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Old Mar 9, 2006 | 02:27 AM
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Ok guys it's time for me to join the club.. I have the loan approval... ($17k)

my requirements are black on black coupe with a 6spd.

right now i'm down to 2 cars and here is the situation.

1998 Black on black coupe 6 speed. 109k (3 hours away) seen plenty of pics and car looks good. has z06 brakes, aftermarket cdplayer, 6 disc, TC, these wheels http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/18-17...43619156QQrdZ1 z06 rear brake vents, new tires, corsa exhaust, headers, and possibly more.
asking 17,500

THe other is
1999 black on black couple 6 speed, 125k all stock with HUD, TC, & Active handling. Stock Alloys.I've only got one pic of the car which helps a little but i'm not sure it justifies flying to CA ( i live in nebraska) . I've asked the dealer for more pics but they seem to be having alot of problems loading pics right now.
asking 16,900

Tickets to cali gonna cost $539 for 2 one way. then its' a 21 hour drive back.

What do you guys think? I don't autox, atleast not yet and i've never had HUD...

you advise is most helpful. thanks..
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Old Mar 9, 2006 | 02:34 AM
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i wouldnt buy a high mileage car that was far away... there are a lot of little things that may not be to your liking but you may justify settling since you spent $539 on tickets. id say look lokal and check out that ebay one. a 3 hour drive is nothing if the car is worth it.
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Old Mar 9, 2006 | 06:29 AM
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if you're looking for opinions, and i gather you are since you posted here, i'd opt for lower mileage cars. nonetheless, best of luck. bub
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Old Mar 9, 2006 | 06:37 AM
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Originally Posted by ebubman
if you're looking for opinions, and i gather you are since you posted here, i'd opt for lower mileage cars. nonetheless, best of luck. bub
I would keep looking and find a lower mileage car. They are out there and at reasonable prices as well. Have patience and keep looking
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Old Mar 9, 2006 | 06:42 AM
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Buy the lowest mileage car you can afford has always been my personal rule of thumb.
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Old Mar 9, 2006 | 07:19 AM
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Originally Posted by C5naples
I would keep looking and find a lower mileage car. They are out there and at reasonable prices as well. Have patience and keep looking
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Old Mar 9, 2006 | 07:57 AM
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For the same money, I really think you can find a lower mileage car. Best of luck.
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Old Mar 9, 2006 | 08:35 AM
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You should be able to find a '97 or '98 with less than 50K miles for $17K
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Old Mar 9, 2006 | 09:30 AM
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I agree - buy the lowest mileage, newest car you can afford.

Here's another piece of advice - use an independent inspection service to give the car the once over before you commit to flying or buying.

I bought my car in Chicago - I live in Phoenix. I used Automobile Inspections (http://www.automobileinspections.com/). It worked out great! I spent about $300 - I got about 40 pics and a six page inspection report. When I got to the seller's house (private party sale) - there were absolutely no surprises, and the car actually exceeded my expectations! Good luck and keep us posted on what you wind up doing.
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Old Mar 9, 2006 | 09:44 AM
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Originally Posted by ben dover
For the same money, I really think you can find a lower mileage car. Best of luck.


and, I know you are anxious, but one thing a lot of us have learned here is play the waiting game, a lower milage car will come along, as the C6 gets more and more popular. C5's can lost a long time, but getting up into the 125k miles range is pushing it unless major work has been done.

Check here on the forum also.

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Old Mar 9, 2006 | 09:46 AM
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Originally Posted by blacksedan87
I agree - buy the lowest mileage, newest car you can afford.

Here's another piece of advice - use an independent inspection service to give the car the once over before you commit to flying or buying.

I bought my car in Chicago - I live in Phoenix. I used Automobile Inspections (http://www.automobileinspections.com/). It worked out great! I spent about $300 - I got about 40 pics and a six page inspection report. When I got to the seller's house (private party sale) - there were absolutely no surprises, and the car actually exceeded my expectations! Good luck and keep us posted on what you wind up doing.
I would agree 100% with Randy. He got one of the nicest C5 verts around. You may pay a little but you won't be surprised when you get there. I think you can find lower mileage for you $$.
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Old Mar 9, 2006 | 10:21 AM
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And the dealership that seems to have a whole bunch of problems posting additional pictures of the car... well... maybe you should pass on that one (especially since it is $540 away).

The best advice I can give... Don't be in a rush. Know what you want and shop till you find it. Make a list of "must have" features / options and go find your Vette and don't settle for less. Take your time.

Good luck
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Old Mar 9, 2006 | 10:29 AM
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I would consider that there is really no difference in the mileage when you hit 100K miles. However condition/maintenance and operation is important. Also speaking to the owner is a + to get a flavor if the !@#$ has been driven out of it,, or driven by a little grandfather like ME . My 99 has 61 K miles on it and I get 35,000 + on a set of tires. But I do drive it on the track once a year about 5 laps so it is pushed but not frequently. Most driving is highway at speed. I do think you will find a better car for less $$. $17,000 should get a better car. Don't get the fever.. wait,, talk to local vet club to find a nice car. I think you will find what you would like to drive. 99 Nassau Blue
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Old Mar 9, 2006 | 10:49 AM
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Originally Posted by rws.1
You should be able to find a '97 or '98 with less than 50K miles for $17K
That's what I would think!
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Old Mar 9, 2006 | 02:15 PM
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Why not post a thread in the for sale section of the forum with how much you have to spend and your location and see what happens?
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Old Mar 9, 2006 | 02:56 PM
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I would keep looking. Back in December I bought my 97 with 68k for $16,300.00 It needed a few minor things (one radio button was missing and the door pull plug was missing which I have replaced) but overall it is in good shape. Mechanically it checked out great. Keep looking and you will find one with a little lower mileage on it.
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Old Mar 9, 2006 | 02:59 PM
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You can probably find something with a lot less miles for the price you have. A buddy of mine picked up a 1997 with 78K for $17K.

Good Luck!

Micah
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Old Mar 9, 2006 | 03:06 PM
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Here is an actual answer to your question. I would say out of those 2 go for the 98. I just drove to illinois from florida (26hrs of driving) to get a car. It will be much easier to get the one 3 hours away! It sounds like a better car and has less miles on it. If you have spoken with them and were easier to deal with than the 99 get the 98. If you want to wait, go ahead. I couldn't wait I got my 97 for 14.5K. with 87k miles. Do what you want. I'd pic the 98 if i were you though.
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Old Mar 9, 2006 | 03:11 PM
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You don't want to hear this but.......Save the 540.00...save a few thousand more and get something with lower miles.
These are great cars but...
Whatcha gonna do if it chitz the bed on you..like 2 or 3 months later??
Will you have any money left over to fix it?
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Old Mar 9, 2006 | 03:18 PM
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There has to be something closer with less milage... much less mileage. keep looking! good luck.
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