9 Things You Need to Know Before Buying a Classic Corvette

Whether you’re a collector of antique cars or just love to collect Corvettes, the question lingers on whether or not you should buy a used Corvette. You might be wondering if they hold their value over the years or if they are reliable. While most of you might not wish to drive them for personal use, you still need to know if you can rely on the vehicle.

Maybe you’re the type of person who prefers to get their vehicles in a pristine condition where most of the maintenance is not necessary, such as if a mechanic or prior car enthusiast has already taken care of the mechanical upkeep.

Maybe you would rather spend the time and money to revitalize an old Corvette, but now you have to wonder if the parts and maintenance costs are overly pricey or not worth the effort.

With whatever predicament you are in and for what reasons you may have for wanting a classic Corvette, there are many decisions that you will have to make. If you’ve never bought a used Corvette or other classic vehicles, you may be at a loss as to what you need to know before you make the purchase.

To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of nine helpful things you should know before you buy that classic Corvette. Keep in mind that certain points are of varying significance to you, depending on how you will display the vehicle.

1. Pay Attention to Cost

The first consideration you need to take into account when buying a classic Corvette is the cost. Purchasing authentic and top-of-the-line Corvettes that are still original is not going to be cheap. The cost of owning a Corvette can be steep, so be prepared to pay for the luxury of owning this classic car. However, they are a good investment if you like to fix and resell cars.

Unless you plan on purchasing a Corvette that needs repair, be ready to pay a hefty price. Original, used models can run the same price as a mortgage, ranging anywhere between $50,000 to $600,000. Keep in mind that these prices reflect original models with little to no work done to them. They come as if they were straight from the manufacturer. Maybe a previous owner did some paint and bodywork repair, but mechanically they are untouched.

Now, you might get really lucky and find one cheaper, whether by the owner, through an estate sale or from some other source. These prices might be very tempting, but there is usually a reason why the vehicle is not as expensive. Be sure to verify any information that the owner might falsify and have the vehicle inspected by someone you trust before purchasing.

When you finally decide to buy a Corvette, do your research and be sure that you are more than willing and able to spend a hefty price for one. Additionally, a Corvette’s parts are more expensive than a more conventional automobile.

2. Know the Best Time to Buy

In theory, any time is the best time to buy a classic Corvette. These vehicles hold their value surprisingly well and their value only increases as the years go by and the number of Corvettes still on the road slowly dwindles.

In the past, you might have heard or believed that the colder seasons, fall and winter, are the best times to seek a Corvette. Many owners do not want the bad weather to diminish the vehicle’s value or provide the necessary upkeep. They would much rather sell the vehicle and have someone else take care of it.

However, the way the internet keeps everyone and everything connected means there is no need to rely on the colder months to find your vehicle. You might be able to find a similar Corvette in the summer that is selling for the same price as one in winter.

The best time to buy, then, is when you are ready to make the purchase. At this point in the process, you are the only thing holding you back. Do your research, and with enough time, you might just find one for slightly cheaper, too.

3. Don’t Limit Yourself to Originals

The thought of owning an original Corvette is a tempting offer. Getting the vehicle as if it was fresh off the production line is exactly what you would want. However, these originals might be a little more difficult to find and come with a few zeroes attached to the price.

Instead, most owners like to modify their Corvettes. They tend to alter areas that old-school Corvettes lack, such as smooth driving and better gas mileage. Some will also customize the interior and exterior to fit their preferences. To them, the name and body of the Corvette are enough. Preserving the cosmetic and mechanical components is less important compared with modern usability.

Don’t let these modifications deter you from buying the vehicle. While the care is not entirely the same as it once was, it is still a Corvette. These modifications do not depreciate the value of the vehicle. At the same time, they don’t increase value either. The modifications are a personal preference, and if you so choose, you can restore the vehicle to its original appearance.

4. Be Cautious of Storage Location

Weather is one of the biggest enemies for vehicle owners. Snow, salt, rain and other issues that arise due to weather can easily damage a vehicle. You will want to know if the owner stored the vehicle in a garage during cold and snowy months or if it was left out to the elements.

Most vehicle owners with antique cars do one of two things. First, if they live in a warmer area, they might continue to drive their vehicle year-round. If they live in a colder climate they will store the vehicles in a garage or other climate-controlled areas during the winter months. Afterward, they bring it out and display it as normal.

When you drive year-round in warmer climates, you are exposing your vehicle to humidity which leads to a higher probability of rust. If the owner praises the vehicle being in a warmer climate, pay attention to signs of rust on metal trim around windows or door handles.

If the owner stored the vehicle in a garage or other similar room, you will want to inquire about what they’ve done to ensure the vehicle receives proper care. Keeping the vehicle idle for months at a time is not great for the car. You will want to know if they regularly started the engine with fresh fuel and charged the battery, among other things.

5. Remember Low Mileage Is Not Always Better

When you have the option to choose between several Corvettes, the one with lower mileage may seem like the best option. However, lower mileage isn’t always better.

We’ve been told that the lower the mileage the better condition the vehicle is in. The parts should last longer, which means no need to replace the parts so soon. Most assume that lower mileage correlates with less wear and tear on the vehicle.

This mindset corresponds well with modern vehicles created in the last decade or two, but with older vehicles, you should avoid ones that have lower mileage.

Higher mileage Corvettes usually mean the owner takes proper care of the vehicle. They frequently use it and perform necessary maintenance regularly. Owners of low mileage Corvettes may not spend the time on upkeep. To them, the low mileage and low usage mean less required maintenance.

6. Consider Maintenance Costs

Most people worry that Corvettes have high-maintenance costs. They’re older vehicles that require specialized parts and fluids. In all honesty, Corvette maintenance costs might even be less than other luxury or higher-end sports cars. There are fewer electrical components in older models and gaining access to specific vehicle parts is much easier with Corvettes.

While some parts can be difficult to find, especially if you wish to keep the parts the same as the original manufacturing, companies exist that offer these specific parts for car enthusiasts.

Regardless, you should always have the vehicle inspected before purchasing. Corvettes have high maintenance because they are older vehicles that often suffer from wear and tear on the road. They may have underlying issues that you will have to deal with — however, the same situation can arise for any vehicle you buy outside a dealership.

Don’t let the prospect of high maintenance costs discourage you from making the purchase. As long as you know exactly what you are buying and the condition it’s in, you won’t be taken off guard.

7. Look for Matching Numbers

What exactly does matching numbers mean when it comes to a Corvette? For new enthusiasts, this term might leave you at a loss. What numbers are we matching and why does it matter?

In simple terms, matching numbers refer to the vehicle identification number (VIN) attached to the vehicle and the engine. During production, Chevrolet stamped a partial VIN to the engine that corresponded with each car’s VIN. If you find a Corvette that claims to have matching numbers, that means the engine is the same engine that originally came with the vehicle.

For many enthusiasts, matching numbers will not matter. It would be nice to have a Corvette with the original engine, but if your intended purpose is to drive and show off your car, the original engine may not be a priority for you.

Only purists and those willing to pay the premium price will seek matching numbers.

If you do want matching numbers, there are a few important notes to keep in mind:

• Corvette models before 1961 will not have matching numbers. Instead, they have a number that indicates whether or not the engine is appropriate for that brand of Corvette. You should view people claiming matching numbers for these first models with extreme caution.
• Be aware of terms like “correct engine.” When dealers and sellers use this term, that does not necessarily mean that the engine is the original one. If the engine is matching, they will advertise it as such.

8. Don’t Be Scared to Walk Away

The last and probably the most important thing to know is to be prepared to walk away. Not all deals work out, and not all vehicles will be worth the price and upkeep. You should never lower your expectations and standards just so you can finally have a Corvette. Not all Corvettes are the same, and every sale isn’t always necessarily a great deal.

Time and patience are the keys. Once you find an owner willing to sell, don’t rush into the deal head first. Always take the time to have inspections done, either by you or someone else. While there are no Corvette years to avoid, be sure to pay close attention when inspecting older models.

Don’t be fooled by the shiny new paint and the cheap new interiors. Many buyers believe they only need to check for defects related to these two components. Interiors can distract from any mechanical defects that exist. Always check every aspect of the vehicle before making a decision.

If there is too much damage to the frame and engine of the vehicle, walk away.

9. Try Not to Overthink It

Dealing with older vehicles is complicated. You have to worry about the state of the car and the mechanical functionality and reliability. It can be overwhelming and intimidating. If you are adamant about finding the perfect Corvette, don’t overthink every little aspect. You should take into consideration the prior eight steps, but you don’t need to worry about minor cosmetic issues or the availability of parts and material.

As long as you know that the frame, engine and other mechanical pieces are in great shape, then you can easily customize the rest. If the paint is peeling but the frame is in good condition, don’t worry. You can do a new paint job at a reasonable cost. If the interior is damaged and torn but still in working condition, don’t worry. You can apply your preferred material and color later on.

If you know what you’re doing, you can replace and fix your car for a fairly low price. Additionally, most parts are readily available from manufacturers due to the popularity of the Corvette model. More than anything, use these minor issues as a negotiation tactic. If you can get the Corvette at a lower price, take the opportunities in front of you.

Get the Parts You Need From Top Flight Automotive

Once you’ve finally made your decision to make your Corvette purchase and you’ve considered the above recommendations, you can safely and confidently make the purchase you’ve been longing to make.

Naturally, vehicles fall apart and require regular maintenance and usage to keep them running smoothly. The inevitability of broken parts is sure to come. Whether you want to replace the parts yourself or through a trusted mechanic, you can save time and money finding the parts you need by using Top Flight Automotive.

Top Flight Automotive provides all of the parts that you need to keep your classic Corvette running smoothly. From brakes and turn signals to more accessorized pieces, if you need it, Top Flight Automotive most likely has it at affordable prices.

Contact us today with any questions you have or call at 833-486-7354.