Mayor111

Hey Guys,

Im looking at a 35th Anniversary Edition. The Vette is mint from bumper to bumper. Even the white seats and white steering wheel are clean...actually VERY clean.

The only concern I have is that it has 140k miles.

I was going to buy it for the sole reason to take it to shows cause its so rare and it really sticks out in a C4 class...but Im afraid it may cost me a ton of money one day due to the mileage...

The seller is at $4500 - but I thought $3500 was a better price range leaving me some room for future repairs...

Thoughts?

RUU

If it's "mint", what are you expecting to break you? 140K works out to less than 5K/year, how much less could it have been driven for you not to worry about the mileage?

billschroeder5842

Total mileage has to always be compared to maintenance records. If the car has 140k on it and the owner can demonstrate regular maintenance and care, it would not freak me out.

If you found a car with 90k on the clock and you have no idea what was done and when then you are gambling.

slow-vette

If it is running and driving good 140K wouldn't freak me out. The SBC 350 is a tough engine known for going the distance. I have almost 145K on mine and the PO's of my car didn't do the greatest maintenance. I caught up on things like fluids, water pump, thermostat, and timing chain and it is running great. I drive mine almost daily back and forth to work. If you can get it for $3500 go for it or send me the guy's contact info and I might just buy it.

QCVette

Finding a mint anniversary edition for $4500 (or a lesser offer) is a steal.

If it runs good, I would not worry about the mileage. LT1's are very reliable. The police cars ran them for about 100k miles and then the taxis would run them up to about 300k miles. I have had my 94 up to 145k when I sold it and it was still running great. I think all original with even the original optispark. If he has any maintenance records that could help ease your mind with some evidence of taking care of the car.

Even if it needs some work later, it is cheap enough that you can do some repairs and still be at a good price.

Go for it.


Edit.
Sorry, I thought it was a '93 instead of the '88 you show in a post below.

Same things still apply though. The L98's are reliable long life engines too.

hcbph

When you reference it as rare, are you speaking as something that will be appreciating in value in short time or not seen a lot? I admit I don't see a lot of them but I really would not place them in a rare (as in valuable) category.

IMO evaluate the car based on it's condition, not it's color nor the fact it's marked as a 35th. I honestly don't see the vast majority of C4's appreciating in value like C1's or C2's have, maybe even as some C3's have in recent years. If you want the car and it's something that checks out - great. If you think in the next 5-10 years it's going to make you a bunch of money - I don't think so.

Hope it's what you want and can get for a good price. If it doesn't work out, there are always more C4's out there to look at. Good luck.

Hot Rod Roy

It sounds like you're interested in the car for the right reasons! It'll be a fun car, because it's a well cared for '88! Being an all-white 35th Anniversary car is some frosting on the cake, which will be more work to maintain, but it could also be more fun because it's unusual!

If you want it for your DD, the age of the car might be more of a concern. All older cars require more maintenance. Are you capable of maintaining it, or will you need the services of a good mechanic?

It all depends on what your purpose for the car is. If you decide not to get it, be prepared for regrets! Enjoy!

PLRX

I've seen C4 Corvettes with 250,000 miles. Take care of the engine, and it will last for a long-long time.

cv67

Hard to expect a lot out of a 140k mi car. The cosmetics are a plus, hopefully the maintenance is mechanical, too.

Worst case, 350s and 700r arent real expensive
Question is if you had to rebuild one or the other in the next few yrs is it still worth it to you?

Edv92c4

Price sounds good as long as the paint, interior and weather stripping are all good. Body and interior work is always the most expensive in a restoration...mechanicals can always be fixed.

billschroeder5842

Is it possible to throw up some pictures?

Mayor111

MRANT212

Write the check for 4500 bucks and call it a day! I'm a bit biased towards 35ths. Buy it for the fun factor and that it's a different looking C4. Car looks together and clean. It's a steal for a C4. If the engine goes drop in a 383 or any crate motor. Drive the hell out of it and enjoy!

ps374

That is a lot of miles for a car you don't expect is going to need major repairs.. My 84 has 153,000. The suspension has been rebuilt. shocks,all bushings, ball joints, Steering rack, transmission, headlight motors, power window motors,
gas window struts,and hood struts, Bose speakers, hub bearings, cooling system. axle joints just to mention a few things. Unless these items have been addressed , this car will soon cost you a fortune. Things wear out under normal use. If all these items have not been changed, they probably need to be. Take a peek at the bushings, wheel hubs, axle joints. And we have not even addressed the engine. Items like timing chain, water pump, lifters,etc.

HAD2HAV2

A quick look at the seats show new leather because all the sport seat controls are not there. Not necessary a bad thing. When I replaced the leather/foam on mine recently I did not cut out for the controls. The lumbar and bolster did not work on either side. I deduced the toggle switches were shot. The incline did work. I set the incline for driving and then unplugged it. Seat belts could use a pressure washing to make them white again.
I have 133,000 miles on my 35th. Seat covers have been replaced twice by me. Price of a new steering wheel and leather with new foam is $1300 you just saved.
Go for it if you can do most of the mechanicals.

Kens94

Buy it! You can't find one that looks that good for less. Go for it! Have fun!

Edv92c4

Doesn't look bad...just buy it...if not let us know where it is I'm sure one of us will. I see it's in Jersey

FAUEE

That's really nice. I'd buy it.

Renfield

Seller hasn't had it long enough (or doesn't know enough) to fix the backward wheels?

cdm747

I have a 35th with a little over 125k on it that i paid $4500 for in January. After changing fluids and doings some other routine maintenance I am glad I bought it. Motor still runs strong and my seats don't look near as good as those. I say go for it.