him down to 4-5K. Most buyers don't swap a trans themselves, his price should reflect the cost of paying a mechanic to do 100% of the work or it's not worth it. Don't tell him you're okay with doing the work yourself, tell him you're clueless and that GM is going to charge you $XXXX to make the car driveable.
Knock him down to 4-5K. Most buyers don't swap a trans themselves, his price should reflect the cost of paying a mechanic to do 100% of the work or it's not worth it. Don't tell him you're okay with doing the work yourself, tell him you're clueless and that GM is going to charge you $XXXX to make the car driveable.
Bench Racer
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,201
Likes: 15
From: Palm Beach Gardens FL
St. Jude '03 thru 14,'25
Try asking in the Southeast Regional section of the Forum too. I would at least have someone take a quick look at the cosmetics before you invested nine hours of your time and $150 in gas. If you can't find anyone here, there are services that will send an inspector out to look over the car for you and provide a report with pics for $100-125...