Opinions Needed. Good Deal or not? 1988

[knowit]

Hi guys great forum here. I am new to Vettes, had F bodies from way back. Anyway, what I have come across is a 1988 Red with tan manual coupe. It has 126,000 miles. Exterior is pretty nice, it has been repainted, pretty good job. Interior is very very nice. The seat side bolsters are not even worn. Car has been sitting for 3 years outside. Tires are starting to crack, wheels are dull. Engine starts and runs, but there is a problem. Engine stumbles above 2000 rpm, like misfire or something like that. Under 2000 rpm all is fine, no strange engine noises. I am thinking injector trouble. Anyway, that is about it. Can't drive the car, not registered currently. Current deal is $4250. Talk or walk?

 

[vett boy]

Well ya could almost part it out for $4200 .My main concern would be frame rust.And you do realize your going to invest (guess) $3-4000.

 

[knowit]

Yeah, that is what I am afraid of. I know the values of these cars even when they are pristine is not that great. Of course, I got all excited when I was looking at it. But now when I stop to think about it I am a little worried.

 

[XLR8]

Knowit - first, welcome to the Corvette Action Center.

Second - you may want to take a look at this thread which is similar to your situation, except that one has only 39,000 unconfirmed miles on it.

Click

Good luck! You've come to a great community for learning about all things Corvette and the C4 is a great representative of the marque.

Check out the CAC Tech Center ( Click ) and Model Center ( Click ) for more information.

Jane Ann

 

[G Winter]

Offer $3000 , if it has been sitting outside that long you could be looking at weatherstrip rot. I know at 3k I would be willing to take it home.

Glenn

 

[knowit]

I offered 4 and he said 4250. Good thing he didn't take 4 or I would have given deposit. Yes the weatherstrips are bad. I am thinking about walking at this point. Especially with the 2000 rpm issue.

 

[vett boy]

I offered 4 and he said 4250. Good thing he didn't take 4 or I would have given deposit. Yes the weatherstrips are bad. I am thinking about walking at this point. Especially with the 2000 rpm issue.

Over 300,000 c-4's out there .Some are for sale.

 

[GS Diva]

knowit,

I think you'd be making a wise decision to walk away from this one! As vettboy said, there are thousands of Corvettes for sale. You don't need to start Corvette ownership with something that will eat up your money, right off the bat.

I see you're from Boston...I live in Weymouth, 15 miles south. I also sell Corvettes at Corvette Mike New England in Plymouth. If I can help you in your search, please don't hesitate to call me.

Elaine

 

[Toms007]

knowit,

I think you'd be making a wise decision to walk away from this one! As vettboy said, there are thousands of Corvettes for sale. You don't need to start Corvette ownership with something that will eat up your money, right off the bat.

I see you're from Boston...I live in Weymouth, 15 miles south. I also sell Corvettes at Corvette Mike New England in Plymouth. If I can help you in your search, please don't hesitate to call me.

Elaine

I agree with the DIVA, there are a lot more C4's out there, even for that kind of money that you should be able to pick up with out a mess of headaches right off the bat.

 

[chuck121566]

I offered 4 and he said 4250. Good thing he didn't take 4 or I would have given deposit. Yes the weatherstrips are bad. I am thinking about walking at this point. Especially with the 2000 rpm issue.

My bet is that you will hear from him...I wouldn't think he'd let you get away for $250.

 

[GS Diva]

My bet is that you will hear from him...I wouldn't think he'd let you get away for $250.

I agree...you will probably hear from him. However, my advice is to keep looking. The car sounds like it will end up costing you more in repairs than you can imagine. If you are already aware of some issues, you can bet there are many more problems that haven't arisen yet. :ugh

No one has even mentioned the fact that it has 126k miles and has the 4+3 transmission which is notorious for having major problems. I had an '88 with the 4+3 and didn't have any problems at all, but it also had much less miles.

Just food for thought! Put that $4,000 into something newer with less miles and in better condition so you can enjoy it right away rather than spending $$ on it.

Elaine

 

[gmjunkie]

You don't get much Corvette for $4250!! Weather Strip Kit $550-$700 Plus Labor,Complete service with Plugs,Wires,Belts,Hoses,Filters,Fluids $500-$800 Plus Labor,Wheel Bearings $180.- $250 each Plus Labor.It don't take Long!!!

 

[LT4man]

Gasoline in tank from sitting for three years would not even run my snowblower!!!

Paint & interior would have been most expensive items to repair/replace. Both are in excellent shape, so you are good to go.

As the junk man said above, you don't get much Vette for $4,250.00!

Offer him $4,100.00 and call it a day. I think you will be veryyyyy happy with your purchase!

SAVE THE

 

[air1jpg]

knowit,

I think you'd be making a wise decision to walk away from this one! As vettboy said, there are thousands of Corvettes for sale. You don't need to start Corvette ownership with something that will eat up your money, right off the bat.

I see you're from Boston...I live in Weymouth, 15 miles south. I also sell Corvettes at Corvette Mike New England in Plymouth. If I can help you in your search, please don't hesitate to call me.

Elaine

As a second place to look at GOOD Vettes, check out www.buyavette.net It is a dealership in Altanta called American Sportscar Center that deals primarily in just Vettes. You can't beat a southern vette for rust and trouble free. GM Junkie also sells quality vettes, check his site and see what he has.

 

[gmjunkie]

GM Junkie also sells quality vettes, check his site and see what he has.

I'm down to 2 C5's and 1 C4, Serviced,Checked Out Bumper to Bumper and Road tested at least 3000+ miles "Personally" by the "JunkMan"!!
I also have 3 C3's but they don't have the "JUNKed Seal of Approval" yet!!!

 

[vett boy]

I'm down to 2 C5's and 1 C4, Serviced,Checked Out Bumper to Bumper and Road tested at least 3000+ miles "Personally" by the "JunkMan"!!
I also have 3 C3's but they don't have the "JUNKed Seal of Approval" yet!!!

Hey he could come down and do the dragon and drive her home.