Rookie looking at 78 Silver L82

Yikes, I replied to Brian thinking he was in Barrie. I better re-read the whole thread and sort this out. I do need some help Ron. I talked to the seller again tonight. Ken
 
I think you maybe rushing this purchase , I have a client that just picked up a mint 71 ragtop for $21K .

Look around, look in the US . There are good deals to be had .

I looked at over 25 vettes before I bought mine .

Manny
 
Take your time buddy..........if your at the 20K plus mark this car should be giving you some major "whow" factor and very few or no concerns.
 
Thanks Manny. Sometimes I indeed need to step back. The seller has just had the car cleaned up and some repairs done to appease me so he keeps calling to say he's done this, he's done that, etc. and I think his price is coming down a couple of G's. I might take another look - with no cheque book on me - just so I can see it "in a different light" based on the cautions from this forum.
 
I hear you and I thank you Somebuddy. As I was saying to Manny I might take another look... a more sober view of things, based on the advice from this forum. It will be easier to walk away if I'm now having more info and time to think.
 
VetteDreamer said:
You are likely quite right Range... it's a personal thing that sometimes does not make good sense.
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:agree:Understood, just saying what you could get for the 20 - 25K price range. I LOVE the '78 - '82 too, partial to the '78 Silver Anni over the Pace Car.:coolgleam:
 
if that is the case then you must accept that you are going to keep the car long term. that is the view i have with my 76. even though i only paid 6800 for it, by the time it's painted and the interior is freshened up along with a few other things, i will have far more into the car than i could ever hope to sell it for.
 
buckhorn76 said:
if that is the case then you must accept that you are going to keep the car long term. that is the view i have with my 76. even though i only paid 6800 for it, by the time it's painted and the interior is freshened up along with a few other things, i will have far more into the car than i could ever hope to sell it for.
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Agreed... Our obsession with cars usually means we are okay with Black Holes when it comes to money. I've put myself in that position with another car I have now that, I'm reminded by my wife, I must sell ASAP if I'm serious about a Corvette. The seller is becoming flexible so I'm going back to look at it again and will try to see through the cosmetic mess. Must be getting lazy. As someone has suggested, for this money I should be buying a turn-key car. I don't relish months of disassembly and detailing.
 
Unless you like disassembling......hey, for the exact car, you do what you have to. I think the main point is that he is catering to you, which is what I think the main issue was. I can't wait to hear how this all turns out! Good luck.
 
Ken,

if you indeed do decide to go back, I think we should all collectively start making a list of questions to ask the seller. The way I try to place value on a car I'm interested in is to know first off what that car would be worth in A-1 shape......then start subtracting for the cost to get it to that condition; then that's my offer. Not an exact science of course, but it has served me well over the years, since many sellers post a price based on emotion rather than fact.

So my questions would begin:

1) When, if ever, were the tires replaced? Anything over 6-7 years max, they gotta go.

2) Have the brakes been rebuilt/had fluid flushed since new? Old original brake fluid will ruin brake calipers/master cylinders. Also, are calipers sleeved with stainless or not.

3) Hoses and belts original? If so, gotta go.

4) All fluids flushed? If not, a definite must.

5) All rubber bushings, seals checked for rot. These cars leak like sieves if not exercised.

My biggest concern relates to your mentioning the seller stating he did all his own maintenance. I say this because not everyone keeps meticulous records relating to dates and mileage........when it comes to buying a used car, no offense, but I trust no ones word.......show me proof, don't tell me.

In pristine shape, in my mind that car is worth maybe $17,000 - $18,000. The powertrain is a favoured choice, but holds a premium of maybe $1500 - if in good shape. Blue smoke on startup on a 30,000km engine is concerning.

I'm sure our friends will add to your checklist here. One last thing. LOTS OF PICS, and leave your checkbook at home - 24 hours to sleep on your decision is never a bad thing.

Good Luck
 
up until 1980 it is not uncommon to find a cracked differential cover at the spring mount. doing the job yourself is not expensive but it is very labour intensive. give the rear suspension a good inspection and as brian k says have a good look at bushings etc. doug.


 
Y'all gonna love this. I called the seller to say I'm not coming down to see the car in the near future...maybe in early May but I was vague. I wanted to see it one more time before asking Ron, Brian or Manny to assess. It's about an hour and a half one way and hey, after all the good advice I'm getting I'm really thinking this through. This man loves his car, in his mind and heart of hearts he believes he taken very good care of it, but if you saw this car in a show or parked on a cruise night you'd be stunned at the asking price. The mechanical condition is an unknown.

Anyway, back to my note re what just happened on the phone. The seller is going to have the car certified, relist in the AutoTrader, and the price is going up to $24,900!

Say good night, Gracie.

Thanks guys... you have been very kind and this has been a great lesson.

PS. That list from Brian would be received as distrust and insult by the seller instead of being a fair expectation. Like Brian says... emotion versus hard facts and the business side of coming to agreement.
 
It can be tough to walk away sometimes but you'll know if you did the right thing. I never asked, what is it about the silver anniversary model that attracts you so much? Just curious. My wife likes the rubber bumper C3's more than the chrome bumper ones; she thinks they look more integrated and futuristic. She doesn't care about the lower power.
 
Buckhorn76... Good to know. He would have been using modern oil and no supplements. He's not savvy that way. I use AC Delco EOS in my 76 TR6 to avoid that kind of wear. I have also used a litre of Lucas Oil Additive with my Castrol 20-50 at times but still always add two ounces of EOS. What do you use? Ken
 

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