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First of all-I have been a "forum surfer" here for 6+months now gathering information.
I am 23 years old and looking at C6's as my next car. I am very excited about this possibility, as I have long admired them (C6 came out as I turned 16 and got my license)
Is a 2007 with 90k miles on it at about 23k at a private dealer a terrible idea on my part? It is right in line with KBB and I do not believe the dealer is willing to budge much.
I want to make sure that a car with this mileage can still be a reliable daily driver (yes I know this depends on the previous owners, which were a personal lease and then 3 years for the other owner)
I am just asking what you guys would do if you were in my shoes?
First of all-I have been a "forum surfer" here for 6+months now gathering information.
I am 23 years old and looking at C6's as my next car. I am very excited about this possibility, as I have long admired them (C6 came out as I turned 16 and got my license)
Is a 2007 with 90k miles on it at about 23k at a private dealer a terrible idea on my part? It is right in line with KBB and I do not believe the dealer is willing to budge much.
I want to make sure that a car with this mileage can still be a reliable daily driver (yes I know this depends on the previous owners, which were a personal lease and then 3 years for the other owner)
I am just asking what you guys would do if you were in my shoes?
I have tried... It is a little out of my price range(or at least what I would like to spend on a "daily driver")
And all the 2008+ and LS3 seem to be automatic in my area... Not what I am looking for.
Being my first Corvette... I do not believe I will notice a difference between the LS3 and LS2? Or is this more about reliability and maintenance? Thanks!
I agree ... get a 2008 or newer since you have the option.
Personally, I think the price is too high for that mileage. You should be able to get a newer one with fewer miles for the same price ... I think. I bought an '09 with 12,000 miles almost 2 years ago for $36K. It was a Certified Pre-Owned from a dealer, so I paid a pretty high price compared to what individuals would charge. But I got a warranty.
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22-'23
NO - mileage is waaaay too high. As it falls to pieces you will curse it, pay now or later - lower miles, more money and less headache. Wait until you can afford to NOT buy someone else's problems...
I have tried... It is a little out of my price range(or at least what I would like to spend on a "daily driver")
And all the 2008+ and LS3 seem to be automatic in my area... Not what I am looking for.
Being my first Corvette... I do not believe I will notice a difference between the LS3 and LS2? Or is this more about reliability and maintenance? Thanks!
Yes, you would notice a difference if you drove both an LS2 and an LS3.
I had a C5 with almost 120K miles and the only problem I ever had was I had to replace a water pump. I've never had to replace anything, even a battery (only tires) on the '09 C6. So I consider them very reliable cars. I used mine as a daily driver unless the weather is terrible (snow, hail storms, etc. I'm not afraid to get it wet).
Between my down payment and my approval of loans-the most I am comfortable with spending is 25k. The pickings are slim in San Francisco and the surrounding area.
It is also hard because I am 23 and fresh out of college and have no credit(not bad credit, just non existent ha)
So I feel like my hands are tied a bit.
The car I am looking at has been at the deal for 3+ months, so Maybe if I can get them down more.
Dealers want to sell - more than you know.
Low ball by $1,500 & be prepared to walk if he doesn't come back down by a $1,000.
Use the savings to go towards future maintenance & your 07 will be a good buy!
If you know the car has had it's scheduled maintenance then it should be fine for your first Corvette. My '07 has been extremely reliable, and only been to the dealer for oil changes. Oh, and rear diff. fluid change. Heck, my first Vette (In 1982) was a '75 with a ton of miles that I paid 6K for. That's about 23K today, and I was as happy as a hog in mud. Drive the car, see if it feels good to you, and go with your gut. Good luck.
BTW, go to www.morrisonmotorco.com. This is a friend that's sells used Corvette's, and prices them right. Click on "Main Store", it will give you a good idea what used ones go for.
Last edited by Rebel Yell; Jun 4, 2014 at 08:46 PM.
Wow... I can't believe I'm actually posting in the 'general' section. It's been a while.
Anyway, I'd definitely hold out for an '08. There's a lot of other improvements that were made in '08 besides the LS3 engine. The TR6060 in the '08+ cars is a much nicer shifting transmission IMO, and there were other improvements to the steering, interior, etc.
I don't buy high mileage used cars as it just isn't my style, but the C6 in general is a reliable car based on my experience. The only real part failure I had on my 'old '08 was a leaking water pump. I also toasted the transmission, but that was more related to 700 rwhp than anything else.
Keep in mind that it costs about a grand to ship a car cross country in an enclosed transport. I'd be looking nationwide if I were you.
thanks for the all the information guys. i really appreciate it. i will see if we can "negotiate" something and make sure i do not get screwed. the miles do not scare me so much as it seems these LS engines have seemed to be proven relatively reliable?
miles also do not scare me because it will be driven on a daily basis. i completely understand that a car with close to 100k will take daily maintenance to keep on the road and stay healthy. just like many other cars.
Wow... I can't believe I'm actually posting in the 'general' section. It's been a while.
Anyway, I'd definitely hold out for an '08. There's a lot of other improvements that were made in '08 besides the LS3 engine. The TR6060 in the '08+ cars is a much nicer shifting transmission IMO, and there were other improvements to the steering, interior, etc.
I don't buy high mileage used cars as it just isn't my style, but the C6 in general is a reliable car based on my experience. The only real part failure I had on my 'old '08 was a leaking water pump. I also toasted the transmission, but that was more related to 700 rwhp than anything else.
Keep in mind that it costs about a grand to ship a car cross country in an enclosed transport. I'd be looking nationwide if I were you.
I have looked... it just scares me that I will never have driven the car myself to see if there is that "feeling" or "connection" some of you guys talk about...
keep looking, most cars have low miles. ls3 are stronger than ls2 but get what you can afford. 90k can also mean worn interior and other parts. buying a vette in the spring will also cost you more than fall and winter in some places. don't fall in love with that car yet, keep looking outside your area, going to pick it up out of town could make for a nice weekend trip.
I would do like the majority of "we" owners .... wait until your 50 and then buy one. JK. how much "serious" shopping have you really done? take your time and look at what is available. 90k miles on any car is alot. looking for a manual as a daily driver around the Bay Area is not the best for a car with 90k miles either. try looking for a "newer" 2008-2009/10. you'll be surprised at what's currently out there. the difference in money when you have to fix something, anything, will be worth the little more you pay for a newer gen car. for a first car? look at what you can get for 23K nowadays lots of new toys for that ... just sayin'. good luck, don't give up.
That is total BULL$hit if I ever heard. lower mileage means better car. So let me guess, you sell people headlight fluid too. I would take a well maintained 90k mile car over a beat up made to look like new 18k mile car. That was one of the most idiotic statement I seen in a long time.
Last edited by shawnaj7731; Jun 4, 2014 at 08:59 PM.
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22-'23
Originally Posted by shawnaj7731
OP there is nothing wrong with a 90k+ if you can get it for the right price and you want it don't let some of these ignorant people sway you any way.
Man, how stupid are your posts? Wake up already and stop blowing smoke out your ****. This is a high performance sports car that although typically driven by someone with one foot in the grave, miles do count. Lightly driven low mileage models driven by grave dodgers are preferred. This has 90k miles which is a LOT for a sports car. A kid out of college on a limited budget needs this like a kick in the head.