BANG! I pulled the trigger.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 277
Likes: 11
BANG! I pulled the trigger.
After a couple of years of lurking around I put a deposit on a 2010 Base Convertible. F55, NM6.
I am flying out on Monday to inspect and, hopefully, take delivery. I know enough to look for oil in the coolant, coolant in the oil, and leaks. Still, if some of you would share the benefit of your experience I would appreciate it.
I am flying out on Monday to inspect and, hopefully, take delivery. I know enough to look for oil in the coolant, coolant in the oil, and leaks. Still, if some of you would share the benefit of your experience I would appreciate it.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,408
Likes: 1
From: Allen Park MI
Awesome man! Hopefully it's just what you're looking for.
I'd say, run a Carfax, run the vin through a Chevy dealer, look for signs of being beat on. And trust your instincts. Don't buy it just because you flew out there.
If possible get it up on a lift so you can check it out from below.
I'd say, run a Carfax, run the vin through a Chevy dealer, look for signs of being beat on. And trust your instincts. Don't buy it just because you flew out there.
If possible get it up on a lift so you can check it out from below.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 710
Likes: 2
From: Raynham MA
I would call ahead and setup an appt at a GM dealer near the seller before you buy the car. Have the tech put it on the lift and look it over. Probably cost around $100. Also, make sure to have them run the VIN. and check for any codes.
I almost bought a car a couple months back that had a clean carfax but the dealer ran the VIN for me and told me it was a "buy back" and had been disabled 3 times. Also a mileage discrepancy. Nothing I want to deal with.
Good luck.
I almost bought a car a couple months back that had a clean carfax but the dealer ran the VIN for me and told me it was a "buy back" and had been disabled 3 times. Also a mileage discrepancy. Nothing I want to deal with.
Good luck.
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Race Director
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 10,776
Likes: 11
OK, once you actually see the car and the VIN, take it to the GM dealer nearby and have them print out a service history on the car. Then, if that looks ok, you could have them read the ECM and have them certify that it hasn't had a 'tune' that might eliminate any warranty you might have left.
The real problem these days is sellers who lie about mods they've made and then removed, trying to sell the car as having always been stock. If you want it to have always been a purely stock car, you should look at the car and it's records closely. I'd also have it looked at on a lift. Good luck.
The real problem these days is sellers who lie about mods they've made and then removed, trying to sell the car as having always been stock. If you want it to have always been a purely stock car, you should look at the car and it's records closely. I'd also have it looked at on a lift. Good luck.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
You will be able to see any signs of road rash once you get it up on the lift. My car was in great shape except for the cooling fan shroud which had a crack in it (would have eventually needed a repair). The dealership repaired it as part of the deal - total cost for the easy repair was ~$400
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 277
Likes: 11
Thanks for the advise. I am buying it from a Chevy dealer who has promised to put it on the lift. It was a lease from the same dealer only has 3800 miles on the ODO.
Thanks for the idea of checking the codes. I had not thought of that. I am also going to ask for the service records. Presumable the guy that leased it would not have paid for maintenance so the records must be logged with Chevrolet. Very low mileage unless it was on a track!
Thanks for the idea of checking the codes. I had not thought of that. I am also going to ask for the service records. Presumable the guy that leased it would not have paid for maintenance so the records must be logged with Chevrolet. Very low mileage unless it was on a track!
Last edited by rjr49; May 3, 2012 at 05:26 PM.