Need some advice
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Need some advice
Need some advice
Need some advice
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- #1
Newbuevette195 , Today 06:38 PM
Hi guys, I'm 16 and looking to buy my first Corvette (a 1984) and I was wanting some advice. The lady who currently owns it is asking 7k for it and I've done some research and a almost mint C4 goes for about 7k. There aren't any mechanical issues, but she has had to replace the fan motor and there are numerous cracks in the body work and the glass roof is chipped and cracked in two places. So over all its about a 5 out of 10. So how much do YOU think I should pay for it. Thanks again!
Drifting
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,336
Likes: 15
From: Mechanicsburg PA
Central PA Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
Hi guys, I'm 16 and looking to buy my first Corvette (a 1984) and I was wanting some advice. The lady who currently owns it is asking 7k for it and I've done some research and a almost mint C4 goes for about 7k. There aren't any mechanical issues, but she has had to replace the fan motor and there are numerous cracks in the body work and the glass roof is chipped and cracked in two places. So over all its about a 5 out of 10. So how much do YOU think I should pay for it. Thanks again![/list]
Run away from it.
Glad to see you are enamoured with the C4 - but you can get so much more for that kind of money in better condition. Do not get discouraged - there is alot to learn. besides - any 30 year old car needs work. Make sure you have the resources.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 781
Likes: 73
I bought my '84 back in May, 35k miles, truly almost mint, for $4300.
The seller is asking a bit too much. Without pictures it is hard to place a value but from your description it sounds like a $4k car at best.
The seller is asking a bit too much. Without pictures it is hard to place a value but from your description it sounds like a $4k car at best.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Thanks
it looks great from a distance. No massive cracks. Just small stuff here and there all over. The motor was well taken care of and stuff. Is there anything I need to check for specifically
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,472
Likes: 3,290
From: Hartford WI
An 84 is crossfire and I'd pass on that old a car. Maybe if I wanted an L98, I'd go with a 91. If not, I'd get the latest one there is which is a 96. For $7000 and it has cracks and the roof is chipped and cracked? Pass. Wouldn't even take it for $100 unless I planned to strip it for parts. I have never known cracks in the fiberglass to heal on their own. Probably get larger so for me to fix it, it might cost about that much so to answer your question, $5
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 166
Likes: 9
From: Melbourne Australia
I think I would keep looking too. With your Winter approaching there's plenty of bargains out there, but this isn't one of them IMO.
I think most owners have an inflated idea of what their car is worth, especially when sentiment comes into it.
After I bought my 88 coupe recently, the PO asked me to tell him honestly what I thought his car was worth. Seeing as I'd paid $8K for it, i told him that I thought that the selling price was fair to both of us, but if pushed I would have gone to $9K because it was a low mileage car. He said that he couldn't understand why his car was worth so little as he'd cared for it and looked after it for 28 years. He had tried to sell it for $13,900 before finally dropping the price until I offered him 8 grand.
I think most owners have an inflated idea of what their car is worth, especially when sentiment comes into it.
After I bought my 88 coupe recently, the PO asked me to tell him honestly what I thought his car was worth. Seeing as I'd paid $8K for it, i told him that I thought that the selling price was fair to both of us, but if pushed I would have gone to $9K because it was a low mileage car. He said that he couldn't understand why his car was worth so little as he'd cared for it and looked after it for 28 years. He had tried to sell it for $13,900 before finally dropping the price until I offered him 8 grand.
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Verdad Gallardo
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
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From: eastern NC
What is the over all condition of the interior? Unfortunately the interior of the early C4's did not hold up well to everyday wear and tear. Replacing or even freshening up one can run well over a thousand.
Is she the original owner? Personally that could count for a lot. Especially if she has maintenance records for over the years.
Is it a 4+3 speed or is it an automatic?
What colors? Interior and exterior.
Give us a bit more basic info on the car and situation, and we'll give you more meaningful responses.
And by all means, welcome to the Corvette Forum! I think you'll find it a very useful resource whether purchasing, repairing or even selling a Corvette. A lot of great folks here with a lot of experience.
Good luck... GUSTO
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
One thing you haven't mentioned is how many miles are on it.
What is the over all condition of the interior? Unfortunately the interior of the early C4's did not hold up well to everyday wear and tear. Replacing or even freshening up one can run well over a thousand.
Is she the original owner? Personally that could count for a lot. Especially if she has maintenance records for over the years.
Is it a 4+3 speed or is it an automatic?
What colors? Interior and exterior.
Give us a bit more basic info on the car and situation, and we'll give you more meaningful responses.
And by all means, welcome to the Corvette Forum! I think you'll find it a very useful resource whether purchasing, repairing or even selling a Corvette. A lot of great folks here with a lot of experience.
Good luck... GUSTO
What is the over all condition of the interior? Unfortunately the interior of the early C4's did not hold up well to everyday wear and tear. Replacing or even freshening up one can run well over a thousand.
Is she the original owner? Personally that could count for a lot. Especially if she has maintenance records for over the years.
Is it a 4+3 speed or is it an automatic?
What colors? Interior and exterior.
Give us a bit more basic info on the car and situation, and we'll give you more meaningful responses.
And by all means, welcome to the Corvette Forum! I think you'll find it a very useful resource whether purchasing, repairing or even selling a Corvette. A lot of great folks here with a lot of experience.
Good luck... GUSTO
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 109
From: Longmont Co
Don't offer more than three and half, if you really want to take on this project. Something to think about: what about the tires? Even if they still have some tread old tires are dangerous, even a basic set will cost you at least $500.
Oh, and it is not a three; it is either an automatic or a four speed with three overdrives (assuming it is factory, of course). The 4+3 was a good unit if properly maintained, but subject to failures if it wasn't.
Oh, and it is not a three; it is either an automatic or a four speed with three overdrives (assuming it is factory, of course). The 4+3 was a good unit if properly maintained, but subject to failures if it wasn't.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 781
Likes: 73
i apologize, I completely forgot. Its a red on red. The interior is a 9/10 the seats are almost like new. Idk the miles but I'll get back on that. I think it's a three. But I'm not a pro on figuring out the two. She is technically the third owner. Itbwasbher fiance's before he died in a street racing accident. The oil was changed every 3k. From what I've learned, its been taken care of the way it should be.
Approach with caution.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,692
Likes: 349
From: Sacramento California
First you should look at lots of cars before deciding on the one you want. There are lots of these cars out there, in great condition, for relatively low prices.
If you have already looked around, or you are sure this 84 is definitely the one you want, I would offer her $3500 and see what happens. Be sure to have the cash ready, now, in case she agrees. Also have a list of reasons why you're "lowballing" her: paint/body work, real value of the car, does it need tires? Etc etc. Worst case is she slams the door in your face and you eventually get another one (possibly/hopefully something newer).
Good luck.
If you have already looked around, or you are sure this 84 is definitely the one you want, I would offer her $3500 and see what happens. Be sure to have the cash ready, now, in case she agrees. Also have a list of reasons why you're "lowballing" her: paint/body work, real value of the car, does it need tires? Etc etc. Worst case is she slams the door in your face and you eventually get another one (possibly/hopefully something newer).
Good luck.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,472
Likes: 3,290
From: Hartford WI
Don't offer more than three and half, if you really want to take on this project. Something to think about: what about the tires? Even if they still have some tread old tires are dangerous, even a basic set will cost you at least $500.
Oh, and it is not a three; it is either an automatic or a four speed with three overdrives (assuming it is factory, of course). The 4+3 was a good unit if properly maintained, but subject to failures if it wasn't.
Oh, and it is not a three; it is either an automatic or a four speed with three overdrives (assuming it is factory, of course). The 4+3 was a good unit if properly maintained, but subject to failures if it wasn't.
This car is worth whatever you can get from a chop shop. To harvest as many good parts as you can, labor isn't going to be minimum wage. You are going to have to fork out more for a careful laborer. It would probably be better for her to drive it off a cliff and get insurance.