1994 Corvette
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Instructor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 125
Likes: 1
1994 Corvette
I have been looking for a nice low mileage c4. I found a 94 six speed with a manual tranny with exactly 39000 miles that is in excellent shape. He is asking $14500 but will take $12500. The car looks good inside and out. Is that a reasonable price? Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 6,332
Likes: 1,143
From: Vermilion OH
At $12,500 its a decent buy with that kind of mileage. Does the car have any special options like FX3 or sport seats? Has the car been well cared for and does it come with a service history?
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,396
Likes: 129
From: Plainfield IN
I bought mine last Aug for 9500 w/94,000 miles - but recent opti, new interior, wheels, tires, exhaust, tint Windows, the paint is not perfect, but a very nice "driver" - so bottom line is how do you feel about the car is what's important.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,060
Likes: 214
From: Epping NH
$12500 seems like a fair price but on the high side of a fair price, spring is not the best time to buy sports cars and expect to get a deal...low mileage is not always a blessing if it's not properly maintained...when cars are not driven seals dry out.
Last edited by bac22; May 31, 2017 at 12:10 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
I also think it might be a fair price but a bit on the high side. That being said, if it is the right car for you that you plan to keep for quite a while, any difference in initial price of a thousand or two is meaningless after you have owned the car for long time. I had one for 25 years and the initial cost difference amortized over that time was trivial.
If you can post some pictures you can get a lot of good comments from a lot experienced people on the forum. Often people here can spot things that look odd, or maybe not stock, etc. It can help to evaluate what the car really is.
I would also look at the tires for the date codes. On a low mileage car often the tires have a lot of tread, but may be quite old and need replacement. If they are old, it can be a bargaining point with the seller.
If it looks good to you, go for it. I have had a couple '94 6M cars and they are great.
Good luck.
If you can post some pictures you can get a lot of good comments from a lot experienced people on the forum. Often people here can spot things that look odd, or maybe not stock, etc. It can help to evaluate what the car really is.
I would also look at the tires for the date codes. On a low mileage car often the tires have a lot of tread, but may be quite old and need replacement. If they are old, it can be a bargaining point with the seller.
If it looks good to you, go for it. I have had a couple '94 6M cars and they are great.
Good luck.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 609
Likes: 239
From: Franklin NC
If truly 'excellent' then it's a very fair price. These cars need 'things' (from tires to headlight repair to....) and if this one of those rare Corvettes that is ready to enjoy right off the bat, get it!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,692
Likes: 349
From: Sacramento California
I agree $12500 is on the high side but it sounds like this car may be worth it.
Search for threads on "what to look for when buying a C4" and you will get a good idea what specific items to look at. Be sure you check EVERYTHING. Also get a pre-purchase inspection by a professional mechanic (preferably one who knows these cars) which may reveal issues that you would not have noticed. If the seller objects to an inspection, that is a flag. But if you still want the car, just tell them that if you don't buy it, they can show the inspection report to the next prospective buyer, so it's actually a good investment.
For the price, this car should need nothing and be 100% ready to go until the next regular service interval. Enjoy!
Search for threads on "what to look for when buying a C4" and you will get a good idea what specific items to look at. Be sure you check EVERYTHING. Also get a pre-purchase inspection by a professional mechanic (preferably one who knows these cars) which may reveal issues that you would not have noticed. If the seller objects to an inspection, that is a flag. But if you still want the car, just tell them that if you don't buy it, they can show the inspection report to the next prospective buyer, so it's actually a good investment.
For the price, this car should need nothing and be 100% ready to go until the next regular service interval. Enjoy!
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Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
That price is at the upper end of the price range for a '94, but if the car has been cared for (are the repair records available??) it could turn out to be a good deal.
I would suggest that you take the car to a reputable auto repair shop and get a Used Vehicle Inspection done. This will run around $150 or so but you will get a written report of the mechanical condition of the car. It should also show what needs to be done now and what can be done later.
One thing to look at are the tires. Try to find the date code on the sidewall. IF the tires are more than 5-6 years old according to the code, it's time to replace them. They may have a lot of tread left, but tires will dry out and you will soon see dry-rot cracks in the tread area.
You can always make a offer to the seller. Maybe offer $11K and go up from there. Cash talks!!
I would suggest that you take the car to a reputable auto repair shop and get a Used Vehicle Inspection done. This will run around $150 or so but you will get a written report of the mechanical condition of the car. It should also show what needs to be done now and what can be done later.
One thing to look at are the tires. Try to find the date code on the sidewall. IF the tires are more than 5-6 years old according to the code, it's time to replace them. They may have a lot of tread left, but tires will dry out and you will soon see dry-rot cracks in the tread area.
You can always make a offer to the seller. Maybe offer $11K and go up from there. Cash talks!!
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 188
Likes: 47
From: Branson, MO
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 109
Likes: 7
Unless there are service records, I would not offer full price. Without the service documentation you will invest some $$'s to bring it up to a base line. As said, check the date code on the tires. All the above is good negotiating stuff.
Now all that said, if you really like/want the car go for it and don't look back. There will always be a better deal then you just made.....
Now all that said, if you really like/want the car go for it and don't look back. There will always be a better deal then you just made.....
Pro
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 656
Likes: 79
From: Jackson Wisconsin
Agreed to all the above. Its a bit high but you're not buying it for its resale, right? My only suggestion is to not use your last dollar to buy it. You will need to spend money for something you didn't see, or did not pop up on a test drive or you just want to. You will probably find a place for all that extra income you have laying around. Keep us posted and send pictures.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 125
Likes: 1
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 125
Likes: 1
Agreed to all the above. Its a bit high but you're not buying it for its resale, right? My only suggestion is to not use your last dollar to buy it. You will need to spend money for something you didn't see, or did not pop up on a test drive or you just want to. You will probably find a place for all that extra income you have laying around. Keep us posted and send pictures.
