Pre buying tips
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 824
Likes: 0
From: Portland/Hillsboro OR
Pre buying tips
Hi all,
I am finally in a position to buy my vette sometime very soon. I don't want to sound stupid here, but I need to know if there are things that I may want to do before starting to shop. I have heard things about how certain credit cards give you extended warranty and all. Could someone tell me whats the deal so I can maybe apply for one. I have decent credit (~740), and I should be in a position to make a down payment of about $10k in a month.
Also, I am not too rich so I probably want to buy a C5 that I will keep for a while. I think if you are putting so much money, it should be loaded with features. So a newer C5 would be a better option (unless I am wrong).
I am looking for a 2002-2004 yellow (or maybe le mans blue) vert or targa. It should be pristine and with most features. Is about $25 - $30k a reasonable price for it ?
Thanks all !
Titus
I am finally in a position to buy my vette sometime very soon. I don't want to sound stupid here, but I need to know if there are things that I may want to do before starting to shop. I have heard things about how certain credit cards give you extended warranty and all. Could someone tell me whats the deal so I can maybe apply for one. I have decent credit (~740), and I should be in a position to make a down payment of about $10k in a month.
Also, I am not too rich so I probably want to buy a C5 that I will keep for a while. I think if you are putting so much money, it should be loaded with features. So a newer C5 would be a better option (unless I am wrong).
I am looking for a 2002-2004 yellow (or maybe le mans blue) vert or targa. It should be pristine and with most features. Is about $25 - $30k a reasonable price for it ?
Thanks all !
Titus
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 11,069
Likes: 1,287
From: Central Ma
I don't think CC's work on a car purchase like you want?
As for the price, yes you are in the ballpark. Take your time and find what you want. There are great deals out there on used C5's.
I also think you are looking at the right years.
Good luck.
As for the price, yes you are in the ballpark. Take your time and find what you want. There are great deals out there on used C5's.
I also think you are looking at the right years.
Good luck.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,799
Likes: 1
From: Northern Virginia
St. Jude Donor '08
Hi all,
I am finally in a position to buy my vette sometime very soon. I don't want to sound stupid here, but I need to know if there are things that I may want to do before starting to shop. I have heard things about how certain credit cards give you extended warranty and all. Could someone tell me whats the deal so I can maybe apply for one. I have decent credit (~740), and I should be in a position to make a down payment of about $10k in a month.
Also, I am not too rich so I probably want to buy a C5 that I will keep for a while. I think if you are putting so much money, it should be loaded with features. So a newer C5 would be a better option (unless I am wrong).
I am looking for a 2002-2004 yellow (or maybe le mans blue) vert or targa. It should be pristine and with most features. Is about $25 - $30k a reasonable price for it ?
Thanks all !
Titus
I am finally in a position to buy my vette sometime very soon. I don't want to sound stupid here, but I need to know if there are things that I may want to do before starting to shop. I have heard things about how certain credit cards give you extended warranty and all. Could someone tell me whats the deal so I can maybe apply for one. I have decent credit (~740), and I should be in a position to make a down payment of about $10k in a month.
Also, I am not too rich so I probably want to buy a C5 that I will keep for a while. I think if you are putting so much money, it should be loaded with features. So a newer C5 would be a better option (unless I am wrong).
I am looking for a 2002-2004 yellow (or maybe le mans blue) vert or targa. It should be pristine and with most features. Is about $25 - $30k a reasonable price for it ?
Thanks all !
Titus
I would figure out what features you are looking for and also take some test drives in the vettes you are interested in.
I would also read this sticky.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=984927
If you want info on models and options look here.
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/
Road & Track magazine had an article about buying a C5 a few months ago. Suggest you dig it up. It will be worth your while.
There are a lot of posts about prices. A lot of subjectivity there as it is more art than science.
Good luck.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,607
Likes: 167
From: sylvania ohio
my only advice is don't let your emotions dictate what you buy be calm and think clearly . same thing applies to marriage and is much more important . things always look great until they're yours at which time you start looking for something ''better'' . yah, i'm old .
Racer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 455
Likes: 1
From: Redmond Wa
I just picked up an 04 Commemorative edition (Lemans Blue) loaded with all the goodies and 25K mi. I did a search of 200 mile radius from the metro area and found it for $30K. I always like to keep looking and found one in the metro area for $41K so I think the 6 hour round trip was worth the time. What ever you find you wont regret it.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 824
Likes: 0
From: Portland/Hillsboro OR
my only advice is don't let your emotions dictate what you buy be calm and think clearly . same thing applies to marriage and is much more important . things always look great until they're yours at which time you start looking for something ''better'' . yah, i'm old .
^^Take your time making your purchase. Prices are only going one way and that is down. Verts have a higher resale value than the other models.
I would figure out what features you are looking for and also take some test drives in the vettes you are interested in.
I would also read this sticky.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=984927
If you want info on models and options look here.
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/
Road & Track magazine had an article about buying a C5 a few months ago. Suggest you dig it up. It will be worth your while.
There are a lot of posts about prices. A lot of subjectivity there as it is more art than science.
Good luck.
I would figure out what features you are looking for and also take some test drives in the vettes you are interested in.
I would also read this sticky.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=984927
If you want info on models and options look here.
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/
Road & Track magazine had an article about buying a C5 a few months ago. Suggest you dig it up. It will be worth your while.
There are a lot of posts about prices. A lot of subjectivity there as it is more art than science.
Good luck.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 824
Likes: 0
From: Portland/Hillsboro OR
I just picked up an 04 Commemorative edition (Lemans Blue) loaded with all the goodies and 25K mi. I did a search of 200 mile radius from the metro area and found it for $30K. I always like to keep looking and found one in the metro area for $41K so I think the 6 hour round trip was worth the time. What ever you find you wont regret it.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 11,069
Likes: 1,287
From: Central Ma
I just picked up an 04 Commemorative edition (Lemans Blue) loaded with all the goodies and 25K mi. I did a search of 200 mile radius from the metro area and found it for $30K. I always like to keep looking and found one in the metro area for $41K so I think the 6 hour round trip was worth the time. What ever you find you wont regret it.
The 41k is a ridiculous price. My low mile CE vert is not worth anything close to that. It just shows what some idiots want, and that you have to look around. That car will NEVER sell at 41, and I hate to use the word never.
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With what you want to spend, you should be able to find a really nice C5 with low miles. Just be patient and check the car over very carefully. Best of luck in your search.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 824
Likes: 0
From: Portland/Hillsboro OR
So for someone who has never touched a corvette ever, how do I go about evaluating a car once I find a deal ? Any help ? Should I take it to a Chevy dealer or something ?
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 16,270
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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
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
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There are a couple of ways this can be accomplished;
1. Contact a Corvette club in your area and explain that you are considering a purchase of a local car and ask if any of the club members would be willing to go with you to look over the potential purchase.
2. Contact an automobile inspection service and pay to have the vehicle checked over by an impartial third party - much like a home inspection service. Expect to pay around $300.
3. Check the car out yourself, using a checklist like the one in the link attached....http://corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/buying.html
1. Contact a Corvette club in your area and explain that you are considering a purchase of a local car and ask if any of the club members would be willing to go with you to look over the potential purchase.
2. Contact an automobile inspection service and pay to have the vehicle checked over by an impartial third party - much like a home inspection service. Expect to pay around $300.
3. Check the car out yourself, using a checklist like the one in the link attached....http://corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/buying.html
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 312
From: P-town Baby! Virginia
credit card discounts are would be like having points on a GM card that applies to a new car purchase.
As far as a C5 goes...get out and drive each one of the three types: coupe, frc/z, and vert. Then decide from there what options: stick, hud, color..etc. If it needs to be yellow or blue...then certain years would dictate .....my started in '00. If you want to save some $$$ on purchase that you can spend later on mods...then look at some '97, '98, and '99's.
Good luck!
As far as a C5 goes...get out and drive each one of the three types: coupe, frc/z, and vert. Then decide from there what options: stick, hud, color..etc. If it needs to be yellow or blue...then certain years would dictate .....my started in '00. If you want to save some $$$ on purchase that you can spend later on mods...then look at some '97, '98, and '99's.
Good luck!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 824
Likes: 0
From: Portland/Hillsboro OR
There are a couple of ways this can be accomplished;
1. Contact a Corvette club in your area and explain that you are considering a purchase of a local car and ask if any of the club members would be willing to go with you to look over the potential purchase.
2. Contact an automobile inspection service and pay to have the vehicle checked over by an impartial third party - much like a home inspection service. Expect to pay around $300.
3. Check the car out yourself, using a checklist like the one in the link attached....http://corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/buying.html
1. Contact a Corvette club in your area and explain that you are considering a purchase of a local car and ask if any of the club members would be willing to go with you to look over the potential purchase.
2. Contact an automobile inspection service and pay to have the vehicle checked over by an impartial third party - much like a home inspection service. Expect to pay around $300.
3. Check the car out yourself, using a checklist like the one in the link attached....http://corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/buying.html
Thanks for the reply.
Titus
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 824
Likes: 0
From: Portland/Hillsboro OR
credit card discounts are would be like having points on a GM card that applies to a new car purchase.
As far as a C5 goes...get out and drive each one of the three types: coupe, frc/z, and vert. Then decide from there what options: stick, hud, color..etc. If it needs to be yellow or blue...then certain years would dictate .....my started in '00. If you want to save some $$$ on purchase that you can spend later on mods...then look at some '97, '98, and '99's.
Good luck!
As far as a C5 goes...get out and drive each one of the three types: coupe, frc/z, and vert. Then decide from there what options: stick, hud, color..etc. If it needs to be yellow or blue...then certain years would dictate .....my started in '00. If you want to save some $$$ on purchase that you can spend later on mods...then look at some '97, '98, and '99's.
Good luck!
I dont think I will be interested in mods. Expecially with the way people drive in Portland, even my modded altima seems like an overkill for the slow traffic here. People drive 5 below the limit here and its frustrating
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 486
Likes: 1
From: Houston TX
Test driving the different models is a very good idea. You can tell the difference between the stock 2.73 differential and the 3.15 performance differential on the automatics. That goes out the door with the sticks since they typically have 3.42's. Look at the different shocks too. I like the Magnetic Selective Ride Control option, but if you're younger or can handle the stiffness all the time, then that option may not be your thing.
I bought mine on the last day in Jan 2004, which was also the last day of that round of GM special financing (0.0 and 1.9%), and I was a qualified buyer. Took several hours to reach a deal...and then we started again on the trade-in! I also had a 'fall-back' car identified at another dealership. It wasn't quite the color I wanted, but it's use was to drive the dealership to close the deal. Just be patient - and ready to walk away. Remember, dealerships want to sell and free up space in the parking lot (call it that). If you can go in with financing arranged up-front that may also help you negotiate. If the car has demo miles on it, get credit for the miles on the price.
- Wisdom
I bought mine on the last day in Jan 2004, which was also the last day of that round of GM special financing (0.0 and 1.9%), and I was a qualified buyer. Took several hours to reach a deal...and then we started again on the trade-in! I also had a 'fall-back' car identified at another dealership. It wasn't quite the color I wanted, but it's use was to drive the dealership to close the deal. Just be patient - and ready to walk away. Remember, dealerships want to sell and free up space in the parking lot (call it that). If you can go in with financing arranged up-front that may also help you negotiate. If the car has demo miles on it, get credit for the miles on the price.
- Wisdom
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 16,270
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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
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
NCM Sinkhole Donor
There aren't many vettes in the Portland area and I have a feeling I will have to travel to buy my vette. I actually just moved from AZ (graduated from ASU), and will be travelling to AZ for graduation and then again for a tournament in late January. I will look hard to see if I can find a vette during that time. Maybe you or someone you know can help me with it (???).
Thanks for the reply.
Titus
Thanks for the reply.
Titus
Racer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 455
Likes: 1
From: Redmond Wa
If you make it to the Seattle area keep your eyes on Park Place Ltd. they always have a good selection, some can be pricy though
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,868
Likes: 770
From: Kelso Washington
St. Jude Donor '09, '13, '15
I bought mine in the area and started with a lot of internet shopping to see what was available, but also to see what they were going for. There are a lot of resources.....try just googling "Corvettes for sale oregon" or any variety of ways and you'll find a lot. Autotrader.com and others. Try Suburban Chevrolet in Sandy, they are the biggest Vette dealer in the area. But beware, most all the internet sites don't update their stock very often. I finally found my baby at Ron Tonkin Grand Turismo. It was listed at 29,500 a spiral grey metallic coupe with a six speed, fully loaded, two tone interior, 12 cd changer, seat etc memory....just all the stuff and had a K&N intake and flowmasters already. Mileage was a bit high at 51k but I got it for 27,500 and they financed me better than what I had set up already.
I test drove my first one at Suburban and was hooked. But it was an automatic. There are a lot of automatics out there.
Also, of course, try Craigslist if you can go private with your financing.
Of course, try Washington internet searches also....you just have to find the right car....in stock....at the right place....it could even be some podunk lot in bumphuck.
Good luck!!
I test drove my first one at Suburban and was hooked. But it was an automatic. There are a lot of automatics out there.
Also, of course, try Craigslist if you can go private with your financing.
Of course, try Washington internet searches also....you just have to find the right car....in stock....at the right place....it could even be some podunk lot in bumphuck.
Good luck!!
