Harley6

As I continue to look at C5s, I've seen some pretty low-miles cars but with asking prices that are pretty steep. I realize book value isn't the gospel, but how much of a premium should there be for a car with low miles?

Here in Seattle, a few months ago there was a 1998 base coupe with less than 20,000 miles and the seller (an individual) was firm at more than 21k.

And now there's another 1998 coupe with 20,000 miles, supposedly pristine condition, listed at an asking price of just under 19k.

Am I kidding myself thinking I can find a low-miles (less than 50k) C5 for around $15,000?

avideo

your area. I know when I was looking for my first Corvette back in 1998 I was willing to drive as much as 200 miles to see a decent Corvette. Also, since it's summer; some Seattle sellers might think they can get a better price for their car. Frankly, you might do better looking in the Phoenix area; where I see lots of nice examples listed are reasonable prices.

RSbeast

Why would you not expect low mile cars to be more money?

Fast Cop

Bought my 04 Z06 with 18,881 miles on her in December of last year and paid $25,000 Yes low miles does = higher $$$$ When looking I coud have bought a 04 Z06 with 80,000 miles for $18,000 but I was willing to pay for low mile one owner car with full history from the original owner.

imlowr2

If your patient, there will be a low mileage car available for a decent price. It's common sense. Buyers want a car with less mileage. Less mileage = Less problems and longevity of the car vs. one with over 100K miles on it. Some sellers are willing to negotiate, especially if you have cash in your hand.

Pounder

I paid a high price for my one owner 99 with low miles, and after spending a lot of time on this forum I have been glad to buy a car with very few problems and everything in beautiful shape !!!!!(it was also the car I wanted)

Vetteman Jack

Yes, you'll find low mileage cars do get a bump in price. It only makes sense. After all, most value guides put a premium on car values for low miles.

cor28vettes

50K for 15? Sure

Do a nationwide search with specifics at autotrader for current asking prices. Then do same Cars.com Consult local and nearest big city craigslist. That should reveal the info U want.

As a guide...once a C5 hits 100K it's a 10 car IMOP (Z06 excluded)

Grim Reaper

I guess if someone is willing to pay them the premium.

I got lucky when I bought my 04 CE coupe 8 years ago with 8800 on it as I only paid 31k. I've seen similar cars today priced in the mid 20's with more miles on them

roadbike56

Yes you can find a C5 with less than 50K on the clock for under $15K providing that is your main criteria. When you begin limiting colors, only interested in cars with no mods, only want 1 or 2 owners, want newer models, want particular options, then you either pay more, get extremely lucky or be patient waiting for the right Corvette at your price. It's really pretty simple.
BTW, I landed up paying more to get what I want, when I wanted it and very glad I did.

SuperTom

Simple answer yes. But its not always foolproof if the car hasn't been driven at all. Things like seals and hoses will deteriorate just as fast without use. Also check the born on date on the tires. Tires near that 10 year mark become dangerous even of they haven't been used. As with any car old or new inspection is important. I purchased a car with a clean carfax but after removing my bsm's I noticed the door had been repainted.

Kahuna1

I bought my 2000 Nassau Blue FRC last year for $15,000.00, it is a one owner car, complete with maintenance logs, CARFAX - it had 74K miles.

Fast Cop

Here is my low mile 04 Z06. Bought it from original owner in December 2014 with only 18,881 miles on it. Current miles are 19,600. Yes don't say it - I need to drive it more. Weekend/Car Show toy.

zeevette

I wouldn't pay a big premium for a low miles, pre-01. Those you exampled were too much, IMO. Look for a later model, for not a lot more.

racebum

under 50k and under 15k? it's happened, actually it's common on pre 2001 cars but who buys those right?

on 2001+ there have a a few sales, usually 2001 around 50k at 15k

the bottom line in the sand book wise is usually NADA clean trade. also keep in mind a car with all the updates, hoses replaced, fluids, filters, new tires, new shocks etc is going to sell a bit over trade.

you also need to watch craigslist & ebay a few times per day. really good deals sell the same day or within a day or two of being listen. the cars that linger are usually the overpriced ones for what they are.

pologreen91

I think if you look long and hard enough you may find it. When I was looking I saw mostly 17K - 19K with around 50K miles.

dbgoodwin

prices for these cars seem to have just about bottomed out and have been going up in value lately. Kinda like my girlfriend, back in 2012 I picked her up for next to nothing because she was a 16 year old model, and despite the 3.5 years I've owned her and the hundreds of thousands of miles that I've put on her she's worth more now than ever.

MTCWBY

I ended up with 99' convertible, 24K miles for 8K. Still had original tires and spent 2K getting the air conditioner fixed along with some damage/rust from a leaking battery. In the end it's a 16 year old car so I'm not sure the miles matter as much. I'm replacing hoses, etc. on condition especially if I'm in there for another reason.

CQRT

A 50,000 mile C5 for fifteen grand? Maybe if you're really patient and if you're willing to fly, drive it home (kinda defeats the purpose of low miles?) or put it in a transporter for a grand.

For an 01 or newer with50k - - -meh, probably not unless it needs tires for $1500, fluid service, belts and hoses - - another grand. My point is, you play the game n juggle year/miles/condition for weeks on end an pretty soon it's Fall and you've missed the season.

If you budget is $15k, then look at $15.5-16k cars and figure out your options and adjust accordingly up on price or up on year/miles.

Lots of c5's out there it 60-70kmiles that look like new and are upper teens- at least around Phoenix.

Just my .02

Fcar 98

98 with 45000 miles, original owner all documentation, top the line everything would not take less than 15000!!!