is this a good deal 1976

[rob_ericka]

This is my first time on the site so I don't even know if I am in the right place. I can use all of the help I can get.

I am interested in buying a 1976 stingray. I have always loved corvettes and have always wanted a Stingray but I really don't know anything about them. Could someone offer me some help. Here are a few details I picked up on...

350 L-48
176,000 miles
a/c & heater broken
exhaust pipes are painted black with slight rust
1 1/2 year old paint job
drivers window broken (electric windows) (Needs assistance rolling up)
window switch broken
automaic transmission
after market stereo
interior all original but unrestored. Needs recarpeting and other help

Asking price $ 9,000

Is this a good price? What do I need to look for????????

Please help as my heart is with this corvette and I don't want to make a stupid buying decision.

Thanks
Ericka

 

[75corvette]

Well you came to the right place for answers. My first reaction to the list of things you mentioned so far is KEEP LOOKING. For the money they are asking for this car all of the things you have listed should be operational and leads me to believe this is just the beginning of your problems and this car dosn't seem to have been well maintained.
There are a lot of nicer vettes in this price range and you need to do more research. and then research some more.
If this is your first vette and it turns out to be a money pit then you will never experience the true pleasure of owning a Coevette.
Again, keep looking and let us know what you decide.
Joe V.
P.S. Welcome to the Corvette Action Center.

 

[paintdaddy]

I agree,that price is kinda high.A mid 70s corvette in that kind of shape should be in the 5k-7k range.Unless you like working on cars ,your best bet is to find one that is completely redone.A mid 70s vette that has a fresh resto from top to bottom should bring low to mid teens.You will find this is money well spent later.If you like doing the work yourself and knowing it is done right ,buy a rough driver and start restoring.You will have more money and time in the resto but you will know it is done right and you can do it as your finances allow.

 

[Ken]

Moved to the C3 Technical forum, where it will be better suited.

 

[76okievette]

I purchased my first vette in June of this year. After looking on the internet and driving three cars, I found a sweet 1976 with 41,000 miles on it, every thing works except the alarm and the clock. Every thing is orginal except the tires which had flat spots from lack of driving. The door has a oil change sitcker dated 1990 that says change the oil at 16,453 miles. My point here is keep looking by the way I paid 7,500 for this car. For 9K you should get 1976 that is in excellent condition, keep looking you will find the right car.

 

[76okievette]

I forgot to add, don't get a car that has RUST on it unless you really enjoy working instead of driving the car.

 

[Copdogcorvettes]

From you you have said they are asking way to much. Walk away now. I know of a nice 78 4 speed that doesn't need anything to be a great driver. The owner is only asking $7000 and I think he would take a little less: just for you to compare. It is located in the mid-west. There are good deals out there, so keep looking. Just remember you are the only one you have to make happy. Think about what you want to do with the vette and the money you have to spend on it.

Just my .02 worth

Gary

 

[bossvette]

I paid $4000 for a 76 that needed a steering column the Body is good paint fair and had it running in 2 days back in 99. I have since dropped three times that in it, but I enjoy working on it and I have a Hot Rod daily driver now :cool

 

[Stallion]

I agree, that price is way too steep. Way too many miles on the engine, and it seems as though everything else isn't in great condition. That should be a $4k Vette. With $9k you can get yourself and real beauty of a Vette, especially if you are looking in the mid-70s range. But I do suggest a 78-79. They are great cars, and you can get a great deal on one of them. But, you get what you want. Good luck looking!