Should I Buy This Corvette?

[Gumart1]

I've noticed that quite a few members here have owned or currently own a Vette. I did have an '87 at one time that was a lot of fun to drive in the summers (Chicago).

I've always admired the 97+ for their performance but didn't want to spend the money as I wasn't interested in the depreciation. This morning a guy put an ad on Craigslist and he lives less than 2 miles from my house.

It's a 1999 Red Corvette with black leather, 6 speed, 44,000 miles. He bought it with 7k miles on it. Adult owner, garaged, no accidents or paintwork, all stock except for 2000 chrome wheels. New Goodyear run flats. Heads up display also. It has some paint chips on the front but otherwise clean according to the owner. I'm going to see it later today. The one thing I am not sure on is if it is a removeable hardtop or not. That was a great plus on my '87, almost made it feel like a convertible.

The price: $16,000 firm.

I searched Autotrader and couldn't find a deal even close to this. Seems crazy to me that he would garage it this winter and then sell it now for that price? I love the idea of driving and enjoying it for a year or two, and selling it for nearly the same price. I don't see it depreciating too quickly because the older models are holding at a slightly lower level.

I've heard that this generation can have electrical problems? The owner said he replaced the alternator but that was it. Anything else I should look out for besides typical inspections checks?

Just wanted to hear advice and opinions from anyone. Thanks!

[RFeldes]

Sounds Like a Good deal....Good Luck.

[LEXIRX330]

I've noticed that quite a few members here have owned or currently own a Vette. I did have an '87 at one time that was a lot of fun to drive in the summers (Chicago).

I've always admired the 97+ for their performance but didn't want to spend the money as I wasn't interested in the depreciation. This morning a guy put an ad on Craigslist and he lives less than 2 miles from my house.

It's a 1999 Red Corvette with black leather, 6 speed, 44,000 miles. He bought it with 7k miles on it. Adult owner, garaged, no accidents or paintwork, all stock except for 2000 chrome wheels. New Goodyear run flats. Heads up display also. It has some paint chips on the front but otherwise clean according to the owner. I'm going to see it later today. The one thing I am not sure on is if it is a removeable hardtop or not. That was a great plus on my '87, almost made it feel like a convertible.

The price: $16,000 firm.

I searched Autotrader and couldn't find a deal even close to this. Seems crazy to me that he would garage it this winter and then sell it now for that price? I love the idea of driving and enjoying it for a year or two, and selling it for nearly the same price. I don't see it depreciating too quickly because the older models are holding at a slightly lower level.

I've heard that this generation can have electrical problems? The owner said he replaced the alternator but that was it. Anything else I should look out for besides typical inspections checks?

Just wanted to hear advice and opinions from anyone. Thanks!

Just keep the Lexus...that way if your vet is in the shop getting fixed you will have something to drive!

That does sound like a good price! Have fun and good luck!

[nc211]

Gum, not only should you buy it, you should swing by and pick me up so I can give you my professional opinion on the power-braking, J turnin', donut making, cop smokin' abilities of it!! :D

Pppppllllleeeeeaaaaaassssseeeee

I be yo' bestest friend!

[Gumart1]

Ha ha ha ha - you guys are great - Thanks Fortunately this thread didn't go on too long and I've been unfortunate to have had my time wasted by another Craigslist phony.

I usually can screen the hundreds of garbage ads but the odd thing was that I actually spoke to the guy for 15 minutes and he seemed quite real about the car. If he was, my guess is that throughout the day he got bombarded with calls and realized that he possibly underpriced it?

In any case, he canceled his ad - luckily I saved his phone number - so I called and when he answered he quickly said he was in a meeting and asked that I call back in 10 minutes. Of course 10 minutes later, and now 3 hours later, no response. What an *&%(%^ ! Honestly, if people were just up front, I would not have a problem. But waste my time like this and it's another story.

Marty's Lesson learned: Waste all of your time on the LOC, not Craiglist :D

[RFeldes]

Marty did not waste his time nor ours. Something better will come along or maybe you are in a good place. Keep looking up , it's always better than down.

[SW03ES]

Craigslist people are the devil

[OhioRiverCigarette]

I've noticed that quite a few members here have owned or currently own a Vette. I did have an '87 at one time that was a lot of fun to drive in the summers (Chicago).

I've always admired the 97+ for their performance but didn't want to spend the money as I wasn't interested in the depreciation. This morning a guy put an ad on Craigslist and he lives less than 2 miles from my house.

It's a 1999 Red Corvette with black leather, 6 speed, 44,000 miles. He bought it with 7k miles on it. Adult owner, garaged, no accidents or paintwork, all stock except for 2000 chrome wheels. New Goodyear run flats. Heads up display also. It has some paint chips on the front but otherwise clean according to the owner. I'm going to see it later today. The one thing I am not sure on is if it is a removeable hardtop or not. That was a great plus on my '87, almost made it feel like a convertible.

The price: $16,000 firm.

I searched Autotrader and couldn't find a deal even close to this. Seems crazy to me that he would garage it this winter and then sell it now for that price? I love the idea of driving and enjoying it for a year or two, and selling it for nearly the same price. I don't see it depreciating too quickly because the older models are holding at a slightly lower level.

I've heard that this generation can have electrical problems? The owner said he replaced the alternator but that was it. Anything else I should look out for besides typical inspections checks?

Just wanted to hear advice and opinions from anyone. Thanks!