I was wondering if anyone had any experiences with some of the tri-state dealers that occasionally have low mileage C3s (79/80) at what I consider inflated prices. Specifically Coffee's Sports & Classics who is currently advertising a 1980 L48 4spd (17K miles) for $30K. Contes has a 79 L82 4 spd with 15Kmiles at $25K. Any comments about these dealers or other dealers in the area or about a fair price for a low mileage C3s would be appreciated.
No offense, but that seems like an awful lot to spend for a car of those years, even given the mileage. I could be wrong, though, because my real knowledge lies in C4s.
But back to your question, avoid Future Classics in Lakewood, NJ. Without going into detail, I'm not the only one who was unsatisfied- I remember doing some research and finding scary, scary things that would make Zora roll over in his grave.
Two phrases caught my attention: "fair price" and "low mileage C3" mentioned in the same breath as dealers. With these cars now 30 to 40 years old, how many low mileage cars can we realistically expect to find out there?
Even if documented, we have seen how tank sheets, VIN's, and trim plates are being duplicated. Isn't it possible and even likely that the odometers have been around a time or two? If I truly wanted a low mileage car, I would seek a private CF seller with lots of documentation and history of the car.
Please understand, I am not saying you cannot get a good car from these dealers. I am saying that someone very discriminating would be better served getting his/her questions answered about a car from the horses' mouth, so to speak. Good luck w your search,
hi ken,
in regards to conte's while his asking price on the current red 1979 is high he usually gets a few cars and may even be able to find what you want at the price you want to pay. joe works very hard at running a reputable business and has been doing so for over 30 years from the same location. he (joe conte) is also willing to work with you and the consignnee to negotiate a price you can both live with, i have had a few chances to check out coffee's an find him to be the pro-team of the east! no negotiations, the price is the price period! he has a 1978 S/A that he is asking a pace car price for, when i told him i had a firm offer (check in hand) he blew me off, granted i was offering about 10K less than he is asking but a BZ2 PAINT OPTION WAS THE MOST ORDERED COLOR on the 1978's and can in no way be considered "rare" i would recommend conte's give him a chance to work with you heck, all you could lose is the price of a phone call. best of luck!
......................................ch ris
Old car + low mileage = a lot of time sitting in a garage rusting and deteriorating.
I remember selling my late mothers 17 year old Honda civic with 30Km
(about 25,000 miles). It hasdlow miles but that was due to a lot of short trips where the motor hadnt warmed up.
As we know 90% of wear occurs when a car is cold.
At that mileage the motor knocked and ran like s.....
I agree with Rickman, and that's what scares me. A lot of "duplication" going on out there. I know of a guy on Long Island who "restores" Corvettes. All he cares about is buying a VIN number. He then recreates the car around it, and markets it as THAT ORIGINAL CAR. Very, very sleazy...
hi ken,
in regards to conte's while his asking price on the current red 1979 is high he usually gets a few cars and may even be able to find what you want at the price you want to pay. joe works very hard at running a reputable business and has been doing so for over 30 years from the same location. he (joe conte) is also willing to work with you and the consignnee to negotiate a price you can both live with, i have had a few chances to check out coffee's an find him to be the pro-team of the east! no negotiations, the price is the price period! he has a 1978 S/A that he is asking a pace car price for, when i told him i had a firm offer (check in hand) he blew me off, granted i was offering about 10K less than he is asking but a BZ2 PAINT OPTION WAS THE MOST ORDERED COLOR on the 1978's and can in no way be considered "rare" i would recommend conte's give him a chance to work with you heck, all you could lose is the price of a phone call. best of luck!
......................................ch ris
I know some guys who bought from Joe and they only have high praise. It might be worth the extra $$ to buy quality and confidence, you know what the alternative can offer.
Good luck.
I wanted to thank everyone for responding. One of the many things I enjoy about owning my 79 C3 (other than the car itself) is the willingness of other vette owners to help.
I contacted Coffees and inquired about the history of the vette, which I thought was reasonable since it was $30K. He did not seem to know the complete history and stated it was in storage for most of its life and most likely had 3 owners. I was going to make an offer through his website, but it turns out the “make offer” link does not work.
I did visit Conte and looked at a 79 and 80 which are both nice and less expensive. Definitely there is no pressure and everyone including one of the mechanics was very helpful.
i live only a couple miles from coffees but only thing i hear is that his prices are high. im no expert but if you need me to check something for you i would be glad to help. only dealing i had with him was 2 weeks before carlisle vet weekend i was in there looking for a c3 and he took me in back to show me one that paint was stripped and had no int. he said its going to carlisle in 2 weeks and when its done he would call me to give me 1st crack at it. well carlisle came and went so i found another c3 in kentucky. i figured if he didnt call me like he said he would i didnt bother to call him back. his loss, maybe he didnt think i was seriouse or something.
You could try Bruce's Automall in Schuylkill Haven. I've driven by there a few times but never stopped in. They deal almost exclusively with corvettes, so it's probably at least worth your time to call.
You could try Bruce's Automall in Schuylkill Haven. I've driven by there a few times but never stopped in. They deal almost exclusively with corvettes, so it's probably at least worth your time to call.
I know what you mean about 30K for a 80 vette. I have a 79 which I purchased two years ago, high mileage, tired body, but a regular driver that was a fraction of this vette.
I just really like the 79/80 C3s and I could go for the four speed. Anybody willing to take a stab at what they believe the one at Coffee's is worth? Or one similar (low mileage / 4 speed). Thanks
Corvette Store
Seeking advice for buying a C3 in PA
Two phrases caught my attention: "fair price" and "low mileage C3" mentioned in the same breath as dealers. With these cars now 30 to 40 years old, how many low mileage cars can we realistically expect to find out there? 
