Thoughts on C4 "driver" value
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 402
Likes: 6
From: Bonney Lake WA
Thoughts on C4 "driver" value
Looking for a father/son car (https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c4s-for-sale-wanted/3608915-first-c4-wanted-father-son-car-cash-buyer.html)
Came across one at a local dealer that is there on consignment from a wholesaler. Asking $6495, but are "very" flexible. It's a 1992, White, 135k, auto, red leather, sport seats. Very good interior quality. It has headers, true dual exhaust, no noticeable leaks. AC works, drives great, shifts well. Headlights work, rear hatch works and struts hold it open. Two owners, clean CARFAX.
Now, here are the downsides that I noted:
The weather stripping is worn and needs replaced.
The service ride control lite is on.
The steering wheel pulls down to the left.
The passenger seat does not move forward/back (motor makes noise) & misc seat issues.
The passenger door does not open from the inside.
The Targa Top panel is cracked significantly.
Two of the Delco Bose stereo speakers are not working.
Considering an offer of $3500 out the door given the issues and how slowly C4s are moving here. The dealer said the owner wants to move it, so bring any offer. Any insight experienced buyers can provide would be great.
Came across one at a local dealer that is there on consignment from a wholesaler. Asking $6495, but are "very" flexible. It's a 1992, White, 135k, auto, red leather, sport seats. Very good interior quality. It has headers, true dual exhaust, no noticeable leaks. AC works, drives great, shifts well. Headlights work, rear hatch works and struts hold it open. Two owners, clean CARFAX.
Now, here are the downsides that I noted:
The weather stripping is worn and needs replaced.
The service ride control lite is on.
The steering wheel pulls down to the left.
The passenger seat does not move forward/back (motor makes noise) & misc seat issues.
The passenger door does not open from the inside.
The Targa Top panel is cracked significantly.
Two of the Delco Bose stereo speakers are not working.
Considering an offer of $3500 out the door given the issues and how slowly C4s are moving here. The dealer said the owner wants to move it, so bring any offer. Any insight experienced buyers can provide would be great.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,054
Likes: 120
From: AZ
Whats the worst that can happen? He'd say no? Be prepared to walk away, tho. It's a fun game and you're a smart shopper, knowing the market w/its timing and able top costimate the fixes. Quite likely the PO knows how much the repairs will be. My opinion is his asking price is more appropo for a less troubled car.
CARFAX is not the end all in collision and/or repairs, but may be helpful.
These are, however, a lot of HOT car for a young driver.
CARFAX is not the end all in collision and/or repairs, but may be helpful.
These are, however, a lot of HOT car for a young driver.
Last edited by whalepirot; Feb 21, 2015 at 07:15 PM.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 279
Likes: 9
From: ridgecrest ca
those issues are not hard to fix. trying to get fx3 parts can be tough but you could go to aftermarket shocks . stereo .go aftermarket for the price of fixing the bose . and be done with that problem . for 3500 it would be steal .jmho
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 402
Likes: 6
From: Bonney Lake WA
Whats the worst that can happen? He'd say no? Be prepared to walk away, tho. It's a fun game and you're a smart shopper, knowing the market w/its timing and able top costimate the fixes. Quite likely the PO knows how much the repairs will be. My opinion is his asking price is more appropo for a less troubled car.
CARFAX is not the end all in collision and/or repairs, but may be helpful.
These are, however, a lot of HOT car for a young driver.
CARFAX is not the end all in collision and/or repairs, but may be helpful.
These are, however, a lot of HOT car for a young driver.
My wife already said our son can't ever drive it...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 402
Likes: 6
From: Bonney Lake WA
I do custom car audio on the side and would love to build a nice setup in a C4. Most recently I re-did a buddy's stereo in his new Cayman and Maccan.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 402
Likes: 6
From: Bonney Lake WA
I am a little leary about buying from a dealer with a 23yr old car as well.
Thx for the feedback. I appreciate it.
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Brett Foote
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 20,974
Likes: 261
I say no. These can be had cheap. Also they do run 200K miles + but you don't know what it has been through.
You mention the worst you already know about. Wait until you find out what is next.
$6500 here can most likely get you a much better car.
That thing is ragged out. A father son project is one thing, but the first thing to teach him is about buying smart. Start with he best platform. Look around. There is a reason it's there it got dumped.
Walk away.
Could need:
trans rebuild
u joints
tune up
suspension
You mention the worst you already know about. Wait until you find out what is next.
$6500 here can most likely get you a much better car.
That thing is ragged out. A father son project is one thing, but the first thing to teach him is about buying smart. Start with he best platform. Look around. There is a reason it's there it got dumped.
Walk away.
Could need:
trans rebuild
u joints
tune up
suspension
Racer
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 279
Likes: 9
From: ridgecrest ca
with any 23 yr old car there are libel to be issues.just got done rebuilding my suspension 400 was what it cost me . ujoints if needed 200 maxand that is doing the drive shaft. tune up ,I do that to every car I buy as well as changing all the fluids . the real cost on these car is paint. 6-8 k for a good job and interior 2-3 k depending on what is needed and how perfect you want to make it . the key is to look her over as best you can and cost out what you want to redo and add that to the price of the car and then decide if it is a deal you want to make . jmho
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 402
Likes: 6
From: Bonney Lake WA
Probably less - Long story, but bought new by my dad in 93, given to me when he passed. Surprisingly at 192k miles, its only on its 2nd clutch, 2nd water pump & radiator, R-12 A/C still works like a champ, original alternator (no clue how its still working). The body and paint are like new still..and the real bonus to keeping it is that it'll get an LS1 transplant at some point