Im checking out a 1993 Ruby Red 40th Anniv. Edition Vette.
Its on a car lot. It has 29k miles, automatic. It needs new tires and an antenna. It needs a good cleaning. The lowest price for them to sell the vette is $14,200.00 Is this a good price or too high for this vette??? Will the Ruby Reds hold there prices? Is this a good deal??
The dealer had to jump start the car he said the key fob was draining the battery.. What do you think???? How much would you counter offer. I would probably have 16k into the car with the tires and small fixes????

 

That's not a bad price for ruby especially with the low miles. However, according to your description, it wasn't very well maintained. Do a Carfax and take along someone familiar with Vettes to look it over with a fine tooth comb. The key fob draining the battery sounds kind of goofy to me. I don't get the connection. As for tires, you can get a good set of 4 from www.Tirerack.com for under $400.00. Good luck.

 

16K into a Ruby with low miles is not bad in my opinion. Just 2 years ago they were in the mid $20,000 range. My only observation on the Ruby is that the color seems to wear off the seats quickly in the normal wear areas. If I had one I would probably put on wet Okoles or something to protect the seats. They sure are pretty when shined up! Buying a Ruby also allows you the fun of wearing "Ruby" logo shirts, hats, jackets and the like. It also allows you to park with other Rubies at car shows, You can hang out and drink grape soda together!

 

I have owned 2 Rubies, a Vert and a coupe. They usally will bring anywhere from $1000.00 to $2500.00 more over a regular '93, depending on condition.

The price sounds ok, if the car checks out. However, the Key FOB draining the battery is BS, I would make them check that out. Also I would tell them they need to put new tires on and replace the antenna as part of the deal for that price. Its much cheaper for them to do it, then for you. Its a buyers market right now, take advantage of it.

Also check the paint on the front for chips, for some reason the Ruby Red paint chips much easier then other colors. Also look close at the paint finish, there were problems with the clear coat in '93.

 

I go along with the "premium" price on Rubies, but never heard of clearcoat problems. At least none on mine. The paint does seem to chip easily for some reason. Key fob draining the battery? Low mileage cars are not "fix-proof"; mine had 27K on the clock when I bought it and I had to replace the brakes (warped rotors) and the A/C compressor went out a year after I got it. But these girls are now into middle age and things break. I run Firestone Firehawks on my Ruby and I really like them. You can get cheaper tires, but at 6,000 miles, the "hawks" don't appear to have much wear on them. I especially like them in the rain (when, if and ever it rains here in the desert). A bargain is a bargain when it comes to tires, but to me, cheap tires are not my choice. I will say that I've had more favorable comments on my ruby than on my three other C4s; something about the color I guess, that attracts the eye. I also happen to like my Lady more than the others; the first time I saw it I fell in love and after two years + I still get a thrill when I lay eyes on it. My feeling that if there are issues with the car, the dealer should either fix them or reduce the price. The market on C4s is a bit soft right now; take advantage of it.

 

The price of 14.2 is pretty good I think (sight unseen), heck I'd almost want that for my 93 with 110K on it. At Roger's Corvette, they have two vert's nearly identical "Ruby Red/Ruby Red Leather, Ruby Red Convertible Top, Six Speed, Dual Power Sport Seats, Electronic Air Conditioning, Bose CD/Cassette Player, FX-3 Adjustable Suspension, Low Tire Pressure Warning, Originally Canadian Export Which Includes Factory Daytime Running Lamps, One Owner, Super Unique
9,000 Miles .... $27,900" other is 10,000 Miles .... $27,900".

So it depends on the vehicle. The deal on the PKE system causing the battery to go dead is BS. It probably needs a new battery, I would push for that. Was there something about the antenna, if the line inside the mast is broke it can be replaced for under $20. but the trick is getting all the line out. A new antenna and an hours work will run you about $120.

Tires, I've had both the GSC's and the new F1-D3-GSs, right now the F1's are on there with 10K miles on them and would highly recommend them for this vehicle. They are quiet, smooth, handle/grip exceptionally, and on wet roads you don't know they are wet they handle so well. You can do a full set for about $820. installed and balanced at Discount Tire. Mine hardly look worn with 10K on them too.

 

I'd just like to add: do yourself a favor and check the CD player. They are notorious for going bad. Having it repaired and serviced will run you about $200.00. (If you remove and re-install).

I also agree that it's BS that the fob is draining the battery. That guy is a jackass. Tell them to replace the battery in the car.

As far as the tires go, I'd negotiate on the price of the car over that, so that you can choose tires that YOU like....not whatever is cheapest for the dealer to put on.

As long as the car checks out to your liking, you're not taking a beating at $14,200.00 and then putting money into it as well. Good luck, and keep us posted.

 

Too funny wish I had that advise three years ago, that is exactly what happened to me. I checked the radio but never bothered to put a CD in until I was on the way home with it. Well you can just guess that it didn't work and what that Chevy dealer said about whether or not they would even help get it repair. No and NO.

Anyway after 3 years now, last week I finally removed it and it should be back the end of this week. Its costing me $195. plus shipping. Of course when I re-install it I'm also install all new console pieces radio trim, console w/booty, already have new door on and the door filler on the drivers side. Been driving me nuts for weeks with those parts sitting on the bed here.

FYI, if the dulso finish on the console parts is worn off, your looking at about $130. for all three pieces not including the console door. That part is in a price category on its own. You can re-finish them but the process to apply dulso is tedious at best, and probably cheaper in the long run to just buy new parts.

 

Sounds like a good deal.
I Just hit 30k Miles and have already
replaced the antenna and had to send the CD to Dr. Don to repair it.

I paid $24 K for the car last year with 27K miles on it.

Mine sits for weeks at a time and the FOB does not drain the battery.

 

i paid 22500.00 canadian 5 years ago with 47000 miles on it its a 1991 and if i were to sell it to day i would ask about 19 to 20 for it ( weather i get that much or not ) but thats what i would ask

 

Darth Vader, where is this car? Will he let you drive it? That'll tell you a ton about it that just looking at it won't do.