jans

Hi,
After deciding that my "dream car",a C3 was not the best option for me, I have decided on a C5. Found a 2002 vert with 43,000 mi at local dealer.
Auto, magnetic red with tan interior. Looks great, I would have it inspected of course,but carfax shows one owner and oil changes every 3K mi, no accident reports. Asking price is $23,900 - I am trying to find comparables and if inspection good would like to make offer. What do you think would be a good initial offer? Thank you for your time in answering my question.

bikeriderga

A little high with that mileage (not high mileage, but not super low either), but sounds like a good car.

Offer 20K and see what happens.

Sonny71

20 - 22 may get it done, depending on where you are located

DDaaryl

This time a year ago I found a similiar 02 vert, one owner, 46k miles, clean history in my favorite color with manual transmission at a local dealer. It was exactly what I was looking for. I found NADA to be the best indicator of value and naturally he wanted more, I offered less. On my second visit I brought the NADA printout and bought it at about $22k. Some folks think that was high for an 02 but the book adds over $5k for low mileage like that.

In your case the book is $21,875. Offer less if it has the original run flat Goodyear tires. Remember it's an old car and has no warranty. Have the fault codes check. Break the tires loose and insure you don't get the "service active handling" message on the dash. There is no shortage of these so don't let dealer the availability game mess with your head. If it's manual tell the dealer you like auto or visa versa. Don't show your emotion and be prepared for more that one dealer visit. In my case I waited for him to call me back. It's all a game, enjoy the chase and don't over pay. The initial offer should be less that you are willing to pay.

ClipperFan

I say tell him $21k including a 3 year bumper to bumper warranty and see if he starts changing colors. Then u know u are at a good starting point Cause I know he is talking about the LOW mileage............

bikeriderga

Why I said start a 20K.. You're suggestion will work as well. It's all about negotiation.

Looks like our C5s are growing in value. Could be there are not a lot of good ones around and/or on the market right now. Every where I look, they are bringing very good to excellent book values.

calvins

I'm with the others, that's high. Last January I paid 23 for an '03 EB M6 Coupe with 31K on the clock. That was from a local Corvette Dealer and every fluid on the car was changed before I picked it up, the car was detailed and it was in showroom condition.

Also as already said, there are a lot of C5's in great shape to be had, don't jump.

If you haven't looked at the Buying sticky at the top of the forum, you may want to do that.

JaxEagle

Agreed. 22 may even be too high. I'd feel good at 20 and ok at 22 or less.

JaxEagle

By the way, I was in the same position. C3 was my dream car and I ended up with a C5. I have heard the story many times since. I am guessing your are in your 40's?

jans

Thanks everyone for replies and opinions. JaxEagle, actually I am in my 50's and wanted a C3 for as long as I remember - love the look. Put off buying a long time and after a lot of reading on the forum and elsewhere, realized it just wasn't my best option. Someone in our neighborhood has a beautiful 99 vert and the more I talked to him and looked at that car, I knew that was what I wanted. Still learning about the C5 and really appreciate the replies.

roadbike56

jans, the calendar is in your favor, especially in a northern state. Right about now, dealers are trying to get rid of used Vettes. Even here in the south, dealers are beginning to lower their prices. You should be able to get that car for around $21K.

JaxEagle

JaxEagle

Yes, nonetheless we are close enough in age that we probably fell in love with the C3 for the same reasons and then also arrived at the C5 for the same reasons. It's a great car that is just more versatile than a C3. If I had a C3 it would be strictly for detailing and relaxed cruising. That is probably enjoyable enough but I really love modifying my C5 and a little spirited driving sometimes.

Vetteman Jack

A good place to start would be offering around $20.5-21K and see what the dealer comes back with. If you could get it for less than $22K I'd say you did OK.

cmark84

I paid 15k for my '00 with 80,xxx miles. I did have to buy new front tires and front brakes to pass inspection, ended up doing the rears too while I was at it.

jans

The car I was considering actually sold for $23.5. I don't think I would have paid that so will keep looking. Hoping that as it gets later in the year here in the midwest I can find a better deal. Not looking to lowball any seller, just would like to feel I got a fair price. Thanks for all the input and especially for the reminders to be patient, the right car for me is out there.

PNW Vett

That was not "your car". Yours is indeed out there and you will find it. You probably learned a lot through this experience to assist in your purchase later.

jol

I have an 04 Vert, 6 speed. loaded, new seats, wheels, double din/pioneer.borla,chromed and painted engine and wouldn't take less that $110,000-115,000 for mine Absolutely Firm ( or closest offer)!!!

racebum

RetiredSFC 97

You missed your alternator