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1996 Arctic White Corvette (Good Buy?)

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Old 06-10-2019, 08:40 AM
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CarLover014
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Default 1996 Arctic White Corvette (Good Buy?)

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...ting=243178887

Hi, I am new here. I've been hooked on Corvettes ever since I was 4, sitting in my grandpa's '81. I've been looking for months for a Corvette to use as a secondary car, but really do not want to spend over $6500. I found this '96 Arctic White Vette for $4400, about an hour's distance away.
I've looked at the pictures and as far as I've seen, there is a chip on the front bumper and a check engine light
Just want some opinion on whether it is worth taking a look at
Old 06-10-2019, 09:30 AM
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puterami
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Take a code reader to find the code. Use google to give you a little help on what the issue could be.
It may have something to do with the oil sensor. The oil pressure gauge is way high. Temperature is also a bit high, but it could have been sitting and idling for a long time or such.
Underhood looks stock and even has factory exhaust tips. Seats are excellent! This makes me think it was fairly taken care of.

Yeah, to me it's worth a look.
Old 06-10-2019, 09:40 AM
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Y-bodluvr
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Definitely looks worth taking a look at $4400 for any year LT1 car with 102k miles is a good deal in decent shape with just minor issues especially a 96

just a couple things I can see from the pics though

ses light on
bad oil pressure sensor
bad headlight motors
After market stereo
Old 06-10-2019, 10:17 AM
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drcook
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you need to put the HVAC system through its different positions and temps. 1996's had a one year only issue with the control box under the steering wheel. doesn't matter about mileage, my car with only 11,800 miles when I bought it in July 2016 had the issue.

it is easy to fix if you are mechanically inclined and a contortionist to get the box out.
Old 06-10-2019, 01:56 PM
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CarLover014
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Thanks for the input. I'm going to try to stop up there sometime before this weekend. If not, next Monday
Old 06-10-2019, 03:30 PM
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I would jump on that one, pretty good price I think, miles aren't terrible
Old 06-10-2019, 07:30 PM
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MRANT212
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4400 bucks for a complete 1996 is a pretty damn good deal.
Old 06-10-2019, 09:23 PM
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CorvetteRules
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Unless it has a major problem that is a great price.
Old 06-10-2019, 10:12 PM
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skyhawk50
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Looks like a nice car. Looks like the tires may have nitrogen ( green caps on valve stems )
Old 06-11-2019, 10:05 AM
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Mayor111
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According to Corvette DNA:

In DRIVER condition - this car is worth: $6000
In PROJECT condition - this car is worth: $4000

So Im assuming there is something wrong that will cost about $1000 to $1500...(but Im guessing). Even so, you are still ahead of the game. Go for it!!! Offer $3500 and you will land around $3800 - $4000 then have it looked at and repaired...and you will have an awesome Vette to play with...
Old 06-11-2019, 11:15 AM
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Originally Posted by CarLover014
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...ting=243178887

Hi, I am new here. I've been hooked on Corvettes ever since I was 4, sitting in my grandpa's '81. I've been looking for months for a Corvette to use as a secondary car, but really do not want to spend over $6500. I found this '96 Arctic White Vette for $4400, about an hour's distance away.
I've looked at the pictures and as far as I've seen, there is a chip on the front bumper and a check engine light
Just want some opinion on whether it is worth taking a look at
about a year and a half ago I paid $3800 for an arctic white '96 154K with some issues in your area, main one was opti, rest of issues not too bad. $4k not a bad price if everything works okay. So I agree, get the OBD2 code from the check engine light and also pull the codes from the dash if you can. Bring a list with you to interpret the codes. Drive the car and see if the check engine is on steady or flashing.

Last edited by pacoW; 06-11-2019 at 11:15 AM.
Old 06-12-2019, 07:07 PM
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bac22
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Seen so many after market stereo's cause havoc with the electrical components in vettes because they tapped into the wrong lines for power...wonder if that is causing the oil pressure gauge to be way off and check engine light. Definitely grab an OBD2 reader at Wally world or some where.
Old 06-13-2019, 07:04 AM
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FAUEE
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4400 is a pretty good no bullshit price. I wouldnt expect to be able to haggle from it.

Seems like a decent car with some minor issues. If you've got the ability to resolve them, you could end up with a nice car.

FWIW, if that car was a stick, itd be double that price,

Last edited by FAUEE; 06-13-2019 at 07:06 AM.
Old 06-13-2019, 10:39 PM
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CarLover014
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I will be taking a look tomorrow. Will be bringing a friend of mine (he's owned numerous Vettes, Ferraris, Benzes, etc) to use his OBD2 scanner as well as a second opinion
Old 06-14-2019, 12:30 AM
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Default 96 Corvette

I would check VIN with a Carfax report to see if it was in a accident or not.
Old 06-14-2019, 07:58 AM
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One of my family's friends took a ride up there yesterday and pulled the SES code. He said it's for the secondary air injection pump.
Old 06-14-2019, 06:10 PM
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After looking at the car, there's a few cosmetic issues (paint peeling, chips, poor fiberglass work) as well as a need for some new weatherstripping. Interior is very, very clean. I was not able to test drive it today, as it was in the back of the dealer lot, so i will be back up there Monday.

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Old 06-14-2019, 08:34 PM
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CVTLOPE
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If you get a look at it check the lights.
I've seen one where the left headlight popped up ok, the right didn't.
Front on it looked like it was winking.
Also, when you lift the bonnet have a real good look at the inside bodywork in the nose area. If its run into something & had front end work you might see auto shop calligraphy on the replaced panels.
CVT
Old 06-14-2019, 10:11 PM
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I mean, fotr $4400, youre not getting a perfdct car. Just keep in mind youre paying half what a perfect car goes for.
Old 06-15-2019, 06:28 PM
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Sabre34
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Originally Posted by MRANT212
4400 bucks for a complete 1996 is a pretty damn good deal.


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