Need Advice - ASAP!

[chevyaddict]

Ok... check it out... he just replied with this:

Ok Dawn- I will put it on the hoist tomorrow and get detailed photos. Tell me exactly
what you want to see. Also, I will have Kevin Riggins (the guy I bought it from) call
you. Please foward your number and best time to call. He is the one who bought it in
June, I bought it about 3 weeks ago from him when he needed some cash to buy a truck. He
is the one who installed a new exhaust system, brakes and tuned it up. He also installed
a new climate control switch so it works too. He told me he bought the car in Freeport
earlier in the year for his wife to drive for a while. I have known Kevin for 15 years
and he is a straight shooter. I asked about the mileage earlier this week and he told me
his title that he surrendered showed the 80k. I know you are concerned, but keep in mind
this is a 7300.00 15 year old Corvette convertible. It has ZR1 wheels that adds value,
the tires are decent (added value) and it has had a couple of thousand spent on the
little things most older Vettes will need already.

Well???? I realize the wheels are aftermarket - they are the exact same ones I had on my 84. I'm really thinking I'm going to followthrough with it... this reply from him was when I stated that the suspension would "tell" the true milage of the car and asked him to send photos of the that and the undercarriage (considering it is an IL car)... He also said if I pay the relisting fee that he would let me back out - seems fair... so I will decide yea or nea when I get the pics tomorrow morning and perhaps be traveling to IL!! If its a lemon so be it... serves me right on being impulsive. I've yet to be burned with these impulsive decisions so hopefully my luck hasn't run out!!!

 

[jwilliams]

So one thought that I have that I have not seen brought up. Does the seller or previous owner have documentation going back to the beginning of the car? If not, why not? I bought an 89 coupe with 129000 miles for $6000.00. I got a file 3 inches thick of paperwork going back to original owner including order sheet etc. This made it real easy to confirm the veh's history. If the car had 86,000 miles its a good deal. With 157,000 miles and no proof of maintenance or a transmission rebuild I think I'd pass or get a price reflective of the higher mileage.

Jay

 

[LT4man]

I have to admit, Dawn, the looks of the car certainly grabbed me, too.

A convertible, white and a red interior. A great combination.

If the pics look good, I would say go for it.

Save The Wave!

Gregory

 

[maxrevs85]

I wonder how the top is? Will the pictures include a view of that?

 

[Fabinatl]

Well....I don't know. I just bought a 92 coup for $6500 with 131,000 miles on it in pretty good condition. Everything worked on it but still needs some TLC. I think you can do better. My milage was messed up on the carfax but was true on the milage. Carfax's can be wrong some time. I have seen a couple of emmission stations fat finger the milage when intered on the computers. So if you are happy with what you get for the price....I guess that's all that matters. Personnaly I would pass and get something local that you can go drive a few times and kick the tires....then make up your mind.

Good Luck!
Another Addict!
Andy

 

[chevyaddict]

Bit more

Hey guys... check this out - this is the section of the carfax report. Now, I'm just wondering if there was a simple mistake from the auto auction place and they recorded it with an additional 1 in front.... if so then the miles are actual. This guys swears that there is no way this car has over 160000 miles. There has been more back and forth correspondence and he has owned alot of vettes.... perhaps there is just a mistake here from the auto auction place that got carried over when the title was transferred at the DMV??

06/03/1999 CENTRAL REGION 156,600 Auto Auction REPORTED AT AUTO AUCTION
07/16/1999 EARLVILLE, IA 156,600 Motor Vehicle Dept. TITLE (Title #:28W092190)
09/08/1999 MIDWEST REGION 157,018 Auto Auction REPORTED AT AUTO AUCTION
10/27/1999 DEKALB, IL Motor Vehicle Dept. REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
11/22/1999 IL 157,069 Motor Vehicle Dept. ODOMETER READING FROM DMV
12/16/1999 DIXON, IL Motor Vehicle Dept. REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
02/22/2000 DIXON, IL Motor Vehicle Dept. TITLE (Title #:T0053860012)
EXCLUDED/EXEMPT
12/17/2002 FREEPORT, IL Motor Vehicle Dept. TITLE (Title #:T2351133009)
EXCLUDED/EXEMPT (Lien Reported)
06/07/2005 ROCKFORD, IL Motor Vehicle Dept. REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
06/23/2005 ROCKFORD, IL Motor Vehicle Dept. TITLE (Title #:X5174053019)
EXCLUDED/EXEMPT

The previous owner, Kevin, claims he had a title that said "original miles"....

 

[RC135_Tx]

Hey, Dawn.
It's obvious ... you're hooked. Give it up. Go buy it.
If something breaks or falls off, you can fix it.
Why worry? Enjoy!! :-}}}!!
If you think you might come anywhere near Greenville, Tx on your way home with it, give a yell. I'd like to see your "new" vette grin!

 

[chevyaddict]

Hi, Dawn.

Take the car. Running the numbers, here's my analysis: These cars , high mileage and in so-so condition, routinely go for between $4-$5K---ones you see going for less are, essentially, salvage and undriveable. You are at about $7.3K. Yet, the car appears, to you, to be in good condition. Also, you like it. Given all this, see if you can get a slight break on the price to cover the mileage business and take the car. Even if it doesn't work out, you are still only a bit above what a car which needs major restoration goes for.

/s/ Chris Kennedy
Houston, Texas

This is precisely the reason I went ahead and hit that little "bid now" button.... it was only after the excitement wore off that I thought, perhaps, I should have researched more. I've been watching these and looking locally HEAVILY for three to four weeks now.... comparatively speaking its a good price for the condition. The only question I have is the mileage.....

 

[chevyaddict]

I wonder how the top is? Will the pictures include a view of that?

I asked about the top BTW and he said it is new and in perfect condition...

 

[chevyaddict]

Hey, Dawn.
It's obvious ... you're hooked. Give it up. Go buy it.
If something breaks or falls off, you can fix it.
Why worry? Enjoy!! :-}}}!!
If you think you might come anywhere near Greenville, Tx on your way home with it, give a yell. I'd like to see your "new" vette grin!

Gosh.... is it that obvious? I am hooked I think.. gosh; I'm powerless against these machines. For shame for shame....:eyerole :ugh

Ya know though... if the miles are correct then I'm getting a gonga deal! I plan on reinstalling the spoiler so the holes aren't a concern pour moi.

 

[MoeJr]

Dawn have the hold filled. I never liked the spoiler that came out for the C4. Too ricer IMHO.

 

[DavidH]

I think it's a good buy. I would have trouble believe that it could have 150,000+ miles since it's from il. It just hard to put on 10k miles a year with winter.

Congratulations on your new acquisition!

David

 

[DanHammer]

Check it out first ...

Best way to handle this transaction ... you need to see this vette before you give up that $$$$. No substitute ... seeing it in front of you ... test drive it and then make your sound decision. You should have an idea then what you will be buying and if you can live with it. Good Luck Dawn ... if it doesn't work out ... you had yourself a short vacation to IL. Dan

 

[chevyaddict]

Best way to handle this transaction ... you need to see this vette before you give up that $$$$. No substitute ... seeing it in front of you ... test drive it and then make your sound decision. You should have an idea then what you will be buying and if you can live with it. Good Luck Dawn ... if it doesn't work out ... you had yourself a short vacation to IL. Dan

That is a good point.... truly I only have to put down $1000 within 48 hours and the balance can be paid when I pick it up; he was fine if it happend within two weeks..... problem is once I drive it THAT'S IT... unless it clanks and misses there will be no way to say no!!!!

 

[Bernievw]

I may be the lone voice in the wilderness, but don't worry about the mileage - high miles are not a problem provided REGULAR maintenance has been done and it hasn't been abused. I have one with 168,000, and it drives like a dream - doesn't puff, doesn't use any oil between changes, tracks straight as an arrow. Last one I sold at 247,000 - actually, I didn't sell it, I gave it to my son, who drove it until 278,000 when HE sold it.

That being said, if you have reason to question whether the seller is being straight with you, you may want to pass. Without a close personal inspection, there's just no way to judge the condition. I agree with some of the other responses - there's a wealth of other Vettes out there that you can look at and kick the tires.

 

[MoeJr]

Never buy a vehicle without seeing it and you have to be objective. You cannot drive it and say oh it is not making any noises so it must be good. You have to check out every aspect of the car. Especially with 160k on it. Aren't there any Vettes for sale in AZ? Local would be better so you could get a good mechanic to check it out for you. Just my .02.

 

[chevyaddict]

Never buy a vehicle without seeing it and you have to be objective. You cannot drive it and say oh it is not making any noises so it must be good. You have to check out every aspect of the car. Especially with 160k on it. Aren't there any Vettes for sale in AZ? Local would be better so you could get a good mechanic to check it out for you. Just my .02.

Well, first of all almost all the cars I've bought have been on ebay without seeing or driving the vehicles; and I've been happy with all the purchases save one. In AZ and CA, they are selling for a lot more money, primarily because out here they don't rust and are therefore worth more money; plus this is just the weather so they are more "sought after". I haven't found a 90 convt yet under $9500 that didn't have problems of some sort and/or they didn't have the face lifts or nice rims.

Now, I asked him extensively about rust given its a backeast car and he says there isn't any AND he is putting on a lift in the morning and snapping some photos for me to see myself. I'm also interested in the bushings on the suspension; a good sign of the condition of the car.

I'm more and more skeptical of the carfax report.... not that I'm discounting it but after getting some feedback here and some private messages I guess they are suspect.

On a final note, I actually do think the seller is telling the truth; not only is his feedback good but he has been very responsive with the flurry of questions and skepticism from me. Its just he hasn't owned it that long.

So... once he sends pics in the morning I've decided whatever my gut tells me at that moment I'm going with. I can't thank you guys enough though truly... thIs feedback has REALLY helped me out tremendously. You guys ALL ROCK!!!

 

[tnovot]

Hey guys... check this out - this is the section of the carfax report. Now, I'm just wondering if there was a simple mistake from the auto auction place and they recorded it with an additional 1 in front.... if so then the miles are actual. This guys swears that there is no way this car has over 160000 miles. There has been more back and forth correspondence and he has owned alot of vettes.... perhaps there is just a mistake here from the auto auction place that got carried over when the title was transferred at the DMV??

06/03/1999 CENTRAL REGION 156,600 Auto Auction REPORTED AT AUTO AUCTION
07/16/1999 EARLVILLE, IA 156,600 Motor Vehicle Dept. TITLE (Title #:28W092190)
09/08/1999 MIDWEST REGION 157,018 Auto Auction REPORTED AT AUTO AUCTION
10/27/1999 DEKALB, IL Motor Vehicle Dept. REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
11/22/1999 IL 157,069 Motor Vehicle Dept. ODOMETER READING FROM DMV
12/16/1999 DIXON, IL Motor Vehicle Dept. REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
02/22/2000 DIXON, IL Motor Vehicle Dept. TITLE (Title #:T0053860012)
EXCLUDED/EXEMPT
12/17/2002 FREEPORT, IL Motor Vehicle Dept. TITLE (Title #:T2351133009)
EXCLUDED/EXEMPT (Lien Reported)
06/07/2005 ROCKFORD, IL Motor Vehicle Dept. REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
06/23/2005 ROCKFORD, IL Motor Vehicle Dept. TITLE (Title #:X5174053019)
EXCLUDED/EXEMPT

The previous owner, Kevin, claims he had a title that said "original miles"....

What this Carfax shows me is that in a 6 month period in 1999 it went through 2 auctions and 3 different owners in 3 different cities in 2 different states. Then, another 3 owners after that form 2000 to 2005. Could there be a reason this car has been kicked around a lot?
And you paying a relisting fee if you don't buy it is B.S. If the car is not as advertised on ebay, you can file a dispute against the seller.
But then, if I'm talking to an addict, you aren't really listening anyway.
I LIVE in Illinois and this car scares me so much I would not even drive to see it.
Terry

 

[C4Tom]

My question would be: Why would a 90 Vert with only 86K on the clock go for less than $8000???

Perhaps the Carfax thing has deterred other potential buyers. Or the bumper changes have lowered the value.

Any other Illinois folks here close enough to give it a look for you?

From what I've seen recently on Ebay is that C4's are going up a bit in price.

If you get it... I wish you best of luck and ENJOY!

 

[chevyaddict]

What this Carfax shows me is that in a 6 month period in 1999 it went through 2 auctions and 3 different owners in 3 different cities in 2 different states. Then, another 3 owners after that form 2000 to 2005. Could there be a reason this car has been kicked around a lot?
And you paying a relisting fee if you don't buy it is B.S. If the car is not as advertised on ebay, you can file a dispute against the seller.
But then, if I'm talking to an addict, you aren't really listening anyway.
I LIVE in Illinois and this car scares me so much I would not even drive to see it.
Terry

Good point... good point. But I suspect that one auction house bought it from another... vettes are notorious for that as everyone thinks they will readily make money. The thing is, I received the carfax report ahead of the auction ending and not after it... I emailed the seller inquiring about the discrepancy. I don't know that I have recourse to back out without a fight. Perhaps. And.. I am listening!! Very much so! You have a very valid point here and I'll have to stew on that some for sure. Thanks Terry!