I made the mistake of buying my 2001 Corvette in 2012 from The Toy Store in Largo, Florida. I found what I thought was the Corvette of my dreams in a red, 2001 convertible. When I test drove it, the car ran out really good and straight. This was my first Corvette purchase, so I was an inexperienced buyer and I made the mistake of thinking all cars are the same.

When I started to deal on it, the owner was listening in to my conversation with the salesman. When I suggested that I have a third party inspection done, he all but accused me of saying that they were crooks and were selling junk. I wanted the car, so I decided to forego the inspection. BIG MISTAKE!

When I got it back home here in PA, I had to have the car state inspected and I also told them to give the car a complete evaluation using the machines, plus the usual required maintenance, LOF and tune-up. I received a call from the Chevrolet dealer telling me that all totaled, my bill would be about $6000.00.

Almost all of the sensors were throwing a code, plus it needed brakes and a few modules that do different things, like controlling the posi-traction, BCM module and the air bag module. Also, the fog lights were intermittently working. I also had to have some paint work done at a cost of $3000.00. The bottom and sides of the door edges were scraped, the bottoms of both outside rv mirrors were discolored and the bottom of the front spoiler was scraped.

Now, I am preparing to replace the transmission (approx. $3000.00) and the complete clutch assembly and t/o bearing (about $1400.00). I plan on doing this work myself. I have replaced a lot of clutches and standard transmissions. I just have to decide if I should be a rebuilt or a new transmission. Either way, I am buying it from GM.

So, I have no one to blame but myself, but my point here is that if you aren't sure what you are buying, maybe a third party inspection would be worth the $300.00 that I was going to pay by a Chevrolet dealership in Florida.

And last, my wife told me that I was crazy for sticking so much money into it. She told me as soon as the $6000.00 bill came into question that I should take it out and trade it. But the car was beautiful and I had just come into a nice unexpected inheritance, so I spent the money to make the car right.

I did get a good deal on a new GM convertible top and headliner installed for $850.00. I was just at the Corvette show in Carlisle and they were replacing tops there while the customer waited, so I asked for a price for my car and they priced it at $1400.00.

After this experience, I am thinking about changing my handle from "RealSmooth" to RealStupid".

Sorry for the long post.

 

When I was looking to purchase a C5 a few years back. I tried to buy from them. I found them to be pushy and expensive. I did not purchase from them.

 

You were smart. I should have paid more attention to the red flag that went up when I suggested about having a third party mechanic inspect the car. The owner acted like I insulted him and I bought it. What he was actually doing was manipulating me.

At this point, I am OK with putting as much money into that I have. After I get the clutch and transmission installed next weekend, the car should be 100%.

Next year, I am trading up to a C6. I like the body style and especially the fixed headlights with no headlight doors.

 

C6 is a whole different car, you won't be sorry.......

 

I concur

they also are the only "experts" around....don't question them

 

Honestly it sounds like the dealer that gave you the $6000 bill is the one who screwed you , "almost all of the sensors were throwing codes"? Its b.s man, they nailed you big time

 

I had just the opposite experience with Toy Store. I purchased a 2003 50 Anniversary stick shift convertible with 24 k miles. I live in AZ and hired a local mechanic to do a pre buy inspection. I made offer and the accepted without any hassle. The delivery was quick and in a covered trailer to my doorstep. The vehicle exceeded my expectations and I have to say it was the best and easiest vehicle purchase I have ever made. The vehicle looks like it came off the factor line.