Hello, new here. I have recently gotten the itch to get a Vette. I come from a 4 to 6 cyl forced induction background. I would love to get a V8 and I have not seen anything with the power to weight to ratio that a Vette offers at a reasonably similar price point. There are a couple cars somewhat near me that seem enticing. Looking at C6. The 2 I found were both 08' base models, black on black, with 6spd. The only issue I have, is that I don't know whether the pricing is is where it needs to be, especially in this weird used car market. I am in NC and without any experience with Vettes I just don't know what they go for. Does anyone have enough experience to offer an educated opinion, assuming there are no mechanical issues, and the only defects are what you can see in the pictures, while taking in mileage and current sale price and current state of used car market into consideration? I thank anyone who can offer any insight.

Here are the two cars:
https://www.carsforsale.com/vehicle/details/87471458
https://www.carsforsale.com/vehicle/details/88961495

 

To me, they both seem a little pricey for the mileage and with winter just around the corner in a softening market. Also, I am too old and lazy to keep a black car looking good, but YMMV.

 

The one for 29.9 has been on the the market for the same price for 63 days I believe. They haven't budged on the advertised price at all. The other just popped up the other day. Do you have a number you feel like might make more sense for one or the other?

 

The one with 90k miles is priced right IMO in this market. I paid 18k for my 08 with 131k miles around September of last year. It's a non Z51 and an automatic.

 

Thanks for the input. I'm not scared of the mileage or the dent in the door card. I'm aware of the LS pedigree, and I imagine the door card is a fairly common part and relatively cheap to purchase.

If you have an opinion, what do you think a fair price for the other one might be? Thanks in advance.

 

Just last week bought an 08 M6 Z51 3LT for $25.9 in Ohio. Both look to be priced about right, with the lower mileage one maybe a smidge high.

 

Thanks for the info and opinion. What does Z51 3LT mean? How can I find out what trim level the ones I posted are? I assume they are just base models and don't come with cool designation codes,.

 

The high mileage one has some funky seat covers on.
Z51 is a suspension package (springs, shocks, sway bars), better brakes, oil coolers, slightly different ratios in the gear box and rear end. 3LT is one of the interior options. Both these cars look to be 1LT BAC's (bare-assed Corvettes). The 1 LT does not have heated seats, head up display, etc.

 

I would offer looking at KBB, Carfax ad Cargurus to determine the average price and then compare. I try to balance, year, mileage and price. You may also want to expand your search to neighboring states. Corvette specialists tend to be higher. I also stay away from multiple owners, i would prefer to buy a 2 owner car with 50K rather than a 4 owner car with 50K.
Best of luck with your search.

 

The CarGurus index is an amazing tool: https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/price-...et-Corvette-d1

 

Best way, snag the codes off decal outer left of glovebox door, get a picture

 

I would suggest that you familiarize yourself with the various trim levels, 1LT, 2LT, 3LT and there is a 4LT, not very common. Then determine the features that you want. My Corvette has heated seats, i will not be driving it during winter months in Maine. I also have magnetic ride, not really a discernible difference in daily driving.

 

As others have already mentioned and perhaps you're already I'm the know, I always check websites such as Cargurus, Autotrader, cars.com and even scroll the old "C6 for sale ads " here on the forum. Ebay can be high and CL is sketchy . Recently I've found FB market place to have some deals . If nothing else you can use the filters on mentioned websites to view only the exact cars you want. Not to mention, there might be the same car but cheaper a couple hours away. I get flight passes so generally I look within a 12-15 hr window and usually save $3-5k when compared to what's an hoir from my house. If you're new to Vettes, check out some youtube videos. Search for "best year C6 corvette ". I know C&S corvettes has videos for every generation! Good luck !

 

First off, you did good by coming here. There are a lot of knowledgeable, helpful folks here. This should get you started.
GENERALLY, the options are:
1LT interior has basic, ebony leather seats, but other features can be added if desired. This trim also has an air filtration system, carpeted floor mats, sunroof, silver painted aluminium wheels, anti-theft locks, power doors, windows, steering, a manual transmission, fog lamps, and four wheel anti-lock disc brakes.
2LT has all of the same 1LT features but with add-ons, such as side airbags, adjustable lumbar and side bolsters in the bucket sport seats. It also features Bluetooth connectivity, steering wheel audio controls, and a passenger side six-way power adjuster. Seating is also upgraded to have perforated seating surfaces coupled with a back angle adjustment. In the rear compartment, a cargo net and luggage shade are added with a larger variety of colors for the interior.
3LT is an upgrade from the 1LT and 2LT, but still has several of the same features. Those added features include a 7-speaker audio Bose sound system, a Heads Up Display (HUD), one-year subscription for XM satellite radio, heated seats, memory options for the seats and mirrors, a universal home remote for garage doors,and a power telescoping steering column to simplify driving. Other optional features include auto dimming for the dual reading lights, an 8-point compass, and audio controls in the steering wheel.
4LT encompasses the same features as all of the aforementioned trim levels and more with add-ons for this trim level are a custom leather-wrapped interior, upper door trim panels, console storage cover, improved armrest padding, two-tone design headrests and an embroidered crossed flag logo.

 

Thank you everyone for the input! Can the trim be decoded through the VIN? i have tried to find VIN decoders but not a ton of luck. I've looked at KBB and NADA and they put the more expensive one at around 25k retail. That's with me not knowing the exact trim and essentially choosing the base model. I have not checked the cargurus link above but I will. Would something like that be up to date enough to reflect the current market? From what I can gather, the used car market is quite turbulent right now, but even then, I'm not sure if a Corvette would "follow those rules". Cheers!

 

What makes you think it has seat covers? I did notice the seats looked *fuller* than the older one. I just thought they were in better condition and had been used by a person of less mass (trying to be PC here lol).

I just went back and looked, and there is clearly a difference in the pattern in the seats. I would not have caught that. Thank you for pointing that out! I wonder what the real seats look like underneath...

 

How do I read this chart? What does "index price" mean vs the model year I pick?

 

Yes, those websites keep their pricing current. When i sold cars we would use KBB and show a potential buyer their trade-in value from KBB, then make money on the F & I side, finance and insurance. I always use KBB, NADA, CarFax and CarGurus *** a basis for m cars value as well as purchase price for a used car. I have purchase 2 Corvettes from Corvettes North in Waterville, ME. I would also recommend that you look at Ciocca Chevrolet, they are one of the largest Corvette dealers in the country.

 

Both considering the mileage which is high are priced too high. Keep searching as there are many garage queens with crazy low miles for less. I purchased a 2 owner with 24,000 miles 2005 1sb for alot less. Wait a couple months as prices fall in the winter season. Also, buy from an individual and trust your gut feelings verses a dealer.

 

Use autotempest.com to search, enter the year range and price and distance from your zip