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So i have the opportunity to buy two different vetts:
1st: 98 automatic silver hatchback with 80k miles. custom exhaust/headers, chipped for reportedly 375-385 hp.
15k
2nd: 2000 stick, red with 45k miles. glass roof.
24k
The first is about 3k below bluebook, the second is about 3k above.
Just that right there makes me lean towards the 98 since its a "better deal". But i wanted to run it by the experts out there - is the 98 about to start faling appart with its 80k miles? I'd rather not take a huge hit on depreciation right off the bat.. Just looking for some quick advice before i join the corvette fraternety...
If the 98 was taken care of, it will be fine with 80k on the clock. I would still go with the 2000 six speed, alot less miles and newer car, in the long run you'll be happier I think. I would rather spend 24k on a 7 year old car with relatively low-medium amount of miles, instead of 15k on a car that is almost 10 years old with 80k on the clock.
edit: by chipped you must mean tuned, since there is no "chip" for the C5. It probably has a dyno tune on it.
So i have the opportunity to buy two different vetts:
1st: 98 automatic silver hatchback with 80k miles. custom exhaust/headers, chipped for reportedly 375-385 hp.
15k
2nd: 2000 stick, red with 45k miles. glass roof.
24k
The first is about 3k below bluebook, the second is about 3k above.
Just that right there makes me lean towards the 98 since its a "better deal". But i wanted to run it by the experts out there - is the 98 about to start faling appart with its 80k miles? I'd rather not take a huge hit on depreciation right off the bat.. Just looking for some quick advice before i join the corvette fraternety...
Offer 21K for the 2000, I bought my 03' for $25K with just a few more miles. $24K for a 2000 is too much.
Thanks for the responses everyone.. really appreciate it.
the 98 has been well taken care of (friend of the family owns it) - so as long as maintenence isn't an issue. The dealership won't negotiate on the 2000... its from carmax and they're ghetto like that "fair no-haggle pricing" my ***.
I think i'll grab the 98 for 15 (which is pretty much nothing). and just keep my eye out for a lower mile deal. since the 98 has a bluebook of like 17-18k, i should be able to sell it for at least what i paid for it, so that won't be an issue if something nicer comes along. I've seen 98's with 100k asking 17k so I'm guessing i should be good with a resale in 12-18 months if i want to. My biggest concern was racking up a couple grand in mainenence fees right off the bat
If the tranny doesn't matter to you, and they won't budge on the 2000, I guess that's the way to go. Or wait...there may be better deals around the corner with winter, depending on where you are.
From: Ok! So you don't believe in conspiracies, but will you acknowledge the possibility of there being coordinated activities in secret places? Texas
If those are the only 2 cars you have to choose from, I say get the Silver 1998.
The power difference, if the claim is true, will make you forget about the extra mileage over the newer car. Also, I think you may be happier with the auto than the stick in the long run.
Besides, Silver vettes look better than red ones, but maybe I'm partial.
If the tranny doesn't matter to you, and they won't budge on the 2000, I guess that's the way to go. Or wait...there may be better deals around the corner with winter, depending on where you are.
Yea.. the tranny doesn't bother me all that much... the automatic shifter is still pretty solid.. i took it out for a spin last week and the vetts massive engine makes me forget all about the slight shifting lag. =)
i live in san diego.. so there might be some deals out there in the next few months. that's another reason why i like the 98... it lets me keep my options open. if i get the 2000.. i could probably only sell that for what? 20 or 21? so i'd take a nice hit, (the 2000 would be 26k after tax and licencing, so 26k-21k= 5k depreciation right out the door).
I know.. i could just keep my mustang and wait around a while longer... but i want it now. after i drove one there was no turning back =) at least this way i can start enjoying the car now, and hopfully if i find something better i wont have much trouble selling and trading up.
I would not limit the search to two just cars, each very different. Each has attributes. Each has it disadvantages.
During late fall, you will be amazed both here and anywhere else you look, the more cars are available and prices are a lot better. You can pick and choose and create you're own 'buyers' market than settling now for a 'sellers' market.
Save your money and buy the good '98 from your the people you already know. I would never buy a used vette from a dealer. They're always overpriced and they lie to your face every time.
You should surf the C5 for sale section here on your very own Corvetteforum! Not only will you help out your fellow "Forum Brethren," but you can also check their past posts to get a "virtual history" of the car. Not to mention, you find some pretty unbeliveable deals on there, as many times, sellers would rather see the Vette go to a fellow member who is passionate about these cars as opposed to the dreaded dealer.
She's a 98' with 65K, Silver on oak, auto and a few tasteful mods. Seller is asking $17,000, but says the price is not "Solid". Might get a comparable car with less miles for close to the same price.
In the end, do what feels right to you. But as an above poster already stated, I wouldn't limit such an important decision to only two vehicles. Good luck whichever way you go
Thanks again for all the advice...I've kinda re-considered and am just going to sit on my money for a bit and see what the fall brings in terms of prices.
@MeHeartCorvettes: good point about searching the forums... of course dealing with someone in texas migh be a tad more difficult than someone in socal.. i'd have to fly out there i guess cus i wouldn't buy something sight-unseen.... its an array of options though.
Thanks again for all the advice...I've kinda re-considered and am just going to sit on my money for a bit and see what the fall brings in terms of prices.
@MeHeartCorvettes: good point about searching the forums... of course dealing with someone in texas migh be a tad more difficult than someone in socal.. i'd have to fly out there i guess cus i wouldn't buy something sight-unseen.... its an array of options though.
I'll letcha all know how it turns out...
Not to say that's the exact car for you, but it just so happened I looked at that ad a minute before reading your post, and it seemed very comparable to the 98 you described. I just wanted to give an example.
One thing for sure - there's lots of Vettes in SOCAl - probably just a matter of time before you find a C5 on here that is somewhat local. Even if you find one that isn't local, might be worth the $200 plane ticket and a fun drive home What better way to "Crisen" your first Vette than with a nice little road trip?