First Vette Purchase
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Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Royal Oak MI
First Vette Purchase
Hey everyone!
I found this forum while browsing around for things to pay attention to when purchasing a Corvette. In the general info thread, I read some great information about what to look for.
I'm currently considering two Corvettes, as follows:
Vette 1
2000 Convertible
Triple Black
15000 miles
Owner is asking $29000 (KBB is $28450)
Nearly all options (HUD, Memory seats, Active Handling)
Vette 2
1999 Convertible
Silver, Black Top, Black Interior
43000 miles
Owner is asking $26900
Options include Active Handling, but no HUD
I've looked at and driven both of them. As a result, I'm pretty much settled on the 2000 Black Convertible. However, it has one problem that I'm not sure how severe it can/could be, or if it's not really an issue.
Basically, when looking at the front end, underneath by the metal guard that is supposed to protect the fiberglass from speed bumps, higher curbs, and such, the fiberglass is split near that metal guard (About a 3 inch crack) on the passenger side. The metal guard is not dented, nor out of place, and the rest of the underside looks good. The crack is not visible when looking at the car normally, only if you are looking from underneath. My fear is the crack will eventually work itself to the front of the bumper.
Do any other Corvette owners have experience with this sort of thing? Does the split continue growing? Is this a deal breaker and I should walk away from the car?
I found this forum while browsing around for things to pay attention to when purchasing a Corvette. In the general info thread, I read some great information about what to look for.
I'm currently considering two Corvettes, as follows:
Vette 1
2000 Convertible
Triple Black
15000 miles
Owner is asking $29000 (KBB is $28450)
Nearly all options (HUD, Memory seats, Active Handling)
Vette 2
1999 Convertible
Silver, Black Top, Black Interior
43000 miles
Owner is asking $26900
Options include Active Handling, but no HUD
I've looked at and driven both of them. As a result, I'm pretty much settled on the 2000 Black Convertible. However, it has one problem that I'm not sure how severe it can/could be, or if it's not really an issue.
Basically, when looking at the front end, underneath by the metal guard that is supposed to protect the fiberglass from speed bumps, higher curbs, and such, the fiberglass is split near that metal guard (About a 3 inch crack) on the passenger side. The metal guard is not dented, nor out of place, and the rest of the underside looks good. The crack is not visible when looking at the car normally, only if you are looking from underneath. My fear is the crack will eventually work itself to the front of the bumper.
Do any other Corvette owners have experience with this sort of thing? Does the split continue growing? Is this a deal breaker and I should walk away from the car?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 6,217
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From: End of the Ike IL
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Hiya Joe 
The crack, from your description, doesn't seem to be a drawback at all. A number of folks have scraped the bottom of the nose. I've got a few scratches on mine. With fewer miles and one year newer, it seems like the better deal of the two.
Good luck with your decision.
The crack, from your description, doesn't seem to be a drawback at all. A number of folks have scraped the bottom of the nose. I've got a few scratches on mine. With fewer miles and one year newer, it seems like the better deal of the two.
Good luck with your decision.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Time is a great teacher. Unfortunately, it kills all its pupils.
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St. Jude Donor '07
Originally Posted by BlueL36
Hiya Joe
The crack, from your description, doesn't seem to be a drawback at all. A number of folks have scraped the bottom of the nose. I've got a few scratches on mine. With fewer miles and one year newer, it seems like the better deal of the two.
Good luck with your decision.
The crack, from your description, doesn't seem to be a drawback at all. A number of folks have scraped the bottom of the nose. I've got a few scratches on mine. With fewer miles and one year newer, it seems like the better deal of the two.
Good luck with your decision.
However, if the crack ever does present a problem you could just replace it with a Tiger Shark nose. That's what I would do. 
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
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Welcome to the best forum on the 'Net, Joe!
If you're interested - one of the members here has the ability to run VIN's through the GM VIS system to obtain service and origination history. This information will tell you build date, options as ordered, in service dates, originating dealer and most importantly at this point, what service has been perfomed on the vehicle by the dealer's service departments. It will also tell you if there are any outstanding recalls, or if all recalls have been performed.
I would suggest that you send a private message to CF Member Sponge Vette provide him with the VIN and ask if he'll run both for you. I am a big believer in arming yourself with as much information about your perspective car as possible - before you make a decision.
Good luck with whichever you choose! You'll love the C5 as much as the rest of the crazies around here!
If you're interested - one of the members here has the ability to run VIN's through the GM VIS system to obtain service and origination history. This information will tell you build date, options as ordered, in service dates, originating dealer and most importantly at this point, what service has been perfomed on the vehicle by the dealer's service departments. It will also tell you if there are any outstanding recalls, or if all recalls have been performed.
I would suggest that you send a private message to CF Member Sponge Vette provide him with the VIN and ask if he'll run both for you. I am a big believer in arming yourself with as much information about your perspective car as possible - before you make a decision.
Good luck with whichever you choose! You'll love the C5 as much as the rest of the crazies around here!
Racer
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 391
Likes: 1
From: Florence Al
Spend the few extra $$$. You will be glad after it is done. When I first started looking for a vette I was going to get a used one. I was looking at a 2000 vert with 36k on it. It was priced at 34K. I wound spending a few $$ more and wound up buying a new on 04 with full warranty. I have had it a year and less that 5K on it now. Bottom line go with the less miles and year newer just my two cents and good luck!!
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 57
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From: Royal Oak MI
Thanks for the advice everyone!
I put in an offer on the 2000 Black Convertible, and he accepted, so come this weekend I'll be the new owner! This is unbelievable!
To top it off, this is the first car I've ever purchased on my own, without the help of my parents
I'll try and post some pics or something when I finally have it. Again, thanks for the suggestions!
I put in an offer on the 2000 Black Convertible, and he accepted, so come this weekend I'll be the new owner! This is unbelievable!
To top it off, this is the first car I've ever purchased on my own, without the help of my parents
I'll try and post some pics or something when I finally have it. Again, thanks for the suggestions!
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Congrats. I think you made a good choice. 
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From: Manassas Park VA
St. Jude Donor '07-'08,-'13-'14, '16-'17
Welcome to the Forum!Since it is on the underside of the car, and no one will see it, you can go to a boat supply store and get a fiberglass repair kit and "Patch" it or overlay it yourself... Very easy to do... I've done it a bunch of times on jetski's and boats.
It will stop the spread of the crack...
Peace
Willfulone
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The Broken part
About the crack or split under the car. Go to a auto parts store and get a small plastic resin kit. some come with a small mesh screen or fiberglass. You just mix up some of the resin as it comes out of the double tube. Clean the surface and put some on then the mesh or fiberglass....let it dry and then put some more resin on it..
Works great where you cant see it but you could sand and spray a little paint on it too. I use one recently that was marine quality...seemed to be a little harder than the other.
Will firm up the split and probably won't get any worse unless you hit it again..
Sounds like a great car, better to go for the low miles......Have fun
Works great where you cant see it but you could sand and spray a little paint on it too. I use one recently that was marine quality...seemed to be a little harder than the other.
Will firm up the split and probably won't get any worse unless you hit it again..
Sounds like a great car, better to go for the low miles......Have fun