Looking to buy a 'vette, want some advice....

[YoungBlood]

Hey guys, I'm new to the forum, and I'm looking to possibly buy a corvette. It would be my first, and I was wondering what the good and cheaper years are to get a good, solid car for about 5000? I'm noticed 73's to 79's are about in this price range for good solid cars ready for a good restoration, any advice? Pointers? Things to look out for? :confused Thats alot!

~Alex

(I just changed my post because I worded it wrong earlier)

 

[Tuna]

Unless there is a particular year or body style that you just have to have, buy the newest one you can afford.
Drive every one you can find - each has a different personality even in the same year. One (or more) of them will call your name and ask you to buy her.

 

[BruceBed]

Hey guys, I'm new to the forum, and I'm looking to possibly buy a corvette. It would be my first, and I was wondering what the good and cheaper years are to get a good, solid car for about 5000? I'm noticed 73's to 79's are about in this price range for good solid cars, any advice? Pointers? Things to look out for? :confused Thats alot!

~Alex

When you find a really nice vette in the 5k range e-mail me. I would never imagine someone giving up a fine car for that amount of money. Good luck and Happy hunting.
Bruce

 

[BlackNBlue95]

When you find a really nice vette in the 5k range e-mail me. I would never imagine someone giving up a fine car for that amount of money. Good luck and Happy hunting.
Bruce

I agree.. I would also as stated before look for the newest model year you can.. but I as my personal opion would stay away from an 84' because of the cross fire setup.. Also make make sure you have someone else check it out.. not doubting your abilities to inspect a car. but sometimes people can be blind sided by the excitement so I reccomend having an un biast knowlegeable about automotive type person check it out or have your mechanic inspect it.. could save you mucho denairo down the road..
-Rick

 

[drags1998]

Alex This may not be what you want to hear,But if possible, save a little more and buy as late a model as you can. If your mechanicle skill is advanced at all, you may be able to find a decent 86-90 Coupe needing only minor repairs.If your mech. skills are lacking,BE CAREFUL, No one want to see you buy a car then not be able to drive it!!!!!! Good Luck & happy shoping. Paul

 

[Rain]

I 2nd all of the above.

A vette for 5 grand either is a lemon or needs TONS of work.

On the other hand, for a bit more, you will find mid 80s models in decent shape.

Think someone posted one for 7 grand on this forum not long ago(but it might have been an 84).

Remember, Vettes are easy to afford, Expensive to keep!

Rain

 

[Copdogcorvettes]

well It looks like everyone else is saying buy the newest you can. That may be OK but I prefer the looks of the C3s myself. The C4s do have some very good points as well. For $5k I don't know of anything that isn't going to need work. I have seen some decent 78-80s for around $7k. I have even found a good one for around $6k, but not often.

Think about what it is you want as to looks (style C3 C4 etc) and then keep looking until you find that one that just calls your name. Then think again. You'll find something. Also think about is this going to be a daily driver or a weekend toy. Either way if you read along here most Corvette owner are doing something to them most of the time.

Good luck and let us know how the search goes.

Gary

 

[YoungBlood]

Thanks for the input, however, when I say good solid cars, I guess I mean a driver.... I'm looking for something solid and complete, running, to restore. I've seen a few in the 74-79 range, (I gotta go C3) That were very reasonably priced in my area, its probably because there is very little demand for classic 'vettes in my area, (more guys into full size cars that can take them somewhere in the weather, i.e not a 'vette) So, if I may rephrase my question, Are there any vettes in good running, condition, projects for around 5k? Thanks again.

 

[Robin7TFour]

GREETING, i have to say i paid appx $5500 for my 74. i traded an older sportster and some cash for the total value. i knew going in the vehicle would take some work. okay a lot of work. i bought what i could afford at the time. i had no expectations of perfection,plus i enjoy the challenges the car gives me.
yes i have seen some cars that were close in price with maybe better interior or paint. all,however, were nowhere near perfect.yet all were drivers.
enjoy your search, read,ask questions. most of all when you do find YOUR VETTE, enjoy knowing that you'll be owning an american icon. a living,breathing ,fire-breathing piece of motorcar history.

yes i am babblin' again

robin

 

[YoungBlood]

17 years old, and i'll own an american icon.... THE GIRLS ARE GONNA LOVE ME!!!!!

 

[nd4speed]

keep looking. you'll find one in that range. it will need paint and new interior for sure. i am looking for the same type of car and have seen them out there. everyone i have seen in that range has been auto. gotta have 4 spd. good luck

 

[Copdogcorvettes]

nd4speed

I know of a nice 78 4speed in Minn. for around $6500 if you are interested.

Gary

 

[Stallion]

Gary, I'm interested. Can I have some more information (PM would be perfect)?

Thanks!

 

[BruceBed]

17 years old, and i'll own an american icon.... THE GIRLS ARE GONNA LOVE ME!!!!!

Love yourself first ,the car is secondary. The car is an extension of you- not the reason the women will fall for you.

 

[Stallion]

17 years old, and i'll own an american icon.... THE GIRLS ARE GONNA LOVE ME!!!!!

Join the club.

Bruce, what he means is when you drive through a high school parking lot with Corvettes like the ones we have, you do get the stares. Everybody seems to notice then.

 

[nd4speed]

nd4speed

I know of a nice 78 4speed in Minn. for around $6500 if you are interested.

Gary

thanks, but looking for 72-76

 

[Copdogcorvettes]

Stallion E mail me direct and I can send a couple of pictures. The vette is , I believe, a matching number car. It has about 100k miles and has been garaged in the winter. The motor was pulled this summer to be check and everything repainted to factory colors. While the motor was out new clutch was installed as well as anything else that looked like it needed. The exterior is the dark brown with white interior. The radio is missing, but that the only thing that I know of that needs attention.

Gary
gclark@coastaccess.com

 

[1974vette]

Join the club.

Bruce, what he means is when you drive through a high school parking lot with Corvettes like the ones we have, you do get the stares. Everybody seems to notice then.

i'll have to agree w/ that! ever since i drove mine to school, i've got nothing but complements...and well, offers to race...but you're right about the stares!
-matt

 

[red70vette]

Buy with your head not with your heart. Read as much as you can about what to look for when purchasing a 30 year old car. Repairs on these vehicles will bury you unless you do them yourself. Even then the cost of parts can drive you to the poor house. For $5000 you are going to get a car that needs work and a seller who doesn't know how or can't afford to do it.

If you can do most of the work yourself then go ahead and look for a C3 but beware Vettes do RUST. When they do the repairs will cost you a lot more than your initial $5000 investment. Look for signs of rust around the windshield cage and on the frame in front of the rear wheels. If you see rust there "Run Forrest Run".

Again search the internet there are many articles listing what to look for when buying a vette. Learn by others mistakes it is cheaper than paying by yourself. Judging by your age and budget requirements you can't afford to make a mistake.

 

['63split]

To give you an idea, I'm selling my '89 conv. which is in very good shape for $10,000. I hope this helps you to have a point of reference.

Good Luck!

Mike