I looked at a 1999 convertible base model. Listed for $8500, looked like a great deal.

I get to location, and saw a beautiful vette, but quickly became disappointed.

First thing I am shown is a rebuilt title sticker inside door jam. The ad did not mention that. Grrr. But I am slightly open to buying one with rebuilt depending on what it was. But found out this one was in a flood over 10 years ago.

Guy starts it up, and I am hearing a loud whirling sound under hood. Sounded like a fan belt, or maybe a bearing in the alternator? I am not a mechanic, but I did my best to determine that noise. While I was driving the sound went 80% away, but I could still hear it. WTH? Guy says car was not started in a long time, sitting in garage.

No air conditioning. Another thing not mentioned in ad. Guy says, he has to add "freon" to it once a year. Hmmmm.

Now for final red flag, the dashboard. The information area that shows alerts, toggled through all of them, over and over again, like a never ending scroll. He said he put tape over it so it would not show it. Hmm? Electric glitch from car being in a flood? Electric short? Computer blown? I have no idea, oh yea, I am not a mechanic right? But I am very savy, being I am a tech by profession, armed with You Tube videos to watch and forums. But what could be doing that, and how much to fix it I wonder.

Radio had a cassette player, not a CD. More money needed.

No corvette ownership for me now. Time to keep saving.

 

Buying a used car is never fool-proof, but the old adage "buy the newest, lowest mile example you can afford" applies here, especially given that you are not a mechanic. I think you are wise to keep saving and keep looking.

 

Sounds like a hard pass to me... If he didnt mention those things what else is he leaving out. Good luck in your search! Youll find one you fall in love with right away.

 

Ask the right questions over the phone. How far did you drive to look at this turd?

 

I drove 30 minutes to visit this vette with 92K miles. I really want at least a 2004, with less than 50K miles. I love the pop up headlights! But I do not want a project car, rather something turn key that can sit in the garage and be used several times a month. The little voice in my head says wait till you get at least $20K before you shop. I am 3/5th of the way!

 

Sounds like you are smart by turning away from that C5. Personally, I would not by a car that has been in a flood. $8500 sounds like a great deal but not in this case. Good luck on your hunt

 

You made the right decision to walk away. Be patient, and keep looking/saving. If you keep looking, you'll find the right car. A lot of them come up for sale this time of year. Good luck with your search!

 

Learned my lesson on another vehicle, never buy a swimmer

 

Run Forrest... run!!!

 

You should be able to find a good car for the $12K you have now but not likely to find one under 50K miles. There are many well maintained cars that have more miles that would be a good purchase so I wouldn't let a few more miles limit your search.

 

Glad you ran the other way.

 

I agree with this post, write down a checklist while you're not under pressure on a phone call so you can just check off questions without missing any, good luck and happy hunting !

 

Good call. Sometimes it is very difficult to walk away. As a hobbyist mechanic myself, I tend to get a hubris moment when I shop for boats or cars. I often regret it later.
My not for sale 99 Vert base with 72K is a solid car with no issues. IF it were for sale, I wouldn’t let a potential buyer sit in the car for an 8500 offer.
Your seller knew there were lots of issues just by pricing. At least he seemed to be honest when you asked.
Be patient. Don’t be like me!!

 

I think that you did the right thing. And it could be that the next one's no good, either! I kept a notebook when I went out to actually see the cars. You will find the right deal and sometime's the best part is the chase!

 

On the subject of flood damaged cars: if you find one that is 10 years past the damage and no issues with at least 10K miles added since. Would that be a trustworthy consideration? Car looks, sounds and drives great, all electrical is working and can't find any signs of damage anywhere. Story is carpet was the extent of damage? Any thoughts....

 

As they say, patience is a virtue. It took me over 8mos. to find my '03. Just keep checking Craigslist, Facebook, and as I did a few times a week, just do a google search. And now we have Carvana, and Vroom to look at.

 

With time and mileage, one would think the issues are worked out or still evident. I personally would look the car over VERY carefully to see what condition it is in currently. At the age of the C5, anything is a shot in the dark. On the other hand, a Corvette is a car people want and don't need. Be patient unless the deal feels right. Trust your gut.

 

OP. One of the "trick" questions I ask over the phone is; If you were to keep the car, what 3 things would you do to it?" This question doesn't typically raise their guard and you get some surprisingly candid answers. Some which I'm sure they regret after the words leave their mouth. I called on a car one time and was told it was in excellent running and driving condition. I asked the question above and the first thing she said was rebuild the transmission.....

 

Avoid the issues with the earlier cars and find an 02-04

 

Keep looking. I did my research for 2 years and just bought a 2001 Navy Blue Vert!! The right car is out there.