Help! Need immediate advice: buying a 2008 coupe with 5 scratches....

[AV8R]

@PsychoJR
Wow, you really love our 96. My 90 still runs strong, but parts are getting harder and harder to find to keep her going. Had to get the ABS pump rebuilt for example, because when it failed it was impossible to find a new one. So too when the exhaust had to be replaced, OEM pipes and rear mufflers don't exist anymore and even the best modern replacements don't provide the required back pressure to allow the EGR to operate correctly to pass California SMOG. I finally got it t work, but it was some tweaking and lots of effort. This gets old to have to keep fighting to keep a good vette going. Like how can I go on a long trip if something breaks down if the parts aren't available?


@Elaine (Corvette Mike, NE?)

… I know…
But I did put $550 into this gamble thus far, I have to play out the hand. Still its just an ante and I'm not full in… yet.
Thanks for the voice of caution and experience. Im at the point where I need a newer reliable vehicle, and it must have all the features I want (which seems hard to find). I guess I could just wait till the perfect vette is found and keep my 90 running with a wing and a prayer. We shall see when the 2008 arrives.

I knew a Corvette Mike out here in Southern California. He (Mike) put the stainless steel brakes in my 74 some 20 years ago.
Used Corvettes for Sale | Corvette Repair | Corvette Service

 

[Psychojr]

@PsychoJR
Wow, you really love our 96. My 90 still runs strong, but parts are getting harder and harder to find to keep her going. Had to get the ABS pump rebuilt for example, because when it failed it was impossible to find a new one. So too when the exhaust had to be replaced, OEM pipes and rear mufflers don't exist anymore and even the best modern replacements don't provide the required back pressure to allow the EGR to operate correctly to pass California SMOG. I finally got it t work, but it was some tweaking and lots of effort. This gets old to have to keep fighting to keep a good vette going. Like how can I go on a long trip if something breaks down if the parts aren't available?

@Elaine (Corvette Mike, NE?)

… I know…
But I did put $550 into this gamble thus far, I have to play out the hand. Still its just an ante and I'm not full in… yet.
Thanks for the voice of caution and experience. Im at the point where I need a newer reliable vehicle, and it must have all the features I want (which seems hard to find). I guess I could just wait till the perfect vette is found and keep my 90 running with a wing and a prayer. We shall see when the 2008 arrives.

I knew a Corvette Mike out here in Southern California. He (Mike) put the stainless steel brakes in my 74 some 20 years ago.
Used Corvettes for Sale | Corvette Repair | Corvette Service

The 96 is my first one and I'm taking the attitude that I'm going to have fum with it. I've driven Lexus's in the past, and most have dropped in value more when I've driven them off the lot than I'm spending on this one. Maybe I'll get a C7 in the next year when I get tired of this one!

 

[AV8R]

My 90.... Feel like I'm cheating on her ....

 

[robertps21]

Carmax or Not to Carmax

Well to my surprise, the "hold" on the car was released this morning. So much for holding it long enough to check back with me if I wanted it or not. Sales…. grrr….

Its going to cost me $550 to transfer the car to my local CarMax. So to not lose this Vette (I've been through this about 3-4 times now), I put down the ante to stay at the poker table. I guess Ive bought time to see and drive the car versus buying it sight unseen except for the usual 10 foot shots online. I did get the manager to give me close ups, which normally they won't do (which is why I didn't transfer the other ones Ive been considering over the past year). I don't want to gamble this kind of money sight unseen. At least this time I have the pictures of the damage as Ive shown you. What makes this car special is that it not only has my must have options/features, it has my full secondary list as well. Even rarer.

So from here, its wait a week or two to get the Vette here so I can inspect and ride it. Anything I should look for that are known problems?
Cost is $34K, which is between the KBB and Edmunds. CarMax is usually higher than buying off private, but like I said they usually are in good condition and covered for 30 days for all repairs and defects (apart from cosmetic).
[TABLE="width: 603"]
<tbody>[TR]
[TD]Air Conditioning, Dual-Zone Automatic Front
[/TD]
[TD]Lights
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Alarm System
[/TD]
[TD]Lights, Daytime Running
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Alternator, 70-Amp
[/TD]
[TD]Lights, Reading
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Antenna, Integrated
[/TD]
[TD]Mirror, O/S LH & Inside Automatic Day/Night
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Axle Ratio, 3.42
[/TD]
[TD]Mirrors
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Axle, Limited Slip Rear
[/TD]
[TD]Mirrors, Dual Heated Power
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Brakes, Power 4 Wheel Disc with 4 Wheel ABS
[/TD]
[TD]Mirrors, Dual Illuminated Visor Vanity
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Clock, Digital (w/Radio)
[/TD]
[TD]Option Pkg 1LT
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Communication System, OnStar w/Emergency & Safety Services
[/TD]
[TD]Power Outlet, (1)
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Consoles, Floor & Center w/Storage
[/TD]
[TD]Radio Equipment, Auxiliary Input
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Cup Holders, (2)
[/TD]
[TD]Radio Equipment, XM Feature w/3-mos of Service
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Defroster, Rear Window
[/TD]
[TD]Radio, AM/FM Stereo w/CD & MP3
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Door Locks, Automatic Power
[/TD]
[TD]Restraint System, Dual Front Air Bag
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Driver's Information Center
[/TD]
[TD]Roof Panel, Removable Solid
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Drivetrain, RWD
[/TD]
[TD]Seat Adjuster, Power Driver's
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Emission Equipment, Federal
[/TD]
[TD]Seat Trim, Leather Surfaced
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Engine Immobilizer
[/TD]
[TD]Seats, Bucket
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Engine Start, Remote Control
[/TD]
[TD]Speed Control
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Engine: V8, 6.2 Liter
[/TD]
[TD]Steering Wheel, Leather-Wrapped Tilt
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Entry System, Keyless Remote Control
[/TD]
[TD]Steering, Variable Assist Power
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Floor Mats
[/TD]
[TD]Tire Pressure Monitor
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Fog Lights, Front
[/TD]
[TD]Tires, P245/40ZR18 Front & P285/35ZR19 Rear Run Flat
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Fuel Tank, 18.0 Gal Cap
[/TD]
[TD]Traction Control
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Headlamp Control, Automatic
[/TD]
[TD]Transmission, 6 Speed Manual
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Headlamps, HID
[/TD]
[TD]Trunk/Hatch Release, Power
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Light, Cargo Comp't
[/TD]
[TD]W/S Wipers, Intermittent
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Light, Glove Box
[/TD]
[TD]Wheels, 5-Split-Spoke Silver Painted Aluminum
[/TD]
[/TR]
</tbody>[/TABLE]


My must have list was:
1. Black
2. HUD
3. NAV
4. TARGA
5. <$35K
6. <30K miles
7. Not in an accident and passes all the car fax items
8. Not driven in the winter where there is road salt
9. Interior is great shape and not any bright colors
10. Heated seats (hard to find on the West Coast) for my aching back.

Just the first 7 items usually reduces the field to one car per quarter across the country.
Many of the other features are either on my secondary wish list and even more than I had to have.
So you can see why the scratches (something I eschew on my vettes) had to be considered in light of these features.

Used Corvettes For Sale and Corvette Trader Classifieds, please go here and check things out. CarMax won't deal, I personally would walk. Also, get an NADA and check it out as to actual value. I bet they are making a good chunk off you as to what they actually paid. I don't trust CarMax in the first place, that's my problem, not yours. I would not even walk on their lot, you talk about being picky, I'm much worse than the usual. When I buy a new car, I get all the options, go to www.edmunds.com and look up what the dealer actually paid for the new car not counting any rebates, etc. I walk in with my printed paperwork and what I will pay over invoice, if they say no way, I say bye-bye. If that dealer has the car I want I go to another dealer, throw down my paperwork, if they accept, a dealer transfer is in order. I don't paly games with them for 5 minutes before I walk.

 

[AV8R]

@RobertPS21

After searching on these three words on UsedCorvettesOnSale.com
2008, black, navigation OR 2008, black, HUD
there weren't any that were in my price range

with these filters, no results
2008, black, HUD, navigation OR c6, black, HUD, navigation

Like I said earlier, finding a c6 that falls into my criteria, there are very few.
This site is more evidence of this situation.

 

[robertps21]

Word Out

@RobertPS21

After searching on these three words on UsedCorvettesOnSale.com
2008, black, navigation OR 2008, black, HUD
there weren't any that were in my price range

with these filters, no results
2008, black, HUD, navigation OR c6, black, HUD, navigation

Like I said earlier, finding a c6 that falls into my criteria, there are very few.
This site is more evidence of this situation.

Get the word out on these sites if possible what you are looking for. See what replies you get. You might also contact Dave at Kerbeck in Atlantic City, he is a good resource and all he wants to do is sell Vettes. How about McMulkin, they seem to always have a selection. All the new Vettes Kerbeck has it would not surprise me if some of those people are trading in used models. Put the word out on Ebay also. If I run across anything around here I will let you know, I have what you want in my wallet. How about the c6registry.com? There are so many sites out there that deal in Vettes, I can't keep up. I wish you the best and hope you get what you want. You know you can pick up a NAV unit for next to nothing, the HUD is another story. I don't like those scratches on the one at CarMax but that's my hangup. Hopefully you can get a low mile Vette at the same time.

 

[JJS]

Get the word out on these sites if possible what you are looking for. See what replies you get. You might also contact Dave at Kerbeck in Atlantic City, he is a good resource and all he wants to do is sell Vettes. How about McMulkin, they seem to always have a selection. All the new Vettes Kerbeck has it would not surprise me if some of those people are trading in used models. Put the word out on Ebay also. If I run across anything around here I will let you know, I have what you want in my wallet. How about the c6registry.com? There are so many sites out there that deal in Vettes, I can't keep up. I wish you the best and hope you get what you want. You know you can pick up a NAV unit for next to nothing, the HUD is another story. I don't like those scratches on the one at CarMax but that's my hangup. Hopefully you can get a low mile Vette at the same time.

Good call with MacMulkin. A lot of people are trading their C6's for the 427 convertibles. There was a triple black (don't know the year) vette that a guy drove up from North Carolina and he drove home in a new triple black 427. The car he traded in had 17K miles and was so well maintained my wife and I thought it was a new (not a GS) corvette. It was in REALLY nice condition. Whether it fits your criteria I don't know but this car was nice. They have a lot of nice used cars there.

 

[AV8R]

Only one vette that is: C6 (2008-2013), coupe, <$35K, <30K miles and it is a red vette with 13K miles. Mileage is good, no like red. (not even inputting NAV, HUD, Targa)2008 Chevrolet Corvette for sale in Nashua - 1G1YY25WX85103275 - MacMulkin Chevrolet Cadillac

Thanks for the site and input once again. I entered what I was looking for in their contact us link. Not having the NAV is negotiable, but I wont bargain without the wish list features. Being I buy a car every 20 years, I am particular. The cosmetic defects are something ill have to see first hand as to if I can live with them and what they would cost to repair.

 

[JJS]

They turn their cars around very quickly so if you see one you're interested in you don't want to wait or it'll be gone. All of their used cars look like new.

 

[DDLS3]

Here's a gem....

Cars for Sale: 2008 Chevrolet Corvette in Arlington, VA 22201: Coupe Details - 343679968 - AutoTrader.com\

and here's another
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...us=0&listingId=333052196&listingIndex=5&Log=0

shipping is not that expensive, a number of members here have used shipping services that are usually less than a plane ticket, fuel, and lodging

 

[LLC5]

The cosmetic defects are something ill have to see first hand as to if I can live with them and what they would cost to repair.

Clearly you cannot live with it, and neither could I. Try to find out how the damages occurred, and if no answer is known then walk away. A complete mechanical inspection by an independent Corvette specialist would be mandatory if I were purchasing a vehicle sight unseen. This is a used car dealer, believe me when I say that there are better values out there. If it were me I would find one that 100% works for me and not settle for one that doesn't, it takes time but you will find one. Good luck with your choice.

 

[AV8R]

Car arrived at local CarMax yesterday, I have not seen it yet. However, I am having their shop blend the defects best they can. Apparently they do this extra step only for "speciality cars" (IE high end cars like Mercedes, Jags, etc. I think) I expressed my angst and they are working on it. I have no idea what to expect or if its just another sales trick. Might know later today.

Meanwhile back at the ranch, I see a similar car with almost the exact features (a year older, 2007 with 29K miles for 1K less, but 900 to transfer) is out in Virginia. Funny how they go months with none, then two in a row. Anyways, Im not going for it regardless of the outcome here. If I reject this local one and lose my ante ($550) I'm out of the game and will continue on with my 90 and deal with its hard to find parts going forward. Ill be out of the hunt for awhile.

So the drama goes on for a bit longer… stay tuned. And thanks for all of your support, opinions, admonitions, advice and posts. We are after all, related by common affliction.

 

[Huskerman]

Good luck with it...hope it works out for you.....

 

[AV8R]

Test drive at CarMax

Today I got to the call to come in for the test drive. I had told them I would come in as soon as their "speciality shop" dealt with the crappy chip paint job over the scratches. Well what they did was wet sand them, not paint and blend. Guess thats the best they do (sigh). So I went out to see their best shot being I already paid the transfer fee.

Once I got there, I found about 6 of these cosmetic scratches just as the pictures I had showed me where they would be. Well the wet sanding removed the crappy chip paint and what was left were thin scratches, none of which were deep. Im still not thrilled about them, but they are not enough to scare me away. You have to look hard to see them which is a good thing. I will take the car to a paint shop that does vettes and get a quote. The interior was spotless, immaculate. I tested every function, switch, mode, widget, stress tested the enviromentals (one side cold the other hot), blasted the stereo, tested the seats, nothing seemed faulty. Took the car for a half hour ride which was both street and CA highway, stomped on the gas and felt the automatic power lag. Then I shifted the car into Sport gear/mode, and wow… 6.2L of throwing me back into the seat going 60 to 90 mph ilke nothing. (know that I have driven a 150+ NASCAR as a bucket item on the Pomona speedway). Impressive compared to either my 74 or 90. Played with the targa roof, listened for rattles… none. Tight as drum.

What did I find questionable? Just idling in park or neutral there was an ever so light shake I could feel through my butt or legs against the tranny. Put into drive and nothing. The tach was rock steady. Turned off the A/C and still there. I was expecting zero vibration, just smooth as silk. Realistic? Im thinking maybe its tune up time. The second item was I could hear a low level squeak coming from the engine hood area when it was down, and a bit louder when the bonnet was up. My ear could hear it coming from the drive belt area and maybe the alternator (which didn't look as beefy as my gold one I put into my 90 vette.). The third thing was that the CarMax feature list included an aux audio input. I did not see one. Where would it be if it did, right next to the NAV LCD as it is on our 2009 GMC Arcadia? Also, no bluetooth in 2008? Not as big of a deal, BT can be added for like 100 bucks iCarKits - 2008 CHEVROLET CORVETTE - Bluetooth Car Kits.

I did not take the car home, rather told them to fix that first. From there, ill buy the car on the provisional 5 day plan so I have time to take to my trusted mechanic and local paint shop. Any problems will be reported at that time before I buy the car with my own bank. Thats the game plan anyways. If I were a vette collector, Id let this one ride. But as a driver its just good enough for me to accept (barely because the cosmetic defects don't look deep or really obvious).

The big plus for the day was this…
My wife, who eschews my older vettes and won't drive even the 90 unless absolutely no other cars to be beg/borrowed/stolen, (she's only likes trucks and large SUVs), said she actually would drive this one because its more comfortable and features that are adjustable for her (she's a small sweet little thing). So this is the first time my wife said anything positive about a low slung unsafe vehicle. Here she is on her ride...

to be continued...

 

[Toms007]

I think Huskerman (Marcus) had a similar issue with his GS when he first got it with the idle roughness. IIRC he was able to fix that with a can of Seafoam or Techron......Marcus? As for the light scratches, a good detail man probably could take them out, or at least lessen their appearance to acceptable levels. As far as Bluetooth, it was available in other GM cars (Cadillac), so I would think that it was for the Corvette too. The Aux plug for my 09 Cadillac CTS is in the console, you might check there. Not sure I'd worry too much about the squeak, might just need a new belt, but have your mechanic check that out.

 

[robertps21]

C6 at Carmax

Today I got to the call to come in for the test drive. I had told them I would come in as soon as their "speciality shop" dealt with the crappy chip paint job over the scratches. Well what they did was wet sand them, not paint and blend. Guess thats the best they do (sigh). So I went out to see their best shot being I already paid the transfer fee.

Once I got there, I found about 6 of these cosmetic scratches just as the pictures I had showed me where they would be. Well the wet sanding removed the crappy chip paint and what was left were thin scratches, none of which were deep. Im still not thrilled about them, but they are not enough to scare me away. You have to look hard to see them which is a good thing. I will take the car to a paint shop that does vettes and get a quote. The interior was spotless, immaculate. I tested every function, switch, mode, widget, stress tested the enviromentals (one side cold the other hot), blasted the stereo, tested the seats, nothing seemed faulty. Took the car for a half hour ride which was both street and CA highway, stomped on the gas and felt the automatic power lag. Then I shifted the car into Sport gear/mode, and wow… 6.2L of throwing me back into the seat going 60 to 90 mph ilke nothing. (know that I have driven a 150+ NASCAR as a bucket item on the Pomona speedway). Impressive compared to either my 74 or 90. Played with the targa roof, listened for rattles… none. Tight as drum.

What did I find questionable? Just idling in park or neutral there was an ever so light shake I could feel through my butt or legs against the tranny. Put into drive and nothing. The tach was rock steady. Turned off the A/C and still there. I was expecting zero vibration, just smooth as silk. Realistic? Im thinking maybe its tune up time. The second item was I could hear a low level squeak coming from the engine hood area when it was down, and a bit louder when the bonnet was up. My ear could hear it coming from the drive belt area and maybe the alternator (which didn't look as beefy as my gold one I put into my 90 vette.). The third thing was that the CarMax feature list included an aux audio input. I did not see one. Where would it be if it did, right next to the NAV LCD as it is on our 2009 GMC Arcadia? Also, no bluetooth in 2008? Not as big of a deal, BT can be added for like 100 bucks iCarKits - 2008 CHEVROLET CORVETTE - Bluetooth Car Kits.

I did not take the car home, rather told them to fix that first. From there, ill buy the car on the provisional 5 day plan so I have time to take to my trusted mechanic and local paint shop. Any problems will be reported at that time before I buy the car with my own bank. Thats the game plan anyways. If I were a vette collector, Id let this one ride. But as a driver its just good enough for me to accept (barely because the cosmetic defects don't look deep or really obvious).

The big plus for the day was this…
My wife, who eschews my older vettes and won't drive even the 90 unless absolutely no other cars to be beg/borrowed/stolen, (she's only likes trucks and large SUVs), said she actually would drive this one because its more comfortable and features that are adjustable for her (she's a small sweet little thing). So this is the first time my wife said anything positive about a low slung unsafe vehicle. Here she is on her ride...

to be continued...

Don't forget to check for Run Flat Tires... Friend of mine bought used Vette that had tires replaced and were _not_ Run Flats. He had to buy a jack, compressor, and patch kit to carry with him at all times. Just a reminder. Enjoy the new ride... Robert

 

[AV8R]

Thank you Toms1 for those quick responses. Hope to hear more insights as two these two remaining mechanical issues plus where is the Aux Audio Input?!

I know about this Vette Mods site that has audio input workarounds: (Ive emailed him for more information. Also has BT replaced these audio inputs now hat iPhones and iPods are BT enabled?)
C6 Corvette Modifications

Will likely get the 5 day provisional purchase/trial period going today.

PS, just saw Robert's posting. I will indeed check on that. I assume theres an easy way to know if they are the proper tires? Ill google it too.
Thanks!

heres one of the carmax pictures of the car when it was on their website: Can see it says GOODYEAR, but not the rest. Ill try to get the info from the car.

UPDATE: Sales dude messaged me that the tires read: "goodyear eagle f1 p245/40zr18"
Looking this up, they are (looks like Im OK)
Description:The GoodYear Eagle F1 Supercar EMT is Goodyears self-supporting run-flat tire.
The Eagle F1 Supercar EMT is a max performance tire offering superior handling in dry conditions.

 

[Toms007]

Check out this link to the 2008 Owners manual.

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/c6/2008/2008corvette.pdf

 

[Toms007]

Looks like the Aux plug is supposed to be in the face of the radio.......??? At least that's what the owners manual says.

 

[AV8R]

I think the no NAV system vettes don't have the radio/CDROM system's optional its Aux Audio Input. Page 95 of the manual calls out this input port, but nothing is said about the NAV system supplied ones. I could be wrong, but I haven't found evidence otherwise yet. This is too bad, because the CarMax feature list called it out and I really am an iPhone/iPod user and not a CD user. Not that big of a deal though.