Need Advice

[problemenko]

Wanted to introduce myself to this forum. I live in West NJ and wanted to join a forum that has members nearby. I'm looking for either a C4 or C3. Both have their advantages and disadvantages and like some who are here I'm looking to not outlay alot of cash for the initial purchase. That is, get a car that I can drive, good quality, no accidents, well maintained, (am I asking too much?), resonable cost. Anyway, your collective advice is welcome. And pardon the newbie questions. Hope to meet some of you at local events.

[FinWolf]

Fran Welcome hope you find what you want. Just my in put I would think a C4 would be your best bet. I would think most C3 for a low outlay would need a lot of work. You may get a bigger bang for you buck in a C4. But larry could give you more info see what he says.

[problemenko]

Thanks for your advice. I admit that a C4 is probably the bang for the buck....but there's just something about those C3's! Although with two kids in college maybe a C4 is the way to go.

[FinWolf]

I love the C3 look allso. Im with you in the college thing.:cheers:

[fatherlarry]

Welcome aboard Fran!:cheers:

Finwolf is correct in saying that you will get more for your money in a C4, however, there are some C3's around that can be gotten for a fair deal. Depending on the equipment, you might be able to get a nice '75-'82. The best years for the C4 was 1988 and up. Tell me what you're looking to spend, and I can give you a rough idea as to what year might fit you best. The older Corvettes are hard to put figure on. It's basically what is in demand and what the seller feels his car is worth by what he has into it. I would pick yourself up an Old Car Price Guide to get a general idea. Also, it's better to find a private seller, rather than a car dealer for the C3's. Naturally, bring a certified mechanic with you when you're ready to deal. Believe me its worth the money to save you aggravation later on. Good luck in your search. It can be a lot of fun and education, but also frustrating. Take you time and enjoy the hunt. Keep us posted. We'll do what we can to help you along the way. And again welcome to the forum. :chevy: ;bt

[problemenko]

Thanks for your advice and I look forward to meeting you some day. I believe I can start with an initial investment of between $10-12,000. I'd like a rather good platform to start with and build from there. I have an everyday ride so the Vette will be used for cruising and such. I've been on this quest for a few months now and willing to take my time on this pursuit. However, I do want a ride by late spring early summer 04. Glad to be onboard.;bt

[fatherlarry]

Between $10-$12K with today's new market, you may not find much available that won't need any work. It also depends on which state you are located in. You may get a little more for you money if you're not in California or NY. An average parts car today runs between $2-$5K. So you're not going to get a mint condition car for $10-$12K. It also depends on how fussy you are. What may bother some people, may not bother you. I did see on rare occasions, some low mileage '88 coupes with low mileage going between $14-$18K, but if you look hard enough and do your homework, you might find something.:smoke:

[problemenko]

It may be worth it in the long run to bite the bullet and go for the 14-18K car. I'm in NJ just 15 miles east of Easton. Any recommendations on publications on where to find private sellers?

[Gerry]

Welcome to the site. :cheers: I am also looking for a C3 and prices are all over the place !! Try this site....http://www.buyavette.net One of my friends bought his first Vette from these people and was real happy with the car and the people he worked with. GOOD LUCK..

Gerry:usaribbon :chevy:

[problemenko]

gerry, thanks for the information on the site.

[fatherlarry]

Landis Corvettes & More
3000 Penn Ave, Reading, PA 19609
Phone: (610) 927-4460


I was there last week, and they had a '92 for around $14,000. It had around 60,000 miles. Fairly nice car, needs some tender loving care. I drove the car and it ran nice. He's got a lot more there too. Give him a call and tell him you're a member of FatherLarry's Corvette Shop. While you're in Reading, you may want to stop by Stoudts Corvettes on Route 12. Also, a good club to join that might not be too far from you is the Corvette Club of Delaware Valley. Greatly organized club with very friendly people. Tell Bill Burkholder that FatherLarry sent you. There may be some members there selling a car or two. Good luck.

[problemenko]

Thanks once again. I plan on making a trip to Reading sometime next week. (That is, if this work thing doesn't get in my way)
:D

[Y2KFRC]

Check this out..I don't know if it has been sold or not...
1992 Red Conv.

For sale... Excellent condition, 1992 Torch red / black top/ red interior. LT-1 300 hp/ auto. /50K miles / garaged / $14,950.'s Call 215-343-5592.

[fatherlarry]

Originally posted by Y2KFRC
Check this out..I don't know if it has been sold or not...
1992 Red Conv.

For sale... Excellent condition, 1992 Torch red / black top/ red interior. LT-1 300 hp/ auto. /50K miles / garaged / $14,950.'s Call 215-343-5592.

Thanks Bill;bt

[FinWolf]

Originally posted by Y2KFRC
Check this out..I don't know if it has been sold or not...
1992 Red Conv.

For sale... Excellent condition, 1992 Torch red / black top/ red interior. LT-1 300 hp/ auto. /50K miles / garaged / $14,950.'s Call 215-343-5592.

That car must be near me I have the same phone # with the 343 in it.

[problemenko]

I stopped by Stoudt's today and checked out a few of the C4s on the lot. He has quite a collection of mostly low mileage cars but one high mileage (110,000) 89 vert. Other than the high mileage on the odometer the car there is really no tell tale signs indicating a high mileage car. The fit and finish is of excellent quality and the car was an adult owned daily driver. They are asking $10,900 for the vehicle. I also checked out a couple other C4's with low mileage that are going for around $18k as well as an 84 with 72k on the odo. I really like the high mileage car (price/fit/finish) but not sure on the amount of miles. I could get into the 84 for the same price and I'm sure there are trade offs. Can anyone comment on high mileage drivers? I guess I can always get a crate engine and rebuild the tranny at some point in time. So pay now or pay later?

I plan on visiting Landis on my next trip as I ran out of time today.

[problemenko]

Never mind. I answered the mileage question myself. :banghead:

[fatherlarry]

I saw James today at Outten Chevrolet. I told him you were looking for a Vette. He has a 1992 Coupe, Teal/Black with LT1 engine, automatic for around the price you are looking to spend. Call him and tell him FatherLarry sent you and that you're a member of the forum for your discount. Car looked really nice. Let us know how you make out.

James Outten: 610 434-4201

[problemenko]

I'll check out the 92. BTW, I spoke with Jim Landis and plan on visiting his place tomorrow morning. We discussed several C4's on his lot and an 82 that he says is in great shape. In either case I'll check out what he has. I prefer a C3 or C5 but financially the C5 won't work until I get through these college tuition days. We do what we can when we can. I'll relay what I find at Landis. Thanks again for your advice.
Fran

[Gerry]

Don't give up on the C5 just yet.:wave: Check out the 2000 Hardtop for 23,900 ;bt The prices seem to be coming down a bit. http://www.kerbeck.com/inventory.html

Gerry:usaribbon :usaribbon :chevy:

[problemenko]

Gerry, thanks I'll check out the thread.

Also, I looked at few C4's, a 74 and an 82 at Landis today. The C4's most definitely have a different feel to them but for my eyes the C3's got'em beat. I don't really know the protocol here when discussing specific cars so I shall keep my comments about condition vs price to myself. I will admit that the C4's on the lot are in great shape.

Anybody know anything about Coffee's Corvettes in the Scranton PA area? I spoke with them today and they seem to carry quite a collection of C3's.

[Gerry]

I was at Coffee's this past summer and his prices are High. From looking around I think Larry is on the money with Landis in Reading.;bt The next best is a private deal where somebody really needs the money. Those deals are out there but hard to find. Good Luck and let us know how you make out :luxhello:

Gerry:usaribbon :usaribbon :chevy:

[problemenko]

Gerry, I think Coffee is a bit High also. If he has quality cars it may be worth a couple of extra bucks, just not too many. Landis seems have fair prices and nice cars as well. The 82 is in nice shape I'm just not sure if I want an 82 or go for a slighly older style maybe 77-79. I'll keep hunting....;bt

[FinWolf]

problemenko this may be more then you want to spend but this guy keeps cars like new. he is in the club im in.

http://216.194.68.200/~admin2/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2677

[problemenko]

FinWolf, thank you for the follow up.. I may be acting impulsive but what the hell, I decided to look for a C3. I drove both recently and although the C4 provided a nice ride, good handling, was fast but the C3 was what excited me. The C3 with all it's shortcomings as compared to C4's and C5's represents a piece of American automotive history that should be preserved. Matching numbers, original this and that are really not too important to me. A RUST FREE car is as the rest of the mechanicals I can handle.I know I will probably spend more money and open Panadora's box but you only live once. Thanks again and keep the adivice coming! I'm going to need it.......:D

[problemenko]

Gents, I hate when I'm wrong but I am. After checking out a few more C3's and C4's I find the best car for the money, at least between these models, is the C4. I must have had a senior moment, what the hell was I thinking? Thanks for the adivce and anyone knows of a C4 up to about 18k please let me know.:banghead:

[FinWolf]

Originally posted by problemenko
Gents, I hate when I'm wrong but I am. After checking out a few more C3's and C4's I find the best car for the money, at least between these models, is the C4. I must have had a senior moment, what the hell was I thinking? Thanks for the advice and anyone knows of a C4 up to about 18k please let me know.:banghead:

I hear you the C3 is a much better looking car as far as looks. But the C4 is the better buy for the money. For 2000 more then you want to spend you can get the C4 I was telling you about it is like new with 10,000 miles on it. He may want that kind of money because he has all the doc's on it and he is a collector type of guy and they all ways think there cars are worth more. They are I guess because they take good care of them. If you spend a little more now you will save it on the back end.

[problemenko]

OK, I've been test driving quite a few cars lately and narrowed my search to two, well maybe three. One is an 87 auto with 68K on the odo and the other an 89 6 speed with 42K on the odo. Both are in really nice shape and are priced similar, have similar color combos blue on blue. Kinda different. The third is a 92 6 speed with 61K on the odo and in a little rougher shape than the 80's cars. Not terrible, just well used, specifically the interior and mainly the seats. Mechanics seem ok, engine runs strong but the car seem noisy, not loud, just noisy. Anything out of the ordinary I should be aware of regarding the tranny's or L98/LT1? The L98 seems to be fairly reliable and I like the torque curve as they seem to be, well, more lively, at lower speeds. Anyway, any opinions?

[problemenko]

I found a couple of ZR1's for sale a 90 with 57K and a 91 with 50K miles. Both cars are in nice shape and are priced within $1k of each other. On the otherhand C5 prices continue to drop. I've found several C5's for slightly more than the cost of the ZR1's. I wish I had the money to purchase a Zr1 and C5 but unfortunately I am independently poor. So any suggestions? I've driven both vintages and each have pros and cons. I like the racy feel of the ZR1 and the comfort of the C5. Both are very different cars. A race car or a cruiser?

[fatherlarry]

If you're deciding between a C4 and a C5, definitely the C5 is the way to go. Even down the road it will hold it's value better than a C4, because the C4 was produced from 1984-1996. Except for the ZR1, which is rare because of the dual overhead V8 and the wider custom back. If you are looking for a car for collectibility, then the ZR1 is the way to go. But, don't forget, with the ZR1, parts are going to get even scarcer, and the bodystyle is a C4 which comes with all the shakes, rattles and rolls. Now the C5 will be more in demand then the C4 bodystyle, because of a shorter model run, frame chassis which is stiffer then the C4, better technology, better ride, better gas mileage, parts are affordable and accessible, and in my opinion a much more stylish looking Corvette. You will be getting more for your money with a C5 then with a C4. The ZR1 is just unique because the price was very high when they were new, and the engine was turning times back then, that our new C5's are doing now. The ZR1 back then competed with the exotics which the basic C4 couldn't, but today the C5's are competing nicely, especially the Z06. If you decide on the ZR1, it's a good choice and will go up in value, but not as much as everyone is saying. It's not going to be a '67 L88 and there are too many overhead cams out there now that are going to stabilize the price of the ZR1 in the collectors realm. I personally would stay with the C5, but it is your choice, depending on what it is you want. If you want performance without the worry of parts availibility and high cost, then go with the C5. There are things to look out for with the '90 and '91 ZR1's. Take a mechanic with you if you are serious about the ZR1. Injectors can be very costly and with 57,000, it might be time for them. Ask a lot of questions on how hard he drove the ZR1 and try to get as much paperwork and history on the car, but that goes for any Corvette you purchase. Good luck in your decision.

[problemenko]

Thanks for the input. Still not sure what I'm going to do. ZR1's certainly have some appeal but appear to be fairly complex machines compared to the C5's. I guess the gurs over at ZR1.net would argue the case in favor of the ZR1. Either way I look at it as a win. Thanks again and stay be in touch.