Good Price?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Good Price?
Alright, This is going to be my first Corvette and I am super excited to own one. I've always dreamed about owning a corvette and now heres the chance. I've came across a 1997 Black Corvette 6speed with only 28k miles on it. Asking price is 20k.
Should I pull the trigger?
Should I pull the trigger?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 4
From: Bedford MA
If you are buying from a dealer 20K seems about right. I would think KBB would put a car like that in good condition right around 20K.
Private party though 17K seems closer to the mark. Plus you are in the off season depending on where you live that is. So prices may come down a bit. But then again I've seen some on here get cars like that for 15K and sometimes even under.
BUTTTT as always, IF it is the car YOU want, and is a price YOU are willing to pay to get it then by all means! Regardless when you get in it and drive it after the purchase you will forget all about the $$.
One bit of advice... Take your time and find the right car for you. Craigslist, Ebay, C5's For Sale Section, CarGurus, Cars.com, Dealers in your extended area. Do your research, test drive a bunch and work towards a price you are willing to pay.
GOOD LUCK in the hunt for your first Vette! And welcome to the Forum. Oh and when you do get it, which you will eventually post up some pics and always.... Dont forget to wave!
Private party though 17K seems closer to the mark. Plus you are in the off season depending on where you live that is. So prices may come down a bit. But then again I've seen some on here get cars like that for 15K and sometimes even under.
BUTTTT as always, IF it is the car YOU want, and is a price YOU are willing to pay to get it then by all means! Regardless when you get in it and drive it after the purchase you will forget all about the $$.
One bit of advice... Take your time and find the right car for you. Craigslist, Ebay, C5's For Sale Section, CarGurus, Cars.com, Dealers in your extended area. Do your research, test drive a bunch and work towards a price you are willing to pay.
GOOD LUCK in the hunt for your first Vette! And welcome to the Forum. Oh and when you do get it, which you will eventually post up some pics and always.... Dont forget to wave!
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Oklahoma City
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Not the best deal, but ok I guess for the mileage. I paid 21k for my 99 coupe 6 years ago (50k miles). I personally wouldn't pay that for a 97. It hasn't moved a lot which isn't always good.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 170
From: oregon
you'll be able to find a 2001+ with that mileage in perfect shape for that money. 20k is a lot of a c5 and too much for a 1997.
not long ago a guy came on here with a 167 mile 2001 coupe that later sold for 23k.
if you buy that 1997 you'll never get near that trying to sell it again, people will come at you with 13,14, mayyybe 15 and that's if you don't run up the miles
you can also get decent driver c6's for 20k now. 20 flat has been the general close for a 65-75k mile loaded z51 2005 car
example:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2005-...orcev4exp=true
as for c5's theres a nice 50k mile 2002 vert going no reserve at: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2002-...#ht_500wt_1182
i'm curious what this fetches myself. lot of c5s all have reserves and never close. just for kicks i'll guess 16.5k ish, we'll see how close i am in about 12 hours
not long ago a guy came on here with a 167 mile 2001 coupe that later sold for 23k.
if you buy that 1997 you'll never get near that trying to sell it again, people will come at you with 13,14, mayyybe 15 and that's if you don't run up the miles
you can also get decent driver c6's for 20k now. 20 flat has been the general close for a 65-75k mile loaded z51 2005 car
example:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2005-...orcev4exp=true
as for c5's theres a nice 50k mile 2002 vert going no reserve at: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2002-...#ht_500wt_1182
i'm curious what this fetches myself. lot of c5s all have reserves and never close. just for kicks i'll guess 16.5k ish, we'll see how close i am in about 12 hours
Last edited by racebum; Jan 21, 2013 at 01:07 AM.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Anyone know anything about the 1997/1998 that has the "ring" problem? Kinda scared now that i have read that. Knowning the car is only at 28k miles and its a 1997.
Last edited by LS1_Power; Jan 21, 2013 at 01:47 AM.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Portland OR
I purchased my pristine white 2001 convertible with 37k on the clock for $21k.If you can swing it ,I would try to get a 2001 or better fo that kind of money and there was a whole lot of upgrades in 01 and later.
Fred
Fred
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The price does seem high for a '97 - later models can be had for that kind of money.
I have a lot of Word files, including a Corvette Buyers Checklist, that might help you out when you go to check out a Corvette for purchase. If you'd like a copy of the files, just PM me your e-mail address.
I have a lot of Word files, including a Corvette Buyers Checklist, that might help you out when you go to check out a Corvette for purchase. If you'd like a copy of the files, just PM me your e-mail address.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,333
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The price does seem high for a '97 - later models can be had for that kind of money.
I have a lot of Word files, including a Corvette Buyers Checklist, that might help you out when you go to check out a Corvette for purchase. If you'd like a copy of the files, just PM me your e-mail address.
I have a lot of Word files, including a Corvette Buyers Checklist, that might help you out when you go to check out a Corvette for purchase. If you'd like a copy of the files, just PM me your e-mail address.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 5,037
Likes: 846
From: Rotonda West, FL 2015 Z51 M7 3LT
Oldtimer
Just bought a loaded '03 coupe in pristine cond w/ 30k miles for 23.5 + taxes and chit.
I also wouldn't overlook http://www.hendrickcars.com/
Don't know where you are. Their dealerships are down south but they ship.
I also wouldn't overlook http://www.hendrickcars.com/
Don't know where you are. Their dealerships are down south but they ship.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Im located in Tennessee. If i can find a newer, possibly a c6 for a grand or 2 more. I would love that. But it seems like dealers wants an arm and leg, even for an 05. And as for miles, high mileage doesnt bother me as much. I will be planning to keep the car for a very long time. But it has to be a manual. Had to convince the wife saying its ok to own an vette. LOL
Last edited by LS1_Power; Jan 21, 2013 at 08:26 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,499
Likes: 312
From: Scottsdale AZ
Spend some time looking at the private owner section of your area Craigs List to get a feel for features, years and prices . . and buy as new as you can afford since you don't seem to have a strong sense one way or the other.
You may also want to visit a dealer only to be able to put butt in seat and develop a better preference. That said, I would not encourage you to shop for a $20k C6 as it's likely to be well-worn or have issues. If it's your first Vette, take your time and figure out what you want and a budget.
Finally, learn more, read more and be patient- the right one is out there.
You may also want to visit a dealer only to be able to put butt in seat and develop a better preference. That said, I would not encourage you to shop for a $20k C6 as it's likely to be well-worn or have issues. If it's your first Vette, take your time and figure out what you want and a budget.
Finally, learn more, read more and be patient- the right one is out there.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
http://nashville.craigslist.org/ctd/3484137166.html
http://nashville.craigslist.org/ctd/3396028781.html
Found these. Price seem to be a little high. The 04 seems to be the best. What you guys think?
Edit: The 04 is sold. FML!!!!!
http://nashville.craigslist.org/ctd/3396028781.html
Found these. Price seem to be a little high. The 04 seems to be the best. What you guys think?
Edit: The 04 is sold. FML!!!!!
Last edited by LS1_Power; Jan 21, 2013 at 10:39 AM.
Pro
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 578
Likes: 1
From: Boiling Springs Pennsylvania
Oldtimer
You say that this would be your first Corvette. How mechanically inclined are you? This will determine how little you can spend on a high mileage, USED vehicle. If you are not "mechanical," look for a Corvette as you would any used car. You want a one-owner, a well documented vehicle to include service records, garaged?, appearance -inside and out, tire condition, "smell" the oil, remember 6 spds have a built in flaw that requires you to change the fluid 2x/year or so depending on the way you drive. Do you want a convertible or a coupe? And finally, how much should you pay? And that depends on (1) KBB (2) your head (3) your heart & (4) your negotiating skills. There is, for example, a dealership in Atlanta that will give you a warranty on a C5; of course, you will pay a premium for the car. An example of a private sale: I have an '04 Convertible with 8500 miles on the clock that meets all the above criteria except I am the second owner; IF I were to sell the car, I would want $27,500 [it's not for sale]. BTW, this is the most enjoyable time, the hunt for the right Corvette. If you follow these basic rules, you will be OK.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 336
Likes: 0
LS1 it is near impossible to post a year and price and ask if it is priced right.
A car can easily have 7 grand in intake, exhaust, wheels, brakes and tires alone and not even including the really high end stuff, stereo system or new updated interior. All these things can greatly effect price and/or what a person is willing to pay for a car. And some folks do not want any of it (like me) so we can build up a clean base car exactly the way we want.
You need pics and details and add ons and also its needs to reach out for advice on a buy or walk.
A car can easily have 7 grand in intake, exhaust, wheels, brakes and tires alone and not even including the really high end stuff, stereo system or new updated interior. All these things can greatly effect price and/or what a person is willing to pay for a car. And some folks do not want any of it (like me) so we can build up a clean base car exactly the way we want.
You need pics and details and add ons and also its needs to reach out for advice on a buy or walk.