Concerns aboutPurchasing a higher milage Corvette
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Joined: May 2002
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From: Northville MI
Concerns aboutPurchasing a higher milage Corvette
I am considering the purchase of a high milage Corvette with over 100K on the odometer. I am looking at a 1990 with 107K on it and a 1994 with a 108K. I have notice alot of these high milage cars seem to be well cared for and maintained. They are priced right, and for my use I would only drive the car about 1000 miles a year. This would be just a toy.
Any advice from people on purchasing this type of car.
Thank you,
Mike Rogers
Any advice from people on purchasing this type of car.
Thank you,
Mike Rogers
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member, Inland Empire Chapter
Re: Concerns aboutPurchasing a higher milage Corvette (Vettepc78)
My '91 had 99k when I bought it and the engine runs fantastic. It had some trannie issues but thats another story. Interior and exterior was in almost perfect condition too. I would have no problem with buying another high mileage vette as long as it had been cared for good. :blueangel:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Clever, MO aka SOMO
Re: Concerns aboutPurchasing a higher milage Corvette (Vettepc78)
I got my '88 18mo. ago with 145,000 miles on her. All the maint. records came with the car too. The tranny was rebuilt at 105,000, not unusual, and the normal replacement of worn parts, but nothing major. It now has 161,700 and still runs like a new car. Great mileage on the road, 25-28mpg and still gets lots of waves!! I look at the interior condition of a used car to see how well it's been kept up. Most vettes are gleaming on the outside, but that interior will really tell the story. My engine has never been opened up, burns .5qt of oil in 3000 miles, no drips etc, and is a real joy to drive. I'm a cruiser, not a racer and I keep it clean inside and out!! A 100,000 mile Corvette is just getting broken in!! GO FOR IT!! Don't forget to Wave!
Good luck,
Fix :seeya :seeya :seeya
Good luck,
Fix :seeya :seeya :seeya
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From: Easton CA
Re: Concerns aboutPurchasing a higher milage Corvette (Vettepc78)
My '92 had 83K on it when I bought her. She now has 101K and running great. I've had normal maintenance issues but nothing major.
Good luck on your choice.
Good luck on your choice.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
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From: Pineville, Louisiana
Re: Concerns aboutPurchasing a higher milage Corvette (Oly)
High mileage corvettes can be very good cars, it depends on the maintainence schedule that owner kept up with. :yesnod: At one time you wouldn't dare buy a car with over 60,000 miles on the odometer, but since the late 80's and early 90's american manufactures have really been putting some great engines on the road. Some cars even have the original plugs in at 100,000 miles.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2001
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Re: Concerns aboutPurchasing a higher milage Corvette (Vettepc78)
A well maintaned high mileage Vette is an excellant value!!!
You can tell by the way the cosmetics have been cared for during its mileage accumulation
You can tell by the way the cosmetics have been cared for during its mileage accumulation
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St. Jude Donor '08-'10
Re: Concerns aboutPurchasing a higher milage Corvette (jwade91)
I bought my 90 with 115K on it. I paid Car Checkers to check it out for me. It was $100 but it was worth it. They did a compression check on the engine and ran so many other checks that I don't remember them all. They will tell you all there is to know about the car. It all put my mind at ease. They found a few minor things that I have repaired but I did not have any big surprises. My high mile car has been great, I love it and would do it again. :cheers:
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Las Animas Ca. USA
Re: Concerns aboutPurchasing a higher milage Corvette (Vettepc78)
I'd go with the 94. The LT-1's are excellent cars.
When it comes to buying used cars, theres a rule of thumb:
0 to 100k its a free ride.
100 to 150k thats where are the little stuff goes south.
150 to 200k the trans is going on vacation.
Corvettes are excellent cars with a very good reliablity record.
100 to 150k can be a very good car.
My car has 98k and is in excellent condition.
When it comes to buying used cars, theres a rule of thumb:
0 to 100k its a free ride.
100 to 150k thats where are the little stuff goes south.
150 to 200k the trans is going on vacation.
Corvettes are excellent cars with a very good reliablity record.
100 to 150k can be a very good car.
My car has 98k and is in excellent condition.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 3,054
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From: atlanta ga
Re: Concerns aboutPurchasing a higher milage Corvette (Bones LT1)
you can go 500k with a well cared for 350. most corvettes get special care so most 100k vettes dont show it. a 100k yugo or something is a different story.
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Re: Concerns aboutPurchasing a higher milage Corvette (Vettepc78)
I bought my 85 with 112,000 miles on it. Don't let the mileage scare you away. Its how the miles were put on the car. Check it out well and put it on a lift so you can check for any unseen damage to the undercarriage, suspension, etc. My car runs like its new and it still blows away most newer cars I come across! Enjoy your car when you get it! :chevy
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2002
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Re: Concerns aboutPurchasing a higher milage Corvette (Vettepc78)
Well if the engine's been maintained well that's fine and dandy, but remember mileage doesn't meant just the engine, the rest of the car goes with it. Some cars don't show 100+ thousand miles on the exterior or interior, but many do. It could run like a champ, but maybe the power mirrors don't work, or the FX3 is acting up. There's more to car mileage than just a motor, so look at it as that. Not trying to scare you away, it's just that when people think of car mileage they think engine, and not tranny, rear end, suspension, interior, etc. The well cared for motors will last forever, but less can be said about the tranny and rear end. They're usually the first things to go on these cars. :cheers:
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St. Jude Donor '14-'15
Re: Concerns aboutPurchasing a higher milage Corvette (Vettepc78)
I recently bought a 90 convertible with 90,000 miles for $11,500 and it is great. It was well taken care of. I put a water pump in it myself last month and I just got new tires. The interior is in good shape and everything works. If you don't drive it everyday mileage doesn't matter. I look at it this way .. you get more for your money by purchasing a high mileage car. I also noticed that the higher the mileage on a C5 the cheaper it is. You are starting to see 99 convertibles under $29,000 now. So I wouldn't worry about the mileage...