So I have been looking for a C-5 vert for months as I still like the body style and hidden headlights. I have found a few and check Carfax then do pricing through KBB and NADA Black book as I am not a dealer. What I am finding is the cars are priced 4-6 grand + give or take from the prices of the resources available to the general public. I don't want to offend anyone but have asked and get told there worth more then published. I keep getting told lot selling to get new C-7 or C-8 and market is getting flooded but pricing is confusing me on the used market. Any input would be nice as to pricing, I want to buy but not overpay as I'm not buying as an investment to sell later.

 

I personally don’t think you can buy or sell a C5 by what a book number tells you. The condition will drive the price more. One owner totally updated should carry more weight than a car that’s the same age, had multiple owners, and not many updates. A C5 is worth what someone is willing to pay. If you know anything about cars. Once you see and drive one you will know what it is worth to you.

 

I bought my '04 Vert at the high end of value but it hit all must must haves color, low millage, reasonable wear) and i made sure all mechanical and electrical stuff worked properly. As of today and after almost 5 years of ownership, no mechanical or electrical problems. Happy owner.

 

Scott, you probably have to say what area of the country you are in? and give some examples what you are finding as over-priced by that much. If you look at the for sale section here you might find some over by 1-2 grand, but not that much.

Also, if you are talking about dealers, then yes, but private sales should be more in line with overall market prices. It is highest time being middle of summer, should drop in a couple months if you're not in a big hurry.

 

Once you check your sources - you should be able to come up with a range on pricing - then judge what you're willing to pay based on mileage, color, options you want, etc. Most owners will price their cars with room to negotiate. Just because they're asking for a price, doesn't mean you need to offer that price. Most owners will price their cars with room to negotiate. The car I bought was exceptionally stock, and exceptionally clean. The price we agreed to was between what he was asking (which was too high, IMO), and what my 'sources' said it was worth. I paid a little on the higher side, but got exactly what I wanted. Another consideration - there may be a credit issue, if you're trying to borrow for the car. Some institutions have limits on older cars.

If you're wanting opinions - throw the ride up on the forum with the asking price - I'm sure you'll get a sound advice.

Good luck!

 

I agree....... with everybody above!!

 

Scott having purchased a C5 at the beginning of the year, I recently went through this same thing in SoCal. Prices were all over the place. I ended up looking at what was being offered over a period of about 3-4 months before making a purchase. What I found was:

Z06 - pristine low mileage Z06 corvettes run in the low to mid $20s. You can get one with a bit more miles (60K-100K) in the high teens. Super high mileage ones are low teens. Then they can vary a few grand based on condition as well.
Coupe/Convertible- there is a distinct price difference between 97-99, 2000, and 01-04, with each bracket increasing in price over the last a grand or two. Also, manuals increase resale $2K-$3K because they are less common. I would see nice condition automatics from 97-99 for about $10K, and nice condition manuals from 01-04 for about $13K-15K.

All in all, there isnt that much difference in price between all of these different models. If you post some, we would be happy to help guide you. Keep in mind that these cars are 15-20 years old, so expect to change a good amount of the fluids and do some maintenance up front so you enjoy your car more. That is, unless the thing was pristine from the previous owner.

Since there are so many available, I wouldnt bother with ones that dont look very well taken care of unless you are on an extreme budget. Better to spend the few extra grand and get one well loved and garaged. I am sure it will pay off both during ownership and in resale.

From a personal standpoint, I purchased a 2002 Manual yellow coupe with 67K miles on it for $13,500. Since I purchased it I have put about $2K on it to make it a reliable and healthy daily driver. Changed all fluids, air filter, spark plug and wires, front brakes, tires, etc. Now shocks are on their way since one started to leak.