Car buying question.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 719
Likes: 2
From: Columbia South Carolina
I usually say there are no stupid questions and that is why a forum exists to attempt to answer all questions.
But if you have been on the forum long enough you will see some. An you wonder, is it easier to just ask questions because the computer sits in front of you. Or should you take the time to seek out the answer before posting.
Or do a search on the subject......
Now there are three avenues you can go to, to determine you potential vehicles past.
1) ask the current owner
2) Do a CARFAX!!!!!!!!
3) Get the vin# (please don't ask where that is) and ask your local Chevy dealer is they can do a history check. Will also need the Vin# for #2......................................
4) None of the above will work, if--------------------
A) The owner lies to you.
B) An accident, if any was never reported......................
5) So if you are a person who gets in a car and just turns the key and drives, then as the last resort, because you really want this car, is to pay a CERTIFIED mechanic to go with you and check the car out.....
But if you have been on the forum long enough you will see some. An you wonder, is it easier to just ask questions because the computer sits in front of you. Or should you take the time to seek out the answer before posting.
Or do a search on the subject......Now there are three avenues you can go to, to determine you potential vehicles past.
1) ask the current owner
2) Do a CARFAX!!!!!!!!
3) Get the vin# (please don't ask where that is) and ask your local Chevy dealer is they can do a history check. Will also need the Vin# for #2......................................
4) None of the above will work, if--------------------
A) The owner lies to you.
B) An accident, if any was never reported......................
5) So if you are a person who gets in a car and just turns the key and drives, then as the last resort, because you really want this car, is to pay a CERTIFIED mechanic to go with you and check the car out.....
Pro
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 648
Likes: 1
From: South Jersey
Here's a tip on how to determine if the front end of a C5 has been hit...
On the right side framerail and front bar, GM put the vin # in white. If the car was ever hit, it would distort the numbers. Obviously, if you find an incorrect vin # or if it's missing, then the car's been hit and it's probably time to walk away from the car.
To clairify, on all C5, the vin # is on the front right framerail. On early C5, 97-02, it's also on front bar as well.
Jerry
On the right side framerail and front bar, GM put the vin # in white. If the car was ever hit, it would distort the numbers. Obviously, if you find an incorrect vin # or if it's missing, then the car's been hit and it's probably time to walk away from the car.
To clairify, on all C5, the vin # is on the front right framerail. On early C5, 97-02, it's also on front bar as well.
Jerry
Last edited by JerG; Mar 29, 2010 at 10:06 AM.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,357
Likes: 24,782
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Try a CarFax (if the accident was reported to them) or if you are really serious about the car, take it to a reputable body shop and ask them to inspect it for any damage.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,167
Likes: 5
From: Holly Ridge North Carolina
No I haven't seen the 100,000 commercials on it.
This is more what I was looking for, I just don't want to pay $30 for every vette I am interested in.
I guess I shouldn't have taken it for granted that everyone knows about carfax. I was wondering if there are ways to tell by looking at it, or a way that would be FREE. Sorry for the confusion. Thanks.
Also, if a car has been in an accident how much less should I pay off the asking price in a %? I am planning on a z that ranges from 40-50? If it has been in a small accident, or just a small fender bender, or maybe just hit in the parking lot, how much less is it worth?
Here's a tip on how to determine if the front end of a C5 has been hit...
On the right side framerail and front bar, GM put the vin # in white. If the car was ever hit, it would distort the numbers. Obviously, if you find an incorrect vin # or if it's missing, then the car's been hit and it's probably time to walk away from the car.
On the right side framerail and front bar, GM put the vin # in white. If the car was ever hit, it would distort the numbers. Obviously, if you find an incorrect vin # or if it's missing, then the car's been hit and it's probably time to walk away from the car.
I guess I shouldn't have taken it for granted that everyone knows about carfax. I was wondering if there are ways to tell by looking at it, or a way that would be FREE. Sorry for the confusion. Thanks.
Also, if a car has been in an accident how much less should I pay off the asking price in a %? I am planning on a z that ranges from 40-50? If it has been in a small accident, or just a small fender bender, or maybe just hit in the parking lot, how much less is it worth?
Pro
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 719
Likes: 2
From: Columbia South Carolina
Apparently you are not a professional car buyer (not a bad thing), so in that case you need to visually check as many cars as possible that you can, then settle on one of two of them after you have visible checked. This would include looking for any paint over spray, mismatched paint, dirty engine bays, dirty undercarriages, obvious new parts and things that just do not look right.
Then when you have settled on a particular car that you want, this is the time that you have a friend who is a mechanic look over the car, take it to a dealer and pay them look over it and get a history report, get a Carfax or pay an out side professional to look over the car. If this is done right then either you will buy that car or dismiss it as a has been. You should only have to repeat this process once or twice if done right. Or perhaps after viewing candidates you might get an all knowing forum member to look at the vehicle with you.
And don't pass up your favorite Carmax.
If you had posted the important information in the beginning, then you wouldn't have gotten some of the "old wise man answer's ".
My last note, is that you stated that you were looking to buy another Vette. So in this instance you should be familiar in what to look for.........HMMMMMMMM?????
Then when you have settled on a particular car that you want, this is the time that you have a friend who is a mechanic look over the car, take it to a dealer and pay them look over it and get a history report, get a Carfax or pay an out side professional to look over the car. If this is done right then either you will buy that car or dismiss it as a has been. You should only have to repeat this process once or twice if done right. Or perhaps after viewing candidates you might get an all knowing forum member to look at the vehicle with you.
And don't pass up your favorite Carmax.
If you had posted the important information in the beginning, then you wouldn't have gotten some of the "old wise man answer's ".
My last note, is that you stated that you were looking to buy another Vette. So in this instance you should be familiar in what to look for.........HMMMMMMMM?????
Last edited by Jewjenk; Mar 29, 2010 at 04:57 PM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,167
Likes: 5
From: Holly Ridge North Carolina
Apparently you are not a professional car buyer (not a bad thing), so in that case you need to visually check as many cars as possible that you can, then settle on one of two of them after you have visible checked. This would include looking for any paint over spray, mismatched paint, dirty engine bays, dirty undercarriages, obvious new parts and things that just do not look right.
Then when you have settled on a particular car that you want, this is the time that you have a friend who is a mechanic look over the car, take it to a dealer and pay them look over it and get a history report, get a Carfax or pay an out side professional to look over the car. If this is done right then either you will buy that car or dismiss it as a has been. You should only have to repeat this process once or twice if done right. Or perhaps after viewing candidates you might get an all knowing forum member to look at the vehicle with you.
And don't pass up your favorite Carmax.
If you had posted the important information in the beginning, then you wouldn't have gotten some of the "old wise man answer's ".
My last note, is that you stated that you were looking to buy another Vette. So in this instance you should be familiar in what to look for.........HMMMMMMMM?????
Then when you have settled on a particular car that you want, this is the time that you have a friend who is a mechanic look over the car, take it to a dealer and pay them look over it and get a history report, get a Carfax or pay an out side professional to look over the car. If this is done right then either you will buy that car or dismiss it as a has been. You should only have to repeat this process once or twice if done right. Or perhaps after viewing candidates you might get an all knowing forum member to look at the vehicle with you.
And don't pass up your favorite Carmax.
If you had posted the important information in the beginning, then you wouldn't have gotten some of the "old wise man answer's ".
My last note, is that you stated that you were looking to buy another Vette. So in this instance you should be familiar in what to look for.........HMMMMMMMM?????
Also, I don't mind buying a wrecked car as long as it is properly fixed, but what % less should I pay off the standard price? Considering it is a small wreck, how much less should I expect to pay?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 312
From: P-town Baby! Virginia
I would narrow it down to one or two and get them professionally inspected and/or have a couple forum members go w you to look them over. It's a huge crap shoot and it's up to you to uncover the hidden surprises waiting for you before you purchase. Good luck! 
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
Check out where the body panels meet, they should all be equally spaced and line up well. Also check to make sure the quality of the paintwork on all panels matches perfectly. Check the corners for overspray and a ridge where a new layer of paint has been put over the top. Never trust a wet car, the paint can't be seen well enough to pick out faults. Factory paint should look perfect, no blemish's, ripples, or dullness.
Just a couple of things you can check yourself.
Just a couple of things you can check yourself.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,167
Likes: 5
From: Holly Ridge North Carolina
Also, I don't mind buying a wrecked car as long as it is properly fixed, but what % less should I pay off the standard price? Considering it is a small wreck, how much less should I expect to pay?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,167
Likes: 5
From: Holly Ridge North Carolina
ttt
Also, I don't mind buying a wrecked car as long as it is properly fixed, but what % less should I pay off the standard price? Considering it is a small wreck, how much less should I expect to pay?
Also, I don't mind buying a wrecked car as long as it is properly fixed, but what % less should I pay off the standard price? Considering it is a small wreck, how much less should I expect to pay?
Pro
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 595
Likes: 2
From: LA/OC border, probably sittin' under the patio, by the pool...smokin' a cigar! SoCal
I have about a month left I think on AutoCheck, if you want me to run any VIN's for you, let me know. PM the VIN's and I can forward to your e-mail.