Test drove a 2004 convertible, and I'm having a hard time deciding if I should make an offer. I'm looking for a daily driver, and plan A is to "drive it til the wheels fall off." As long as it's safe & keeps alignment, I'm fine with the history. The part that worries me is when its time to move on, "Life happens", and it's still on the history when you have to sell it. Any advice or opinions most welcome.

The car:
Manual trans Z51, white/cashmere, old roof, HUD, Bose & disc changer (both broken), 102k miles, non-vette dealer asking $20k.

Reported damage on CARFAX:
Passenger side hit a guardrail, 5 years ago. North Carolina reports minor to moderate damage vaguely as from "bent fender" to "broken equipment". My take is that "you could probably drive away, but you wouldn't want to." No frame damage or airbag deployment reported to Carfax (which I guess means neither was paid by an insurance company--unclear to me). Car was repaired and sold the next year.

Even though it's listed Z51, it does not have cross drilled brake rotors. (Not sure if they came that way in 2004.) The hood didn't close for me on the passenger side when I dropped it like normal--salesman got it to go by push it as it's going down. The latch by the battery looked fine, might be a fine alignment thing. (Driver's headlight looked slight off to me, photo below.) I have not seen the underside of the car on a lift yet, only what my cell phone shots can show.

I'd get the frame checked before buying. I'd also have my insurance company run the VIN.

Question is: what else would be essential? And how much would you lower your offer? $1-2k?


To my novice eyes, they repaired it well:





There are several other minor issues with the car, in case anyone knows or has seen this before (More important to less important)

• Exhaust not aligned--CORSA stainless (unsure what model) on passenger side are a lot higher (see photos)
• no sound from front "Bose" speakers only the tinny rears
• Sticky radio buttons, ewww
• CD changer cartridge in trunk didn't eject when I opened the cover
• Bent antenna (radio stations seemed clear enough though, & it went down fine)
• top is dingy, maybe original
• visible wires/harness under drivers seat. (power seat works)
• HUD brightness slider **** missing
• Plastic thing next to ignition is marred (see photo below)
• Plastic near driver's seatbelt "seems kind of gappy", not clear if it's put together correctly
• Hand brake needs tightening
• Significant tire noise with top up (no divider), they're Kumho, I think Ecsta SPT
• Dislike: dark tinted windows (sides, rear, band across top), side panel molding, bent/dented intake accordian, aftermarket "professional" battery, brake calipers seem dirty (red)

Thanks

 

That car is probably 8k overpriced.

 

It is too much, plus it sounds like a lot of problems that you have already called out.

The C5's did not come with drilled rotors. It also has C6 style wheels.

For that much money, you should be able to find a really nice one.

Good luck.

 

I have to agree with the others here - the car does not look like it has been well maintained at all. There are a lot of C5s for sale and many are in very good condition with a lot less miles. You should be able to find a better one than the one you are looking at for equal or less money.

 

On another note, What the hell is oozing out of that vent next to the steering wheel?

 

Walk away from that car !!!

Keep shopping, there are lots of wonderful C5 Corvettes out there without all those issues.
You'll find it, just be patient.

 

I'd pass on this and do some more looking - I think you can do a lot better. In 2011 i purchased my 2004 CE Z51 Coupe from a forum member for $22k and it only had 13k miles on it. The car was like brand new I have added 25k miles on it and it is by far the best car I have ever owned ! There are good cars out there be patient and when the right car comes up grab it. Here's the post from the forum when my car went up for sale - the seller was in Los Angeles and i live in NH but this was the right car for me and I bought it right away.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-c...-22-000-a.html

 

There's no way in hell that this is a $20,000 Corvette.
I agree with others who have said to keep looking. There are a lot of nice, unmolested C5s for sale out there.

 

What is it a vent for, anyway?

 

Interior temperature.Looks like it was glued in with cheap super glue.
You can find better as same price or cheaper. Look at over at buy a vette

 

It is overpriced but good luck ever getting an aftermarket exhaust perfectly even and staying that way, those vents are glued from factory and a lot of time the glue melts to visibility. Not seen one that bad though lol at all. Bose stereo sucks anyways but is extra sucky to have one not work. Every c5 ive owned even z06's have had that drivers seat power wire setup just kind of hanging down there anywhere under the seat, shouldn't be visible from anywhere other than your head under the dash looking for spare change and your missing slayer cd. Not talking the car up just pointing out a few issues you've addressed that are either "the norm" or typical issues that should make or break a deal imo. HOWEVER for that price, that car best be MINT FRESH lol. Good luck on your find my man, youll love one when you get into it!

 

Wouldn't touch that car if you paid me. Way too many issues. Why even bother? There are soooo many other ones out there that won't have the many issues this one does. Keep looking to find a better one for a better deal.

 

If they wanted 10-12K then that would be a list of issues I would deal with. There are soo many better deals out there..

offer them 12K...when they say no the tell them see ya!!

keep looking

 

 

I paid $2100.00 for a 2003 two years ago with around 12000. miles perfect condition. I have adout 18500 on it now.

 

Ops $21000.00

 

It looks like there is something wrong with the corner light in your picture too. As for your question about the damage history, damage that is just cosmetic and was repaired well wouldnt bother me but if I were buying id maybe try for 1k less just based on that. Like others have said though, that car looks very poorly maintained. If they have it looking that beat up, id have to wonder if they ever changed the fluids, put 87 gas in it, whatever else. The miles alone make it closer to a 15-16k car. If you want to deal with its issues now and what will probably come up in the future when it starts breaking down, offer 10 or 11 for it.

 

Thanks, I appreciate the feedback everyone. Yes, this C5 was treated like someone's ex-girlfriend's ugly dog.

It drove pretty good. I doubt they'll take $11k. We'll see.

Thanks-- great advice; I appreciate your putting the damage history into the mix.

By the way, interesting point: this is a case where KBB gets it really wrong, I guess! (They say $23k retail!)

 

Like others have said, I feel the car for the miles, issues and what not is over priced, I bet if you look some more you can find one for that price with less miles. Better shape and no bad carfax and such.

 

Run forest Run. It took me a long time to find both of my Vettes. It is worth the effort. There are a lot of nicer C5 verts out there for less. You will find a better one if you keep looking. Its a buyers market right now. That is at best a $10,000 car and I would not buy at at that price.