some people love to dream!!

[BarryK]

my wife would love a C4 so i'm always on the lookout for a good deal if i come across one in our budget range. we would both prefer a later one like a '95 or '96 but i'll consider others if it's a good enough deal.
Anyway......... I saw a black C4 'vert for sale right up the road from us the other day so stopped by to check it out. The owner wasn't around so I could only look at the exterior and what I could see looking in the windows. Not sure of the year but i'm guessing it was a '87 - '90 range. I still can't tell the various C4 years apart since I'm mostly a C2 guy but I do know it was pre-'91 since it didn't have the newer rounded front and rear ends

not even able to look under the hood or drive it I could easily see the car needs:
new paint
new rubber molding that wraps around the front and along the sides in the front (part of it was ripped off and missing)
new top (rear plastic window was cloudy and yellowing)
all four wheels were scrapped badly (someone needs to learn how to parallel park!)
new carpet
new seat covers
new center armrest cover
new drivers side door panel
The little lip or airdamn under the front nose was all ripped up and needs replacement
new weatherstripping

that's a lot of work & $$$$ needed on this car and that is before looking under the hood and driving it. considering the rough life the car has had based on the exterior and interior condition I can't imagine under the hood will be any better. All this and they advertise the car with only 52,600 miles!
Get this, they are asking $9,000! I wouldn't offer more than $4000 TOPS for this thing considering all the money it would take to get it into a presentable condition

oh well, maybe he will find some sucker willing to pay his asking price but it sure isn't going to be me. I think he is watching too much Barrett Jackson on Speed Chanel!

 

[Vettelt193]

Convertible corvettes of any year really don't slip much below the $10k mark.... even in pretty ratty condition. It is so hard to find one for a good price, someone will probably pay for it with a smile.

Good luck on your search for a C4... they are fun cars

 

[BarryK]

I know 'verts bring more than coupes, but still........ even in top show condition the value is going to top out at only so much money on the car. Take the absolute top value on a basic 'vert of this range of years, subtract the amount needed to fix all that's wrong with this car and no way it's worth $9,000.
Unless I am GREATLY underestimating the current market price in 'verts it's just too much although most of the C4's that we have looked at to date were coupes. But I could have bought a '96 coupe not too long ago in excellent condition for right around $14,000 - $15,000.
This car needs around $15,000 put into it to bring it to presentable condition and again thats not calculating what may be needed under the hood. At $9,000 that would make a minimun of $24,000 into the car and I don't see '87-'90 C4's going for that price even as verts but perhaps I'm just really out of touch with the C4 marketplace.

 

[Chris Kennedy]

The best thing to do is to follow auctions of these cars on Ebay. The great thing about Ebay (in addition to the selection) is simply that you can watch what people think about the car, regardless of what the owner says. Actually, it can be sort of fun to see what the market "thinks" about the owner's claims! You get a really good feel for the market, and lots of excellent C4s are offered on Ebay. Most of the people who trash Ebay are simply upset that they no longer have a lock on the market---sort of like how the traditional, mainstream media complains about the internet.

/s/ Chris Kennedy

 

[BarryK]

Chris
yep, i check ebay at times but just to get a general feel of how pricing in the market is. i'd never buy a car off there unless it was one that was close enough i could go look at in person before bidding.

 

[Vettelt193]

I know 'verts bring more than coupes, but still........ even in top show condition the value is going to top out at only so much money on the car. Take the absolute top value on a basic 'vert of this range of years, subtract the amount needed to fix all that's wrong with this car and no way it's worth $9,000.
Unless I am GREATLY underestimating the current market price in 'verts it's just too much although most of the C4's that we have looked at to date were coupes. But I could have bought a '96 coupe not too long ago in excellent condition for right around $14,000 - $15,000.
This car needs around $15,000 put into it to bring it to presentable condition and again thats not calculating what may be needed under the hood. At $9,000 that would make a minimun of $24,000 into the car and I don't see '87-'90 C4's going for that price even as verts but perhaps I'm just really out of touch with the C4 marketplace.

It sounds like you are looking at making the car close to perfect, and getting a total based on that. It is almost always the case that it is cheaper to buy a perfect 'vette than to redo one. The cosmetic items on your list add up to almost all of the cost of repairs... You didn't get into detail about how bad these items are, but they could be fine for another buyer for many years to come, especially one on a budget.

The prices/values of all corvettes are based on current condition, not how much it will take to make it something else... someone out there that wants a convertible could be very happy to find one for under 10k and just buy it... either because they are willing to live with the problems, or willing to fix them over time. I've been looking for a convertible for a long time now, and I haven't seen anything sell for under $7k... and the $7k car had over 200k miles on it. Over the last year the prices have dropped a little on the really ragged out cars, but I still am betting on $6k for any 'vert that runs... Yet, a pristine 'vert can be had for 12-15k. doesn't seem to make sense, but if you have to have a corvette convertible, you gotta pay the price i guess

hope this long post helps shed some light... and again, good luck with your search

 

[vett boy]

Some people have not respect for a Vett. $4000 is the right price .The seller should be spanked.

 

[Edmond]

I wouldn't take that thing for free because it would take so much money to get it to where you'd want it to be. And that's without even driving it. I wonder how shot the mechanical items are!

 

[BarryK]

I wouldn't take that thing for free because it would take so much money to get it to where you'd want it to be. And that's without even driving it. I wonder how shot the mechanical items are!

that's my feelings on it anyway. I have NO interest in this car based on it's condition, I am just amzed at what he wants for it with all that's wrong and how much $$$ it would take to fix it up. Convertible or not, this thing was run hard and put away wet and I'd never pay close to what he want's for it.
i'll let someone else desperate enough and stupid enough to pay that money and drive around in a POS crappy looking car. Me, I prefer my cars looking and running perfect.
I bought my '65 19 months ago as a body-off restored car (only 500 miles after the restoration) and I've still spent a lot of money on it getting it in the condition I want as things weren't perfect enough for me.

 

[Edmond]

How about a trade of your midyear for that C4? :L:L:L

 

[Papa]

An Ebay Note...

Before I bought my C4 I was convinced I could find the "right" C3... I looked at alot of Ebay cars...and more than a few close enough to go see...all the pics didnt do the cars true justice. I dont think most of the folks were trying to fool anyone....I'm old enough to believe in fair play, handshake deals and a mans word... but man I saw some real rats that looked sweet in the pics...It was after seeing so many that after the lusty first look I could see needed lots of work and money that I found my C4 (on Auto Trader close enough to go see) that I could do alot too (and likely will) but its nearly pristine and its a real pleasure to shine er up and drive it!

Ive herad of alot ov vettes that were bought off ebay and weere supposedly great...but I havent seen one up close and personal yet.

Papa

 

[So Bay Vetter]

I bought my 96 LT4 CE on e-bay and I was very pleased. Flew to Scottsdale with the check and drove it back to CA. That being said, any true Vette lover will probably tell you that just cuz you can afford to buy one doesn't mean you can afford to own one. Even the good ones will need work to keep 'em tight so . . . unless you love wrenchin' your own car you should probably expect to put at least a couple of grand a year into having someone else do it. That's a realistic figure. Don't decieve yourself. But, really, that's part of the love of the car, isn't it?

 

[vee93]

Think that's something? I'd been toying with the idea of buying a '93 Med. Quasar Blue Metallic 'vert to pair up with my coupe. While searching the I-net, I found this one. The perfect car AND THEN I SAW THE ASKING PRICE!!!!! Somebody is TRIPPING!!!!! $32,995 for a 12 yr. old Vette, I don't care if the mileage is low, is still WAAAAAYYY too much. For that kinda $$$$, I'd get some kinda blue C5!!!

******Check this out: 1993 Corvette Convertible, LT-1, (300 hp), automatic, 4,157 actual miles. Quasar Blue Metallic paint (683 produced) with Arctic White leather interior (est. less than 1,000) and white soft top. Original and in excellent show condition. Great theme car for the 1953 Corvette owner who collects every ten year Corvettes, ie: 1953, 1963, 1973, 1983, 1993, 2003... Wow!!! Most all factory options. Documented with the window sticker, video, and leather owners manual packet... all in car. Looks, runs, and drives excellent. $32,995.00*******

Offered by ProTeam Classic Corvettes, located in Napoleon, Ohio.
http://proteamcorvette.com/1992.html
Phone #: 419-592-4242.

 

[B17Crew]

vee93,
I too saw that posting for ProTeams ’93 Med Quasar Blue Vert. I totally agree, they are tripping!

I have been watching ProTeams C4 vert offerings for some time now as I am looking for a vert myself. I have lost respect for them and have stopped shopping their site as I think they are starting to think that ’93s have achieved ’67 Big Block status. It’s not even a six-speed to boot! My search continues elsewhere.

For comparison, I considered buying this one from Rogers.
http://www.rogerscorvette.com/spots/nov04/spot.htm

B17Crew

 

[tyrel]

I agree with everyone else, with the implication that you need to look around A LOT before you purchase. Get to know the car, look through autotrader.com, Ebay, check your newspaper, go and look at some other cars in person, drive a couple of them. There are lots of helpful people in this forum, this is the best corvette forum on the internet, so if you're handy with tools you can do a lot of the work yourself, and believe me any c4 you buy will need work sooner or later. There's nothing like the excitement of getting a new (used) C4. Always curious how the 63-67 handled, but I imagine the c4 is a much different car.

 

[Edmond]

Those guys must be smoking the same stuff that the guys with the '04 GTO's that are "reeling in C6 Z06's" are smoking. :L:L:L

 

[AdvancedAutoCC]

Those guys must be smoking the same stuff that the guys with the '04 GTO's that are "reeling in C6 Z06's" are smoking. :L:L:L

Now THAT'S funny!

Back a few years I had a guy tell me all about his bada$$ 70 Z28 with a LT-1 that he put an L-88 cam in... I asked him how hard was it to put a big-block cam in a small block engine? He just looked clueless...

Back on topic... I just had an opportunity to buy an '89 vert from a friend of mine (he bought his wife a new C6 vert) for $5000. It needed some weatherstripping and paint, but was mechanically solid (I know, I worked on it)... he sold it to another friend of ours instead (I already have three Vettes now!). From reading some of Barry's posts in the other folders, I've got a pretty good idea of what he's looking for. For around 10-15K he should find a nice enough C4 vert, especially now that winter's about to set in (best time to be a buyer).

 

[Larry's Yellow Rdstr]

About 7 months ago I bought a fairly decent looking 87 vert showing 101,000 miles. The owner had the car for 11 years and never mistreated it, as far as I can tell. The car had a cheap paint job, needed tires and suspension work, had a cracked dash and a destroyed steering wheel and center console, etc, etc.
Today I have a pretty decent daily driver.. I color sanded and polished the black paint, new Kuhmo tires, complete front suspension. new steering wheel and dash cap and console. I bought a set of like new leather seats from a fellow member of CAC, and had them and new door carpet installed. I'm in the car about 11,000 and probably could have bought a nicer one for that same price. BUT, I did the work mostly by myself, looked around for upgrade bargains, and thoroughly enjoyed bringing "Black Fang" to life again. She may not win a beauty contest or shine in the quarter mile (240 HP L98) but she has been dependable. The car has more rattles than you would believe, but I just turn up my one speaker Bose radio real loud.

 

[vee93]

vee93,
I too saw that posting for ProTeams ’93 Med Quasar Blue Vert. I totally agree, they are tripping!

I have been watching ProTeams C4 vert offerings for some time now as I am looking for a vert myself. I have lost respect for them and have stopped shopping their site as I think they are starting to think that ’93s have achieved ’67 Big Block status. It’s not even a six-speed to boot! My search continues elsewhere.

For comparison, I considered buying this one from Rogers.
http://www.rogerscorvette.com/spots/nov04/spot.htm

B17Crew

Whoa!!! That is one gorgeous Vette!!!!
Oh..., go ahead and get it for your wife and then, together, the two of you get a C6 Daytona Sunset Orange 'vert with the tan top and interior. Then get an Ontario Orange '69-'71 'vert. It'd be too cool.
And speaking of Rogers... That '93 Med. Qz. Metallic Coupe is a sweet deal--low miles at a good, fair price.
By the way, it's just like mine.

 

[B17Crew]

Whoa!!! That is one gorgeous Vette!!!!
Oh..., go ahead and get it for your wife and then, together, the two of you get a C6 Daytona Sunset Orange 'vert with the tan top and interior. Then get an Ontario Orange '69-'71 'vert. It'd be too cool.
And speaking of Rogers... That '93 Med. Qz. Metallic Coupe is a sweet deal--low miles at a good, fair price.
By the way, it's just like mine.

That 26,000 mile Quasar coupe is pretty nice, that’s a great color and hard to come by. (I think I remember seeing a Quasar Blue ZR-1 used in the ’93 sales brochure.)

Because I prefer to inspect prospective C4s in person, I’ve been looking locally and at McDormans Chevrolet. It’s been taking a while to find EXACTLY what I want, when you get specific, the wait can be years!

I like the idea of a trio of color matched Corvettes, there was Aztec Copper on the C1s, I’d have to hit the lotto big time for this collection!

B17Crew