mn_leaf_fan

Hi all.

New member here looking for some advice.

I'm beginning a search for my first Corvette and have my eye on 89 Convertible. I normally use KBB to get used car values, but it only goes back to 1991.

Any other sources for finding the value of used vettes?

It's an 89 convertible, 116k miles, auto, leather, red with black. Looks to be in excellent condition.

FOURSPEEDVETTE

On this forum it's worth about $1200.00 in excellent shape with low miles according to some members here. In the real world outside this forum it's probably worth about $6000.00 to $$8000.00 with that higher mileage.

joesgulfstream

$7000 tops

Trickster

So true!

gabezC4

$6,000 to $7,000 seems spot on only because of the miles...

mn_leaf_fan

Thanks for the replies so far......I'm seeing a trend......

Here are some pics......

delphipgmr

actually, i have an 87 vert, and i've researched prices.. verts demand big $.

that one looks sweet, great paint, new top, new tires, near mint interior, i think those are chrome wheels on it? (hard to tell from that pic)

I can tell from the steering wheel and the dash that that car was garaged its whole life, probably well taken care of.

assuming the engine/tranny check out fairly good, that car could easily go 10K-12K+, and i wouldnt be surprised at over 12K+.


FYI: you can go to nada.com to get pricing on older cars.

nada says :

Low Retail = $6.5K, Average retail=$10K High Retail = $17K

crzydrumer14

that's a very nice looking 89'. you'll soon learn though that people can now pick c4's up for super cheap. I'd think that one could be sold for around 6 grand. Its hard to find c4's non zr1 or grandsport or collectors edition for over 14000. Especially with the l98 engine. I wouldn't expect to pay much for one. FYI, I just bought my 95' 6 speed vette with 54000 miles on it for 10000 dollars.

zr1fred

I have no idea where NADA gets those prices. I just checked on my 96 the other day while standing in line at O"Reileys. THEIR NADA blue book had the 96 at around $8k with those miles. It seems to be a nice car, but check around. It's been a long winter, and any girl looks beautiful to a sailor whos been 6 months at sea.

delphipgmr

I know everyone wants to think C4 pricing sucks. but its getting really hard to find good ones now.

look even on ebay (which is notorious for being very low)

the early c4's are definitely rising in price.

yes you can find beat-up, neglected ones for cheap. but i doubt this one from the OP will go cheap.

socalman

Nada needs to lay down the crack pipe

...and $12k for an 89? maybe 30 years from now. LT Verts are having a hard time getting $10k w/ 70k miles

kimmer

If your hooked on that one ok but do a lot of looking ,you can pick up a LT1 for a good price. 92-96 For the one your looking at I would say around 5-6k in good shape.

Moon86

Welcome to the forum. Lots of good people here and just about everything you want to know about Corvettes. Enjoy.

mn_leaf_fan

Thanks for all the replies guys.

I'm not stuck on this one, or on C4's, but I am determined to get a Vette in good condition for my $10k price range.

Early C3 would be my first choice, C5 would work too.

Looking for something I can spend more time driving then fixing. Been there.... done that. I don't mind maintenance and cosmetic issues, but no 'projects'.

delphipgmr

how much was he asking for that one?

pavac4

test drive a late C4, with the LT1 motor. you will definately be able to find a cherry, in a late C4 in your price range.
find a forum member or someone with vette knowledge who is willing to help you screen cars.
good luck with the hunt.

mn_leaf_fan

10,500

Chuck314

Hey MN Leaf Fan,

When I was in the market for my first Vette, I must have looked at 20 C4's before I found thee one. I used www.usedcorvettesforsale.com
You can search by location and generation.

I ended up finding a 1988 35th Anniversary Corvette, garaged it's entire life with 49K miles for $9,400. I bought it in June of last year.

I hope this helps, good luck with your search and keep us all posted!!!

Chuck

proracr

For a point of reference, I bought the '94 convertible in my signature in late January of this year for $11,500 cash. It has a few minor scratches in the paint, the driver's seat shows slight wear and there is a small crack in the lower driver's side of the windshield. The top is is excellent condition and the car's overall condition is excellent. While reading this thread, I felt that I got a very good deal on mine!

Also, I didn't "fall off the turnip truck yesterday" and know Vettes quite well as this is my 8th one.

socalman

Clean lower mileage LT1 Verts do much better than that

You've just eliminated the C3/4 and 80% of the C5's out there (in that price range). Better go lease a C6