Hate to make a new thread for just this but I'm new to the scene and found a local listing, I wondered if this is a typical deal or overpriced. Couldn't find a specific thread for "is this a good deal".

https://www.fairfaxmotors.com/used/C...b99ca31e37.htm

Also for a pre purchase inspection, are there specialist shops for corvettes? Or any place would know ...

 

To me it is a little overpriced with that mileage and being a 2001. There are plenty of sites that you can check prices including KBB, Carvava and Vroom (they purchase cars).

Prices for used cars have trended up over the last year, due in part to the problems manufacturers had in getting new cars to market, but I just do not think that one is worth quite what the dealer is asking.

 

Welcome to the forum! It looks like a nice clean car that is all stock. Prices for these cars has been steadily going up over the last year. Considering this, I think the price is fair. It's not a super great deal, but it's also not at all unreasonable. If this one is exactly what you're looking for (color, options, body style, etc.), then I wouldn't have any issues purchasing the car at this price. The most important question to ask is, are YOU happy with the price. You should 100% get a pre-purchase inspection done by a shop that is specifically familiar with Corvettes. I'm not sure where you are located, but you can post in your regional forum to get recommendations for specific shops. I also recommend that you read the sticky posts at the top of this forum. They have a TON of useful info to know when buying a C5 Corvette. Good luck with your search. Let us know how it turns out.
Don't forget to SAVE THE WAVE!

 

Interesting! Perhaps the only way to get it cheaper then is to go private party. Do you think c5 prices will go back to "normal" anytime soon or is this permanent?

 

I think the C5 prices are slowly rising because when I was looking at these cars back in May of last year I was consistently seeing cars under 15k with around 60k miles.

I bought my car from Mississippi (I'm in RI) for 17k with 34,000 miles (needed an ABS unit fix so that's why the slightly lower price). Initially I thought the 18,750 was on the high side but having looked around a bit I think it is a pretty standard price these days. Just pretend that "no-haggle" line doesn't exist and make them an offer, the worst they will do is refuse it.


A couple random ones semi-in-your-area that caught my eye:

2003 Z06 - Hmm.. you should really look at this one...
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventorylisting/viewDetailsFilterViewInventoryListing.ac tion?zip=22031&transmission=M&maxPrice=2 2000&maxMileage=78000&showNegotiable=fal se&sortDir=ASC&sourceContext=carGurusHom ePageModel&distance=50000&sortType=PRICE &entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity=c4 52#listing=286708513_isFeatured

Looks to be about the same 2004 yellow convertible but in NJ:

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...ting=294028838

 

You're going to pay some premium getting it from a dealer. That said, you can search the C5 For Sale/Wanted section to get an idea on pricing here on the CF. The sticky at the top of this section also lists items to look at before purchasing so you can go into the purchase with eyes wide open. Good luck!

 

Convertible and a six speed I would say just around a fair price. Looks like.it has some good options. Carfax values about $800 less. Dealer would probably take it.

 

Excellent ideas. ... The six speed raises the value, I presume; just like Porsche and BMW? Convertibles on the forum listings seem to be more but possibly in better condition or have more maintenance records. I'll look again; pity I have to buy during inflationary times. Is there anyway to get a read out of the options via the VIN? The forum one doesn't really have that.

Is 50k on a 2001 vert considered normal? I know normally convertibles have fewer miles. Does yellow command a premium or the opposite?

 

I don't think 50,000 miles on a 20 year old C5 is bad at all.
The main thing is if you are thinking of buying this car as an investment don't do it. If you are planning on buying this car as a toy to play around with do it.
That is if you like it and it checks out mechanically.
It's a pretty car!
I have a 03 C5 vert and love it. It a fun car!
Good luck!

 

Personally, I think 50K is actually right in the the perfect goldilocks zone. Lower mileage cars of this age tend to have problems because they haven't been driven enough (these car were designed to be driven, not left to sit). With low mileage cars, you'll end up having to replace pretty much anything rubber, as well as all the fluids. That is assuming you want to actually drive the car. You won't have those issues with a 50K mile car. Lower mileage will also cost you more. Yellow was a premium color that cost more when new. However, it is now actually the least desirable color (as far as prices go). With that said, manuals usually go for more than automatics, and convertibles often go for more than coupes (but less than Z06). You should be able to look up the options by looking at the sticker in the glove box if you have physical access to the car. The National Corvette Museum can give you the options based on the VIN, but that can get pricey.

 

Be sure and check out the tires. There is a date code on the side of the tire, be sure that date is not beyond 5 years old. https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiret....jsp?techid=11 The newer the better. Good tires for these cars aren't exactly cheap. Next I would pull the service codes.

If everything checks out okay, offer $1,000 less. If they don't make that cut, walk away.

 

Give the man his price, git in, shut up, mash the pedal, and smile . Nothing wrong with the price.

 

I bought my 2000 at 110kmiles in 2018... driven in approx 10years for example....10 years as exporting/rebuilding and garage queen.
TCFS

 

I am guessing the dealer paid $10-12,000 (if that), for the vehicle at an auction, or trade-in. I would not buy from a dealer if my life depended on it! Do not get too attached to the car, there are A LOT OF C-5'S OUT THERE, that have similar conditions and mileage, but are much less expensive. Don't fall in love with the first one you see... shop around!!

I am in no way saying that the subject C5 is not for you, just be very careful when going to a dealer... THEY ARE NOT YOUR BEST FRIEND!!

 

First, you are making a ridiculous assumption about what the dealer paid for the car. I am though 100% confident he is trying to make a profit on the car.

Second, can you find me a couple dozen at your prices? I spent a very long career as a dealer and just must not be as smart as you buying cars for your numbers.

 

......no need to be negative on the price....see if you can run a Carfax on it.....check it out over and under....make sure the paint matches...look for over-spray on the weather strips....look for rear main seal leak on engine......see if they offer a warranty.....offer 1500.00 less and see what takes place. If it checks out...it is a cheap toy....FYI I love the color....

 

Pretty silly statement. Love the red caps!

 

This car has been for sale for a while, I remember seeing it listed on Cars.com back around Christmas, so if you go see it and it fits what you are looking for, offer a lower price.

To add to your question on price... I just purchased a 2001 Navy Blue Vert from a private seller; 70,000 miles and paid $17,000. Drove the car home 180 miles... no issues. Car has a Haltech cold air & Borola "S Type" axle back, other than that it's stock. Very nice older guy let me have the car cover & has a ton of documentation on what has been done to it by him and previous owner. I'm sure people on here will say I paid too much but I'm VERY happy with the car.

 

Ya might see if there are any receipts in the glovebox or repairs on the Car Fax....when was the clutch replaced....does it smell musty ???
possible flood car ?????????....you need to be a detective on this.........

 

Excellent advice above. My two cents: I think the car is slightly higher than what would be motivating to me (by $1,000) as I now figure in any dealer prep and misc. charges plus taxes and a 10% personal set aside for what will invariable need a fix.

I found my 2000 vert with a “needs nothing” ad claim. The car was in overall terrific shape, 64k miles, clean leather, and had a “newer” high-end convertible top and some nice mods but I could tell the harmonic balancer was going (thanks to the forum) and the tires were shot. Still, the price I paid was very compelling and extras included my opting to replace all fluids because no record existed. So, despite it being very well cared for, I just don’t believe “mint, perfect, needs nothing” can be applied to a 20-year-old car.

Before I found my vert, I engaged in two paid inspections on two other vettes. One was an independent shop (lots of good online reviews) and a Chevy dealer. I think I paid about $100-$125. It was well worth it. Plenty of photos, independent analysis, and thorough checklist. So, I think that is worth it. The sellers were quite willing to make the independent inspections happen.

This car you like seems to have good options. Dual a/c zones, passenger power seat, etc. are extras that make the car that much cooler. Not every forum member agrees, but I like going to the CorvetteDNA app to add up all the options and come up with another price comparable although it seems more of the owners’ tool rather than an industry benchmark for sales. My vert scales highest through this app versus KBB.

Finally, your find is a 2001. That bodes well should the steering wheel sensor and EBCM go out. These issues that can plague a 2000 and older are far cheaper and easier to fix on 2001+. Ask me how I know!

GOOD LUCK. The car looks very nice.