Need an opinion on a 98 vert

[Baldie88]

I've kind of been looking to trade my 88 in on a C5 convertible. Found one last night and need your opinion. 1998 red with white convertible top and black interior. 60000 miles. Most options. Hardly has a mark on the outside and interior is clean. Only sticking point is the top. It looks like maybe it was down most of the time (duh! that's what I'd do too) so there are a couple creases and two worn spots. Guy's asking $27,900. According to Kelly and Edmunds that's about $2000 more than average. I'm going to look at it tonight on the way home. Naturally when I talked to the guy on the phone he said he's had about 15 calls on it already. I should also point out he has had a 98 silver/black vert on his lot for about 3 weeks. I checked that one out too but it looked "well used" if you know what I mean.

So is he out of line? Is there anything that I need to be aware of for model year 98.

Appreciate the help.

Ron
Baldie88

 

[cruzer99]

Baldie88, I just bought a 99 Navy Blue Metallic/Oak Interior convertible with all of the options (HUD, factory CD, Dual Air, Memory Package, new tires and brakes. It's in great shape (I'm a little bias), it just came off lease and was serviced reg, for $25K from a GM dealer. The C5 market is getting soft with the C6 just around the corner and you should remind them of that. Remember, it's your money and they want it. Good luck

 

[MrWizard]

I just purchased a '98 silver convertible , last week , 52K miles, all options , wonderful condition , for 23.6k , from a private party...he came down from 29.5.....you are right the c5 market is softening a little , and I had no idea the big difference between the the '98 and the '87....WOW.

 

[cagjr50]

It is great that you are considering a C5. I would suggest that you sell your 1988 yourself and not trade it in. I feel you will most likely get more dollars than if you trade. Just my opinion. From my experience the C4 and the C5 have a lot of advantages for each. My son owns a 1985 and I own a 2003 50th Anniversary Edition. Both are soothing to drive. I know cost is a factor, but is it possible to keep the 1988 (maybe in the family) and also buy a C5?

cagjr50

 

[Paul T]

Yep, that's out of line. He bought the car well back of book (less than wholesale) so he has a lot of margin. Offer 24K and walk. You may not get far. No way over 25K. Happy negotiating.
Paul

 

[cruzer99]

Baldie88, I finally figured out how to post a picture. So here is what I got for $25K just as a ref. They wanted $31K and I had to walk out twice (got all the way to my car once), before they said OK........drove it home. Let us know how you make out.

 

[Baldie88]

Well I stopped on the way home today and he's now got 3 Vettes: 98 Red vert with white top, 98 silver vert with black top and 99 black coupe. Wants $27900 for each of them. The one I really liked was the black coupe but I've got my heart set on a vert. The other two both have torn seats and just looked a little ragged. The coupe was almost perfect inside and out except he had no PKE, no mats, the center console lid fell off in my hand and had the infamous service column lock. So I'm going to pass for now. All had almost 60000 miles yet my 88 only had 38000 so I'm having a problem with that. Guys said he's willing to deal but I found out they were all bought at an auction in Nashville. I guess I'm too much of a perfectionist but I know if I look long enough one will come along.

Thanks for all your suggestions and nice vert Cruzer82. Hope to find one like your.

Baldie88

 

[cruzer99]

Be patient, when it's right it will be there when you least expect it. Sounds like you did the right thing by walking away from the dealer. Sounds like he is going by the old saying that "there's an ass for every seat".

 

[schmaltzr]

I got my 2000 last year before the C6 was even talked about. It had every option available except the selective ride. I paid $29900 and it only had 32K. They replaced all the tires, new floor mats, new battery, both tops, HUD, 6 speed, Duel climate control, memory seats CD...need I say more?. It was a lease return and in great shape. A little wear and tear, but mostly minor.

One thing to consider. I got the Coupe because I wanted to travel in the 'Vette on road trips. The rear allows for more luggage, It has a built in rollbar for safety (you cant run it on a track) convertables can be broken into a lot easier with a slice of a knife and if you have a lady with you that is always cold you'll probably have to have the top on even in the summer. Convertables don't look as sweet with the top up, and if you live anwhere but the South West or L.a. you'll probably restrict your driving to warm days. The 'Vette isn't as quiet as a Camry or even my Chevy pickup, but with the top off, it's a real roar unless your doing under 40mph. Here in Seattle that's about 30 days a year.....just some thoughts.

 

[DRTH VTR]

I might suggest that you broaden your search a bit. I know people who have bought their Corvettes all kinds of ways. Options include dealers, even ones hundreds of miles away. If you can save thousands in purchase price, a transport or an airplane ticket to get the car can be very reasonable. Individuals are a possibility. There are publications that list Corvettes for sale. There is the internet. I know a guy in our club who bought a spotless magnetic red convertable about 2500 miles from home and had it brought over on a transport. It was still cheaper than local, and he got just what he wanted. It sounds like you will not get a good deal on a good car from that particular car lot.

 

[Pac-man]

I agree with the last post. Do a search of the auto-trader online, the website will walk you through it. It will give you plenty of Vettes, dealers and private parties. Then get on the phone and lowball everyone, you will be amazed at what you will come up with. Just bought a 99 triple blk vert with only 11k this way. Also, there is a book that is unbelievable called "What car dealers don't want you to know" Get it, you will thank me.

 

[schmaltzr]

Pac-man and Drth-vtr are right. I bypassed dealers and went to a car buying firm called Auto Consultants Northwest here in Seattle. I set the max price, required options/color and they searched for it. When they found one, they purchased the car, did a mechanical check, was up-front with the known problems and since max price was set, they didn't show me cars that were out of my range. We set up a purchasing agreement that if the car had no unforseen mechanical/cosmetic defects after the check that it would be sold to me. If it had any surprises then they would dump it back on the market at no cost to me. My credit union suggested this process and i'll never go back to car hunting on lots again. Good luck - Ron