50th Anniversary Edition Convertible

[TLeBlanc]

My wife has been considering trading her BMW in for a C-5 Vette. Her car of choice is the 2003 50th AE Convertible. Today, on my way in to work I noticed one at a Jaguar dealership so I stopped in to take a look. The car was immaculate and had only 2100 (yes 2100) miles. The salesman quoted a price of $48K and told me it was the only car (of this model) with such low mileage. On my way back from lunch I decided to check one of the Chevy dealerships to compare the 2004 model prices. Have heard some deep discounting going on to make way for C-6s. They were knocking around $15K off the sticker. When walking back to the showroom I noticed another 2003 AE in the shop. I asked about it and was told they had just got it in this morning. We went over to take a look, and low and behold, this car had only 1900 miles !

Anyway, I've got a bidding war going on between the two dealerships now

Anybody have an idea what a fair price should be on one of these models ?

 

[lov-n-life]

Anyway, I've got a bidding war going on between the two dealerships now

Anybody have an idea what a fair price should be on one of these models ?

I would say, if both you and the dealer you buy it from can go home and have a steak dinner, it was fair price and good day.

 

[Tuna]

With over 11,600 2003 Anniversary edition cars build and 60+% of them verts, they are not rare - even with low mileage. Considering that you can get a new 04 CE vert for 10-15k off sticker, don't even consider paying that much for a used 03 AE vert.

Now is a great time to buy an 03 or 04 Vette.

 

[Patrick]

Tuna,
My philosophy is that the 50th Anniversary edition (coupe or convertible) will eventually be a real collectors item. And the 50th Anniversary edition is an '03. Of course, its future value assumes the mileage is reasonable 20 years from now, and that the car has been well cared for. But I personally wouldn't mind having a 50th Anny vert.

-Patrick

 

[TLeBlanc]

Found out yesterday the Vette with 1900 miles was a buyback. Apparently the car had problems that were not getting repaired to the owner's satisfaction. After 5 trips to the shop Chevrolet bought it back. It is being sent back somewhere in the North East to be evaluated.

 

[BigMike5]

Check on-line dealers

You should check Kerbeck, Corvetteking, Corvetteconti, just to name a few on verts. Kerbeck has 04 in the color you like for at least $7K off the sticker, somewhere around $46-45K. There may be better deals at other sites. Also check eBay for Ann. Ed. cars. Sometimes they show up there. I used to think no way on a used vehicle, even low mileage Vettes--What's wrong with it? Why such low mileage and selling?--but now I figure some people just like to have em and not really drive em, so there may be lots of low mileage cars that are fine. I hadn't intended to drive my 04 much when I got it on 1 July, but I've already blown thru 3K miles, just taking trips, etc. Its addictive.

 

[Trigger Creep]

I'd think there was still room in that price of $49k. Many dealers are selling new 04's for hi 30's and low to mid 40's. Not all dealerships can operate on this level, but many 04's were deeply discounted. This sell-off brought down the resale price of all C5's imo. This model year depreciation should somewhat stabilize now that the C6 is available. You have to remember the 04's they are selling at $12-15k off are cars that are now one model year old. There are many great deals on 03's and remaining 04's right now.

A carfax review or service history (should be available from the service dept) will show you any unusual service problems for that car. You can request that here, some forum members subscribe to this service and will provide it to other members.

If you truly only want the 50th Ann Edition, you may just have to pay your dealers price or continue looking outside your area. Many new car owners trade every year or two as a habit. Anniversary Editions are special beasts. Owners take a special pride in owning AE's of any year and appreciate the bond they have with the Corvette heritage. Still, any C5 is a great machine!

 

[BADsBabe]

I do not know much about the pricing of the AE addition but it is true the dealers are throwing the 2004's at you for dirt cheap! I would hold out try them out at 40-42K tops and see who bites.

Just a thought!
Fran

 

[TedDBere]

'03 AEs are going for about $42k for a coupe and $46 for the vert. Remember these are fully loaded with the f55 suspension and carried a 5k premium for the anniversary package. They had almost every option available as standard equipment in the package.

 

[Blade]

A quick search on e-bay shows several 50th AE are available, their prices appear higher than other non AE 2003 models.

Low 40s is a good price for an AE vert.

Keep us posted on your progress.

 

[invinceablevett]

The 2003 AE convertible(8500 miles) I am looking at has a price tag of $ 46 K. (U.S.).....My last offer was $41 K.....we are miles apart but hey it's my money ......If we agree on a price I will have to pay 15% sales tax on the purchase price......it's a whole lot of cash to be putting away for 6 months.

 

[invinceablevett]

A tiny little footnote.......I shopped around in early 2003 when the '03 AE appeared and the asking price from a local dealer was $ 64,000.00 (US) plus 15% sales tax.......Now that's what I call taking a bath.....I'd settle for a quick shower right now .