Thanks

[TheArtist]

I am shopping for a "newer" car, and like any red-blooded american man, I thought I would get myself something a little more fun.

Fine, I just turned 40 and I've never owned a Vette.

So anyway, I saw one that struck me as a bargin. a 1984 Coupe for $5895

Do I need to mention that it was red?

Anyway, I saw it on the dealer's lot yesterday, but did not get to examine it until today.

Well, since I knew I would be looking at it today, I decided to research it bit before I got there. I checked consumer reports - even paid for their info, and what did I get?

Nothing. Zip. Nothing to look for, nothing to examine.

I little more googling and I found this site and its forums. I found a checklist, a list of things to look for. And, armed with this information, this is what I found:

1. O/D was dead. Yes it was an auto.
2. the engine pinged like hell on accelleration. You could watch the temp gauge go up.
3. it smoked. I suspect that the seals are cracked. (Good old 350 chevy)
4. the rear end had bad, clicking joints.
5. the body was cracked right in front of the rear hatch.Not a big crack, but you could tell that this crack would grow over time.
6. all the rubber molding was dried out. At speed there was lots of whistles and rattles.
7. it could pull a burnout, but the tire that smoked WAS THE WRONG ONE (dead limited slip?)
8. the removable top was one big stress crack. The dealer told me is was "sparkles". Uh, isn't it supposed to be clear?
9. the car pulled to the right. Not just on accelleration, but all the time.
10. the rear spindles were worn out and the car's rear wheels were on different angles.
11. the dealer had replaced the AC - that worked
12. the mufflers ... I've heard quieter straight pipes - my ears were ringing after a drive around the block.
13. the interior was "accessorized" with wood add ons. Trust me folks, these didn't age well.
14. Emergency Brake didn't release.
    [/list=1]
    
    I have never been so grateful lthat I did not buy a car. And I owe it all to you guys. Thanks for posting your problems. I saved myself from buying a real lemon.
    
    For the Record, I offered the guy 2K for the car. Cash. He said that he paid more and would sell it eventually.

 

[Ctfoodguy2000]

Welcome to the Sounds like you did yourself a huge favor by passing on this Vette! You will find another! Good luck in your hunt.

 

[Rob]

Awesome. Glad to hear that you found our site helfpul. Welcome to the Corvette Action Center!

 

[Moonunit 451]

TheArtist,

Welcome, and congradulations for not falling into the immediate gratification impulse buying trap ! I think you would have had to have been looking at a VERY NICE car in that year for that price.

Reading this forum and others like it will really prepare you for your search. Patience is key. What you really want to do is figure out what you are willing to spend and then find a private seller. Prefeably a distressed one and makea deal you'll be relatively happy with in the long run. And if you can only afford to buy an older Vette, you better be interested and capable of doing most of your own labor and enjoy it. They can be somewhat tempermental, and if you don't enjoy spending time taking care of your car, look for something else.

That said, You should look at http://www.hemmings.com/ and maybe KBB.com and get an idea of the market in your area. Don't be afraid to travel a little bit if neccesary to get what you want. I have seen others assist forum members from hundreds, even thousands of miles away to evaluate a specific car of interest. Lots of good people in these forums
Good Luck