How's this one sound- 1990 6 speed

[no_vette_yet]

Found a 1990 6 speed with 114,000miles actual. I will be seeing it tomorrow. The seller is a small dealer that says he bought it at an auction and it was a trade in. Says it needs a new A/C com[pressor and the right headlamp pump. Says the headlamp part is $140 from the dealer and the compressor is under $200. The tires are pretty worn. He is asking $6700 so it seems priced right. Priced it on Kelly Blue book and for those miles and needing at least the repairs mentioned that is inline with "Fair" condition. It may be better than that cause the paint is supposed to be good. I will follow up with more details after I drive it, but in the mean time if anyone has any comments they would be appreciated.

 

[Ripp 73]

When you take it for a spin, do just that. Drive it like you own it. Don't let the car intimidate you in anyway. Take your time looking it over. Ask as many questions as possible, the dealer may know nothing about it, then again, he might know something and try to cover it up. If you hear him say two different things, assume it is the worse. Wish you the best and keep us informed. Maybe you'll be changing your name soon.

 

[Vette_Newb]

Auction cars can be very tricky, I would advise you to have it checked out thoroughly by a mechanic and body shop before you decide.

Good luck.

 

[no_vette_yet]

Thanks for the replies. Getting the car to a mechanic is also tricky as the car is 20 miles south of me and I don't know a good mech in that area. Should I take it to a Chevy dealer-tips on selecting a mechanic. Should the mech be expected to plug into the pigtail and download the the computer diagnostic? All I can do is drive it to see if tight, when on a lift check for leaks, wheel bearing condition, etc. I would think that the drive quality would tell the most. Is the '90 L-98 with a HEI delco type distributer instead of the Optispark and if so is that a more reliable setup. Testing the clutch- is a good testto put the car in high gear at idle and let out the clutch to see if it will stall? other tips on clutch or is it just obvious when you pop it the response.

Any other suggestions- brakes, shocks, suspension, driveline, electrical system?

I take it from this forum that the consensus here is to spend twice the money and buy a 4x newer car? seems to me a vette for 6k is fully depreciated, yet I can imagine wouldn't be an easy sell when it has 160k on the clock. I guess the offset is invesment in repairs. If this car had half the miles ( 57k) it would probably have an ask of 12K (guesstimate, of course) Would it be 2x better? Hrmmmmm...is each 10k miles another 1,000$ depreciation?...I guess you have to have a feel for it.

 

[c4cruiser]

Buy the best car you can find for the money you have to spend. 114K on a 15 year old car is not that bad, but there can be hidden problems so that's why it always a good idea to have a car inspected before purchase. Check with AAA to see what facilities they list in the area where the car is located. They have to be a pretty decent shop to get AAA to recommend them. Call some and ask what they charge for a pre-purchase inspection. Figure on 1 to 1.5 hrs of labor and that should be around $100 to $125 to do. They should check al of the major mechanical components. If the Service Engine Soon (SES) light is on, they should pull the codes for you and tell you what work is needed to solve that.

If the lot won't agree to let the car out for inspection, walk away. As far as the two items, the headlamp motor is around that price but it could be just a gear that can be replaced. A $200 A/C compressor is a cheap rebuild unit and if the system is empty figure on another $150-200 for refrigerant and a accumulator/dryer. If you need A/C a lot where you live, then I would not use a chepo unit. The L98 motor uses a HEI type computer controlled distributor.

If the clutch seems to slip under load (try accelerating hard in 4th from around 25-30MPH) then expect to have a clutch done. Also check for any shudder as you release the clutch.

If the tires are worn, expect anywhere from $400 to over $850 depending on the level of performance tire you want. An inspection will include a brake check. Pads can run $100, rotors $200 and labor costs. But brakes are fairly easy todo yourself if you have basic tools and some experience working on cars. Other issues might be u-joints or wheel bearings.

Take your time in looking for a quality car. There are lots of pristine C4's out there and prices for them are probably at the lowest ever.

 

[Edmond]

You could also try looking up a CAC member in the area and see if they will go along with you. I have checked out cars for members here before and it's always fun checking out a car that you don't have, it's a different experience.

It's the little things that will really get you on this car. Things like batteries, alternators (which C4's are notorious for eating), brake boosters, brakes, the headlights not popping up, leaky valve covers, power steering fluid leaks, etc...

And if the interior or weatherstrip has to be replaced, that is very expensive stuff to replace.

 

[vetteboy86]

The way I look at it, is it should be based on the money you want to spend. That is alot of miles on a vette, and who knows what kind of miles they were(hard miles or easy miles). Regardless I have seen those motors go 200k before, they really are good motors. If you have the money, yes I would try to get one with less miles. Not only do you have less wear and tear, it is a good indication that the car was taken care of. I agree with the above posts. I would try to locate a member in your area.


Craig

 

[Vette_Newb]

In the Miami area, I Would think the possibility of finding a much better car for about the same money are great. I would look for an 86 and up to get the TPI, preferably aluminum heads and avoid the 4+3 (if you want a true driver) due to the high repair costs. I paid $7000 for my 89', it had 113k and the only bad thing about it were the weak seats. Look around ALOT before you buy, I know how easy it is to make a decision based on emotion, and that could make this the worst car-buying decision of your life.

Check these out: Especially the black 90 convertible.
Here

 

[wilezcoyote]

A/C Compressor for $200??

I don't think so. The one in my 90 model died in July. Looked High and low for prices on a new or rebuilt A/C Compressor and Clutch. Cheapest w/ 2yr warranty was AutoZone @ $299 rebuilt. Ecklers wants $549 for a new one. Dealer wants $1200. Don't forget to buy an orifice tube ($35) or the warranty is void. R-12 ain't cheap either. Total cost to fix it was $850 cause I ain't got any R-12 or a vacuum pump.

The 84 to 89 models used a different compressor thats a lot cheaper than the NipponDenso compressors that were used from 90-96.

Take a disinterested 3rd party who knows about cars with you.

I love my car but they can be very expensive hangar queens if you buy one thats been abused.

 

[vee93]

Found a 1990 6 speed with 114,000miles actual. I will be seeing it tomorrow. The seller is a small dealer that says he bought it at an auction and it was a trade in. Says it needs a new A/C com[pressor and the right headlamp pump. Says the headlamp part is $140 from the dealer and the compressor is under $200. The tires are pretty worn. He is asking $6700 so it seems priced right. Priced it on Kelly Blue book and for those miles and needing at least the repairs mentioned that is inline with "Fair" condition. It may be better than that cause the paint is supposed to be good. I will follow up with more details after I drive it, but in the mean time if anyone has any comments they would be appreciated.

Look. I know you're chompin' at the bit to get a Vette, but slow yer roll a minute. I'm just gonna come right out and tell you to hold up and don't buy this car. 114,000 miles is a lotta driving--I don't care how it was driven. Keep saving your money and keep looking. Try AutoTrader.com or something. Blue Book-smoooo book. The C4 is droppin a bit in value with the C6 out now and prices falling offa the C5. Your key here in getting what you want at a reasonable price that won't become a money pit later is----PATIENCE.

Just do yourself a favor and keep looking. The right Vette will show up if you just give it some more time. Happy searching!!!!!

 

[no_vette_yet]

Thanks for the replies and good calls. I drove the 90 6 speed, 114k. Tons of muscle-the 6 speed is almost uncivilized, makes me want to jump on it all the time. The car drove good but had many descrepancies, both cosmetic and many parts not working. I knew that going over but wanted the experience of evaluating it. Got it tooo sideways in a 2nd gear corner-the six speed is a fury.

Looked at a 95 that was in vg shape, 102k. Nice all around and everything working. Needed an O2 sensor and had a foul smell out the right exhaust. It was an automatic and made me a more civilized driver. Kinda just put on the A/C, blare up the tunes (Bose sounds nice) and be cool.

Well, I have another one to look at- an 89 6speed, 94k. It is a private owner, and I think that it may be a better one. He changed the weatherstrips, door panels, alt, tires. Says it needs new paint but that it is presentable. Cloth seats. Needs A/C compresor.

I do have a concern, If the headliner is loose on the roof panel it lays on me head. The lexan panel has added clearance. I'm 6'3", do any of you guys have any problem fitting inside the cabin?

Well, a bit of a ramble, wanted to add it to the conversation, especially the part about the 6speed and how it makes it want to whale. I have a hard time understanding adding mods- These things are way too fast for American roads already.

 

[I_R_DA_ONE]

Don't forget to check the 90

In the Miami area, I Would think the possibility of finding a much better car for about the same money are great. I would look for an 86 and up to get the TPI, preferably aluminum heads and avoid the 4+3 (if you want a true driver) due to the high repair costs. I paid $7000 for my 89', it had 113k and the only bad thing about it were the weak seats. Look around ALOT before you buy, I know how easy it is to make a decision based on emotion, and that could make this the worst car-buying decision of your life.

Check these out: Especially the black 90 convertible.
Here

I looked at this vette and that seemed a very good price...If the top goes down the price goes up.....Keep that in mind

the best to you
Mike

 

[Edmond]

I looked at this vette and that seemed a very good price...If the top goes down the price goes up.....Keep that in mind

the best to you
Mike

You talkin' about cars or exotic dancers?

 

[G Winter]

Always worth more if the top drops. Running topless has it's plus side.