Heres the info. Some of you have seen my previous post about what I am looking for in a C5. Well today on craigslist popped up and it was at a dealership I do alot of work for on their floors 2-3 times a year (I own a tile contracting company). Its a lexus dealer with a sterling reputation and I know the general manager and a few other managers there and they are all very top notch people that care about integrity.

The car- 1998 coupe, torch red, A/T, 93k, black interior. Has ugly black stripes that are just vinyl and will peel right off and the red interior bits are just covers and come right off. Brand new continental tires. Both targa tops, no battery leaking, and it was a Ti exhaust with bypass installed, otherwise stock. Car is very clean on the outside about 8 scratches/chips that were touch up paint but a poor job. Dealer as part of the dealer will have their paint specialist redo all the spots and reblend to my satisfaction. After negotiation they will do $10,500 for the car. The previous owner was a local vette club guy that has 2 other vets as well, it would be interesting if he was on the forums and chimed in. No offense to the previous owner but the black vinyl isn't for me but it is easily removed. Let me know your thoughts, its on the low part of my price range and not my favorite color but this looks like a deal to me....

 

I think that price is high !!!!!!

 

For a 98 coupe with that mileage and with the wagon wheels replaced, that's a pretty good price. Around here, you'd have a hard time getting a dealer to go that low for that car. I agree with the reputation of the dealer counting for something. I bought mine from a Cadillac dealer with a reputation for only handling cars that were in very good condition. Just be sure to read the sticky threads and scan the codes before buying.

 

I agree with pounder. It may be in nice shape, but an 98 A/T with that many miles shouldn't be that high.

 

Around here we don't have the inventory alot of warmer climates have. Everything i've seen private party with under 100k is 13-14+ Also theres 3-4 car on craigslist private party that have 110-180k and want 10-13k

 

you need to remember how many parts for a '98 car are no longer available when you consider what you would pay for it. It's not the mileage alone, it's the model year and ability to fix it when it breaks.

And local inventory doesn't make a damn bit of difference, warm climate or cold, as long as there is the internet and the telephone.

 

I think it's a fair price same car would go for 13k-15k here in my area!

 

Really? A quick check on Autotrader shows there are exactly 8 C5s with an asking price under $11K nationally. Most don't include pics, but of those that do, two are missing at least one fender and one was in a flood.
The OP is looking at a pretty clean car from a reputable dealer, certainly he should have it checked out, but finding a really nice 98 for under 10K in his area might take a quite a while and will cost some $$$.

 

KBB is $9604...I like the car but maybe talk them into doing the 100k mile service on it.

 

I'm sorry but it does make a difference. If theres only 5 cars for sale in one area it will be much harder to find a car and if there is a high demand then the prices will be higher. On the flip side if there is 100 cars for sale in another area and not many people wanting those cars, prices will be lower. Why do you think every auto appraisal site asks for a zip code and does a regional adjustment?

 

I know but edmunds has it at almost $14k and I think nada was just as high.

 

Who cares? Who cares that there are 5 cars or whatever it is in your area on any of that other crap? You don't live in a hole, you live in a time where people are highly mobile and locale means not a damned thing. Get on the internet, look in the area where there are 100 cars for sale, use your phone and buy one. That's exactly what I did. No reason to overpay because your area is a cold weather area or whatever else it is your on about. No reason to limit yourself and overpay for a car because of where you live. The argument that there are fewer cars in your area for sale, so you should pay more for yours is patently ridiculous.

 

I think the price is OK for that year and mileage. A little lower would be nice, but if the car checks out OK, then it is certainly not out of line. I actually like the black stripes on the car, but since they are vinyl, that's an easy change to make. New tires is a plus as are the dual targa tops and the fact the dealer will fix the paint issues is a positive.

 

Actually, I did check a national site and there aren't many C5's under $11K nationally, so that 98 is a good deal. But, I agree with your earlier post. The OP said that this car was at the bottom end of his range. IMHO, I think he should spend toward the higher end of the range and buy as new as possible with as low mileage as I could afford. That's exactly what I did, and I'd do it again, and again, and again.

 

Ok good idea I'll buy a couple hundred dollar plane ticket to fly 1000 miles away, take a couple days off work, then pay for gas to drive all the way back to get the same car for $9500 in one of your "low price areas". Sounds like a wash to me money wise? I have been looking in washington, Oregon, & norther cal for over a month and this has been by far the cleanest car under 14k I have seen with under 100k. I think my search radius is plenty good.

 

I think this is a fair price as well. The car looks to be in nice condition.
If this is what you are looking for then do it... I like the stipes BTW..

 

I will say this that if the car meets your standard then that's all that is necessary. There are several thousand early cars out there that are running just fine. We hear about the ones that need a part that is not available. If you do not buy the car someone else will and you can find another. It will be your car and no one else will have to deal with it except you. Good luck with your decision.

 

Thanks. The strips bother the hell outa me but everyone in my family likes them from the pictures, haha. I'm leaning toward this one because its saving me 4k from my top budgeted car and it would be nice to keep that cash. However i just got an email back from a 2002 super clean 68k metallic red manual and I may be going to that one, we'll see what he'll do on price, that will make up my mind. Thanks everyone for the responses even if i didn't agree with them. I know the pre 01' issues with parts but this car also will only have 2k or less a year put on it so its not a daily or anything.

 

Keep us posted. I recently purchased my car and know what you are dealing with. I drive it only on the weekends... Damn fun

 

Good for you. I've been looking like crazy and waited until winter as we have 5 months of rain here, and vettes start to go up for sale somewhat. I just hate dealing with these freaking craigslist sellers. half of them don't respond and keep reposting the ad then the one i've been eyeing for a little while but couldn't get a response from gets back to me the night that i'm deciding if i should buy another one. Ugh!!!