What's It's Worth?
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
What's It's Worth?
Still new here.
Going to look at a 1998 Coupe, White with under 3000 miles. Initially it was owned by a collector that sold it off. Now the family who has it is selling it. What do you guys think the value is worth? My research on value is ranging all across the board so I need your advise to get a closer price I should offer. They are asking 19K. Is this to high?
Going to look at a 1998 Coupe, White with under 3000 miles. Initially it was owned by a collector that sold it off. Now the family who has it is selling it. What do you guys think the value is worth? My research on value is ranging all across the board so I need your advise to get a closer price I should offer. They are asking 19K. Is this to high?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,590
Likes: 3,317
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
That's on the high side for a normal '98, but with such low mileage that seems about right. You will want a pre-purchase inspection. Also be aware that a '98 with such low mileage will have some issues related to not being driven enough. You'll want new tires unless they've been changed recently. You'll want to change out all your fluids. You may need to change various seals and gaskets. Pretty much anything rubber on the car has the potential for problems. With that said, most of the car should be in mint condition at that mileage. I would read all the sticky posts at the top of the C5 section. They have a ton of info that you will find useful. Good luck with you search. We're here if you have any questions. Post some pics if you can.
Don't forget to SAVE THE WAVE!
Don't forget to SAVE THE WAVE!
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Plymouth Massachusetts
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
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Just purchased a 2003 50th vert with 3600 miles on the odometer. I paid $29,500. I think that is a great price BECAUSEOF THE MILEAGE just try offering $17,500 see what happens. Is their a lot of mods on the car or is it factory stock mostly? Good Luck Dave
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 30,563
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From: Bonita Springs, Florida
Nice find but could be problematic after sitting un-used for 23 years. Does it have a manual 6 speed or automatic transmission, the manual transmission cars are worth more. I would negotiate a price to include an inspection, new tires installed, column lock bypass or LMC5 and complete fluid change with the price and then decide from there. Make sure to look the car over very thoroughly and see if there are any rodent nests or damage. Ask for service records showing all of the maintenance done over the years. Make sure that the power windows, power seats and air conditioning work properly. Does it have the standard, Z51 or F45 suspension,? Does it have HUD and traction control, the very early '98's didn't have HUD or traction control offered. Options will not impact the value too much, only the transmission and condition. Do you plan on driving the car or will it continue it's life as being a garage queen?
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Bonita Springs, Florida
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 7
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The Carfax shows all the maintenance records to date. It has been driven the last 2 years by the 2nd owner. The car was in a collectors collection so no rodents or dirt of any kind. Current owner keep it in there temp controlled garage with 4 other cars I can see in the pic. Just still hesitant on pulling the trigger on a car that sat so long.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,280
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From: Pittsburgh PA
The Carfax shows all the maintenance records to date. It has been driven the last 2 years by the 2nd owner. The car was in a collectors collection so no rodents or dirt of any kind. Current owner keep it in there temp controlled garage with 4 other cars I can see in the pic. Just still hesitant on pulling the trigger on a car that sat so long.
Last edited by Fcar 98; Mar 24, 2021 at 03:13 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 30,563
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From: Bonita Springs, Florida
That car in my opinion is like a new car. Yes it’s 23 years old. Yes is been sitting most of its life. It hasn’t been out in the element. I would bet that car is in great shape. Old tires I have a problem with. I would take a long look at that car. Come on Dude 3000 miles. I don’t know if I could pass on this one. You can take your time doing things to bring up to newer standards. It does have TC, the early 98s do not have AH.
and yes I meant AH.I agree with Fcar that this is probably a great find since you are certain that it was stored properly and if you buy it right.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,590
Likes: 3,317
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
As I said earlier, considering the miles, the price is not out of line. The fact that it has been driven by the current owner is a good sign. The most important thing is a proper inspection. Give it a good long test drive, and if it checks out in the inspection, I'd go for it. Just be aware that ANY car of this age will have issues. Garage queens tend to have somewhat different issues, but they ALL have issues. They are good cars, and you will certainly enjoy it. I just want you to go in with your eyes open. With that said, for the same price, you could get an '04 with around 60K on it.
Race Director
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From: Iowa
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Cool Hand Luke of W MI
Joined: May 2006
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From: Winona Lake, IN
I recently bought a 2000 FRC with 6,900 miles on it. I'm slowly going through it. Clutch fluid flush, brake fluid flush, new brake caliper dust seals, rear sway bar links, rear sway bar bushings for now. Trans and rear diff fluid coming up next. They are fairly easy cars to work on and a lot of help here on the CF to review before tackling a job. Price seems in line and the exhaust is worth a grand or so also. Good luck!
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Sounds like a good find and if all checks out and price is agreeable to you, could be a great buy. Not often you find a ‘98 with such low miles - just like a new car.