85 for $8k. Too high?? Read on...>

[Fabinatl]

9 out of a perfect 10! Inside and out like new. Only has 45,600 miles on it. What do you people think? Is this a good deal or is the price still too high? Red / Red, Glass top - no cracks, all leather seats almost like new. Has after market radio and alarm system. It's also a 4 speed.
Your input would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Andy in Atlanta.

 

[Mr Dark]

I paid more than that for my '85 two years ago, but many here would say that I overpaid. The only caution that I would give you is that even if the car is a 9 of 10, you are still going to have some problems caused by age. My heater core went (along with a HUGE chunk from my checkbook), and I had a short in the dash that developed (another hit to the bank account). These were just things that happened because the car is getting old. If the car is that nice and you like it, buy it, but just be aware that things can and do go out. Good luck on whatever you decide to do!

 

[B17Crew]

Fabinatl,

If I were in the market an ’85, the one you are describing sounds like one I’d consider. With the condition being a “9” out of a “10”, it sounds like a fair price, especially if the owner has documentation.

Keep in mind, it may need a few gaskets here and there, but that’s normal, it’s 19 years old. If you can have a knowledgeable Corvette mechanic look over the car, that would be icing on the cake.

I’d also ask the owner if he has the original radio (that’d be nice to have even if you keep the Alpine system in). Ask the owner if he has any other original parts laying around, even if it’s the oil cap, grab it up.

If you decide to purchase the ’85, for piece of mind, have the car serviced, have the transmission serviced, have the radiator cleaned and flushed, etc.

Good luck on your pursuit.

B17Crew:

 

[Guy]

Sounds like a good price. If you didn't mind an automatic, here is another nice one I'd chase if I had the extra cash:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=712973


Guy

 

[c4cruiser]

If the car has sat for an extended period of time, I would be watching carefully for fluid leaks. Gaskets will shrink and in some cases crack. If it has been a "Sunday driver" you should be OK.

Ask if you can have the car checked by a trusted mechanic or garage. That should run you about $75 or so and would be well worth it.

If you decide to buy, change all the fluids unless the prior owner has service documentation showing the proper maintenance activities according to the owner's manual. Besides an oil and filter change, you should change coolant, tranny oil, the ATF fluid in the OD, rear end lubricant, and flush the brake and clutch fluids. Would be worth changing the cooling system hoses at the same time.

Keep a close eye on the OD unit in the 4+3 tranny. The key to long life of them is changing fluid and filter on a regular basis. A replacement OD unit (not the 4-speed part) is around $1200 :eek

 

[Fabinatl]

Thanks for the advise! I'm going to take a closer look at it and run a carfax on it today.
Andy

 

[tyrel]

I think $8k sounds about right if the car is in that good of condition. What is the condition of other things like tires, shocks, brakes, battery, alternator, serpentine belt? Does the a/c work? Has it been serviced regularly with oil changes, coolant changes? Any leaks? I don't need to tell you this, but there's a big difference between an $8k car that has been babied by the previous owner and one that has just had the minimum maintenance to get by. Tires and new a/c are expensive, and some parts wear out just due to age like radiator hoses and the flexible parts of brake lines. An inspection by a qualified mechanic is cheap insurance, and they will check everything to put your mind at ease. If it checks out, it sounds like a great deal. Also, if the car doesn't have the service records, I would reconsider buying it, because you'll want to know the maintenance history.

 

[Guy]

oh yeah...after you buy it you might want to consider coming to one of our Atlanta BBQ's held at various CAC members houses from Monroe to Norcross...

Folks come from miles around .


Guy