hey all im new here but have been lingering for a while here is my dilemma:

I have a project 1970 Chevelle that i have had for 7 years and the rust keeps getting worse and i have no time to work on it. Although it is a fun project i just dont have the time to enjoy it anymore and i think by buying a C5Z it would fill my void but buying a c5Z is alot of cash just for a toy.

The car i am looking at is a 04 Z06 yellow paint if flawless, nice interior and 46000 kms. It came from Nebraska and there was 2 accidents there is no evidence anywhere the car is clean.

As i was going through the carfax and calling all dealerships where the car was serviced i found out that a tech noted "frame damage" on the car and there is no information anywhere as to where it was damaged or how extensive it was. The GM dealership where it is now had it on a frame machine and its straight. Also the transmission seemed to be serviced quite a few times. The car drives straight and pull hard doesn't pull left or right drives like a dream and shifts firm and doesn't hesitate. Should i pass on it??

The car was listed at $28,000 CND in spring and is now listed for $25,000 with taxes and documentation fees.

help me make a decision save my money for the future, keep the Chevelle, or buy the C5Z.

 

V8-DON'T BUY IT!! There are plenty of C5 Z's out there that you can be positive have no frame damage or have not been in accidents. Remember Carfax only lists info that has been REPORTED. I understand why you are tired of the Chevelle. I restored a Land Cruiser and that experience is totally out of my system now. To cite a personal example, I'm buying a fellow Corvette club member's '02 Z with 16k miles for $24000. Don't you think that is a better deal? Keep looking, they are out there, especially if you are flexible. I decided that color be damned, I want the best CONDITION I could find, and got it.

 

That's way too much money for a car that has been wrecked so bad that the frame was bent!

 

How did the tech determine there was frame damage? Maybe get a second opinion from a trusted body shop. Might want to find out what the tranny trouble was too - perhaps contacting the previous owner would shed some light on each of these issues - if you can get the owner's name.

 

 

Definitely a better deal but here in Canada its almost unheard of to find a C5Z for under $28000 which makes it so appealing

see above: if i can get the car for $25000 with taxes and documentation fees that means the car is: $22,000.00. still to high?

The Carfax was serviced at 3 different dealerships i called each dealership and asked for any information they can give me.

The first GM dealership noted that there was a headlight motor changed, oil changes (regular maintenance items) but it came in for transmission shifting issues the service advisor was not able to give me details.

The second GM dealership again had regular maint but again had transmission work done it seamed that there were shifting issues from what the advisor could tell me.

The third GM dealership noted that the tech said frame damage was noted, the dealership had no information regarding how it was verified or anything, I even asked if i could speak to the tech but he no longer was working there.

The transmission was never changed or rebuilt that GM could tell me.

Any tricks you guys know about finding the original owner?

Here is the VIN if you guys wana do some investigation on it for me?? :o : 1G1YY12SX45111219

 

I won't comment on whether to buy this car or not but since you state the car is at a dealership I will offer this info. I bought my car at a BMW dealership and I had a picture of the car on their website with the price on the windshield of $21,988. I liked the car but no way was I paying that kind of money. I didn't contact the dealership until I saw the price drop to $17,988 and then I called to ask questions as the car was 800 miles away. Time passes and they started calling me to see If I was still interested. I am watching the car on Autotrader.com and I see the car price dropped to $16,488. I get another call and I ask a few more detailed questions about the car and then I offer them $15.5K for the car with the understanding that if I fly out to buy the car and I'm not satisified, I walk away. They declined and I was somewhat disappointed as I had been looking at cars for months and it does become a chore after a while, especially if you don't already have a Vette to drive. The week before Christmas I get a call to see if my offer was still good. I picked the car up on 12-20-2010. The dealership traded for the car in August and I started watching it in middle to late September. No way would I pay asking price for a Corvette on a dealers lot wrecked or not. Don't get caught up in a specific car unless it is perfect for you. You may miss a few good ones along the way but another will come along. "Patience grasshopper."

 

Price too high. With the issues it has it's been driven hard. No one wants that. Don't be that guy that settles for the basket case car with baggage because he didn't wait. Patience is key. These cars are only getting older, last time I checked that's working in your favor.

Dan

 

Have you checked autotrader.ca ?
Theres lots of cars withing driving range of you similar priced or lower, instead of dealing with importing a car with a sketchy history.
Theres a nice '04 commemorative z06 in Vancouver for a similar price, and theres 300 vettes listed in ontario alone!

 

nearly 3 years ago I bought a 2003 z06 no accidents sold new in Canada with 25000km for 30k, you better shop around for a better one

 

I got my 04z for 19000 last year so far no problems.you can find a betr deal

 

There's lots out there with no issues. I would guess the one you are considering has been driven very hard. Also, remember that one day you will want to sell it, and with its history that will be difficult. Be patient and be willing to travel east or west, or maybe even south to the States. It's not hard to bring one over the border. Check out the Canadian section in Regionals. Lots of great information about importing. At the top of the section, there is a sticky with Vettes for sale as well. You may find one in your area.

 

of course you never know on the frame damage......could have been scraped a lot on the front rails and thats what they were referring to, but still 2 wrecks.....high price.....gotta take a pass....PATIENCE GRASSHOPPER

good luck

 

.................. whew....better

no really, i had to put them on to read the post

 

Hey Wknd, I don't blame you, but I wanted to make a STRONG point regarding V8's post. I hope those shades are 100% UV protection!

V8, I just remembered that I looked at a car at a dealer, it had 57k, and they were asking $26k...it was all DARK tinted on the windows, blackout lights, and Borla exhaust. I started it and it was ROUGH. It was a humid hot day, and I patiently waited for the a/c to get cold. I figured I would drive it anyway and maybe lowball them. It never cooled, so I never drove it. I know I'm being a bit pushy(I'm a protective Dad and Grandpa) but, this car is not for you. There are many out there with much less 'possible issues' that will cost less with half the mileage.

 

Why waste the time and effort. $25k for a Z with 2 accidents and a history of frame damage?

You can find many good Zs out there for under $25K without the issues this one has

 

It's a buyers market, try and be patient

 

strong point noted! definitely an attention getter

and fyi i agree with your strong point

 

I have looked in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario I dont see anything I like for the price i want (im looking to spend less than $22) So i started to look down south as far has 10 hours away.


thanks guys i wont be buying that wreck....

i am currently thinking about looking at one posted on the forum.

 

You will definitely find a good one for that price!!!