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Need help with C5 purchase

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Old Jul 9, 2006 | 03:33 PM
  #1  
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Default Need help with C5 purchase

I found a 1998 with 100,000 miles on it, silver, automatic, for $9800 has some minor paint damage, leather damage, and has a record of being stolen once. Despite all the problems I think its a good price to start from, the problems can be fixed later I think. What are your opinions
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Old Jul 9, 2006 | 03:37 PM
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Depends on what your plans are for the car. In other words, why are you wanting to buy it? The title is probably salvage, too.
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Old Jul 9, 2006 | 03:40 PM
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Originally Posted by RequiemNightmare
I found a 1998 with 100,000 miles on it, silver, automatic, for $9800 has some minor paint damage, leather damage, and has a record of being stolen once. Despite all the problems I think its a good price to start from, the problems can be fixed later I think. What are your opinions
Most important question - does it have a clear title and not a salvage title?

Second most important question - do you have the financial resources to put into this car? It sounds like it's had a "rough" life and who knows what's lurking beneath the surface.

Personally - even though it's relatively cheap - I'd walk away and find something in a little better condition to start with - you'll pay more but you'll more than likely have a better car. Good luck....
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Old Jul 9, 2006 | 03:42 PM
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I think it actually does have a salvage title, but from the pictures all the mechanical stuff doesn't look bad at all
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Old Jul 9, 2006 | 03:47 PM
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Get ready to spend some dough. If you don't have it, then don't buy the car.
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Old Jul 9, 2006 | 03:48 PM
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Originally Posted by BigButtLover
Get ready to spend some dough. If you don't have it, then don't buy the car.
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Old Jul 9, 2006 | 03:51 PM
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Sounds like someone needs to give this Vette some TLC. Good luck. If you think it's a fair deal, that's your decision. If it's going to be a project car, go for it. You'll have fun and "improve a Vette's life."
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Old Jul 9, 2006 | 04:05 PM
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Originally Posted by RequiemNightmare
but from the pictures all the mechanical stuff doesn't look bad at all
I would be . Most mechanicals look good. Worn parts show just as well as good parts. Do a thorough go through and get a good grip on what it will cost you Vs. what it would be worth when you're done. A car with 100K miles and a salvage title will never be worth much no matter how good of a job you do. Too many people have gotten into a higher priced car for cheap only to lose their shirt. Just go ask in the C1 to C4 sections. The guys who have restored stuff will always say to start with the best car you can afford- never the cheapest. Certainly, a few grand more would get you a nicer, clean title C5.
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Old Jul 9, 2006 | 04:10 PM
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Originally Posted by RequiemNightmare
I think it actually does have a salvage title, but from the pictures all the mechanical stuff doesn't look bad at all
That would be the kiss of death for me. You might not be able to get physical damage insurance on it with a salvage title, and for sure if you ever go to sell it - it will be very tough. I would think this through very thoroughly.....personally I'd look for something with a clean title.
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Old Jul 9, 2006 | 04:18 PM
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It's about 1/2 price. No doubt it's got a salvage title.

Great car to mod to the nines!


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