Trade 94Coupe for 91 Conv?? HELP!!

[vette-dude]

I have a chance to trade my white 94 Lt1 coupe, 54K miles for a 91 Red conv. My coupe is supe claen and has all the standard options, no sports seats, and has some minor body damage to drvr side rear above rear fender well and on pass side front above trun signal. It is not noticeable but I know it's there.

Dealer has a 91 Red Conv w/ blk top. Has 75K miles and the body is perfect, top is perfect, engine sound good. I have new tires on my coupe and he is willing to let me swap Rims and tires on to the Vert. Vert has three way tuneable susp pkg, sports seats, CD player, and is super clean. Has been garage kept and they have all the maint. records. They said they will swap even up. What does everyone think??? Should I keep the coupe or trade for the Vert. I don't use the Vette as a daily driver and it is always garaged. My thoughts are the Vert will appreciate in value better over the years and the color will make it better to sell at a later date. I did not buy the Vette as an investment but to have fun with. Putting th top down on the vert is alot easier for this old man than unbolting and removing the roof panel. I am just worried about the mechanical on the 91. From the looks of the engine it seems easier to tune up and is more conventional type dist. Well thanks inadvance and please respond. I need tom decide today.


Randy

 

[offshore]

I wouldn't want to have to make diss. but leaning to verrt.

 

[zog]

In my opinion, humble thought it is, I would go for it in a heartbeat...

Corvettes are NOT like other cars. I would not trade my 98 Continental for a 96 Town car....BUT

When it comes to a Vette, I want what I want....there are book values on Vettes, for sure, but a lot of that stuff doesn't apply when you consider condition, age, color, or convertible vs. coupe....

Mileage on a Vette is irrelevant. A well cared for car with 100,000 miles is a better buy than a car with 40,000 that has had the hech ran out of it..

I bought my Continental last year with 85,000 on it from the original owner...I know the history of the car and how it was cares for....at 114,000 miles it purrrrs like new.

If I had your current choice, and it sounds like you really really want the convertible (or you would not have been looking at it) I would be driving a convertible....good luck withyour decision...

 

[vette-dude]

Thanks Offshore. Me too kinda!!
Randy

 

[tyrel]

I say go for it! The convertible is a fantastic ride with the top down, and the convertible will always have a higher value than the coupe for the same year. The 1991 is the last year of the L98, which is a wonderful engine. It's fairly easy to work on. And at 75k miles, if the engine has been cared for, you can easily go at least another 75k before major engine work. That he has the service records is an indication that the car has been cared for. Be sure to have all the obvious things checked out like brakes, coolant leaks, all the power options, the transmission, steering groans, alternator, etc.

Because of the limited cargo space, the convertible is less practical than the coupe for everyday driving but since you wouldn't drive it every day that's a moot point. Let me tell you, there is nothing better than putting the top down and going for a drive on a sunny day. It's definitely not a car for introverts, because everyone will be checking you out.

 

[safety_match]

If it helps...

I purchased a 1990 red convertible 5 months ago in California. It has a black top and 48,000 miles. Included was automatic and factory hard top. Body excellent, interior shows minor wear. Price was $13,000...what is yours worth and how does it compare price-wise?
Also, on a personal note, I wanted the ragtop and not the coupe. I figured if it was to be just a fun sunny day car then I wanted the top down!

 

[kingman]

Buyer Beware!!!!!!!!!!

Hi

The dealer is no dummy, and he has no attachments to any car. When he see's a car, he see's $$$$$$$$$$$


The difference between both cars as a dealer looks at it, is that your 94 has the bigger engine, three more years of improvements and dual air bags. Also to consider, is that in the 91 you have to use freon, which is very costly.

On the other hand, the dealer might have a customer waiting in the wings for your vette.

What just shot through my head is that your vette is white and the convert is red. White is not a color in demand, but red alway's sells.

Conclusion, have a carfax done on the dealer's car, l smell something fishy, not illegal, but fishy.

Please keep us informed.

 

[kingman]

One more thing!!!

The performance between both has to be clocked, you wouldn't know the difference just driving it.

Good luck, no matter what you do.

 

[vette-dude]

Thanks to all who responded. I did it and traded for the Vert. It handled better, road smoother, was quieter (believe it or not) and looks like new. Former one owner car and always garaged and never driven in rain or snow ( talked to former owner). I really don't know what this dealer was thinking but his last comment as I walked to my new red 91 vert. was that white cars sell quicker and for more money????? I will post some pics later next week. God, I love that top down feeling. Thanks again to all for the great advice and comments.

Randy

 

[Justin_cv87]

what is the difference in fun between a vert and a roof panel? they are both the same but the roof panel has a window behind u, so u woldnt even know if it was a roof panel or vert if u didnt look behind you right? (i never driven in a vert or roofless car )

Well, if it turns out that verts are funner, then i would go for the vert, but i would carfax it first to get the real deal on it.

if verts and roof panels are the same fun factor, then it is a tougher decision, because as u said, the vert has sport seats and everything, and yours is all standard right? and your car has damage right? well then, maby u should go for the vert ne way. because the vert is older, and in a few years will be worth more than your coupe, plus verts always sell for more than coupes, so it is better as an investment, and it has better options.

 

[Justin_cv87]

lol, took me a bit too long to type that and u went for it i see. well, good choice, and im glad u enjoy it!

I still dont know how verts are funner than roof panels tho.

 

[SlowRide]

Thanks to all who responded. I did it and traded for the Vert. It handled better, road smoother, was quieter (believe it or not) and looks like new. Former one owner car and always garaged and never driven in rain or snow ( talked to former owner). I really don't know what this dealer was thinking but his last comment as I walked to my new red 91 vert. was that white cars sell quicker and for more money????? I will post some pics later next week. God, I love that top down feeling. Thanks again to all for the great advice and comments.

Randy

Congratulations Randy.......it sounds like you got what you wanted (and that is the most important part). One thing, now you are going to have to change the description of your vette in your posts.

Nick

 

[kingman]

Good Move.

I don't know the dealer you traded with, but in the warmer climates the color white is more in demand because it reflects the strong rays of the sun. In turn it doesn't hurt the paint as much.

But in every other climate, red rules!!

Good luck.

 

[vette-dude]

I will try and change my info in my Avitar this week. Man I just waxed the new Red Vert. and it is so perfect I almost believe I bought it new. Talked with the former owner, only one he bought the vette new, and he said nothing is wrong with the car. The only reason he got rid of it is he bought new anniv. C5. Thanks again to everyone.

Justin-- A vert is more fun to drive than the coupe with the roof panel out. Besides, when you get old like me the top goes down way easier than trying to manhandle a roof panel. It is almost like riding a Motorcycle but cooler I think. :cool :cool :cool

Randy

 

[*89x2*]

don't know what this dealer was thinking but his last comment as I walked to my new red 91 vert. was that white cars sell quicker and for more money?????

I have heard this before from dealers - I personally will never own a white car