'82 Vette

[Eagle Flight]

I have a line on an 82 bright blue vette, 104k miles, dark blue interior in decent shape. New radiator, new brakes but engine has been neglected, leaks in numerous places likely (all needs a good cleaning and going over to figure out what is going on there). AT transmission shifts hard in second gear, not sure if there are leaks there due to the engine leaks and wetness. Power windows work, driver's headlight is slow and hangs up a little on opening. No documentation. Paint has been redone probably 8+ years ago and has dings, scratches. Looks nice from about 10 ft. Color code is correct for bright blue (rare color). Body panels are good, wheel wells are clean, hood needs some sort of adjustment along the windshield (seems to sit a little higher than the fenders at the hood latches). Believe this is the original engine down in there somewhere... Runs and drives ok other than listed above. Did not seem to be smoking or anything when driven.

Owner looking for 8k, does that seem reasonable? Looking for a real nice driver, this one would take a significat bit of work to get to that point.

 

[Stallion]

That really isn't that reasonable at all. I wouldn't pay a dollar over $6,500 for that Vette. With that milage and that condition, it sounds quite used, and used hard. Say, you need to drop a new engine in there. And the transmission sounds like it's going as well. You might be seeing putting another $5,000 in it just to make yourself happy and get it up to "stable" condition.

 

[Eagle Flight]

Thanks for your input Stallion, the NADA site quoted between 7-8k as low retail and 13-15k if well maintained average condition with a top end around 20k if it were like new. I think that is where he is working from, but we know those prices are widely variable based on inspection and documentation.

BTW, AC was working. At least it was an experience to go and check it out.

I doubt the guy will sell for 6.5k since he paid 8k in April and dumped another 2k into it since then. He says he has an offer for 7.2k (maybe - maybe not). You could tell he was not a car guy and bought it with stars in his eyes after going to the Auto show and seeing collector edition 82's in the teens. He is in over his head, and clearly does not work on them at all.

I think the engine may be salvageable, just needing seals etc - but it is really hard to tell in it's current state, it seemed to not be making those worrisome noises and started up ok.

I think I will keep looking...

 

[wishuwerehere82]

I agree with Stallion. Unless you are a real good mechanic, the '82 is not a good one to start with. It's a nightmare to debug the cross fire injection if there are any problems.