Buying Advice
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 334
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From: Door County WI
Buying Advice
Would you buy a a 14 C7 that that looked mint but was driven only 2800 miles, and was in a climate controlled garage under a car cover? Oil was changed only twice in 9 years.
What do you think?
What do you think?
Popular Reply
Jun 19, 2023, 05:20 PM
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2023
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Drifting
Joined: Jun 2015
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From: Lagrange KY
Sure, why not? As long as the price was reasonable and it was equipped the way you’d like and was an acceptable color/ interior combo. I think that would be quite a find! Would probably need to get some new tires on it though. And check some hoses, belts etc. And lastly, perhaps some fresh fluids.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2015
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From: SE WI
As long as they don't price it as if were brand new because of the super low miles. It's been sitting, neglected, for a long time. Why didn't you mention the price? How can we give you advice on a car of which we don't know the price?
Heel & Toe
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Sure, why not? As long as the price was reasonable and it was equipped the way you’d like and was an acceptable color/ interior combo. I think that would be quite a find! Would probably need to get some new tires on it though. And check some hoses, belts etc. And lastly, perhaps some fresh fluids.
I would also have a pre-purchases inspection done by a qualified Corvette Tech.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2019
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From: Georgetown, Tx
Absolutely, it would be worth a look.
It's been used very little for nine years, now rolling into ten, but that does mean anything would be dramatically wrong with it mechanically. I believe the tires and battery would need to be changed. Then you can look at the condition of the fuel system and perhaps check the condition of the other fluids.
But I believe overall, you'd be looking a very healthy C7.
In the end, even though the miles are low, there has still been nine years, going on ten years depreciation. You can pay extra money for the car being in a pristine state, but the owner can't wipe away all of the depreciation. That's just the nature of the beast.
If you make the purchase, please post photos.
Best of luck.
It's been used very little for nine years, now rolling into ten, but that does mean anything would be dramatically wrong with it mechanically. I believe the tires and battery would need to be changed. Then you can look at the condition of the fuel system and perhaps check the condition of the other fluids.
But I believe overall, you'd be looking a very healthy C7.
In the end, even though the miles are low, there has still been nine years, going on ten years depreciation. You can pay extra money for the car being in a pristine state, but the owner can't wipe away all of the depreciation. That's just the nature of the beast.
If you make the purchase, please post photos.
Best of luck.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
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From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Changing the oil twice in 9 years indicates the car was neglected. The standard oil change requirement for the C7 is to change the oil at least once per year at a minimum. It is hard to determine if old oil has or has not damaged engine components such as bearings. A check by a Corvette expert won't be able to tell you much in that regard. They are going to see the same things you see.
Bill
Bill
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Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Hartford WI
Question. What exactly do you want this car to do? I wouldn't go older than a 16 with 2LT trim because I want the electronics. Later on, there were other non mechanical things that they had which I don't care about. I also don't plan to wax the car and it is to be daily driven from April to November whether it rains or shines. Do I care to pay for a 2800 mile car? No. OTOH, if you want a car that hasn't been used much and don't plan to drive much, that is one story. I won't pay the premium such a car demands but I plan to rack up miles. So, even a 16 2LT trim with 2800 miles will cost more than a 20K car. Equal money, I will take the 2800 mile car regardless of color. OTOH, if I want to keep it in the garage under wraps and sneak a peek here and there, I will pay more. What are you about?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2022
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From: MN
Hm... I'd be concerned about all the plastics and seals getting old and brittle. While the lack of heat cycles would be a plus, the lack of circulating fluids would be a concern. You're also buying something that hasn't had a chance to get through the "new car" pains covered under warranty.
I'd much prefer something that was driven frequently to sort out the issues while under warranty, and then continued to driven occasionally just to keep things 'fresh'. Storage is generally not kind to vehicles.
I'd much prefer something that was driven frequently to sort out the issues while under warranty, and then continued to driven occasionally just to keep things 'fresh'. Storage is generally not kind to vehicles.
Team Owner
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Joplin, MO, USA
Changing the oil twice in 9 years indicates the car was neglected. The standard oil change requirement for the C7 is to change the oil at least once per year at a minimum. It is hard to determine if old oil has or has not damaged engine components such as bearings. A check by a Corvette expert won't be able to tell you much in that regard. They are going to see the same things you see.
Bill
Bill
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Joplin, MO, USA
My brother just bought a car like that-Owner, a member of our club, passed away 7 years ago-Yes, it sat, oil looked new, he drove it 530 miles home and got an indicated 32mpg. The guy had other Corvettes, the widow decided to finally sell them. It will be a great car, and was priced right.
Team Owner
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My brother just bought a car like that-Owner, a member of our club, passed away 7 years ago-Yes, it sat, oil looked new, he drove it 530 miles home and got an indicated 32mpg. The guy had other Corvettes, the widow decided to finally sell them. It will be a great car, and was priced right.
Not my car, but my brother drives a Mercedes-Benz turbodiesel sedan where the oil and filter hasn't been changed in 9-years. I know, because I owned the car from new and changed oil and filter last.
It's still running fine. Not everyone changes oil at the 1-year mark.
Not advocating it - just relating others experiences.....
Last edited by Skid Row Joe; Jun 21, 2023 at 03:44 PM. Reason: Clarification.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Hartford WI
My brother just bought a car like that-Owner, a member of our club, passed away 7 years ago-Yes, it sat, oil looked new, he drove it 530 miles home and got an indicated 32mpg. The guy had other Corvettes, the widow decided to finally sell them. It will be a great car, and was priced right.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,475
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From: Hartford WI
Is that meaningful? It might be running but you might shorten the life.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2015
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From: Lagrange KY