carboyanno

Hello all, I've been looking for a C6 for a while, and although I'm still waiting for the right one that's not completely trashed, but not crazily expensive, I saw this on Craigslist today. http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/5748675856.html

Am I a fool for thinking I can buy this for a bargain price, repair it myself (mostly), and enjoy it safely for the future?

From what I can tell, it looks like a new fender, bumper, and headlight is in order. Along with that, probably mounting brackets, the splash guard, and arms.

I've never owned a Corvette, but consider myself a moderate DIYer. Has anyone had experience perhaps repairing this sort of damage? If so, what are the possible deeper damages that I may not know?

Any comments are appreciated, is this a hidden gem waiting to be repaired or a hopeless wreck of a car now? Thanks!

Itshakes

Run away as fast as you can! There are other Corvettes out there, in much better shape. This is a money pit!
With a Salvage title...will always be worth less!

HBsurfer

There are a couple of recent threads here from guys fixing up damaged cars. If the price is right and cover the loss of value from the salvage title, accident report, etc, why not?
The problem I see with this car is that along with the front end damage, it looks like there is some significant damage at the rear. Not as obvious but look at that rear quarter shot (the last photo). The hatch, fender and bumper are all out of alignment. The damage on the rear fender looks minor but all three of those components are out of whack. That car may have taken a real big hit and have damage that is not clear until you start taking it apart.

ProCycle

That looks like a pretty good deal for someone who wanted a trackday car...

96GS#007

Run.

Based on some of those pics, it looks like the frame was tweaked.

By the time it's all said and done, you'll have $20k into a car worth $15k. Spend a little more and get one that will be trouble free.

The only time I'd buy a salvage car is to build a dedicated track car or because rebuilding is a hobby. In either of those situations, not completing the project or losing a bunch of money is no big deal. OP, that doesn't sound like your situation.

carboyanno

Thanks all! Looks like I will be taking a pass on this.

ruxvette

Hit on both corners, suspension issues, needs tires, left rear tire looks too far outside wheelwell, 121,000 miles, salvage title, what could possibly go wrong?
In all seriousness, pass!

Mikey_T

Run. I was going to say if you could score it for around $5k then it's worth a closer look but then read the description where he is FIRM FIRM FIRM

ruxvette

Recently saw an '07 with salvage title for $14,500...an '07 with clean title for $17,000...ASKING prices. The one you are looking at is an '08 butt the prices aren't that much different.

Red Devil Z51

Run away fast as u can

cmonkey713

"Run Forest Run"

MikeERWNC

I am selling mine to the first person who brings 17K.
It is ready to drive with a ton of extra parts.

I don't think I would pay for a car that has been crashed.
You just don't know what it will be like once it is repaired.

JJLAI724

I would not buy any fixer upper vette. The vette is not a fixer up type of car like any other domestic or import car. Many of the parts are expensive because the demand is not high for them. So the aftermarket parts are not as selective. Plus it's a performance car that you will be driving faster than and will expect it to handle better in. Don't take any chances on those salvage ones. I'd only buy from a private seller if I knew the person or was referred to him by a friend or club member etc.

Spend the extra money up front and have fun with it the day you drive off versus spending the money and then needing to spend more money to fix it and wait for parts etc.

RichKiss

piece of trash. I wouldn't give the guy the time of day. Especially cause he knows the engine is worth $5000. No it isn't. Has over 100,000 miles. You have no idea how the engine has been treat or if it or the transmission has any damage from the accident. It took a pretty hard lick from what I can see. Find something else besides that piece of junk that has been thrashed.

VET4LES

Too many unknowns. I wouldn't touch it.

buckmeister2

there is a nice-looking 08 in your area (L.A. cl) for $18,900. High miles, Z51, nice condition overall, might be one owner. If you can't find it and are interested, PM me and I will pull the listing for you.

Just two weeks ago there was a 2009 with just over 100K in the Redlands area for $19,800. The buys are out there, certainly better than a wrecked car that you don't know what you are in for.

BLEKVET

"Engine alone is worth over $5,000".

Brand spanking new LS3 - $5,800. WTF is that nut job talking about.

That LS3 is worth $800-900 for the block and heads. Tops.

P A S S S S S S S

carboyanno

I am blown away by the multiple helpful responses! Thank you everyone; I can safely take a pass on this one and continue my search.

User Omega

Good choice.

Red08

Run...in the opposite direction of the car. No way would I buy it.