garamis

Hey guys I've never owned a Corvette before. Looking to buy a used one. I'm in NC and there's never any for sale on these forums. I found one nearby in Raleigh, NC at a small used dealership that purchased it at auction. I was wondering if you guys could take a look at the posting for sale and tell me what you think.

Here is the car posting for sale at used dealer:
http://www.econoautosalesnc.com/2001...NC_8867984.veh

Here is the car fax history report:
https://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistor...YY22GX15107460

Here are my concerns:
- They have NO service records but there is a CarFax history showing service dates
- It was involved in an accident
- Has had 8 owners which sounds like a LOT possible warning sign?

Lexybird

8 owners would scare me . Sounds like some bodies headache they can't figure out

Mayor111

1) Do they know what kind of an accident it was in? What does CarFax say? If it says "MINOR" on CarFax, to me thats ok - anything else, it would concern me.

2) Did you drive it? Does it go straight or pull on the highway - if it pulls it could be alignment OR a bent frame from the accident...

3) Since its been in an accident and it doesn't look like its in EXCELLENT condition, Corvette DNA shows that in DRIVER condition, with a 6-spd, its worth $9,400 (that's with no accident history).

4) It has an aftermarket exhaust (not a bad thing, just pointing it out)

5) Cup holder cover is missing

6) Rims that are painted could mean they are really scratched and painted to hide that...no way to tell unless you remove that paint.

7) How long did each of the previous owners own the car? If you see that AFTER the accident each owner only owned for a short period of time - that would indicate the car is problematic or drives like crap.

If it were me, I would keep looking...but if you really want that car - I would offer $8500 and if they balk, make a BEST and FINAL offer of $9000 and walk if they dont accept.

Good Luck!

acroy

Looks a little shady, but I've seen worse.

Car looks reasonably clean; not cut up. Wheels don't look good but may be plastidip?

Accident may have been a light rear-end tap. Look it over carefully, over and under.
Good that there are at least some service records in the Carfax.

I'd do or pay for a thorough mechanical inspection - don't want to buy someone else's problem!

Good luck!

garamis

09/10/2009 Oklahoma
Damage Report Accident reported
Involving rear impact
with another motor vehicle
Vehicle functional

Roddy13

Straight up... I'm not sure why you would consider this car unless you are just looking for a cheapie, and in saying that you would have to grab this car for pretty cheap.

Check out the classified here, there are some impressive cars in amazing condition, with great sellers who have been members here for more than a decade.

Just looking at the pictures of this C5 makes me cringe, the curber style dealership its at and the fact they nabbed it at auction.

Keep looking. Unless this is the kind of thing you go in for ???

c5vetteguy

Hmmm. Over 100,000 miles, been in accident, 8 previous owners, console's been apart and not put together properly - all for $12K? I don't think so. More like $8000 - $8500, ASSuming the rest of the car is in decent mechanical shape and doesn't have any serious codes pending.
Things can be fixed/replaced, but at what cost? $9000 tops.
Good luck with your decision!

Tusc

Patience is a virtue. You know you're going to get a C5. Wait for the right one. When I shopped, it took me about 5 months but I got exactly what I wanted and got what I felt was a great deal.

Broaden your search. Forums here are great. Guys can look at cars for you if you're not near them. Also look for C5 related Facebook pages. I'm on a few now and saw a black 99 with 130k in fair condition go for 6500 in Missouri last week.

The last thing you want is a car with gremlins or that will punish you financially with damaged parts.

garamis

Hey guys really appreciate the replies. You pointed out things from the photos that I definitely didn't notice. I've never owned a Corvette before. I have a small budget of $10k wanting to buy my dad a Corvette for Father's Day. Really appreciate the replies and advice.

Tusc

Oh? Awesome! Definitely hit up FB. I think the page I frequent is C5 cars and parts or something similar. There are some GREAT cars for 12k. In guy had a fully built engine and trans and lots of work with 83k miles for 13. You're real close to that price point, so other deals must be out there.

knewblewkorvette

No, I would not buy it with an accident and 8 owners. Having wagon wheels on a 2001 also raises my eyebrows.

knewblewkorvette

I changed my mind, after closely looking at all the pictures, I would have to say "hell no"

66dts-v

Looks nicer than mine.

speedmaster64

Hell no. Run.

Vetteman Jack

I think I would keep looking - the 8 owners, an accident on record and a price of $12K would turn me away. If you look on the forum, you can probably find a much better deal in your price range or for a few K's more. Read the stickies at the top of the page also on buying a Corvette and what new owners should know - they will help you a lot in your search.

BRKLYN

Has had 8 owners which sounds like a LOT possible warning sign?
Run

Shakeydeal

This is from the website

If that's true, I would have to pass.

Shakey

~Josh

Pass. Black wheels looking scuzzy and being 97-99 wagons on an '01 and all the little details, not to mention what you DON'T know about that auction car -hell no.

Sonny71

Run, Forrest, Run

cv67

Theres no shortage of C5s out there last thing you want is a fixer

On reciepts dont think its that big a deal either way. Suppose its a plus but sure doesnt add any more value.