Rookie just getting started-buying recommendation
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
Rookie just getting started-buying recommendation
Owning a corvette has always been a dream of mine and I really like the C5’s. I found one that will require some elbow grease but being the Corvette rookie that I am I don’t know how big of a project I would be getting myself into with this option. My background is mostly front wheel drive with the exception of a Datsun pickup and a Lexus GS400. I have done engine transplants, electrical gremlin witch hunts, clutch changes, and some minor paint/bodywork.
from the more experience folks, is the following a terrible idea or a terrific opportunity?
2004 C5 coupe asking price 6900. Auto tranny, Magnetic red, front left damage but no airbag deployment. Will for certain need a front bumper, hood, and front left quarter panel not including any decimated wiring.
Facebook marketplace link-
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...6721748703735/
from the more experience folks, is the following a terrible idea or a terrific opportunity?
2004 C5 coupe asking price 6900. Auto tranny, Magnetic red, front left damage but no airbag deployment. Will for certain need a front bumper, hood, and front left quarter panel not including any decimated wiring.
Facebook marketplace link-
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...6721748703735/
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,383
Likes: 3,389
From: Central TX
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
My suggestion would be to pay a little more and buy a car with a clean title and no damage. By the time you buy that 2004 and repair it properly, you will still own a car with a rebuilt or salvage title.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
my hope here is for some technical guidance e.g. you don’t want that car because of how much wiring was destroyed in that area/replacing the bumper and hood is harder than you think/etc
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,652
Likes: 629
From: Rural North West NV
I think the price is a little high for a salvage title car but if you plan on keeping it forever then the title probably doesn't matter. I'd still offer $5K as a start point.
I don't think the repairs would be too difficult but I don't know your level of expertise.
Here's the thing about these cars though, once you buy one you are going to realize how great they are and may get bitten by the mod bug. Then you have to decide if you want to dump a bunch of money (after fixing and getting it back to stock condition) into this particular car. Again, if you think you will keep it forever (most people don't) then go for it.
I don't think the repairs would be too difficult but I don't know your level of expertise.
Here's the thing about these cars though, once you buy one you are going to realize how great they are and may get bitten by the mod bug. Then you have to decide if you want to dump a bunch of money (after fixing and getting it back to stock condition) into this particular car. Again, if you think you will keep it forever (most people don't) then go for it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,222
Likes: 798
From: Fort Myers Beach Florida
I'd avoid this project. I suspect the insurance company totaled the vehicle because repair cost exceeds 80% of the actual cash value. Even if fixed properly with matching paint it will always have diminished value due to it's history. Run, don't walk away. (you asked)
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 377
From: SW Ohio
Find yourself a decent car within 500 miles or so and fly to it and drive it home if you must. You will have many thousands between body work, and peripheral parts like headlight assemblies, radiator mounts, radiator, condenser, and other parts of needed. In the end you will have spent more money than the car will ever be worth given the title, etc. Search on cars.com and eBay, you are sure to find a great car around $8-9k
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
I think the price is a little high for a salvage title car but if you plan on keeping it forever then the title probably doesn't matter. I'd still offer $5K as a start point.
I don't think the repairs would be too difficult but I don't know your level of expertise.
Here's the thing about these cars though, once you buy one you are going to realize how great they are and may get bitten by the mod bug. Then you have to decide if you want to dump a bunch of money (after fixing and getting it back to stock condition) into this particular car. Again, if you think you will keep it forever (most people don't) then go for it.
I don't think the repairs would be too difficult but I don't know your level of expertise.
Here's the thing about these cars though, once you buy one you are going to realize how great they are and may get bitten by the mod bug. Then you have to decide if you want to dump a bunch of money (after fixing and getting it back to stock condition) into this particular car. Again, if you think you will keep it forever (most people don't) then go for it.
Good to know. 5k is exactly what I was thinking for an initial offer.
I would most likely keep it for 10+ years. I’ve got a fair amount of wrench tome under the belt. I come from a very mechanical family where being involved was not a choice but a way of life.
After experiencing how much fun my V8 Lexus has been as a daily driver (lots of twisties on backroads) I started longing for more and unfortunately the 1UZ platform i currently have is prohibitively expensive to do much to. I have no kids, just got divorced, and did not get hammered in the divorce. Seems like the right time for a Corvette
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The lure of the lower price for a salvaged car is there, but you may end up spending a lot more on that car repairing things than if you just spent the extra money up front for one with less problems.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,704
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From: Redondo Beach CA
It seems you dodged a bullet, now do it right and get a convertible. Unless you need the speed, a closed car misses the main point of owning a corvette, joy on the road.
I really liked the poster who suggested to avoid cosmetic damage, because that's the expensive stuff. I will always second advice like that.
Twisting wrenches is easily learned, some guys can't ever excel at work that requires artistic results , that's why painters are always the highest paid workers in a body shop. Craftsmen and artists get different rates , and one is much easier to find. I haves a cousin who was building a Rolls royce to flip, an old one with an open drivers compartment. When I talked to him , he was happy to say he only had two years more in line to get the upholstery done. It is not how much you pay, it is who is doing the work.
I just remembered, in my area, insuring a salvaged car is not commonly done, unless you find a high risk insurer. After ten years of insurance in a risk pool of drunk drivers and other assorted moronic driving styles, you might not be forming a skip and whistle happy parade.
I really liked the poster who suggested to avoid cosmetic damage, because that's the expensive stuff. I will always second advice like that.
Twisting wrenches is easily learned, some guys can't ever excel at work that requires artistic results , that's why painters are always the highest paid workers in a body shop. Craftsmen and artists get different rates , and one is much easier to find. I haves a cousin who was building a Rolls royce to flip, an old one with an open drivers compartment. When I talked to him , he was happy to say he only had two years more in line to get the upholstery done. It is not how much you pay, it is who is doing the work.
I just remembered, in my area, insuring a salvaged car is not commonly done, unless you find a high risk insurer. After ten years of insurance in a risk pool of drunk drivers and other assorted moronic driving styles, you might not be forming a skip and whistle happy parade.
