Talk about inflation $$$
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 73,568
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From: Somewhere in Mo
St. Jude Donor '09-'10, '14
I once did an inflation comparison on several products, the automobile being one of them. I don't recall excatly the numbers but auto's increased in price more than any one single item I compared. Housing was a close second.
It's unbelievable the increase in prices of autos over the years. I'm sure there are 3 reasons for this, of which I won't go into in C4 general.
One thing about the price increase of that time was the double digit inflation we experienced thanks to........
It's unbelievable the increase in prices of autos over the years. I'm sure there are 3 reasons for this, of which I won't go into in C4 general.
One thing about the price increase of that time was the double digit inflation we experienced thanks to........
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 8,041
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From: EOF ★ Kaliforniastan ★
St. Jude Donor '10
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 73,568
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From: Somewhere in Mo
St. Jude Donor '09-'10, '14
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,175
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From: Philadelphia Burbs
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
Two things were happening - lots of inflation and a real rise in what the Corvette cost extending from the mid 70s to the late 80s. I did an article for the NCRS on this a couple of years ago. Here's the (slightly dated) base price chart, in constant 2005 dollars:
C4s were expensive cars.
C4s were expensive cars.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 73,568
Likes: 33
From: Somewhere in Mo
St. Jude Donor '09-'10, '14
Two things were happening - lots of inflation and a real rise in what the Corvette cost extending from the mid 70s to the late 80s. I did an article for the NCRS on this a couple of years ago. Here's the (slightly dated) base price chart, in constant 2005 dollars:
C4s were expensive cars.
C4s were expensive cars.
ah WTH, I'll go ahead and give my thoughts PC or not. 
Inflation was terrible during this time and the government mandates, while at the same time, the consumer demanding the same performance of their car. The government caused it, whether that was good or not is not the point.
Competition from the foreign markets was a big contributing factor as well. They were putting in all these little cool items for free and the American makers had to keep pace and couldn't do it for free.
Now the foreign makers have cemented their market share and their prices reflect the Amrican manufacturers prices as well. We are spoiled. We want the best but expect to pay the least. Two things that are not synonymous.
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Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,772
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From: Rolla Missouri
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
St. Jude Donor '10 thru '25
Two things were happening - lots of inflation and a real rise in what the Corvette cost extending from the mid 70s to the late 80s. I did an article for the NCRS on this a couple of years ago. Here's the (slightly dated) base price chart, in constant 2005 dollars:
C4s were expensive cars.
C4s were expensive cars.
A lot of people don't realize how high inflation was at one time.
Oh yeah, and the interest rates on loans back in the early 80's.
13% - 15% interest rates on home loans was the norm.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,175
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From: Philadelphia Burbs
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
Last time I ran the numbers (in November 2009), the 1989's had the highest base prices ever for "normal" Corvettes at $55,900 (coupe) and $65,100 (convertible) in adjusted dollars.
If you are talking about the cars as they actually came equipped, 1988 wins this particular prize at $62,600 (coupe) and $71,100 (convertible) in adjusted dollars. Again, expensive cars.
Last edited by j3studio; Feb 19, 2010 at 05:45 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,770
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From: Cohasset MN
2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist
2016 C1 of Year Finalist
When I bought my '86 Coupe in the Fall of 1985, I had just sold my business and was enchanted with the C4s. I bought it from a small town dealer who had sold about 3 Corvettes in his total dealer experience. The price was high (about $27K) but I didn't care then. I just wanted it. Now is is worth about 9K. I don't care, I have enjoyed every minute of it.
Roadster Madness. 😠
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Ventura Co Ca
SoCal Regional Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '13, '20-'21
There is an old saying that in the late 1800's, a twenty dollar gold peace would by a Colt Single Action Army (also known as the Colt Peacemaker), and it still does.
So I am looking at this chart and a ZR-1 (using adjusted dollars) is only about $20,000+ less than the ZR1, a car that is 20 years newer. That puts a whole new slant to inflation!
So I am looking at this chart and a ZR-1 (using adjusted dollars) is only about $20,000+ less than the ZR1, a car that is 20 years newer. That puts a whole new slant to inflation!
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,818
Likes: 156
From: White Oak PA
May be happening again
I do hope I am wrong. But with so many fellow Americans out of work, deficit spending out of control, and our exploding national debt is ridiculous. The FED just raised the interest rates which usually signals the beginning of inflation. I'll keep my '87 and be happy to have a Corvette if inflation awakens from its slumber.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,344
Likes: 48
From: San Marcos CA
my 1995- probably more than $40k as it was nicely optioned.
my 2008- $42k (discounted from sticker of $49k)- the best savings and least amount of depreciation is one thing base model strippers are good for.
Never been a better time- even z06's are getting more than $10k discounts. I do not think the next 5 years will have the manufacturer competition and discount opportunities like the 2000-2010 era.
my 2008- $42k (discounted from sticker of $49k)- the best savings and least amount of depreciation is one thing base model strippers are good for.
Never been a better time- even z06's are getting more than $10k discounts. I do not think the next 5 years will have the manufacturer competition and discount opportunities like the 2000-2010 era.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 289
Likes: 1
From: Tucson Arizona
I think folks are also forgetting the cost of additional safety, emissions, and comfort equipment over the years. Also I'm not sure the Corvette has gotten more expensive relative to other vehicles, in fact it may be getting cheaper. I paid about $15K for a brand new 1986 Mustang GT hatchback. The 1986 Corvette coupe was around $30K (my convertible stickered for just under $35K). I think a new Mustang GT is around $30K and a new base C6 coupe is under $60K.
Steve
Steve
