So for the past 6 months I've been planning a huge remodeling/addition project to my house. The main part which is a garage extension/remodel and the removal of the apron to my driveway to make it curb less. I told my neighbor that I was planning this project so that I could eventually buy a Corvette to put in the extension. I told him I was looking for a 85 to 89 low mileage Corvette. The second I said that he told me how a friend texted him in February saying that he came across a Corvette in someone's shed (my neighbor thought it was around the year range I was looking for). To make a long story short my neighbor walked over yesterday and said that his friend texted him back about this Corvette. It's a 1987 Red Coupe with 12,800 original miles on it. My neighbor said if I was interested in it that his friend would bring it to him. I saw pictures of it and it looks pretty nice. I don't necessarily need a Corvette right now (especially since my garage will be out of commission for about 60 days but also an additional cost on top of the multiple projects I have going on) but I couldn't have even dreamed of a better scenario then this. Thoughts? I'm pretty well versed on C4's but am always looking for a good deal. What are some things I need to pay attention to with a low mileage C4 that has been stored most of it's life?

 

Sounds interesting.

 

That would depend. Is he asking an unrealistic number considering the low miles?

 

No I believe he is asking $11k.

 

Has it been maintained and at least warmed up and driven once in a while, or has it just sat there with old fluids?

 

I don’t think $11k is that bad a price for an 87 with that low of mileage if everything is perfect etc but $11k can get you any year base C4 with mid-low miles and mid mile C5’s and they arethe newer better cars than an 87 so if you’re looking for a corvette

the decision pretty much is more classic/lower miles/nicer condition vs more modern /better car/higher miles/maybe not as nice condition, I personally like the 87’s interior better specifically the digital dash better than any late C4-C5 so that can be another plus for the 87

 

That '87 is technically a 32 year old "classic" Corvette. If it's running well in good condition, along with those reported low miles, it's a steal at that price!

 

Offer 9, settle at 10...

Areas of concern for me would be...rubber brake lines, tires, shocks, fuel system (pump, filter, injectors), weather strip condition....

 

Exactly. It is a buyer's market, for sure. Asking $11k for a 1987... I would expect everything in near pristine condition, with all original documentation (window sticker, etc.) and receipts for all maintenance and other services. And new tires.

 

Key item is the paint. That and rebuilding the engine are the biggest cost items, as far as I know. Maybe a tranny rebuild too. The rest isn't bad for the home mechanic. In $$$ that is, there will be cussing when working on a car or anything else for time to time.