snampro

I'm looking for an older vette for my wife's birthday and I've found two cars I'm really interested in.

The first is a 1988 35th Anniversary Edition White w/White interior, 77K miles and local to me. How "rare" are these? Anything inparticular special about them other than just the 35th thing? The second is a guy on the forum, 1986 White w/Blue interior, 92K miles, about halfway across the country from me.

My question is, how "good" and reliable are mid to late 80's vettes. This car will likely be used to commute sometimes, trips, and "fun" driving. I'm not looking for a ground pounding monster, just a reliable, comfortable performance car. We are also considering late 70's/early 80's C3's, late model camaros, and mini coopers (just FYI).

Also, what should I look out for? I guess it goes without saying that getting a car inspected at a dealer first would be a good idea?

Thanks in advance...

snampro


[Modified by snampro, 10:02 PM 4/20/2004]

Mr Mojo

The Z01 88 Anniversary Vette is a real looker. There were 2050 made and I know of about at least a dozen that are destroyed.

Parts specific to this model such as interior items and badges are very hard to find and very expensive.

One item that most 35th's are missing is the flag on the center part of the emblem on the console. To replace that emblem it will cost at least $200, maybe more, and you'll have to get it engraved.

The white on white with white wheels isn't for everyone, but it is a real good looking car.
Here is my buddy's car:


Prices for this car are around $1500-2000 higher than a normal '88 model.

Rocky Rothrock

I love my 87 vert. I think they are a great bang for the buck and there isn't a problem out there that can't be solved here. Go for it :thumbs:

Rocky

jlsru

I have had my 86 for about a one and a half years now.I bought it with 90,000 miles now it has 104,000 miles.The 14,000 miles that I have put on it are almost all trip(vacation)miles.The car needs a fewthngs but it is a real joy to drive.

snampro

Thanks for the advice guys. My wife is totally freaked-out (good thing) about the '88. She loves white leather, so I'll probably be going to look at it this week...

ZF Six

My cousin has a 35th, I really like it, his windows are tinted real dark and it contrasts very nicely with all the white. It is a car that really stands out and looks sharp IMO :cool:

Couple pics...

65Z01

With 77k miles the price shouldn't be too bad, expect about 10-15% above a regular '88. Check out the paint job, condition of those white wheels, leather condition including the steering wheel (recovered wheel is about $200 on the cheap).

Make sure all the functions work, see if it has the power/sport passenger seat (driver's seat was included in Z01 pkg). Check to see if it still has both tops, black and dk blue tinted.

You will find an '88 to be very reliable, quite economical, and fun to drive. The Z01 package included the Z52 option so it has quick steering without the harsher ride of the Z51 option.

If it's very clean she'll love it. There are some pics on my site of 35ths at Carlisle PA a few years ago. We usually only get 12-15 of them each year; I seriously doubt that there are eveb 1,000 of them still on the road.

snampro

they are asking $9800. Like I said I haven't seen it yet but I'll definately give it a serious exam.

I hate to say this but all this talk about it being rare and expensive to find parts makes me want to buy it more...

65Z01

Gees, I paid $14k for my 35th in 2000 with 94k on the clock; if it's clean snap it up.

The two front fender 35th badges are realy rare; the other 35th emblems can be had at a price. The inner door panels are also white leather and hard to come by but seats and steering wheel and horn button can still be found too.

If it's a 4+3 it is realy rare.

If you get the car, join the 35th registry (link on my site) and try to come to Corvettes at Carlisle in PA in Aug.

I hope it's a clean one; I think you'll like it.

snampro

it's an automatic, so it's not a 4+3 (that's a manual, right?)

here's a link to the company's website that has it:

Pics of the car

Looking at the pics it appears to have the correct door panels and badges...I'll let you guys know the condition when I check it out...

03whitecoupe

Car looks nice but pictures can be deceiving. My only advice is to be patient and look at a bunch of cars before making a decision. Don't rush into it as I did with my first Vette, a 1972 couple. Huge mistake on my part. Also, check out the cars for sale section here, there are some really good buys.

Wheelman

:withstupid:
35ths rule! :cool: :party:

35th

Man I luv my 35th. I say go 4 it :thumbs:

vetteboy88

I love my 88. Things to check would be all the usual; all power options and controls functional, etc. Do the headlights rise together, or will they need repair, which isn't bad to do and inexpensive usually(bushings). As far as I'm concerned, it's a really great, reliable car. She will love it. Although I don't care for the white wheel thing, my wife loves them, and wishes I had bought the anniversary model!! :steering:

Clemson Vette

well in my experience, white exteriors are great to keep. however the interiors suck. my c3 had a white interior and i hated it. also, look out for leaks around the windows on both the c4's and c3's. that's about all i can help you with. some folks like white interior, i wont own another one tho. hope that helps.

snampro

Just looked at the ’88 Z01:

Started off by examining the hood. The paint is definitely original and looks good. Some swirl marks and chips, but nothing major. The hood emblem was in great condition, the left side emblem was there but in fair condition, right and rear emblems in good condition. New weather striping on the drivers door (owner confirmed as well as passenger door), the rest of the weather striping was fair. Interior looked great. Seats (just the leather and cushion) are new (ordered from Ecklers) with the correct badges. The drivers seat cushion and leather was not mounted correctly to the seat frame. The only electrical control on both seats that worked was the tilt, everything else did not (possibly because of the new seat install). Windows and mirrors function properly. Left headlight did not flip-up all the way. The auto door locks (both sides, both buttons) only locked, not unlock (possibly due to door panel removal for weather striping install). No warning lights or computer errors. Top is in okay condition. Engine shows signs of proper maintenance, fairly clean (original owners husband was a mechanic) fluid levels were good. Noticed that the injectors (all of them) had a yellow coating over them and around them on the head??? Also notice the engine was warm. No signs of overspray, no rusting, everything seemed good. The front tires were Goodyear and the rear were Kumo, all in good condition. Owner started the car and it started after about 1 second. He admitted that the car idles low when started cold and admitted warming it up. Wheels are in good shape. Rear of the car and glass look good. Owner said he had the rear painted in a few “problem areas” in the last year. The work was impossible to detect, looked good and blended well. Passenger glass etched from rolling up and down.

He says he has about $8K in it, so I’m not going to get it for less than that for sureÂ…A penny for your thoughts???




[Modified by snampro, 10:05 PM 4/20/2004]

IMXCITD

The '88 sounds very nice. I have enjoyed all of the C4's I have had and still have today. I really like a white exterior. The '88 anniv year is a very sharp combo in my opinion...especially if you tint the windows and possibly change the rims. If you are comfortable then buy it. YOu may want to have a forum memeber go with you just to get a neutral opinon...as you probably will drool over the vette and might not be totally objective. Will they come down on the price? It is not a bad deal at the price you mentioned and would be better if you could get 'em down. I would stick with a C4 for your purposes over some of the other years you mentioned...just because of the more modern technology, power, comfort and conveniences the C4 has to offer. Good luck and let us know what you decide. :)

snampro

Thanks for the advice. I think the only two things that bother me about the car are the electrical problems (although they may be simple since everything that is not working is part of something recently removed) and the fact that the engine runs ruff when cold and I didn't get to see this because he warmed it up (although this is likely just a tune-up, fluid change, and maybe plugs).

The guy said that he got it from is wife's hair dresser. He's had it for about 2 years and has not driven it much, so it's been sitting.

Believe me, before I buy an old car like this it will go to the local corvette prefered dealer for inspection...

Anyone else?


[Modified by snampro, 12:39 AM 4/21/2004]

Tom 35th anniversary

Ive got a 35th which I am restoring.....Like others have said badging is expensive but it can be had. I recently saw NOS side badges on ebay for $200 for the pair. Seat covers with the logo sewn in are around $800, so take into consideration if seats need redone. I love the looks of the car so I have to say buy it if its in passable condition.

snampro

The seats are perfect, the guy just installed new ones with the stitching. The only problem I have is the electrical stuff not working, any thoughts?