Help me buy this Corvette!...
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
I spent 3 months searching for a 2001 Vert, they usually sell from 27k to 31k list, but most end up private selling for around 29k. Dealers can be wierd, there was a local 1998 vert with 18,000 miles here in Dallas that a dealer wouldn't sell for less than 28k, I almost foolishly caved in and bought it, but I waited.
My few points are 1) don't be afraid of 2001 Corvettes, these cars have enough GM quality issue problems in each model year that you should be frightened by every model year, 2001 is no different, just get a warranty.
2) Lease cars are no big deal, mine is a former lease and is puuuurrrfect.
3) I paid $29.5k for a 29,000 mile triple black 2001 auto all optioned vert with a zero deductible warranty until 2008 or 80,000 miles. This was a private party sale and the car had been for sale from November until I bought it in April. List on autotrader was 33k, but seller was frustrated by the time I got to him. After I bought it he told me 20 people called him on it as summer was approaching, oh well. Maybe too much information, but put some time into your search and I think the sweet spot for buying Vettes is private sellers with warranties already purchased.
My few points are 1) don't be afraid of 2001 Corvettes, these cars have enough GM quality issue problems in each model year that you should be frightened by every model year, 2001 is no different, just get a warranty.
2) Lease cars are no big deal, mine is a former lease and is puuuurrrfect.
3) I paid $29.5k for a 29,000 mile triple black 2001 auto all optioned vert with a zero deductible warranty until 2008 or 80,000 miles. This was a private party sale and the car had been for sale from November until I bought it in April. List on autotrader was 33k, but seller was frustrated by the time I got to him. After I bought it he told me 20 people called him on it as summer was approaching, oh well. Maybe too much information, but put some time into your search and I think the sweet spot for buying Vettes is private sellers with warranties already purchased.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,404
Likes: 0
From: Ham Lake MN
Nyte,
Check your PM
Way too much for that car, I was just like you, I was so excited and wanted a vette, I promised myself I would look at atleast 5 before making my decision. There will always be deals out there and you will find it.
Good Luck,
Mike
Check your PM
Way too much for that car, I was just like you, I was so excited and wanted a vette, I promised myself I would look at atleast 5 before making my decision. There will always be deals out there and you will find it.
Good Luck,
Mike
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 391
Likes: 1
From: Orange County California
Yeah guys don't worry. I have more than enough time to find the right one and not get ripped off. And there's absolutely no way I'd sound so eager to a salesman. I looked up other Vettes (that I didn't even care about becuase of colors or options) at other local dealers and wrote them down just so I could passingly say "And I'm looking at that 03 white Corvette at So And So Dealer and also that 02 silver at Blah Blah Chevrolet."
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,769
Likes: 15
From: Lovin Life Oh
price doesnt seem horrible to me hit em up for around 4k less than they are asking
stop comparing coupe pricing to convertible pricing like they are the same
a convertible cost almost 8k more than a coupe when new and some of that will trickle into the used car market
figure 3-5k more for a convertible
if you ask my oppinion 8k more for a vert is a damn ripoff
but i gota vert anyway
stop comparing coupe pricing to convertible pricing like they are the same
a convertible cost almost 8k more than a coupe when new and some of that will trickle into the used car market
figure 3-5k more for a convertible
if you ask my oppinion 8k more for a vert is a damn ripoff
but i gota vert anyway
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 14,372
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis IN
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Originally Posted by steve8
35 seems high to me. I'd shoot for 30-32.
Good luck.
Good luck.
This is on target 
$32k should be max.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 391
Likes: 1
From: Orange County California
I went today and they wouldn't even budge past $35,000! And they're asking $36k! We were putting it on him and not giving in. After we offered $32,500 and he came back with a NO we walked right out.
I feel bad for the desparate sucker thats going to pay $36k. Most private party '04s go for just over $37-38k. It's just that they are gone before I even call!
Keep your fingers crossed for me that they can't sell the car for a few weeks. I still have hope!
8th Gear
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Bought my 2000 from private seller 3500 miles all options, borla quads,
K&N set-up,predator, noah cover, 30k Iam very happy, 3500 miles
it still smells new.............keep looking go private, let the stealerships
gag
K&N set-up,predator, noah cover, 30k Iam very happy, 3500 miles
it still smells new.............keep looking go private, let the stealerships
gag
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,966
Likes: 5
From: Wichita Falls Tx
Back on page one I made the suggestion to go to autotrader.com and print out identical cars that are for sale for less money. I'm curious if you did that and presented your findings to the dealer?
That's what I did to buy my car for thousands less than the dealers asking price.
That's what I did to buy my car for thousands less than the dealers asking price.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 391
Likes: 1
From: Orange County California
Originally Posted by TexasMadMan
Back on page one I made the suggestion to go to autotrader.com and print out identical cars that are for sale for less money. I'm curious if you did that and presented your findings to the dealer?
That's what I did to buy my car for thousands less than the dealers asking price.
That's what I did to buy my car for thousands less than the dealers asking price.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 585
Likes: 0
From: Park Ridge NJ
St. Jude Donor '05
Where are you located?
I got mine from Paramus Chevrolet here in Jersey 2002 loaded coupe with 4k miles on it for 27k. I went back recently and they have at least 50 c5's for sale... Is the dealership a corvette heavy dealership or is it more of a tahoe/cobalt dealership. That could be the problem
I got mine from Paramus Chevrolet here in Jersey 2002 loaded coupe with 4k miles on it for 27k. I went back recently and they have at least 50 c5's for sale... Is the dealership a corvette heavy dealership or is it more of a tahoe/cobalt dealership. That could be the problem
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,119
Likes: 0
From: Spring Branch Texas
That's why I hate shopping for cars at "stealers". Remember: "He who flinches first, loses". You can't force them down. They may have given too much out as a trade-in. In any case, walk away, you don't want to do business with them anyway! Imagine how you would be treated by their service department. There are plenty of great buys out there!
Enjoy the looking, and look foreward to the buy!
Enjoy the looking, and look foreward to the buy!