First off, Merry Xmas to all. What looks like the better deal to you guys? I'm new to vettes and appreciate any and all help. I like the ebay deal because I believe Ebay provides some kind of buyer protection; plus the price seems low.What about that black pearl color on the 92; do the few added options on the 92 make it worth $2000 more than the 1991?Thanks again.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1991-...QQcmdZViewItem

http://newyork.craigslist.org/stn/car/520905545.html

 

Go for the 92. That color just looks killer.

 

The big added option on the 92 is the LT1 motor, it is an extra 55hp. If that power is important to you, it is worth an extra $2k easily. Plus the car has less miles on it, but generally, an LT1 car will go for more than an L98 car and someday when you sell it, you will get that extra money back. If you take the extra $2k and put it into the L98 to get the extra power, you will never get that money back.

 

Best deal around is right on here. Look on the C4 for sale section and find the 93 FuzzyDice is offering for sale. I don't think you will find a beter buy for the money.

 

As said the 92 has more power but he 91 has less headaches with out the Opti.

$2K can get you 55hp if needed in the 91.

 

They both look great, but the CL ad doesn't offer many details in the description. I'm no expert on pricing by any means, but since you're asking for opinions....

If you're considering it as a decision factor, don't count on any type of buyer protection through ebay. Forget it, ain't gonna happen no matter who tells you anything otherwise. This is just my opinion, but I'd prefer to buy a car from a private party. I don't buy anything used from a dealer. I think the only way I might consider an ebay car purchase is if I could check the car out in person.

 

If you are new to Vettes, I suggest you not buy a Corvette from ebay.
I suggest you start attending local Corvette Club events or searching through Private Sales and only buy once the car has been checked out to your mechanic's satisfaction.

That being said, my first Vette was a 92. I think you will prefer the 300HP engine over the 245hp L98. On the 92's you have to be careful about several costly repairs such as opti-spark, water pump, intake manifold leaks etc. That being said, you can't tell **** from the craigslist ad other then its missing its front plate and quite frankly having owned Corvettes for 10 years, I can confidently tell you that you would probably be disappointed in that car. Also, that color is not highly desirable nor is its resale value real good and it is often driven by women. In my experience that color paint also does not seem to hold up over the years. The L98 on ebay actually looks to be a decent car, however, I'd check for a respray because it almost looks too good although the panels all seem to be lining up. I just see one spot that looks odd to me. The drivers speaker panel looks like its had a rough life.

Again, I'd buy from a private buyer, for example if that ebay car has not had the opti and waterpump replaced lately and you can't turn a wrench then you are looking at $1000-$2000 right off the bat.

Good luck

 

The Black Pearl color turns me off a little too. I didn't realize that 92 was the year the engine got more horsepower (but also the opti-spark). Thanks for the advice; guess i'll set my sights on a 92-95.

 

I sent you a PM. The Opti really gets a bad wrap but it was a poor design. The key to the Opti is to not get it wet through big puddles, powerwashing the engine, or by letting your waterpump grenade and leak water and anti-freeze onto your opti.

If you avoid those 3 things, you will be surprized how long an opti can last. Also, if your opti does go south, you can buy new ones (or updated vented ones) on ebay and varous other suppliers @ at least half what the dealer will charge you and then you just need to find a good wrench/mechanic that will charge you a few hours labor as opposed to the dealer that will probably charge you 5+ hours at $100 an hour.

I'm not sure of your budget but if you could stretch to the 13-15k range you could get yourself a sweet C4. Otherwise, try to find an unmolested LT1 in the $10k range that has been maintained and has not had the snot beaten out of it. This type of car will go 200,000+ miles without a hitch.

 

Hi Charlie,

This post is interesting. The corvette listing from craigs list has been around for months. I tried calling that guy back in July and he never called me back. The car on ebay is in my neck of the woods. I can go look at it for you. My opinion is to keep looking. Put yourself in a 92-96 with the LT1 motor. I picked up a sweet 94 w/ 68k back in August for 10.5.

Good Luck, Mike

 

Thanks Mike, I'm looking for something like you picked up. I spoke to the Craigslist guy and got a weird vibe from him.

 

Seek and you shall find. It only took me three months.... Looked everyday... Wife hated me

 

I like the color combo on the fleabay one. Black/Red is very sharp.....but then again, I am a red guts fan.

 

I did purchase mine on E-bay, but I also wouldnt put any money down on it til I saw it and drove it first, and the owner agreed. Check to see if that is possible, as I believe there is a window before you HAVE to pay on ebay, like 5 days or something close to that. I also carfaxed it to be sure it wasnt driven on salted roads, where it had all been located, such as flood states, etc, and how long each owner had it.

 

Well I would go with the 92. Less miles, More power, FX-3 suspension and a nice color. ASR is no big deal as ASR was standard on all vettes in 1992

I bought my car on Ebay. I dont regret it. Just be prepared to walk away if the car is not as advertised. Try to contact the owner and get the most information you can. Run a carfax (while not 100%) you can get infromation on damage due to accidents and mileage at emission stations and such.

Take you time. Dont be afaird to ask the seller lots of questions. GC

 

Again, I'd buy from a private buyer, for example if that ebay car has not had the opti and waterpump replaced lately and you can't turn a wrench then you are looking at $1000-$2000 right off the bat.

Good luck

He's right, I just bought a '96 and was told it was tight as far as oil leaks go. Took the guys word for it and didn't get it checked out. Sure enough, the Opti, cam and crank seals were bad. Cost me $1,196.00 to get them all fixed. Had a new water pump put on and replaced all the hoses while the front of the engine was easy to get to. You can fall in love with these cars just like you can a with a woman. Just remember........"Love is blind". Be prepared to pay if you don't check her out!

Weav

 

I think the color on the 92 is black rose. I like that color but it's not for everyone. When I was looking for my car, I had to decide between an 87 and a 92, (the 92 was black rose). The 92 had higher miles, and cost a little more. I went with the 87. I like the 87, but if I had it to do over, I'd go with the 92. Negotiate the 92 down to $9k. Or, do as another poster said and buy Fuzzy Dice's 93.

 

The search is part of the fun.

 

No, those pants do not make your butt look big.

 

Thank god!