Seems like too much??
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2013
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Seems like too much??
I have a C3 that I adore. Has 26K on it, BUT I cannot begin to tell you what I have put into this labor of love with its "low miles".
So, now I am thinking...gee I would like a C5 as well. A vert this time. I test drove an 02 the other day, with 27K and believe you me there was ALOT of issues..passed.
I am now looking at an 01....HOWEVER is has 85K on it. I have yet to make the hr drive over to view in person (have just looked at pics)...am wondering...how much trouble am I asking with this type of mileage to start with? Asking price is $ 18,500
So, now I am thinking...gee I would like a C5 as well. A vert this time. I test drove an 02 the other day, with 27K and believe you me there was ALOT of issues..passed.
I am now looking at an 01....HOWEVER is has 85K on it. I have yet to make the hr drive over to view in person (have just looked at pics)...am wondering...how much trouble am I asking with this type of mileage to start with? Asking price is $ 18,500
Team Owner
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
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That '01 with 85K means that the annual average mileage is just over 6500 miles per year. That's a pretty low mileage figure
You didn't mention your budget, but it's always a good ides to buy the best and latest model year car you can find for the money you want to spend. As many Corvettes are put away for the winter, there are always those people who think its time to move on or upgrade. Prices can also drop during the winter months.
I have always taken the time to look at as many Corvettes as I can before I make a decision. For the most part, color is not a big issue for me nor is trans type. One thing to do is to ask the seller if the car can be taken to a shop of your choice to have a Used Vehicle Inspection (called a UVI) done. Even if you have lots of experience working on cars, the information from a UVI can be helpful in comparing potential purchases.
You didn't mention your budget, but it's always a good ides to buy the best and latest model year car you can find for the money you want to spend. As many Corvettes are put away for the winter, there are always those people who think its time to move on or upgrade. Prices can also drop during the winter months.
I have always taken the time to look at as many Corvettes as I can before I make a decision. For the most part, color is not a big issue for me nor is trans type. One thing to do is to ask the seller if the car can be taken to a shop of your choice to have a Used Vehicle Inspection (called a UVI) done. Even if you have lots of experience working on cars, the information from a UVI can be helpful in comparing potential purchases.
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If the car has been well maintained, both mechanically and cosmetically (hopefully with full documentation records), 85K miles is not a lot on an '01 car. But I would agree that the price is a bit high for those miles. Good advice to look at a number of cars to see what you really want and to get a good idea on pricing with various options on each car.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Fords, NJ
HotRodMomma, To give you an example, I purchased my 04 in Dec. of 2010 for $18,500. It was a one owner car and had 50k on the clock.
I have to agree with the rest, Buy the best and latest model year car you can find for the money you want to spend and try to find one for sale during the winter months. You'll be surprised !
I have to agree with the rest, Buy the best and latest model year car you can find for the money you want to spend and try to find one for sale during the winter months. You'll be surprised !
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Joined: May 2013
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Thanks for all the input. Here in sunny Florida the price does not come down much in the winter 
The CarFax shows ALOT of owners, which is one of the things that does bother me. 4 owners over its life so far.
Personally I would only consider up to an 04..that is the "newest" I would go.
One other thing I need to consider, is I would use this as my "daily" driver. While I do have another vehicle and work from home...This would be the one I would use as a main driver for myself...I typically put on 10K in a year on my vehicles.
The CarFax shows ALOT of owners, which is one of the things that does bother me. 4 owners over its life so far.
Personally I would only consider up to an 04..that is the "newest" I would go.
One other thing I need to consider, is I would use this as my "daily" driver. While I do have another vehicle and work from home...This would be the one I would use as a main driver for myself...I typically put on 10K in a year on my vehicles.
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Off to view an 04 with 23K on it. Wouldn't ya know we have had great record breaking heat here, and now it has turned cool and is raining.....Guess no top down on test drive 
Thanks for all the great info in this group...buying a C5 has been more challenging than the purchase of my C3...You all have been more than great!
Thanks for all the great info in this group...buying a C5 has been more challenging than the purchase of my C3...You all have been more than great!
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Le Mans Master
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From: Pueblo, CO
Cars that are kept in the garage all the time and never used have seals that dry out, bearings that don't get lubed, etc.
There's nothing inherently wrong with a high-mileage car as long as it's received regular maintenance, had problems repaired when they crop up, and hasn't been abused during it's life.
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Intermediate
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Guess who just pulled into the garage with a bright red ragtop...
Yep, bought the 04 with 23K on it....Will post pics when it is daylight..
Happy Happy...looks good sitting next to the C3 in the garage!
Yep, bought the 04 with 23K on it....Will post pics when it is daylight..
Happy Happy...looks good sitting next to the C3 in the garage!
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Fords, NJ
I have an 04 and just love it !
Enjoy it in good health !
Safety Car
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From: Austin, Texas
Race Director
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From: Everywhere and Nowhere at all
You are the kind of car buyers I like... I have a guy looking to buy my Firehawk.. He is considering flying in, driving home. told him I would pick him up. Guess if he doesn't buy I can call him a taxi on the way back. 
Waiting for pics....
Waiting for pics....