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Is $15k too much?

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Old Apr 15, 2024 | 02:27 AM
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Default Is $15k too much?

I’m looking at buying this near perfect condition 1989 C4 automatic transmission with base suspension with only 45,000 miles on it. Buying from second owner and it is in immmaculate condition. Runs and drives flawlessly and almost everything is originals. A few upgrades including headlights, stereo deck (Bluetooth/usb), backup camera, and water pump. Comes with all original parts for those as well.

is $15k too much?

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.
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Old Apr 15, 2024 | 04:05 AM
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It's in the ballpark...except for the headlights...
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Old Apr 15, 2024 | 04:25 AM
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If everything works, $15k is a fair price. If you intend to drive the car, make sure you baseline maintenance.
  • You'll want to make sure all fluids are clean - coolant, oil, steering, brake, etc.
  • Tires are either new or within 7 years with NO dry rotting.
  • Belts, hoses.
  • Lube the grease points on the suspension.
  • Make sure shocks, bushings and all those wearable parts are to you liking.
If all maintenance is up to speed then that is an added bonus.

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Old Apr 15, 2024 | 07:44 AM
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It is in range, but on the high end in my estimation. I would offer in the 12K range if I were looking to buy it
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Old Apr 15, 2024 | 07:45 AM
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I think that's a very high price.
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Old Apr 15, 2024 | 08:59 AM
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I think you will look long and hard to find a better deal. If this is close to you it is way better than buying a car that needs to be transported. I am sure, as others have pointed out, there are better deals out there but the problem is finding them. Dan PS: A few thousand is not what it used to be.
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Old Apr 15, 2024 | 12:24 PM
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Originally Posted by ls777z
It's in the ballpark...except for the headlights...
it comes with the originals as well so I could switch them back if needed.
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Old Apr 15, 2024 | 12:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Whaleman
I think you will look long and hard to find a better deal. If this is close to you it is way better than buying a car that needs to be transported. I am sure, as others have pointed out, there are better deals out there but the problem is finding them. Dan PS: A few thousand is not what it used to be.

its 25 minutes away from me. Saves me thousands in time and effort to get another one, especially since this is the exact color combo I want.

id like a ‘96 LT4 but it might take forever to find the right one of those, and likely have to travel
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Old Apr 15, 2024 | 12:27 PM
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Originally Posted by 97SLVRC5
If everything works, $15k is a fair price. If you intend to drive the car, make sure you baseline maintenance.
  • You'll want to make sure all fluids are clean - coolant, oil, steering, brake, etc.
  • Tires are either new or within 7 years with NO dry rotting.
  • Belts, hoses.
  • Lube the grease points on the suspension.
  • Make sure shocks, bushings and all those wearable parts are to you liking.
If all maintenance is up to speed then that is an added bonus.
I do intend to drive it.

I'll double check all of these things. A few of them he already covered for me and it all sounds good. I might have a local shop do a pre purchase inspection to be sure
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Old Apr 15, 2024 | 03:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Luketg
its 25 minutes away from me. Saves me thousands in time and effort to get another one, especially since this is the exact color combo I want.

id like a ‘96 LT4 but it might take forever to find the right one of those, and likely have to travel
If it's the color combination you want and it's local, I wouldn't hesitate. Sure, maybe there's a better deal out there somewhere but you're going to have to find it, have the car inspected, pay to ship it, etc. And if it's a great deal then someone local is almost sure to buy it before you get to it. I'd rather pay too much for an immaculate car than try to save money on one that needs a bunch of stuff.
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Old Apr 15, 2024 | 04:07 PM
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Grab it!!!. I loved my 1989. Look at the window sticker, it has the performance axle (3.07 vs 2.59). The L98 is extremely responsive with that axle. Looks like it is in great shape. Keep us posted.
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Old Apr 15, 2024 | 04:26 PM
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It's a great price for what appears to be a great car!
Run the car fax, and take her to a good shop for a pre-purchase inspection. If the seller is the second owner odds are the other things represented are true. If PPI comes in good, jump on it!
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Old Apr 15, 2024 | 06:09 PM
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Its on the higher end, but if everything works. It certainly looks well kept.

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Old Apr 15, 2024 | 06:17 PM
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Offer $13k. If he says $14k then whip out $14k
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Old Apr 15, 2024 | 11:06 PM
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Originally Posted by Luketg
its 25 minutes away from me. Saves me thousands in time and effort to get another one, especially since this is the exact color combo I want.
As others have said, it seems like the way to go.

Good luck
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Old Apr 16, 2024 | 12:34 AM
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No, it looks like you've got a gem. 👍
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Old Apr 16, 2024 | 09:54 AM
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Originally Posted by Ted1996
Grab it!!!. I loved my 1989. Look at the window sticker, it has the performance axle (3.07 vs 2.59). The L98 is extremely responsive with that axle. Looks like it is in great shape. Keep us posted.
I had an identical red 89 with performance axle. World of difference between standard axle and performance axle. A big plus in my opinion.
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Old Apr 16, 2024 | 10:53 AM
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Hagerty's April '24 value of an '89 Coupe in #2 excellent condition is $18k, minus 8% for the automatic...
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Old Apr 16, 2024 | 11:27 AM
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Unpopular opinion... I wouldn't pay that much for an L98 auto. I wouldn't pay that much for an LT1 auto either.

If you want an LT4 car, open the wallet, and buy the car that you really want.
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Old Apr 16, 2024 | 12:39 PM
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#1 Concours condition$27,900
+4.1%
#2 Excellent condition$18,000
+5.9%
#3 Good condition$7,500*
+4.2%
#4 Fair condition$4,800
+2.1%
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