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You're over thinking this. You've seen and driven the car-what does your gut say? I personally believe the opti is much maligned for a whole lot of reasons and I take what has been said with a grain of salt. With the Z07 I think the car is close to the money if it doesn't need tires or weather strip.
Beautiful car!!!! Don't worry about the Optispark, if it's working....it's working!!! A leaking waterpump does NOT automatically warrant an Opti replacement! Nothing wrong with an automatic transmission either, both manuals and auto's have there advantages and disadvantages! I do NOT feel it is sneaky to contact the previous owner, they no longer have any "dogs in the fight" or "skin in the game", you should get an honest rundown, good or bad about the car! With that being said, don't "throw them under the bus", if you get insight on something negative....find your own way of pointing it out when negotiating on the purchase! Make sure you get ANY/ALL extras you can with the car, like the original wheels, how about targa tops....are there 2, manuals, cover, etc. Finally, when negotiating the price, ask yourself if it was your's to sell, what's the lowest you would take for it? Obviously $13K is the ceiling, but make a respectful offer on the low-end and likely end up meeting in the middle! Like I said, the car is just absolutely beautiful, and a very desirable color!!!! I say, barring any major red flags (assuming no accident history, etc), go for it, get the extras, talk him down $1k-$2k and drive it home👍
He does have a very nice C5 as well purchased shortly after getting this C4.
It is not about the money, so WHAT is making me so hesitant and nervous?
Check the nut behind the wheel. If fear of failing opti is already making you nervous this might not be for you.
My bro advice is get yourself a very nice C5. with manual.