Advice On Purchasing
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Advice On Purchasing
Hi
Thinking of purchasing a 1986 Corvette. It’s clean, but has 121,000 miles on it and is $6000. How would you advise?
Thinking of purchasing a 1986 Corvette. It’s clean, but has 121,000 miles on it and is $6000. How would you advise?
Last edited by Colaco007; Dec 15, 2017 at 02:10 PM. Reason: Adding pics
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,692
Likes: 349
From: Sacramento California
We need many more details about the car to give any meaningful answer to your question. Year, general condition, mileage and asking price are not nearly enough.
Do some research and collect detailed info on the specific car you are looking at, then post back here. Photos are pretty much required.
Also read up on other "potential corvette purchase" threads. Lots of helpful suggestions.
EDIT: That steering wheel cover ruins the whole thing. You should not buy that car
But seriously, it looks to be in good condition, might be worth that price to the right buyer. Are you that buyer? Does it have everything you personally want in a Corvette? I paid extra for my car (more than it was really worth) because it has absolutely everything I want and nothing I don't, and it was in great condition. So I had to have it. Just sayin... you could probably find a nicer/newer car for that money, but if this one checks all of your boxes, then maybe it's the one for you regardless of price.
Do some research and collect detailed info on the specific car you are looking at, then post back here. Photos are pretty much required.
Also read up on other "potential corvette purchase" threads. Lots of helpful suggestions.
EDIT: That steering wheel cover ruins the whole thing. You should not buy that car
But seriously, it looks to be in good condition, might be worth that price to the right buyer. Are you that buyer? Does it have everything you personally want in a Corvette? I paid extra for my car (more than it was really worth) because it has absolutely everything I want and nothing I don't, and it was in great condition. So I had to have it. Just sayin... you could probably find a nicer/newer car for that money, but if this one checks all of your boxes, then maybe it's the one for you regardless of price.
Last edited by DGXR; Dec 15, 2017 at 05:26 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,340
Likes: 2,084
From: Lehigh Valley PA
According to Corvette DNA - that car in DRIVER condition is worth between $3000 and $4000.
For $6000 - $7000 you can get a MUCH newer C4 with similar mileage in very good condition... I paid $5000 for a 92 (auto) C4 w/ 70k miles and it was in pristine condition.
Not that anything is wrong with that car - but unless you can grab it for under $4000, I would look for a newer C4 with more horsepower, maybe less mileage.
Hope you get the Vette you want in the end!!!
For $6000 - $7000 you can get a MUCH newer C4 with similar mileage in very good condition... I paid $5000 for a 92 (auto) C4 w/ 70k miles and it was in pristine condition.
Not that anything is wrong with that car - but unless you can grab it for under $4000, I would look for a newer C4 with more horsepower, maybe less mileage.
Hope you get the Vette you want in the end!!!
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Thank you for the info. Where did you find yours?
According to Corvette DNA - that car in DRIVER condition is worth between $3000 and $4000.
For $6000 - $7000 you can get a MUCH newer C4 with similar mileage in very good condition... I paid $5000 for a 92 (auto) C4 w/ 70k miles and it was in pristine condition.
Not that anything is wrong with that car - but unless you can grab it for under $4000, I would look for a newer C4 with more horsepower, maybe less mileage.
Hope you get the Vette you want in the end!!!
For $6000 - $7000 you can get a MUCH newer C4 with similar mileage in very good condition... I paid $5000 for a 92 (auto) C4 w/ 70k miles and it was in pristine condition.
Not that anything is wrong with that car - but unless you can grab it for under $4000, I would look for a newer C4 with more horsepower, maybe less mileage.
Hope you get the Vette you want in the end!!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,227
Likes: 697
From: Clifton Park, NY ............Clearwater, FL ... 85 Original Owner
Needs body work and paint, $5K if you're really lucky
$5000
Needs whole interior
Steering wheel $150
Carpet $350
Seat covers with new foam $1000
Dash Pad $425
Door Panels $250
And much more than in pictures
After you spend all this, the car will be worth $8K tops
Does have nice tires though
My estimate of worth?
-$2000
Racer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 313
Likes: 20
That could be a fun starter car to play with, I agree with the guys that say 3-4K, you could buy it, have some fun for a few months and sell it when it warms up, might even make a few bucks. But it would be much cheaper to buy a better specimen than to restore that one. This is all if it checks out mechanically of course, consult your trusty local certified mechanic if you don't have the skills.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 288
Likes: 10
From: Proctor WV
Advice
Looks like a clean car. Have you drove it? Everything work?. Got sport seats, New after market radio, Looks like AC was changed over to 134 or serviced (new accumulator), Newer tires (date code?) Asking a little to much ....CASH$$$$$ makes the deal...My offer....4 to 5 an change. Mileage is up. Service records?????? What is the wire hanging down under steering column?
Last edited by Ziggy*; Dec 15, 2017 at 06:36 PM. Reason: add on
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,227
Likes: 697
From: Clifton Park, NY ............Clearwater, FL ... 85 Original Owner
Looks like a clean car. Have you drove it? Everything work?. Got sport seats, New after market radio, Looks like AC was changed over to 134 or serviced (new accumulator), Newer tires (date code?) Asking a little to much ....CASH$$$$$ makes the deal...My offer....4 to 5 an change. Mileage is up. Service records?????? What is the wire hanging down under steering column?
Am I missing something? The very first picture shows paint/body damage.
Last edited by Cruisinfanatic; Dec 15, 2017 at 06:42 PM.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 313
Likes: 20
that for sale sign says MUST SALE......that usually means somebody is ready to make a deal......go flash the cash, I'm betting you can go in pretty aggressive if you got greenbacks!
Let em see the cash roll, once they get a taste for it they have to have it!
Let em see the cash roll, once they get a taste for it they have to have it!
Last edited by midlifecrisis1979; Dec 15, 2017 at 07:46 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,706
Likes: 485
From: Everett WA
C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
If you are a first time buyer you might consider investing $20.00 in a book called "Mike Antonick's Corvette Black Book"
This paperbound book has 2 or 3 pages for each year corvette and lists all of the options..... the really nice part is that as you go from page to page you can see what "optional" things became standard equipment as the years went on.
With this handy book you will know if the car you are looking at is at least equipped as advertized.
Now with the public service announcement done let me off you some great opinion:
You can buy a really nice C4 for around $10K and generally speaking .... you get what you pay for.
This paperbound book has 2 or 3 pages for each year corvette and lists all of the options..... the really nice part is that as you go from page to page you can see what "optional" things became standard equipment as the years went on.
With this handy book you will know if the car you are looking at is at least equipped as advertized.
Now with the public service announcement done let me off you some great opinion:
You can buy a really nice C4 for around $10K and generally speaking .... you get what you pay for.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,427
Likes: 604
From: Minneapolis Mn
I'm closer to Ziggy's thoughts here. What some are calling body damage looks to be reflections off the paint to me. It looks like some dust on the car so how overall is the paint? Some of the exhaust looks to have been changed, different exhaust tips at a minimum. I wonder if some of the things like the carpet color may be the quality of the picture.
If the car is in good shape and everything works, I'd see if you could get it for a little less, after all it is winter which typically is a little lower price time of the year. If you come up with a price you can live with, consider making a condition of the purchase a pre-purchase inspection, that should help identify any potential issues by a shop that works on Vettes. Be ready to factor in those items in your offer.
Ultimately it's your decision. If it's a car you want, in a condition you can accept for a price you like, then go for it. Remember it's your $$ so ultimately there's only one person that needs to be happy - you.
If the car is in good shape and everything works, I'd see if you could get it for a little less, after all it is winter which typically is a little lower price time of the year. If you come up with a price you can live with, consider making a condition of the purchase a pre-purchase inspection, that should help identify any potential issues by a shop that works on Vettes. Be ready to factor in those items in your offer.
Ultimately it's your decision. If it's a car you want, in a condition you can accept for a price you like, then go for it. Remember it's your $$ so ultimately there's only one person that needs to be happy - you.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 313
Likes: 20
Yeah I agree, I would at least stop by with my hauler and show em 3500 cash if its running good, when it warms up he will probably get closer to his asking price......these cars are a lotta fun and in my opinion the best value for the money!
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 1,674
Likes: 191
From: Shit Creek, USA
"For Sell" is what you see written on cars parked in front of their respective trailer in Appalachia.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 313
Likes: 20
yeah........
Correct grammar can get you respect, but what good is it if you cant read the fine print?
Last edited by midlifecrisis1979; Dec 16, 2017 at 03:05 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
To me it looks pretty good.
However, with the age, mileage, etc. I would expect a little lower price.
You should do some research on C4's. The "black book" referenced above is good. Also check out a lot of threads on this forum. The thing to look for is what options and differences were between the years. Also look to what things are problems.
People have different opinions, like preferences to the early or late styles, automatic vs manual, different interior styles, digital or analog dash, early or late suspension and wheels, etc. Decide what you want before jumping into the first one you see.
Good luck.
However, with the age, mileage, etc. I would expect a little lower price.
You should do some research on C4's. The "black book" referenced above is good. Also check out a lot of threads on this forum. The thing to look for is what options and differences were between the years. Also look to what things are problems.
People have different opinions, like preferences to the early or late styles, automatic vs manual, different interior styles, digital or analog dash, early or late suspension and wheels, etc. Decide what you want before jumping into the first one you see.
Good luck.
