I know that when I was shopping for C5's, I asked Sponge Vette to run the VIN on a few serious contenders. It seems that the general rule of thumb is "the less it's had done, the better the car is".

Since mine came with a generous amout of time and mileage left on a zero deductible GMPP, I've gone after defects that I've encountered without hesitation. I don't like to ignore problems. But in so doing, am I devaluing my own car, since the VIN laundry list of items tended to by the dealership is growing? I'd like to think that someone considering my car some day will understand that I was simply taking great care of the car by staying on top of things, but I fear my dilligence may actually be hurting me in the long run. What do you think?

For instance, when they see that both rear rims were replaced, chances are good that they may not realize that the thin spoke polished rims have a well documented history of developing hairline cracks and will probably assume that I just thrashed the car driving carelessly. Since acquiring the car in January, I've also had the flasher module replaced, the handbrake assembly replaced, the rocking seat fixed and various other little items. At this stage, the car is in excellent running and very good cosmetic condition.

What does the collective wisdom of C5 general think? I'm just trying to take the best possible care of this car and give it whatever it needs as things need tending to, but in so doing, am I going to take it in the shorts when the time comes to sell, eventually?

 

I'm in the same situation. Unfortunately, I think it would turn me off to see a long list of "fixes" done to the car...

 

Its a double edged sword.

 

Whoa whoa whoa.... Did you buy your car because it holds value or to enjoy it? If you want something that holds value, sell the car and throw it in a money market account or an IRA. If you want to enjoy the car, carry on with what you're doing, and maybe mod it a little

 

Point taken... But no, no, no. I did not buy this car as an investment or to be a weekend warrior/seldom driven garage queen. I drive it daily and I'm enjoying it very much. It just pains me to think that next to another C5 where all else is equal (mileage, etc.), it will probably be worth less because of the history of getting things fixed, versus ignoring the problems and passing them off to the next guy. I don't have any plans to sell it in the foreseeable future anyway. Just wondering, though.

 

Oh I totally see your point too, but realistically, if I was in the market for another C5 I think I would pick the one that looked like it was well maintained and had parts replaced when it needed them.

 

Also when I purchase something privately I also consider the appearance and demeanor of the seller. Part of your sale's pitch would be to explain the maintenance history and your philosophy on maintenance. I would buy into your story as you have explained it.

 

I'm in the same boat as you. I take my car in for all kinds of things. My list looks like its a mile long. When it comes time for me to sell....if I ever do, then I'll pull up my list and post it with an explaination of each repair.
jeff

 

, When I was looking for mine I ran across a couple that had very litle done and it actually turned me away. I would think that a list demonstrating that minor issues are taken care of would be a plus. As long as you have GMPP and if you trust the dealership and are happy with the work they are doing, have at it.

Ed

 

That's assuming folks even know to check for the dealership repairs !! Keep the maintenance up and people smart enuf to see the list will understand

 

 

you ar not devalueing your car. you are using the warranty.

lots of these cars have very little in gmvis system. lots of them have lots in there. the ones that have the most are usually the ones that have had a gmpp purchased on them and THAT is why gmvis shows the record. ------what would you rather have-----
#1 a car that shows several services covered by gm dealership under warranty claims. or
#2 a car that has no service history what so ever after the 3/36 expired

i dont know......i think most would opt for the one that was fixed each and every time quickly without hesitation. and record of it.

i have put more in the gmvis system since i purchased mine. than it had the several years before i got it

 

It seems to me that many of us are caught up in the resale value of our C5's and we forget that it's just a car and it's made to be used and enjoyed. Stop worring about bull $hit!

 

You're not getting it. I'm not concerned with the resale value of my C5 per se, only how it would be valued against other comparable C5's. I don't give a flip if I lose more than I spent on it. I just don't want to lose more on the sale than someone else with the same car, but with a lesser warranty repair record.

That's very different in contrast to what you're talking about.

The rest of the replies have been surprisingly reassuring. Thanks.

 

I wouldn't think that the list will turn off any educated prospective buyers. The ones willing to do that kind of research will probably also be agressive in researching the car's history through the owner. Upon doing that, they will see that the service record shows proper care and maintenance, and not repairs from abuse. In the long run, the right buyer will be more satisfied with such an extensive background than one with too little of a paper trail to go by.

 

Oh I’m getting it loud and clear. The bottom line is the RESALE VALUE. Just read what you put in your post “I just don't want to lose more on the sale than someone else with the same car, but with a lesser warranty repair record.” Sounds like resale value to me. Sounds like you have a nice Vette....use it and ENJOY

 

Personally I'd much rather look at cars that have been well maintained - I seldom give second looks to cars that have no documented history of any maintenance or have things that simply do not work. I'd say keep up the maintenance - you can explain to any potential buyer what was going on.

 

I hate that stuff that is seemingly unimportant but does not work. I had that deal with the light on the passenger vanity mirror. If that piece around the mirror comes loose...it doesn't just fit back in you need to buy a whole new vanity mirror bezel. It was such a stupid thing, and had to be special ordered but I hated to drive the car with that not working and poking out a little. I knew it was there and broken and that seemed to be most important

 

This may be the strangest thought process I have encountered reading posts on this forum.

 

We need to send out some probes