Advice on first vette purchase
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: atlanta ga
Advice on first vette purchase
I have been looking for my first vette for quite a while now,i have mainly looked at 2001-2004 6 spd only due to improvements and the ebcm issue on older vettes.I have decided i would really like to buy a driver instead of garage queen so heres my question.Im looking at a 98 vette with 140k,has clean carfax with a lot of service history,owner also has a lot of paperwork on service history as well.Car appears to be in good shape with normal wear on drivers seat,light dings and scrtches but nothing terrible.It has no lights on dash and is driven everyday.I think i can buy the car for around $8,000.You guys have been great with the advice so far so please give me opinions,good or bad.I am not realy worried about the motor,i know these ls1 are amazing but the one thing that does worry me is all the horror stories i read about with electrical problems.So please let me know what you think.
Last edited by dave36; Dec 16, 2014 at 11:46 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,185
Likes: 641
From: Garland TX
Honestly, if I could go back and do my Vette search again I would find one with mods already done. $8,000 sounds like a fantastic deal so I imagine it has quite a bit of miles on it especially since you mentioned it was a driver. Do you have any pics?
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Whiteville NC
Id say pull the trigger. I mean I just bought an 02 for around same price with a salvage title cosmetic but its a daily driver. Mine is the one with the thread started New pics its blue. I have the typical c5 issues driver seat worn, passenger actuator bad so it only blows hot, nuts bolts screws that were missing and the few rattles here and there. But if it checks out id say go for it check to see if there are any codes showing up. But if your like me im just going to drive it. Tons of info here trust me I lurked here for a month or so before pulling the trigger on mine. Im very appreciative of the info the guys here have givin me. But like mine they do have some age on them so maintenance is the upmost importance to keep them up to par. Enjoy.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
Likes: 3,841
From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Good luck... I would not buy a car that already has electrical problems... the guy is getting rid of the car, for a reason. knowing how much it will cost to fix it... from my perspective, a low price is indicative of an owner who is trying to unload his car quickly.. So someone else could have the problems.
I always say
"I cant afford to buy anything to cheap"
Good luck in whatever you do.
Bill aka ET
Personally I would not throw away 8 grand on a car that has potential problems the previous owner was unable or unwilling to fix..
Of course my idea of a car purchase is probobly way different then yours.
I always say
"I cant afford to buy anything to cheap"
Good luck in whatever you do.
Bill aka ET
Personally I would not throw away 8 grand on a car that has potential problems the previous owner was unable or unwilling to fix..
Of course my idea of a car purchase is probobly way different then yours.
Last edited by Evil-Twin; Dec 16, 2014 at 10:39 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: atlanta ga
I am pretty open on budget up to 20k but if I can get a good deal the high mileage on engine doesn't bother me, its the electronics that does.the car is about 500 miles away so im just looking at pics,it looks pretty good with normal wear.It has the wagon wheels so they would have to go,the car is bone stock.It has no codes dash lights,abs,brake,tc are all working normal and he said the dic shows no codes or electrical problems.He has done brakes/rotors,water pump,harmonic balancer,and the oil is chged evry 3-4 k with mobil one.I just know as soon as I get it the ebcm will fail and I will have all those lights and no way to fix.Im not afraid to work on my own stuff and am fairly mechanical,i just don't want to buy something and have to work on electrical nightmare all the time.i was just wondering if any other high mileage owners had any input also.I test drove a vette with 120k and it was tight and like new,next day I drove newer one with 80k and was loose and worn,these cars are very subjective,both owners said they were like new so its confusing as a buyer for sure.Please keep the advice coming!
Last edited by dave36; Dec 16, 2014 at 11:00 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 15,055
Likes: 1,613
From: Holly Springs NC
St. Jude Donor '16-'17,'22,'24
Don't know what you mean by "no lights on the dash". Do you mean the lights on the dash don't work or do you mean no warning lights?
I was in your shoes, almost exactly in your shoes, two years ago. And I had the same concerns. I passed up two lower priced 99s with higher mileage, two 2000s for a 04 with mid-mileage. For the $20K you're willing to spend, you can get a 1SC, under 50K mileage 03 or 04. All I can say is, that's the route I took, and I don't regret it.
IMHO, Evil-Twin makes a very good point, I won't buy a C5 with excuses. Either everything works when I buy it or I'd walk.
I was in your shoes, almost exactly in your shoes, two years ago. And I had the same concerns. I passed up two lower priced 99s with higher mileage, two 2000s for a 04 with mid-mileage. For the $20K you're willing to spend, you can get a 1SC, under 50K mileage 03 or 04. All I can say is, that's the route I took, and I don't regret it.
IMHO, Evil-Twin makes a very good point, I won't buy a C5 with excuses. Either everything works when I buy it or I'd walk.
Last edited by roadbike56; Dec 16, 2014 at 11:05 PM.
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,204
Likes: 1,139
From: Santa Rosa Beach FL
There are some 25 known issues w/C5's. On the flip side they last 300K +. Not every car has tons of issues.
Also keep in mind you hear about planes crashing more than you hear about them landing. Have a vette mechanic (if you can find one) go over the car. If no mechanic get at least a member or 2 to check the car for their input, and check all paperwork, including title.
8K sounds reasonable but the cheapest vette U buy could also be the most expensive vette you'll own. Aside from expected cosmetics.
U did review pages 1-3 of Best thread ever, correct? TECH STICKY.
Also keep in mind you hear about planes crashing more than you hear about them landing. Have a vette mechanic (if you can find one) go over the car. If no mechanic get at least a member or 2 to check the car for their input, and check all paperwork, including title.
8K sounds reasonable but the cheapest vette U buy could also be the most expensive vette you'll own. Aside from expected cosmetics.
U did review pages 1-3 of Best thread ever, correct? TECH STICKY.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,204
Likes: 1,139
From: Santa Rosa Beach FL
I'd stick with C5 for the money. Even a low mileage C4 can eat you up on issues due to the years. Plus all things plastic degrades over time so buy as new as possible.
Last edited by cor28vettes; Dec 17, 2014 at 04:02 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: atlanta ga
Yes i have read my butt off,this site is great!!Ive learned a lot even if i never get a vette.Sorry for the confusion,lights on the dash do work,i meant no codes or warning lights on.Im not sure what to do,ive looked for a long time now,maybe getting in a hurry.I agree,the cheapest price isn't always the best but if i got lucky to have a 6 spd c5 for $7500-$8000 would be pretty sweet!!I am located in Ga. above Atlanta,the car is located in Virginia close to Richmond.If someone was close to there i would gladly pay them to look at it for me.I am over 500 miles away so i hate to drive that far and it not be what seller says it is.
Last edited by dave36; Dec 16, 2014 at 11:29 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,204
Likes: 1,139
From: Santa Rosa Beach FL
Something like this sold one would have been nice for under 20K
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=3564739
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=3564739
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,204
Likes: 1,139
From: Santa Rosa Beach FL
Sorry for the confusion,lights on the dash do work,i meant no codes or warning lights on.Im not sure what to do,ive looked for a long time now,maybe getting in a hurry.I agree,the cheapest price isn't always the best but if i got lucky to have a 6 spd c5 for $7500-$8000 would be pretty sweet!!I am located in Ga. above Atlanta,the car is located in Virginia close to Richmond.If someone was close to there i would gladly pay them to look at it for me.I am over 500 miles away so i hate to drive that far blind.
If far away, have a member check it out first. Start a thread here and regional and make the request if U really want to check that one. There are willing people. But it depends on location.
I'd check Craigs list Atlanta first since it's more local. And autotrader _ _ mile search from your zip, and Cars.com advance search.
GLWP
Last edited by cor28vettes; Dec 16, 2014 at 11:35 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,264
Likes: 455
From: Stella, North Carolina
You should be able to find a decent car if you look around...
i.e. I know this is not in your neck of the woods but just whats around here.
http://boise.craigslist.org/cto/4807555968.html
i.e. I know this is not in your neck of the woods but just whats around here.
http://boise.craigslist.org/cto/4807555968.html
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,204
Likes: 1,139
From: Santa Rosa Beach FL
You should be able to find a decent car if you look around...
i.e. I know this is not in your neck of the woods but just whats around here.
http://boise.craigslist.org/cto/4807555968.html
i.e. I know this is not in your neck of the woods but just whats around here.
http://boise.craigslist.org/cto/4807555968.html
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: atlanta ga
They are definitely nice ones out there,i really like the quick silver/ 6spd coupe and really wanted to stay 2001-2004 due to the ebcm problems on older cars so I am limiting my choices but maybe I should wait it out.I really wanted to spend around 15k but am willing to go up or down.I also know I could buy a car at 15k and have problems too so I just thought the higher mileage driver might work and I could maybe save money.Again,if anyone is close and willing to look id be glad to pay,otherwise its a pretty big risk to drive/fly that far I think.Thanks for the comments guys,this site is great!
Last edited by dave36; Dec 16, 2014 at 11:44 PM.
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If you can go up to $20K for a car, I would certainly keep looking and see if you can find a really nice 03-04 with a lot less miles. The one you mention in your first post may have a great price, but it could end up eating you alive in costs down the road.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,311
Likes: 386
From: Toronto Ontario
Personally id rather pay a little extra for a lower mileage one.
best advice I got here was not to rush into anything and be patient , as there are many corvettes out there , just wait for the right one for you.
Aside from that I would recommend buying a bone stock one and even better if its from an older gentleman.
I don't understand how people can buy cars that have been tracked , dragged, raced and modded.... Its something I would very highly recommend to avoid.
best advice I got here was not to rush into anything and be patient , as there are many corvettes out there , just wait for the right one for you.
Aside from that I would recommend buying a bone stock one and even better if its from an older gentleman.
I don't understand how people can buy cars that have been tracked , dragged, raced and modded.... Its something I would very highly recommend to avoid.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 901
Likes: 190
Timeless advice
Personally id rather pay a little extra for a lower mileage one.
best advice I got here was not to rush into anything and be patient , as there are many corvettes out there , just wait for the right one for you.
Aside from that I would recommend buying a bone stock one and even better if its from an older gentleman.
best advice I got here was not to rush into anything and be patient , as there are many corvettes out there , just wait for the right one for you.
Aside from that I would recommend buying a bone stock one and even better if its from an older gentleman.
I now have the mod bug, but ive got a super clean starting point and can control the quality of work done.
Good luck, enjoy the hunt
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: atlanta ga
I appreciate the input guys,maybe not what I wanted to hear but I keep thinking about the comment,i cant afford to buy anything too cheap.I know theres a chance it could be an amazing deal but most likely would end up costing me more than its worth and when I go to sale it I would take a beating again.Im gonna hold off and wait,i really think you can find a nice $15,000 car 2001-2004.Thanks again and I will keep you guys posted.