Value question ..... again
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Joined: Jul 2017
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Value question ..... again
All,
I am going to look at a Ruby 40th anniversary tonight with low miles ( less than 40k) A4 with a cracked top. Looking at the prices on here and other places, these cars are all over the board. Guy said he wants to sell it because it never gets driven and it seems like when it does, it always has another issue that pops up. I already have a high number in my head of 8k. What your thoughts?
I am going to look at a Ruby 40th anniversary tonight with low miles ( less than 40k) A4 with a cracked top. Looking at the prices on here and other places, these cars are all over the board. Guy said he wants to sell it because it never gets driven and it seems like when it does, it always has another issue that pops up. I already have a high number in my head of 8k. What your thoughts?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,590
Likes: 977
From: Communist Colorado
Ask these questions:
1. Are there maintenance records you can show me?
2. Happen to have a Car Fax?
3. Any known issues you may have overlooked?
Look at these things:
1.Tires
2. Weather stripping (all of it)
3. Interior condition seats, condition & operation
4. Glass
5.All options work PDL, PW, AC, Heater, Stereo, CC, FX3 if equipped
6. Paint Condition/ Panel condition (cracks)
7. headlight operation
Test Drive Observations:
1. Listen for odd drive train noises
2. Use your nose to smell for oil burning, sweet smell for coolant when you run the defrost
3. Wheel, drive train vibrations
4. Brakes pulling?
5. Is it aligned correctly? Let go of the wheel on a flat road, does it pull or wander?
6. After youre done, look under the hood for any steam or smoke or leaks etc
Ok, now that you have made an assessment of overall condition you can make an intelligent offer that wont insult the seller.I think if the car is in VERY good condition, 8k isnt out of the ball park. If its average like most C4's, more like $6k to $7k depending on how much you think you will need to spend to get it where it would need to be.
Good Luck!
1. Are there maintenance records you can show me?
2. Happen to have a Car Fax?
3. Any known issues you may have overlooked?
Look at these things:
1.Tires
2. Weather stripping (all of it)
3. Interior condition seats, condition & operation
4. Glass
5.All options work PDL, PW, AC, Heater, Stereo, CC, FX3 if equipped
6. Paint Condition/ Panel condition (cracks)
7. headlight operation
Test Drive Observations:
1. Listen for odd drive train noises
2. Use your nose to smell for oil burning, sweet smell for coolant when you run the defrost
3. Wheel, drive train vibrations
4. Brakes pulling?
5. Is it aligned correctly? Let go of the wheel on a flat road, does it pull or wander?
6. After youre done, look under the hood for any steam or smoke or leaks etc
Ok, now that you have made an assessment of overall condition you can make an intelligent offer that wont insult the seller.I think if the car is in VERY good condition, 8k isnt out of the ball park. If its average like most C4's, more like $6k to $7k depending on how much you think you will need to spend to get it where it would need to be.
Good Luck!
Last edited by 81c3; May 23, 2018 at 08:15 AM.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 89
Likes: 2
Ask these questions:
1. Are there maintenance records you can show me?
2. Happen to have a Car Fax?
3. Any known issues you may have overlooked?
Look at these things:
1.Tires
2. Weather stripping (all of it)
3. Interior condition seats, condition & operation
4. Glass
5.All options work PDL, PW, AC, Heater, Stereo, CC, FX3 if equipped
6. Paint Condition/ Panel condition (cracks)
7. headlight operation
Test Drive Observations:
1. Listen for odd drive train noises
2. Use your nose to smell for oil burning, sweet smell for coolant when you run the defrost
3. Wheel, drive train vibrations
4. Brakes pulling?
5. Is it aligned correctly? Let go of the wheel on a flat road, does it pull or wander?
6. After youre done, look under the hood for any steam or smoke or leaks etc
Ok, now that you have made an assessment of overall condition you can make an intelligent offer that wont insult the seller.I think if the car is in VERY good condition, 8k isnt out of the ball park. If its average like most C4's, more like $6k to $7k depending on how much you think you will need to spend to get it where it would need to be.
Good Luck!
1. Are there maintenance records you can show me?
2. Happen to have a Car Fax?
3. Any known issues you may have overlooked?
Look at these things:
1.Tires
2. Weather stripping (all of it)
3. Interior condition seats, condition & operation
4. Glass
5.All options work PDL, PW, AC, Heater, Stereo, CC, FX3 if equipped
6. Paint Condition/ Panel condition (cracks)
7. headlight operation
Test Drive Observations:
1. Listen for odd drive train noises
2. Use your nose to smell for oil burning, sweet smell for coolant when you run the defrost
3. Wheel, drive train vibrations
4. Brakes pulling?
5. Is it aligned correctly? Let go of the wheel on a flat road, does it pull or wander?
6. After youre done, look under the hood for any steam or smoke or leaks etc
Ok, now that you have made an assessment of overall condition you can make an intelligent offer that wont insult the seller.I think if the car is in VERY good condition, 8k isnt out of the ball park. If its average like most C4's, more like $6k to $7k depending on how much you think you will need to spend to get it where it would need to be.
Good Luck!
Thanks for the reply.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 4,648
Likes: 1,059
From: N.E. Ohio OH
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
sweet smell for coolant when you run the defrost
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 89
Likes: 2
Also smell down in where the overflow bottle is, down in front of the passenger side tire. The 96 I bought had a pinhole leak due to the plastic side tanks of the radiator. It just now is getting close to 18,000 miles. It isn't a mileage factor but an age factor on the OEM plastic tanked radiators needing to be replace.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,431
Likes: 609
From: Minneapolis Mn
I'd do an examination myself, and if I was serious I'd have a trusted mechanic knowledgeable about Vettes give it a pre-purchase inspection. There's too many things that might be wrong or an issue unless it can be put up on a lift, etc. It could cinch the deal, kill it or give you some bargaining power.
My thoughts.
My thoughts.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 4,648
Likes: 1,059
From: N.E. Ohio OH
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
unless it can be put up on a lift,
Pro
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 529
Likes: 57
From: Fort Myers FL
St. Jude Donor '14 thru '20, '23 thru '26
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Racer
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 435
Likes: 22
From: Ellenton Florida
If you refurbed your last vette you should have an idea of what is wrong or needs attention. Condition is key and any kind of records is second. Some people hate getting nickel & dimed to death and should not have an older car.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 89
Likes: 2
Guys,
I stopped and looked at it. Talked to the owner. He is the ex-spouse of the original owner. The car has original tire and shocks with 26000 miles on it. He said that he had the fuel lines and fuel pump replaced a couple years ago due to it sitting all the time. It does have a 2 inch crack in the top in the middle and a few scratches here and there where it may have hit a curb with the front. Looks like it got a little battery acid on the one panel next to the battery as well. Weatherstripping seems ok and interior is in good shape. I was thinking of offering 6k, is that going to be an insult?
I stopped and looked at it. Talked to the owner. He is the ex-spouse of the original owner. The car has original tire and shocks with 26000 miles on it. He said that he had the fuel lines and fuel pump replaced a couple years ago due to it sitting all the time. It does have a 2 inch crack in the top in the middle and a few scratches here and there where it may have hit a curb with the front. Looks like it got a little battery acid on the one panel next to the battery as well. Weatherstripping seems ok and interior is in good shape. I was thinking of offering 6k, is that going to be an insult?
Last edited by R254; May 23, 2018 at 06:32 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 2,099
Likes: 47
From: Minneapolis MN
Ask these questions:
1. Are there maintenance records you can show me?
2. Happen to have a Car Fax?
3. Any known issues you may have overlooked?
Look at these things:
1.Tires
2. Weather stripping (all of it)
3. Interior condition seats, condition & operation
4. Glass
5.All options work PDL, PW, AC, Heater, Stereo, CC, FX3 if equipped
6. Paint Condition/ Panel condition (cracks)
7. headlight operation
Test Drive Observations:
1. Listen for odd drive train noises
2. Use your nose to smell for oil burning, sweet smell for coolant when you run the defrost
3. Wheel, drive train vibrations
4. Brakes pulling?
5. Is it aligned correctly? Let go of the wheel on a flat road, does it pull or wander?
6. After youre done, look under the hood for any steam or smoke or leaks etc
Ok, now that you have made an assessment of overall condition you can make an intelligent offer that wont insult the seller.I think if the car is in VERY good condition, 8k isnt out of the ball park. If its average like most C4's, more like $6k to $7k depending on how much you think you will need to spend to get it where it would need to be.
Good Luck!
1. Are there maintenance records you can show me?
2. Happen to have a Car Fax?
3. Any known issues you may have overlooked?
Look at these things:
1.Tires
2. Weather stripping (all of it)
3. Interior condition seats, condition & operation
4. Glass
5.All options work PDL, PW, AC, Heater, Stereo, CC, FX3 if equipped
6. Paint Condition/ Panel condition (cracks)
7. headlight operation
Test Drive Observations:
1. Listen for odd drive train noises
2. Use your nose to smell for oil burning, sweet smell for coolant when you run the defrost
3. Wheel, drive train vibrations
4. Brakes pulling?
5. Is it aligned correctly? Let go of the wheel on a flat road, does it pull or wander?
6. After youre done, look under the hood for any steam or smoke or leaks etc
Ok, now that you have made an assessment of overall condition you can make an intelligent offer that wont insult the seller.I think if the car is in VERY good condition, 8k isnt out of the ball park. If its average like most C4's, more like $6k to $7k depending on how much you think you will need to spend to get it where it would need to be.
Good Luck!
I've got a really clean 92 auto with 68,000 miles now. If someone offered me $6k to $7k I'd laugh in their face and say see ya, don't call back. Have a nice day.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 2,099
Likes: 47
From: Minneapolis MN
Guys,
I stopped and looked at it. Talked to the owner. He is the ex-spouse of the original owner. The car has original tire and shocks with 26000 miles on it. He said that he had the fuel lines and fuel pump replaced a couple years ago due to it sitting all the time. It does have a 2 inch crack in the top in the middle and a few scratches here and there where it may have hit a curb with the front. Looks like it got a little battery acid on the one panel next to the battery as well. Weatherstripping seems ok and interior is in good shape. I was thinking of offering 6k, is that going to be an insult?
I stopped and looked at it. Talked to the owner. He is the ex-spouse of the original owner. The car has original tire and shocks with 26000 miles on it. He said that he had the fuel lines and fuel pump replaced a couple years ago due to it sitting all the time. It does have a 2 inch crack in the top in the middle and a few scratches here and there where it may have hit a curb with the front. Looks like it got a little battery acid on the one panel next to the battery as well. Weatherstripping seems ok and interior is in good shape. I was thinking of offering 6k, is that going to be an insult?
I'd pass on the car period. There are pristine C4's out there. I paid $9.5k for it. Did it need some work? Yup, cars this old you never know what problem is going to be next. Got about $11k into it now. Drives like a new car, interior is like NEW, paint is what is to be expected (a few chips on the front hood). FX3 (works), sport seats and G92 (must have).
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,502
Likes: 3,302
From: Hartford WI
The car has original tire and shocks with 26000 miles on it.
He said that he had the fuel lines and fuel pump replaced a couple years ago due to it sitting all the time.
It does have a 2 inch crack in the top in the middle and a few scratches here and there where it may have hit a curb with the front.
Looks like it got a little battery acid on the one panel next to the battery as well.
Weatherstripping seems ok and interior is in good shape.
I was thinking of offering 6k, is that going to be an insult?
He said that he had the fuel lines and fuel pump replaced a couple years ago due to it sitting all the time.
It does have a 2 inch crack in the top in the middle and a few scratches here and there where it may have hit a curb with the front.
Looks like it got a little battery acid on the one panel next to the battery as well.
Weatherstripping seems ok and interior is in good shape.
I was thinking of offering 6k, is that going to be an insult?
Receipts or not done unless you want to verify.
Another $1200 bucks to fix assuming it is acrylic unless you want to send it in for to have the lens redone.
And what other damage has that acid done? Why did acid leak?
Probably have to replace weatherstripping due to age.
Assuming bushings are not dry rotted, I'd check if he has hidden anything from you with your own scanner. Also check compression. Basically, I'd have a PDI done.
I would start at $5000 based on the above assuming nothing else is wrong.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 89
Likes: 2
Thanks guys for the insight. The guy was a very nice fella and told me to come back and take it for a good test drive, he said 50 or 60 miles and then make an offer. I guess that is what I need to do.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 64
Likes: 13
From: Spartanburg SC
I paid 9k for my '94 63,000 mile polo green coupe, auto (highway gears) really nice tan interior, working Bose stereo, and electronic climate control. Everything on the car functions as it should. Had new tires, very good original paint one small pea size blemish on driver's seat. It was at a dealer and I couldn't really find a bargaining chip. I think prices may vary regionally too, I've seen similar cars to mine going for 12-14k but from private sellers. I put about 2k into it a couple of weeks after purchase (lower ball joints, oil pan gasket, new starter and battery) at my local Chevy dealer not because I can't do the work but because I don't have time to make it another project. Just my experience, it is an old car despite the obvious care it received prior to my ownership. Good luck.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 16,872
Likes: 4
From: Owings Mills, MD 21117
Mark
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,590
Likes: 977
From: Communist Colorado
Racer
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 350
Likes: 74
In general, I’d say a really clean LT1 C4 is going to cost about $8k-$10k. Now, weather you find one that is already all sorted out and pay that up front, or find an average condition car and pay 6 or 7000 up front then put a couple thousand into it is up to you and also what’s available in your area. But, either way the total investment for a good car is about the same.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,426
Likes: 229
From: Pennsylvania
Guys,
I stopped and looked at it. Talked to the owner. He is the ex-spouse of the original owner. The car has original tire and shocks with 26000 miles on it. He said that he had the fuel lines and fuel pump replaced a couple years ago due to it sitting all the time. It does have a 2 inch crack in the top in the middle and a few scratches here and there where it may have hit a curb with the front. Looks like it got a little battery acid on the one panel next to the battery as well. Weatherstripping seems ok and interior is in good shape. I was thinking of offering 6k, is that going to be an insult?
I stopped and looked at it. Talked to the owner. He is the ex-spouse of the original owner. The car has original tire and shocks with 26000 miles on it. He said that he had the fuel lines and fuel pump replaced a couple years ago due to it sitting all the time. It does have a 2 inch crack in the top in the middle and a few scratches here and there where it may have hit a curb with the front. Looks like it got a little battery acid on the one panel next to the battery as well. Weatherstripping seems ok and interior is in good shape. I was thinking of offering 6k, is that going to be an insult?
I'd tell you to take a hike too! Your asking him to knock off almost half of his asking price! Show him a few ad's listing comparable C4's for sale and see what his reason's are for the $10K price. You may do better than $10k, but I'd be interested in why he feels that price is fair. If he jumps down to $6k from $10k immediately and doesn't try to negotiate any more, run away....fast.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,502
Likes: 3,302
From: Hartford WI
Of course he wants you to take it for a test drive. Ask any car salesman honestly. Once you get behind the wheel, your imagination takes over and makes you do things you might not do if you weren't behind the wheel and got the "Corvette Fever". Had a used car salesman that wanted us to leave our car there even when we said we were going for lunch to talk it over. Suggested we could leave the car and just go to the next door building for a super burger. Once you leave, you might come to your senses and not buy. Driving the car, you let your imagination take over and guilt that you are driving someone who was so nice to let you try it clouds your decision.