Another Purchasing Advice Thread
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: California
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude's Donor '06
Another Purchasing Advice Thread
So I have decided that I can get a corvette mainly because insurance is pretty cheap in VA. I want a stock (or close to stock) 85-89 for 2 reasons. The first is that Face's vette on the A-Team was my first real vision of one when i was a kid and the second is that I can't really spend more than 7k. I am 22 years old and don't have that much cash flow. I have found some low mileage 85's (under 50k) for around 5-7k. I love the c4's pre-91.
I don't think the '84 is a good idea because of the old crossfire engine. Not planning on abusing the car or modifying it besides upgrading parts when things go bad. Looking to buy in Feb-March when I think prices will be at their lowest right before spring (and I don't have all the money right now).
Any sort of general advice would be very helpful. If anyone is in the Arlington, VA area and wants to talk in person, I will buy the first round and chip in for gas if you pick me up in yours.
If I missed a similar thread, please post a link. The only ones I found were from 2001.
I don't think the '84 is a good idea because of the old crossfire engine. Not planning on abusing the car or modifying it besides upgrading parts when things go bad. Looking to buy in Feb-March when I think prices will be at their lowest right before spring (and I don't have all the money right now).
Any sort of general advice would be very helpful. If anyone is in the Arlington, VA area and wants to talk in person, I will buy the first round and chip in for gas if you pick me up in yours.
If I missed a similar thread, please post a link. The only ones I found were from 2001.
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
With the time frame you have, you will have plenty of time to shop around and be totally familiar with the market. With the cash you'll have, you should be able to find some pretty nice early cars. Check autotrader.com and other sites, where you can bring back multitudes of search results for your research. Good luck and keep us posted! 
BTW, wish I was closer, I'm always up for a free drink! 
BTW, wish I was closer, I'm always up for a free drink!
Last edited by Corvette Kid; Sep 17, 2004 at 09:27 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
Best advice
The best advice I could give you is to buy a service and repair manual and an owners manual. Most of the upkeep is described in detail and can be done with a little patience.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 4,418
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From: California
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude's Donor '06
Has anyone heard of or done business with Cooper Corvettes in Triangle, VA? If so, could you share your experience?
Also, here is an '85 that I like but the price just feels a little high. Check it out.
http://www.coopercorvettes.com/c485red.htm
If only you could put cars on layaway
Also, here is an '85 that I like but the price just feels a little high. Check it out.
http://www.coopercorvettes.com/c485red.htm
If only you could put cars on layaway
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,187
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From: SIMSBURY CT
St. Jude Donor '07 thru '25
The best time to buy is when you are ready, that is, have the $$$.
The best time to start looking is now, and take your time and don't buy before you are ready ($$$) no matter how good the deal looks.
I would shoot for the 87-89's, ideally an 89 six speed manual if you can find one.
Even though the 6 speed is very desireable, I would go for the best overall condition you can find in your price range - I ended up with an automatic but the car was in fantastic condition and that has save me much more money than some of the six speeds I saw in so-so condition.
Good luck.
The best time to start looking is now, and take your time and don't buy before you are ready ($$$) no matter how good the deal looks.
I would shoot for the 87-89's, ideally an 89 six speed manual if you can find one.
Even though the 6 speed is very desireable, I would go for the best overall condition you can find in your price range - I ended up with an automatic but the car was in fantastic condition and that has save me much more money than some of the six speeds I saw in so-so condition.
Good luck.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
From: CA
Dont know the dealer, (I'm in CA) but it looks really clean, stock and has nice interior! Has different valve covers though...Paid just over $7K for an 85 with 109K miles from a private party on Ebay a month ago...(with a new engine). I think the price is in the ball bark by the looks of the car. Dealers will charge a bit more anyway. Proof is in the driving. I am a new owner but I drove quite a few before deciding...you'd be amazed at the differences 
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
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From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
I suggest you pick up a copy of the "Corvette Black Book" to see what changed over the years of interest to you.
Also get a copy of "Corvette & Chevy Trader" at your news stand. For example there is an ad in the Sep., 2004 issue for an '88 Vette for $4,500. Of course most Vettes in your age range are in the $10k-$15k price range.
If it's your first Corvette, the hardest part of the search will be waiting for the right car to come along.
Also get a copy of "Corvette & Chevy Trader" at your news stand. For example there is an ad in the Sep., 2004 issue for an '88 Vette for $4,500. Of course most Vettes in your age range are in the $10k-$15k price range.
If it's your first Corvette, the hardest part of the search will be waiting for the right car to come along.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,018
Likes: 1
From: OR
Just for reference I paid $10983 at a dealership for my '87 about three months ago. Looks about like your picture only mine has a glass (or whatever it is) top. It had 25k miles on it at the time of purchase. Probably could have got it for a couple thousand less if I could have bought it from a private party. I was willing to pay more because of the low miles. Been a good car so far but needs some weather stripping and a radio antenna. IMO you'll always pay a premium for buying at a car lot. Unfortunately that's the easiest place to look too. Be sure and check car fax to make sure nothing funky has gone on with it in the past. If it says salvage or reconstruct title, it's not worth much. Good luck.
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Race Director
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 13,910
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From: Manassas VA
NoVa Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '14
Originally Posted by ruffneckxx
Has anyone heard of or done business with Cooper Corvettes in Triangle, VA? If so, could you share your experience?
Also, here is an '85 that I like but the price just feels a little high. Check it out.
http://www.coopercorvettes.com/c485red.htm
If only you could put cars on layaway
Also, here is an '85 that I like but the price just feels a little high. Check it out.
http://www.coopercorvettes.com/c485red.htm
If only you could put cars on layaway
I know a few guys that work there... Won't do you wrong.
Might pay more because you are buying from a dealer....
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Kingman AZ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Cruise-In VIII
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Check with your local Credit Union on financing your purchase. Many of them will offer a low interest 3 year loan for the full NADA retail price. Then start shopping and buy the best/lowest mileage one you can for your money. Having said that I would not be afraid of a high mileage Vette that has been maintained by a Corvette nut . These are usually over maintained with lots of costly new parts installed. Keep us posted!
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: California
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St. Jude's Donor '06
I think I am more likely to purchase high or low mileage from a reputable dealer and pay a premium than take some stranger's word on the street that the vette is tip-top especially if if the dealer is a vette nut as it seems that the people at Cooper are. I feel a little more secure that way but maybe I am just a sucker 
As for the financing, I am using up all of my self control trying not to get a loan to pay for one. If I can wait until I have the cash in hand, WHEN something DOES go bad, there should be sufficient money to help with solving the problem. If I finance, when something goes bad, I will still be paying on a car that I can't drive and maybe not have the money to solve the problem.
As for the financing, I am using up all of my self control trying not to get a loan to pay for one. If I can wait until I have the cash in hand, WHEN something DOES go bad, there should be sufficient money to help with solving the problem. If I finance, when something goes bad, I will still be paying on a car that I can't drive and maybe not have the money to solve the problem.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
Originally Posted by ruffneckxx
I am using up all of my self control trying not to get a loan to pay for one. If I can wait until I have the cash in hand, WHEN something DOES go bad, there should be sufficient money to help with solving the problem. If I finance, when something goes bad, I will still be paying on a car that I can't drive and maybe not have the money to solve the problem.
I commend you.
Larry
code5coupe
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: SIMSBURY CT
St. Jude Donor '07 thru '25
As for the financing, I am using up all of my self control trying not to get a loan to pay for one.
Staying out of debt is the best thing you can do for your life. The next best thing is buying a Corvette.
Staying out of debt is the best thing you can do for your life. The next best thing is buying a Corvette.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 14,115
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From: Fremont Ca
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Looks like its been taken care,has new seats.With all the cars out there i wouldnt go with a car thats been messed with,my 2 cents.By the way,dont knock an 84 until youve at least driven one.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 4,418
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From: California
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude's Donor '06
I didn't mean that the '84 was a bad car, only that there doesn't seem to me to be a large amount of aftermarket stuff for it. Maybe I am wrong. If I got one, I would want to upgrade it to at least L98 hp and torque. I am considering selling my truck to get one sooner or trading someone and then getting a beater to drive everyday. Is this a bad idea? It keeps running through my head.
