I am looking at a very clean, used vette. 2002 40k $27k

The carfax shows frame damage. What should be my next move?

 

Contrary to what you will hear from many on this forum, frame damage can be fixed. Whether or not you want a repaired frame is up to you. The seller should be willing to pay for an evaluation from a reputable frame repair specialist. If the repair was done properly and is o.k. by the expert there is no reason not to consider this car, except for the psychological baggage of knowing about the repair. The repair definitely gives you some leverage on price bargining.

 

Hmmm...don't buy that one maybe?

 

And don't forget to ask him to knock another $10k off the price too.

 

Sorry, I wanted to add one other thing. I paid 28k for my 02 coupe in great condition with 15,500 miles....bought in March 05. Judging from this, I would say that 27k is priced too high.

 

Too high.

 

Corneyfushious say: "Like skunk on road, avoid at all costs."
There are more out there.

 

Keep looking. For $27K you should be able to do much better than an 02 with so many miles and frame damage.

 

Simple move on to another vette.

 

I'd walk. To many clean vettes without baggage. Even if you cut a deal b/c of the damage, you'll be in the same position some day, explaining it to some potential buyer. And though I agree that repair technology has advanced light years, the physics of repairs tell me a piece of metal bent one way, and then back again, is not as strong as one never bent at all. Metal fatigue simply has started. You could do more investigation, but if it's been hit hard enough to bend the frame, I'd just look elsewhere...

 

Yes frame damage can be fixed but like someone above said, if he goes to sell it, he is in the position of having to explain the frame damage to a potential buyer. That and the price of that car seems a bit high.

 

Frame damage can be repaired, but with so many undamaged examples currently floating around out there, you should be able to do better. Besides, the price is high.

 

No doubt...

 

I think it sounds a bit high. You don't specify whether its a dealer or a private individual. I live in a major metropolitam area - Phoenix - and found over a dozen really clean convertibles (my preference) within a 100 mile radius - ALL private. I looked at dealers as well, but they were thousands higher. So, I purchased a 2000 convertible two years ago for $30K with 24k miles on it, In AZ, we don't pay sales tax on a private sale, so that 30k is the final price. The car was the cleanest of 11 that I visited. I had fun looking and met some nice people who were true Corvette lovers as well as people who consider them simply cars - Mine was purchased form a TRUE Corvette lover. Its worth investing in CarFax to check VIN numbers for accidents or recalls - I found one car with a lemon law exchange in its background. It could be perfect now, but it will hurt resale when that time comes.

My suggestion is to check Corvettes for sale on this forum and via Auto Trader on line http://www.autotrader.com/

If you look a bit, you will save some money and probably find a perect car. Financing can be arranged on line as well if you need that. Then you can sell the existing car the same way. Makes it easy to move cars around and get exactly what you need from the comfort of your desk.

 

Very wise advice Grasshopper --

 

buy a different vette.my vette may be available for 30 grand,maybe 29 with the stock hood,and it's an 01 w/23000 miles(in a few days anywaS).if i were to sell it.it's loaded w/kooks/g5x3 cam,new tires/wheels,etc.AND NO FRAME DAMAGE,GET THE MESSAGE??!! YOU CAN DO BETTER!

 

keep on moving.

 

Next move??...About face!!!

 

there is a low milage 03 1sb options, 6 spd, am exhaust & air filter ,hud, mint condition for 33k or bo on the forum . why bother with a auto that will be diffuclt to sell when your ready.no will want to buy a vette that has had frame damage unless it is deeply discounted.

 

Run Forrest Run!!!!