Test drove a 1995 for sale...

[vettedreamer]

Hey everyone;
Hope you can help, on the weekend, we test drove a 1995 coupe for sale at a dealer.
They had to jump the battery so I could drive it.

1). We noticed the interior lights stay on, and we think that's what caused the battery drain?

2). Then, when I tried to turn on the headlights....nothing. (dealer claimed it's a fuse)...

Finally,
3). the power steering was not working very well, as I had to yank hard
on the wheel to turn the car.
Hmmm.. off to a bad start, but I really like the color combo.

Any Ideas about these 3 problem areas would be greatly appreciated, Thanks.

 

[John Robinson]

Hey everyone;
Hope you can help, on the weekend, we test drove a 1995 coupe for sale at a dealer.
They had to jump the battery so I could drive it.

1). We noticed the interior lights stay on, and we think that's what caused the battery drain?

2). Then, when I tried to turn on the headlights....nothing. (dealer claimed it's a fuse)...

Finally,
3). the power steering was not working very well, as I had to yank hard
on the wheel to turn the car.
Hmmm.. off to a bad start, but I really like the color combo.

Any Ideas about these 3 problem areas would be greatly appreciated, Thanks.

#1 The interior light switch is probable in the full up position. That is the lever by the light switch.

#2 Maybe yes and maybe no. Have the dealer put a new fuse in and see if it gets blown when lights are turned on. If so there is a short somewere.

#3 Sounds like a bad steering rack. If it is stiff when cold then loosens up some with time it probley needs replaced.


You don't say how many miles are on the car but things like brakes and ujoints and water pumps and alternators and starters are big ticket items and should be checked out. If the dealer will let you test drive the car make an appointment at an independent garage you trust and pay them to give the car the once over. It would be preferable if that independant garage has a ruputation of working on corvettes.

 

[96gs917]

I agree with John, we need a few more details about the car to give you an assesment.

The lights staying on could also be the switch in the door. They don't seem to last that long. If
you continue to hear the the door looks cycle on and off chances are its the switch in the door.

Do the headlights come on but do not spin open? Parking and fog lights work? Directionals?
If the lights come on can you here the headlight motor working? Could be a simple fuse but I think
you need someone to look over the car if you are a serious buyer.

Power steering may just need fluid, but like John said it could be as bad as the rack. Look for wet
areas (power steering fluid) around the reservoir and the rack.

Good luck with the car.

 

[vettedreamer]

Thanks John,
The mileage was 97,448. My problem was time, we drove 10 hrs. from Toronto
and then back as I had to be at work the next day.
And, the dealer was not very helpful when I asked questions about the car.
If I had more time, yes I would prefer to have an independent garage check it out, first.
The reason I went to see this Corvette was the rare color combo.
Cheers.

 

[vettedreamer]

Hi and thanks for the help,
I have owned 2 Corvettes before so I suspected the door switch, but there was no cycling.

The headlights, well I never encountered that before, Parking and fog lights were working, and the Directionals. The headlights did not spin open or come on.

I like the color combo of the 'Vette (aqua)/ grey, but my problem is being so far away (Toronto).

Perhaps I can offer a low-ball figure and just fix it later....
I'll have to have a Broker trailer it to me.

Thanks again,
Cheers.

 

[xfirez51]

Tell them to call you when everything works properly.

 

[bapckemper]

I'll bet the headlights need to be rebuilt...my 96 LT4 required it when I purchased it. Replaced the plastic gear w/ bronze replacement gears.
Be sure to check the simple stuff...windshield wipers, cruise control, all heat/cooling switches, service records...has the car had the scheduled maintenance...they seem like small stuff until you start to replace/pay for them...I know! I didn't check and I've paid the price.
You said the car was being sold by a dealer..a CHEVY dealer? If so, do they employ a Corvette specialist? Pay him to provide you with a inspection...possible?
It's so easy to let your emotions sweep you away...keep you head about you...it'll save you $$ in the long run.

 

[vettedreamer]

Tell them to call you when everything works properly.

Right, ...that's exactly what was in the last e-mail I sent them...
Thanks,

 

[vettedreamer]

Hi bapckemper; Good advice, and thanks.
Unfortunately, no it is a ford Dealer (can I say that here?)
Just today I did some
color prints of the car, and noticed the first photo (from July) had the front emblem on the car,
and the directional rims facing the correct way. But now, a recent photo (as the car was up for sale again )(?) the hood emblem was missing, the hood looks mis aligned and the passenger door was hard to open. So, I suspect this car was involved in some type of accident. But the dealer supplied Carfax said No Accidents... and the sales guy claims to know nothing.:eyerole

 

[GS Diva]

Hi bapckemper; Good advice, and thanks.
Unfortunately, no it is a ford Dealer (can I say that here?)
Just today I did some
color prints of the car, and noticed the first photo (from July) had the front emblem on the car,
and the directional rims facing the correct way. But now, a recent photo (as the car was up for sale again )(?) the hood emblem was missing, the hood looks mis aligned and the passenger door was hard to open. So, I suspect this car was involved in some type of accident. But the dealer supplied Carfax said No Accidents... and the sales guy claims to know nothing.:eyerole

The CarFax wouldn't list an accident if it didn't involved an insurance claim. All signs point to something. Keep looking!!

Elaine

 

[John Robinson]

Taking what you have said about the condition of the car. The fact it was for sale a while back and then just recently it was back up for sale. Poor fitting body panels etc would suggest that someone at the dealer had an accident with the car while demonstrating it or just running after lunch one day. That would not be reported to the police or an insurance company. As already stated you would not have a car fax on the car under those circumstances. From everything you have said so far about the car run don't walk away from it.

 

[bapckemper]

I agree with what John says...run away!
There are many quality C4s out there...take your time and enjoy the hunt. Remember, it's the journey and not the distination. If you want a specific color or combination of options it may take a bit longer but so what? You end up with the Corvette you always wanted! But, from what you've written, this one doesn't seem to be it.
Best, Bruce

 

[vettedreamer]

Thank you,
So far, I would have to agree w/ everyone here, so I ran and looking elsewhere. I'm in no rush
But, I did notify the Virginia DMV fraud section about this....

 

[aboatguy]

Contacting Virginia DMV Fraud division over a missing Hood Emblem and hard to open door??? Why?


Mike

 

[vettedreamer]

Contacting Virginia DMV Fraud division over a missing Hood Emblem and hard to open door??? Why?


Mike

Not that simple,(it was more than just that), we saw obvious damage, the door and emblem are merely clues as to underlying problems . And when we questioned the dealer,
they claimed to not know anything about it. So they were not being honest with us.

 

[aboatguy]

Not that simple,(it was more than just that), we saw obvious damage, the door and emblem are merely clues as to underlying problems . And when we questioned the dealer,
they claimed to not know anything about it. So they were not being honest with us.

Still don't see fraud, . But you were there