Hello and first post with question...

[vertrx7]

As stated, just found my way here. Greetings! There was another forum I went to while searching but they did not seem "right". Seems like they were just bought out by a large consortium. I've seen that before.

Now, I'm going to look at a 95 convertible down south of Jacksonville, FL in the next two weeks. 78,000 miles, red hardtop. I'll take that checklist on this site with me. Is there anything else specific I need to look at besides the obvious used car stuff? $13,500 seems to be about Kelly and NADA.

Also, is there a listing of helpful members who donate time in helping with a purchase in the local areas? Some other sites have this. Don't know about here, so I thought I'd ask.

Ralf

 

[DaleD]

Welcome.

I think the checklist is key. Carfax and records by the owner are important. I think carfax is over-rated, but better safe than sorry. Find out if the waterpump/opti has been done, if not, it's in that car's near future.
Other than that, basic car stuff. Make sure you get to start it cold, have someone with you. Check the exhaust when it's started for smoke, and what color smoke. Too much smoke is bad, grey - head gasket, black - oil. Check all the knobs and buttons, and lights to be sure it's all in working order. Stab the breaks good when you drive it, make sure nothing is lurking there. Don't underestimate cosmetics, door panels are a problem, and expensive. Seat covers are even more expensive.
Weatherstripping costs a lot, and tires aren't cheap.
Make sure the AC works.
Paint is huge, very expensive to fix.
Something I've learned, look at the details. Is all the hardware there, the little stuff? Screws in the fender wells, the hood, in the door panels, etc. It's a sign of a well cared for car to have everything in place.

The mileage is about right, in my book. It means the car probably didn't sit, but chances are, it wasn't run all over the place either. $13.5k for a car like this isn't outrageous, as long as everything is in place. But for $13.5k I'd expect it to be near perfect. If it isn't, negotiate down, or look elsewhere.

Good luck, post pics if you buy it.

 

[WhalePirot]

Kelly and NADA.

No cars around here sell for those figures, but well back of them. KBB online prices are about useless, as I was told by the guy who actually did their online work. See, the paid vs freebies should be worth something.

 

[GS Diva]

Dale and Whale (funny how that rhymes, huh!) are right in their assessments. Always remember that there are thousands of Corvettes for sale...and many probably closer to you...so do not fall in love and buy the first one! Do your homework, check prices on similar cars, go over everything, and check in here for advice. We love to make sure people get the one that is right for them!

Good luck, and let us know how you make out.

Elaine

 

[vertrx7]

What does it mean that a car does not sell for those figures, but "back of them"? Does that mean the cars sell for less? I'm suspecting it does.
California prices maybe? Miatas seem to sell for less in CA as well or so it seems.

Been looking around and it seems that most convertibles are going for around 13-15 though the asking price of course is much higher. Collector Editions even more. None of those have a hardtop. This one has chrome wheels as well, for whatever that's worth.

Oh, one more thing, what is the difference in the seats...I'm talking of the Collector Edition type seats as opposed to the other kind with what looks like horizontal ribbing where it reaches between the shoulder blades?

Ralf

 

[WhalePirot]

What does it mean that a car does not sell for those figures, but "back of them"? Does that mean the cars sell for less?

Yes. Wholesale price used to be what dealers paid, but now they pay thousands below it, because that is what they need to cover their costs for tires, brakes, etc.; all the items either required by law or 'surprise' repairs AND in case they end up wholesaling the car to another dealer.

California prices maybe?

I have not done a lot off comparison shopping recently, but it used to be the case that CA prices were higher than much of the country because there was no exposure to salt or most of the other elements. 'Cars with any rust at all are total dogs in SoCalif.

I don't think there is the seasonal price variation either, much like the relative lack of seasons themselves, in much of the state.

That discounts, of course, mudslide season, fire season, etc.

I was talking this morning with some friends about buying anything. In China, negotiations for the lowest price mean walking away three times. Here, I find I need to be totally dispassionate about the purchase, knowing as GS Diva said, that there is another car 'out there' and that this needs to be a business deal, or I lose. Ask me how I know!

 

[vertrx7]

I've been doing a little shopping lately. This particular car I have in mind didn't sell on eBay. Reserve too high I think. Carfax says its a CA car now in FL. Owner confirms that.

There's another one in OH, no hardtop, no FX3(?) suspension, and the non-Collector Edition seats. Its more expensive with 10,000 more miles. It looks like it's the only other one that comes close in terms of price. Everything that looks like its worthwhile is higher.

That said, a blue 94, dirty engine, seat seam ripping on driver's, sold for $10,500 on eBay. Out of Arkansas. Talked to the guy, dealer, "selling for friend". It was up there for about 1.5 days before someone hit the BIN.

Ralf

 

[WhalePirot]

Probably like most on here, I would be happy to take a closer look for you if you wish, on a Corvette somewhere near Orange County.

 

[vertrx7]

Appreciate it, but having bought one car in Portland, OR, I'm not crazy about doing it again...

Wouldn't mind going to CA again to hit all the old stomping grounds but, nahh, too far. Thanks though

Ralf

 

[DaleD]

I'm not an expert. But here's what I think I see going on in the market:

95 coupe, 80k miles, excellent condition - $9k - $11k
95 vert, 80k miles, excellent condition - $10k - $12k
Add the hardtop - $11k - $13k

So my best guess has your price of $13.5k a little high, but not out of the park. If you look at the car, it all checks out, it's perfect, pay the money and don't look back. Sounds like this is the car you want. If you're trying to buy a specific car, or specifically equipped car, your ability to get a great deal goes down. But if you get what you want, isn't that what it's about?

 

[vertrx7]

Overall, I think you're right. Just got off autotrader, eBay and CF to see if anything there. Corvette Trader as well. Everything high in price, but I don't have a feel as to what these things are selling for based on the economy today.
Learning curve here, which you guys are shortening. Ask me about RX7's and Miata's and I have more of a feel...oh, sorry, wrong forum

I appreciate all the kind input. Very nice welcome to this forum.

Ralf

 

[Roadster Guy]

Oh, one more thing, what is the difference in the seats...I'm talking of the Collector Edition type seats as opposed to the other kind with what looks like horizontal ribbing where it reaches between the shoulder blades?


From 1994 to 1996 sport seats were an available option. These seats were also part of the 1996 Collector Editon package with Collector Editon top stitched into the head rests. The "other kind" you refer to were the standard seats.
RG