Is this 99 vette worth it?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 787
Likes: 11
From: Santa Rosa California
Is this 99 vette worth it?
Have this in another thread, but I thought it would get a little more attention in one of its own 
Thinking about this:
99 vette 86.5k miles
auto, black/black, targa
Issues I noticed on test drive:
If inspection is comes out OK and the 2 bottom issues arent too bad, at $13,800 should I go for it?
Thinking about this:
99 vette 86.5k miles
auto, black/black, targa
Issues I noticed on test drive:
- passenger door lock not working
- oil pressure sensor out
- tire pressure sensors out
- glove compartment hatch broken
- shake at high speed acceleration (wheel balance maybe?)
- slightly squeeky serpentine belt (could be small-big)
If inspection is comes out OK and the 2 bottom issues arent too bad, at $13,800 should I go for it?
Racer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 312
Likes: 0
From: Valrico FL
Mike,
The paranoid mechanic part of me worries about the oil pressure sensor being out. Does the gauge work at all? I would just be scared of buying a car with 86k miles and not knowing what the oil pressure is.
How does the body look? If its immaculate, I might consider the car but if there are any dents, dings or blemishes, I think that might be a bit much based on mileage. The items you mentioned can be fixed (hopefully) but body damage is another story.
Also make sure it has what you want. Not sure if the 99 had HUD or the telescopic steering wheel yet those are awesome options you might want so don't sell yourself short.
Mike
The paranoid mechanic part of me worries about the oil pressure sensor being out. Does the gauge work at all? I would just be scared of buying a car with 86k miles and not knowing what the oil pressure is.
How does the body look? If its immaculate, I might consider the car but if there are any dents, dings or blemishes, I think that might be a bit much based on mileage. The items you mentioned can be fixed (hopefully) but body damage is another story.
Also make sure it has what you want. Not sure if the 99 had HUD or the telescopic steering wheel yet those are awesome options you might want so don't sell yourself short.
Mike
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 787
Likes: 11
From: Santa Rosa California
Mike,
The paranoid mechanic part of me worries about the oil pressure sensor being out. Does the gauge work at all? I would just be scared of buying a car with 86k miles and not knowing what the oil pressure is.
How does the body look? If its immaculate, I might consider the car but if there are any dents, dings or blemishes, I think that might be a bit much based on mileage. The items you mentioned can be fixed (hopefully) but body damage is another story.
Also make sure it has what you want. Not sure if the 99 had HUD or the telescopic steering wheel yet those are awesome options you might want so don't sell yourself short.
Mike
The paranoid mechanic part of me worries about the oil pressure sensor being out. Does the gauge work at all? I would just be scared of buying a car with 86k miles and not knowing what the oil pressure is.
How does the body look? If its immaculate, I might consider the car but if there are any dents, dings or blemishes, I think that might be a bit much based on mileage. The items you mentioned can be fixed (hopefully) but body damage is another story.
Also make sure it has what you want. Not sure if the 99 had HUD or the telescopic steering wheel yet those are awesome options you might want so don't sell yourself short.
Mike
This one does have HUD and telescoping options, but the oil pressure sensor kind of worries me as well. Body looks good, not immaculate, but id give it an 8/10 or so.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,572
Likes: 9
From: Jackson Tn
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09
- passenger door lock not working $350
- oil pressure sensor out Not a good sign! $$$$$
- tire pressure sensors out $100
- glove compartment hatch broken $50 because it's a Vette part
- shake at high speed acceleration (wheel balance maybe?) Bad tires $1000
- slightly squeeky serpentine belt (could be small-big)
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Tire pressure sensors for a '99 are closer to $400 for a set - unless you try to replace the batteries yourself. For the extra $1K+ that this one could cost you, you might be able to find one with less issues and less miles.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 787
Likes: 11
From: Santa Rosa California
Yeah that one is clean, I've noticed it before. A little more than Id like to spend though.. this one Im looking at is going to come out around $15k including taxes/registration, not including the issues I found. To be honest.. the door lock, glove box hatch, and tire pressure sensors dont bother me that much. The other stuff I am more worried about, hence the inspection. If the inspection comes out saying I just need a wheel balance and a new serpentine belt, I'll be happy. If I need new tires, a new water pump, new brakes, etc.. then it becomes a different story. I just want to feel comfortable that $13.8k is a decent price for what Im getting if the inspection is a green light.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 787
Likes: 11
From: Santa Rosa California
tires are nitto's so they were replaced at some point. about half the tread left if I had to guess and it looks like they were wearing evenly. oil pressure gauge is tacked to the max. same problem in my dads 99 vette
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,987
Likes: 18
From: DuBois PA
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15
If you do your wrenching, I'd say go for it. The problems listed are known, easily fixed issues or small problem IMO. A few Q's though;
Is the belt cracking or glazed?
Any drivertrain rumbling or growling, steering nice and tight with no bump steer?
If it's Yes, No then buy it!
Is the belt cracking or glazed?
Any drivertrain rumbling or growling, steering nice and tight with no bump steer?
If it's Yes, No then buy it!
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 11,125
Likes: 673
From: SE Pennsylvania
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Oldtimer
So long as you can verify that the oil pressure is OK, just the sending unit is bad, then know that to replace the sending unit requirers pulling off the intake manifold I beleive, costs about $400 to $700, but while you in there, you can buy an inexpensive 'remote' kit to move the sending unit out from under the manifold ( so if it goes bad again, it's not gonna be a hell of a bill) then I'd say the car is defiantly worth the $14K ! Enjoy your new ride. Good luck !
Last edited by killain; Jul 24, 2009 at 11:43 AM. Reason: spelling error
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco CA
Have this in another thread, but I thought it would get a little more attention in one of its own
Thinking about this:
99 vette 86.5k miles
auto, black/black, targa
Issues I noticed on test drive:
If inspection is comes out OK and the 2 bottom issues arent too bad, at $13,800 should I go for it?
Thinking about this:
99 vette 86.5k miles
auto, black/black, targa
Issues I noticed on test drive:
- passenger door lock not working
- oil pressure sensor out
- tire pressure sensors out
- glove compartment hatch broken
- shake at high speed acceleration (wheel balance maybe?)
- slightly squeeky serpentine belt (could be small-big)
If inspection is comes out OK and the 2 bottom issues arent too bad, at $13,800 should I go for it?
Purchased 2 at $12k in the past 8 months, one mine and one friends. Both White 6spds, year 2000.
The only small problems were that the tire sensors were out (power/bad sensors?). One car had aftermarket wheels (so no sensors) other was factory.
Glove compartment hatch, simple replacement.
Belt squeek came later for both cars, means time to change the belt. After that, problem fixed.
Other than that, I would say other than a small tear on the driver seats, everything else was mechanically sound.
One was purchased at 106k miles and is now at 120k with no problems other than maintenance items done and new exhuast systems, etc.
Second was purchased at 90k now at 92k with the steering lock problem and security shut off that needs to be reprogrammed.
Both are base c5 coupes. One has the HUD other doesnt, but other than that, they look like twins.
You decide.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 162
Likes: 8
From: Gardner KS
Have this in another thread, but I thought it would get a little more attention in one of its own
Thinking about this:
99 vette 86.5k miles
auto, black/black, targa
Issues I noticed on test drive:
If inspection is comes out OK and the 2 bottom issues arent too bad, at $13,800 should I go for it?
Thinking about this:
99 vette 86.5k miles
auto, black/black, targa
Issues I noticed on test drive:
- passenger door lock not working
- oil pressure sensor out
- tire pressure sensors out
- glove compartment hatch broken
- shake at high speed acceleration (wheel balance maybe?)
- slightly squeeky serpentine belt (could be small-big)
If inspection is comes out OK and the 2 bottom issues arent too bad, at $13,800 should I go for it?
1. Sticky lock? Can you feel it move if you hold the lock switch?
2. Oil pressure sensor is easy if you're a DIY amateur. I did mine in a couple of hours. Need to pull intake manifold and a couple of hoses... sensor was probably around $20 or so. This is a very common problem on these cars.
3. Tire sensors may just need to "re learn" and you can use a strong magnet to do it yourself. Otherwise they are not easily servicable and can be expensive for the first generation sensors.
4. Glove compartment- may be an easy fix
5. Balance is probably off..yes
6. Squeaky belt: Make sure the crank pulley is NOT wobbling. Otherwise a belt or tensioner pulley (minor) Crank pulley wobbling can make squeaky sounds too... that is major.
Price seems a bit high though for a '98 I was thinking around 12,500 or 13k
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 787
Likes: 11
From: Santa Rosa California
Seem rather minor if you ask me.
1. Sticky lock? Can you feel it move if you hold the lock switch?
2. Oil pressure sensor is easy if you're a DIY amateur. I did mine in a couple of hours. Need to pull intake manifold and a couple of hoses... sensor was probably around $20 or so. This is a very common problem on these cars.
3. Tire sensors may just need to "re learn" and you can use a strong magnet to do it yourself. Otherwise they are not easily servicable and can be expensive for the first generation sensors.
4. Glove compartment- may be an easy fix
5. Balance is probably off..yes
6. Squeaky belt: Make sure the crank pulley is NOT wobbling. Otherwise a belt or tensioner pulley (minor) Crank pulley wobbling can make squeaky sounds too... that is major.
Price seems a bit high though for a '98 I was thinking around 12,500 or 13k
1. Sticky lock? Can you feel it move if you hold the lock switch?
2. Oil pressure sensor is easy if you're a DIY amateur. I did mine in a couple of hours. Need to pull intake manifold and a couple of hoses... sensor was probably around $20 or so. This is a very common problem on these cars.
3. Tire sensors may just need to "re learn" and you can use a strong magnet to do it yourself. Otherwise they are not easily servicable and can be expensive for the first generation sensors.
4. Glove compartment- may be an easy fix
5. Balance is probably off..yes
6. Squeaky belt: Make sure the crank pulley is NOT wobbling. Otherwise a belt or tensioner pulley (minor) Crank pulley wobbling can make squeaky sounds too... that is major.
Price seems a bit high though for a '98 I was thinking around 12,500 or 13k
Could you elaborate?
---
Just got the inspection back, findings:
- Intake and valve cover minor leak - the tech said it was common and not that big of a deal???
- Checked belt and tensioner, looks good
- Exhaust leaking at flange
- Needs oil/tranny service
- No problem with shaky wheel. May have been road conditions or the fact that the tires were low on air when I drove it.
- Brakes at 70-80%, suspension looks good, drives strong.
What would you think would be a good out the door price?
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,050
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles CA
Oil pressure sensor is a common problem. If its wrong on the gauge and the DIC then it's the sensor. You have to replace with a non GM part because the GM OEM sensor usually fails soon after install. I think I used a Borg Warner one and its been fine since.
And also a note the tire pressure sensors for a 99 are about $80 each. So you are looking at over $300 to replace all four. Factor that into the pricing too. I have a 99 also and none of my latches or locks are broken. I kind of wonder if someone beat on the car a bit too much.
And also a note the tire pressure sensors for a 99 are about $80 each. So you are looking at over $300 to replace all four. Factor that into the pricing too. I have a 99 also and none of my latches or locks are broken. I kind of wonder if someone beat on the car a bit too much.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 11,992
Likes: 1,331
From: Middletown, DE
I think you can do much better. I recently paid $14.5K for a '99 in outstanding shape, 73K miles, 6-spd (which goes for more $). Had nice aftermarket wheels, Corsa's, intake and tune. Needed nothing but Techron for the gas gauge issue.
Take the time to get your $15K worth!
Take the time to get your $15K worth!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 787
Likes: 11
From: Santa Rosa California
I think you can do much better. I recently paid $14.5K for a '99 in outstanding shape, 73K miles, 6-spd (which goes for more $). Had nice aftermarket wheels, Corsa's, intake and tune. Needed nothing but Techron for the gas gauge issue.
Take the time to get your $15K worth!
Take the time to get your $15K worth!
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 11,992
Likes: 1,331
From: Middletown, DE
