Test Drove an 08 Vette today, taking the wife with me tomorrow!
11-21-2014, 11:25 PM
#1
Advanced
Thread Starter
Test Drove an 08 Vette today, taking the wife with me tomorrow!
I've been looking (mainly dreaming) at Corvettes for as long as I can remember. Finally to the point that I've decided I can get one if I want.
Found an '08 3LT with 60K for $27,999. It has every option I was wanting except F55 & NPP.
1G1YY26W685100808
The car has 1 small chip which was touched up on the RT QT panel, 1 small scuff on the left rear bumper which can be buffed, 1 small scuff above the emblem on the front bumper that can be buffed, and a couple tiny marks on the RT head lamp. Interior has no signs of wear (will need to check under the rubber floor mats that are installed). Also, the RT corner of the bumper, between the lamp and the hood, is raised slightly. I looked at another Vette on the lot that had the same thing going on. Is this common?
It drove great, nothing sounded out of place, everything under the hood is clean, no signs of water, belt ran straight. Shifted smooth and everything seemed in place. Did a couple of tight slow figure 8's, no cracks, popping, or noises from the car.
The only thing I noticed. After driving I put the vehicle into reverse, and it felt almost like the clutch was hanging just before catching, when I went back to first it did the same thing. Once I moved in first, and pushed the clutch in again I didn't notice it. Back to reverse and it felt like it hung up again. Is this a cause for concern?
I rode with the salesman in the car today, and the weather was not great for a Corvette test drive, overcast, misting, roads wet.
When I take my wife back tomorrow and can go for a little bit longer of a drive, is there anything special I should be looking out for or testing?
As long as I don't find a reason not to, I will probably park this thing in my garage tomorrow night.
Found an '08 3LT with 60K for $27,999. It has every option I was wanting except F55 & NPP.
1G1YY26W685100808
The car has 1 small chip which was touched up on the RT QT panel, 1 small scuff on the left rear bumper which can be buffed, 1 small scuff above the emblem on the front bumper that can be buffed, and a couple tiny marks on the RT head lamp. Interior has no signs of wear (will need to check under the rubber floor mats that are installed). Also, the RT corner of the bumper, between the lamp and the hood, is raised slightly. I looked at another Vette on the lot that had the same thing going on. Is this common?
It drove great, nothing sounded out of place, everything under the hood is clean, no signs of water, belt ran straight. Shifted smooth and everything seemed in place. Did a couple of tight slow figure 8's, no cracks, popping, or noises from the car.
The only thing I noticed. After driving I put the vehicle into reverse, and it felt almost like the clutch was hanging just before catching, when I went back to first it did the same thing. Once I moved in first, and pushed the clutch in again I didn't notice it. Back to reverse and it felt like it hung up again. Is this a cause for concern?
I rode with the salesman in the car today, and the weather was not great for a Corvette test drive, overcast, misting, roads wet.
When I take my wife back tomorrow and can go for a little bit longer of a drive, is there anything special I should be looking out for or testing?
As long as I don't find a reason not to, I will probably park this thing in my garage tomorrow night.
11-21-2014, 11:33 PM
#2
Le Mans Master
I have a automatic so can't comment on clutch but the rest sounds good and that seems like fair price. If it's their asking price I am sure you can get them down a little.
Enjoy your new ride, I love my 08 and you could not get mine for anywhere close to that price.
Enjoy your new ride, I love my 08 and you could not get mine for anywhere close to that price.
11-22-2014, 12:05 AM
#4
Melting Slicks
Do you mean the clutch pedal was hanging? If so, then the clutch fluid has not been changed often enough.
Look at the clutch master cylinder, pop the cap, is the fluid deep black with crud stuck to the inside of the cap? Occasionally, some owners neglect that part of regular maintenance, it may not be a big deal but its a bit of a red flag, and makes you wonder what else nay have been neglected. Also could mean the master or slave is shot. Its up to you how you proceed, but I'd look into that issue before deciding on the car.
Look at the clutch master cylinder, pop the cap, is the fluid deep black with crud stuck to the inside of the cap? Occasionally, some owners neglect that part of regular maintenance, it may not be a big deal but its a bit of a red flag, and makes you wonder what else nay have been neglected. Also could mean the master or slave is shot. Its up to you how you proceed, but I'd look into that issue before deciding on the car.
11-22-2014, 12:25 AM
#5
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Thread Starter
I've been looking semi-seriously for the past 3 months or so, and haven't found a 3LT LS3 with similar miles come up for sale at this price range. Definitely still have my eyes peeled though! (I'm kicking myself for not buying the 08 w/ 100K miles for 19,500 on here about a month ago. Still, higher miles than I am looking for)
I hadn't driven a manual car in probably 5 years or so, I could be just feeling things, but I will definitely take a look at the clutch fluid. How it seemed, was the clutch pedal floored, back off an inch or two, it felt like the pedal got a bit lighter (as if the pedal wasn't quite keeping with my foot), and then it would catch reverse like normal.
Thats about the best I can think to explain it.
I didn't notice this at all until I went to reverse, and then back to 1st. After 1 start again in 1st I didn't notice it anymore. I'll pay more attention tomorrow for sure.
Do you mean the clutch pedal was hanging? If so, then the clutch fluid has not been changed often enough.
Look at the clutch master cylinder, pop the cap, is the fluid deep black with crud stuck to the inside of the cap? Occasionally, some owners neglect that part of regular maintenance, it may not be a big deal but its a bit of a red flag, and makes you wonder what else nay have been neglected. Also could mean the master or slave is shot. Its up to you how you proceed, but I'd look into that issue before deciding on the car.
Look at the clutch master cylinder, pop the cap, is the fluid deep black with crud stuck to the inside of the cap? Occasionally, some owners neglect that part of regular maintenance, it may not be a big deal but its a bit of a red flag, and makes you wonder what else nay have been neglected. Also could mean the master or slave is shot. Its up to you how you proceed, but I'd look into that issue before deciding on the car.
Thats about the best I can think to explain it.
I didn't notice this at all until I went to reverse, and then back to 1st. After 1 start again in 1st I didn't notice it anymore. I'll pay more attention tomorrow for sure.
11-22-2014, 12:30 AM
#6
Le Mans Master
That's waaay to much brother. I know you're excited. I was too when I was getting a C6, take your time. As you describe it, it has high miles and the body sounds like OK condition. How are the tires? Unless you can talk him down to 25K I would look elsewhere. That is far from a deal.
11-22-2014, 12:32 AM
#7
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C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Check those brakes too. The calipers appear to be larger than stock. They may be covers or something else. Since the wheels were changed, maybe there are other changes too. It'd be worth a couple bucks to get an independent evaluation. Also check the glovebox sticker to see the RPO codes for how the car was factory equipped. It's a chunk of change, so keep the emotions under wraps.
11-22-2014, 12:36 AM
#8
Advanced
Thread Starter
That's waaay to much brother. I know you're excited. I was too when I was getting a C6, take your time. As you describe it, it has high miles and the body sounds like OK condition. How are the tires? Unless you can talk him down to 25K I would look elsewhere. That is far from a deal.
It is at Carmax, so no negotiation... I'll drive it again tomorrow and check out under the hood in more depth.
I haven't found an 08'+ M6 LT3 under 60K miles for under $30,000 to date... Definitely trying to be non-emotional about the car. I've been looking a long time and am not being desperate to buy one, didn't notice any issues that stood out today to turn me off of it being a fair deal. The more I hear the more I have to look at though!
11-22-2014, 12:39 AM
#9
Advanced
Thread Starter
Check those brakes too. The calipers appear to be larger than stock. They may be covers or something else. Since the wheels were changed, maybe there are other changes too. It'd be worth a couple bucks to get an independent evaluation. Also check the glovebox sticker to see the RPO codes for how the car was factory equipped. It's a chunk of change, so keep the emotions under wraps.
Last edited by tjwor; 11-22-2014 at 12:55 AM.
11-22-2014, 01:21 AM
#11
Advanced
Thread Starter
Looks like there are quite a few lower mile 08+ LT3's for the $32,000-$35,000.
Seems to be a tough market for the 28K range.
Lots of higher mile 05-07 LT3's in the lower 20's, lower mile 05-07's within the upper side of my price range. The 08+'s seem to hit $30,000+ for an LT3. I have found several of LS3 Auto LT3's under $30,000, not the M6 though...
Maybe I'm being too particular with my options and should settle for an LT1 that is a bit lower miles... Either way it sounds like I'll be settling for one side or the other, becoming more frustrating...
11-22-2014, 03:23 AM
#12
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St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
The real issue re price is sometimes related to how far your radius for buying a car is set because many areas have higher prices for Corvettes, while others don't. That goes for selection, too. If you're not willing or able to travel it limits both.
While there's been at least one person recently on here who claims it's supposedly a waste of money, I'd find someone who can look at the car who knows Corvettes and can put it up on a lift to go over it. Like others have said, it sounds like it could need a complete drain of the clutch hydraulics, or it could be more like the clutch itself which is about a $1500-$2K job. If someone started out "learning how to drive stick" on that car and got only mildly competent, 60K miles may be all she wrote for that one---I hope not, but it could be.
The sticking up portion of and near the headlight has been mentioned by others. In my mind, sometimes I think it may be due to having been very lightly bumped such as a car reversing into it when parallel parking. There are a bunch of clips under the front bumper skin and any one of them could have popped loose.
Whatever you do, if you get it or another car I'd suggest looking to change just about every fluid in it unless it's already been done and can be proven. Good luck.
While there's been at least one person recently on here who claims it's supposedly a waste of money, I'd find someone who can look at the car who knows Corvettes and can put it up on a lift to go over it. Like others have said, it sounds like it could need a complete drain of the clutch hydraulics, or it could be more like the clutch itself which is about a $1500-$2K job. If someone started out "learning how to drive stick" on that car and got only mildly competent, 60K miles may be all she wrote for that one---I hope not, but it could be.
The sticking up portion of and near the headlight has been mentioned by others. In my mind, sometimes I think it may be due to having been very lightly bumped such as a car reversing into it when parallel parking. There are a bunch of clips under the front bumper skin and any one of them could have popped loose.
Whatever you do, if you get it or another car I'd suggest looking to change just about every fluid in it unless it's already been done and can be proven. Good luck.
11-22-2014, 08:19 AM
#13
Racer
Where I live that is a great price with that trim level... I would spend the extra couple hundred $ to get the drive train including that clutch issue checked out independently. Maybe that clutch is a simple fix with new fluid. Good Luck, hope you are able to take it home today 
11-22-2014, 08:29 AM
#14
Melting Slicks
CarMax generally has good cars, albeit they tend to be slightly higher in price. If you decide to purchase the car, tell them you want the clutch fluid changed as a condition of purchase.
Also check inside wear on tires....it's a common wear area and can't be seen unless you turn the wheel to its stops. Look for any wobble of squeaks coming from the harmonic balancer....this is a common point of failure on most Corvettes and can end up costing about $1K to fix.
Good luck!
Also check inside wear on tires....it's a common wear area and can't be seen unless you turn the wheel to its stops. Look for any wobble of squeaks coming from the harmonic balancer....this is a common point of failure on most Corvettes and can end up costing about $1K to fix.
Good luck!
11-22-2014, 10:02 AM
#15
Le Mans Master
I found mine on cars dot com. Nice car however I agree the price must come down a little. Does this car have the Z51 option? If not i would think you can talk him down to $25,000. Good luck with the purchase you will love the car. I paid 28k for my 08 w/Z51 option and it was Certified so I got a one year B to B warranty and I'm glad I did because I used the warranty to cover a little over $2,000 in repairs (their cost). Just something to think about. 
Good luck with the purchase you will love the car. I paid 28k for my 08 w/Z51 option and it was Certified so I got a one year B to B warranty and I'm glad I did because I used the warranty to cover a little over $2,000 in repairs (their cost). Just something to think about.
11-22-2014, 10:11 AM
#16
Drifting
I've been looking (mainly dreaming) at Corvettes for as long as I can remember. Finally to the point that I've decided I can get one if I want.
Found an '08 3LT with 60K for $27,999. It has every option I was wanting except F55 & NPP.
1G1YY26W685100808
The car has 1 small chip which was touched up on the RT QT panel, 1 small scuff on the left rear bumper which can be buffed, 1 small scuff above the emblem on the front bumper that can be buffed, and a couple tiny marks on the RT head lamp. Interior has no signs of wear (will need to check under the rubber floor mats that are installed). Also, the RT corner of the bumper, between the lamp and the hood, is raised slightly. I looked at another Vette on the lot that had the same thing going on. Is this common?
It drove great, nothing sounded out of place, everything under the hood is clean, no signs of water, belt ran straight. Shifted smooth and everything seemed in place. Did a couple of tight slow figure 8's, no cracks, popping, or noises from the car.
The only thing I noticed. After driving I put the vehicle into reverse, and it felt almost like the clutch was hanging just before catching, when I went back to first it did the same thing. Once I moved in first, and pushed the clutch in again I didn't notice it. Back to reverse and it felt like it hung up again. Is this a cause for concern?
I rode with the salesman in the car today, and the weather was not great for a Corvette test drive, overcast, misting, roads wet.
When I take my wife back tomorrow and can go for a little bit longer of a drive, is there anything special I should be looking out for or testing?
As long as I don't find a reason not to, I will probably park this thing in my garage tomorrow night.
Found an '08 3LT with 60K for $27,999. It has every option I was wanting except F55 & NPP.
1G1YY26W685100808
The car has 1 small chip which was touched up on the RT QT panel, 1 small scuff on the left rear bumper which can be buffed, 1 small scuff above the emblem on the front bumper that can be buffed, and a couple tiny marks on the RT head lamp. Interior has no signs of wear (will need to check under the rubber floor mats that are installed). Also, the RT corner of the bumper, between the lamp and the hood, is raised slightly. I looked at another Vette on the lot that had the same thing going on. Is this common?
It drove great, nothing sounded out of place, everything under the hood is clean, no signs of water, belt ran straight. Shifted smooth and everything seemed in place. Did a couple of tight slow figure 8's, no cracks, popping, or noises from the car.
The only thing I noticed. After driving I put the vehicle into reverse, and it felt almost like the clutch was hanging just before catching, when I went back to first it did the same thing. Once I moved in first, and pushed the clutch in again I didn't notice it. Back to reverse and it felt like it hung up again. Is this a cause for concern?
I rode with the salesman in the car today, and the weather was not great for a Corvette test drive, overcast, misting, roads wet.
When I take my wife back tomorrow and can go for a little bit longer of a drive, is there anything special I should be looking out for or testing?
As long as I don't find a reason not to, I will probably park this thing in my garage tomorrow night.
11-22-2014, 10:12 AM
#17
Pro
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...per-clips.html
And I agree with the other person who said your location dictates the price. That would be a great price in my area.
11-22-2014, 10:25 AM
#18
Advanced
Thread Starter
Thanks for all of the responses.
My primary search range has been 1,000 miles from my home (central Kansas) which gives me a big area, but misses some of the high population costal areas.
I am willing to travel to get the car, but the extra costs involved in that would cut into savings IF I found one cheaper.
I'll have the car looked at by someone outside of Carmax, and check all the fluids. If anything seems off I will walk in a heart beat. The car does come with a 30-day warranty, so if something would come up within that time frame it would be covered.
I'm willing to over pay a touch ($1000-1500) for the convenience if it all. Not having to fly somewhere, give a random person a check for a piece of paper and set of keys, drive however far back home, get the thing inspected and registered, pay sales tax out of pocket, hope that their are no issues on an as-is vehicle. This would be a walk out today with all of that completed, which saves me a lot of stress.
The car does not have Z51, which is an option I wasn't really wanting. I'm not buying the car for the track and would like a little bit softer suspension as the roads I'm frequently on aren't the smoothest.
Keep the comments coming, I like to hear all sides of things. Definitely gives me more things to look into on the car before making a decision!
My primary search range has been 1,000 miles from my home (central Kansas) which gives me a big area, but misses some of the high population costal areas.
I am willing to travel to get the car, but the extra costs involved in that would cut into savings IF I found one cheaper.
I'll have the car looked at by someone outside of Carmax, and check all the fluids. If anything seems off I will walk in a heart beat. The car does come with a 30-day warranty, so if something would come up within that time frame it would be covered.
I'm willing to over pay a touch ($1000-1500) for the convenience if it all. Not having to fly somewhere, give a random person a check for a piece of paper and set of keys, drive however far back home, get the thing inspected and registered, pay sales tax out of pocket, hope that their are no issues on an as-is vehicle. This would be a walk out today with all of that completed, which saves me a lot of stress.
The car does not have Z51, which is an option I wasn't really wanting. I'm not buying the car for the track and would like a little bit softer suspension as the roads I'm frequently on aren't the smoothest.
Keep the comments coming, I like to hear all sides of things. Definitely gives me more things to look into on the car before making a decision!
11-22-2014, 10:44 AM
#20
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2016 C6 of Year Finalist
Corvette Warehouse (somewhere in KS) has a 2009 JSB coupe with 63k miles for $30k (seems to be the max you want to spend)...
Hendrick Nissan in KC has a 2009 silver coupe ONE OWNER with 38k miles for $28k...
Just a quick search on autotrader...
