First time corvette buyer with questions

[AFJumper03]

I'm looking to buy my first corvette, and I'm most interested in the 92-96 years. I'm looking to spend around 12-14k, and my main question to anyone who will answer is this: How many miles is too many? I've seen some great deals out there for 95s and up will 100k+ miles. If the car is in good shape and everything is runnning fine, should this be a problem? Can I expect to start paying a hundred bucks a mile in maintance? How reliable are these years for cars with higher mileage? Thank you for any replies.

 

[LEEJANDZ]

Mileage isnt as big of a concern as you think.
Maintenance is more important.

I would rather buy a 100k mile car from the original owner with a folder of service records, than a 40k mile service unknown car from a dealer.

What you can do is take any car you consider purchasing and having a pre-inspection performed by a qualified VETTE mechanic. A CHEVY dealership is a good place to take your car for this, tell them you just bought the car and want to make sure its ok. They will give you a paper with everything wrong hoping you will decide to fix it then and there. Then you will know.

Buy peace of mind!!!



JASON *** SALES & LEASING CONSULTANT *** 1979 L-82

 

[Ken]

I would rather buy a 100k mile car from the original owner with a folder of service records, than a 40k mile service unknown car from a dealer.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I save every scrap of paperwork for my vehicles, and it is so frustrating to see some people's reaction when you offer it to them with the sale of said vehicle. Usually, they have no use for it whatsoever, but then, they probably wouldn't understand it anyway! :eyerole

_ken

 

[LEEJANDZ]

What is that ounce of prevention saying???

Its too early in the morning and I think Im going brain dead.

Ken
believe it or not... there are some of us still out here that value that folders worth of 10 years of paperwork.

 

[smook]

...I agree

Information indicates good care.

If that person has taken the time to keep records, they also have taken the time to take care of their vette too.

folders=$$$ for vette (and a better vette too)

I would NOT touch an undocumented car. Looks good, but ?!

Try to buy from someone/dealer or not that you trust. Look for a local vette shop for help finding a car or a vette club. Some vette club members know where a good car is or one of the members is selling his/hers.

Good luck. Take the time to find your vette. Don't RUSH!

-Bill.

...and yes, everyone is in a hurry to get that vette. SLOWDOWN. Get a good one. Part of the fun is looking around.

 

[Tuna]

My local club's web site has a 96 LT4 vert listed on the 'trading post' for $17k. That may give you an idea on value.
You should be able to find a nice 92-94 in your price range.

 

[AFJumper03]

High Miles

Thanks for all the quick replies! Its nice to see I'm going to be part of a community of such interested car owners. You guys really look out for each other, I like that alot.
Ok so assuming the cars I look at have great maintance records (now I wont even look at one without them), what kind of mileage range should I start to be worried about major overhauls that might be needed in the immediate future? (Transmission, engine mount, etc.) Traditionally, when do these major systems need replacing on vettes in this year range? Thanks again!

 

[RubyDropTop]

Something that you will want to investigate is the OptiSpark and water pump situation. Are they original? Have they been replaced? The OptiSpark (or OptiCrap, as it is well known) is a weakness in these cars. They are very sensitive to water/moisture, so GM placed them directly beneath the water pump. :eyerole

An Opti/water pump replacement can easily cost you $1,000.00. My original water pump failed at 25,000 miles and was taking the Opti with it.

Absolutely make sure that all features (CD player, power seats, windows, AC, antenna, etc.) function properly. The CD players in the '93 Vette are well known for crapping out. I just recently had mine refurbished. All non-functioning features are a bargaining chip on the price of the car.

A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified person is a very good point. Someone who is familiar with these cars can be a valuable asset to you. Take your time in making your choice, there are many cars out there.

 

[Daryllawman]

Welcome to the Corvette Action Center Russ.....