5 Signs You’re Buying a Good Used Corvette
Buying a Corvette means you're about to have loads of fun, and used ones are an amazing horsepower per dollar bargain. Here are some signs you are buying a good used Corvette.
Low mileage
Having a car with higher mileage means there’s a higher potential for things to go wrong. Nothing’s worse than finally being able to buy a Corvette, only to realize that it’s going to cost you to replace worn out components that are crucial to its driveability. Shop around for the lowest mileage, keeping in mind that a Vette with under 50k miles is the safest bet. Any ad that doesn’t indicate the mileage usually means it’s high. Of course, high mileage isn’t an absolute deal-breaker; Corvettes that are well-driven and maintained can also be in great shape. However, the majority of Corvette owners use them as second-cars, only driven on nice days, which means there are a lot of used ones with low mileage out there.
Clean title and clean history report
A used car with a clean title usually means the vehicle hasn’t been involved in an accident that could spell potential trouble. A good used Corvette will ideally be collision-free and otherwise undamaged with a clean title and history report to prove it. Still, you should be aware of the potential for fraud when it comes to the car’s history report. Before purchasing, always have a mechanic lift the Corvette up to inspect the underside for any obvious signs of re-welding or suspension components/wheels that are out of alignment. If something doesn’t look quite right, trust your instincts and find another car.
Wear and tear
From the interior to the wheels, a Corvette that’s in good, clean shape is a visual sign that the previous owner likely took care of it in other ways than just aesthetic. If there’s major rust on the frame or the original paint or fiberglass is significantly cracked, who knows what other more important components weren’t maintained. This is just another reason to have the entire vehicle inspected by a pro before agreeing to purchase it. Signs of simple wear and tear that weren’t repaired, like a cracked dashboard or ripped seats, may be an indication that the previous owner didn’t treat it like an investment. Don’t settle – there are plenty of beautiful, clean Corvettes out there for you to choose from.
Modifications
You’ll want to stay away from Corvettes that are heavily modded unless it was professionally done by a reputable shop. A Vette that’s bone stock, or close to it, is ideal if you’re a Corvette purist. Of course, general maintenance items like a replacement battery or windshield wipers shouldn’t be cause for concern. On the other hand, if you want a Corvette that’s been modded for performance, just make sure you know everything that’s been done to the car and how well it was installed.
Maintenance records
There are some things that you just can't visually inspect for, like regular maintenance. If the car just received a fresh oil change, the oil will appear to be in a great condition; however, you don't know if the last 20 oil changes were on time or not. Most Corvette owners realize that value of their prized possessions, which encourages them to keep maintenance records of anything and everything that has been done to the Vette. Take your time and go through every item to check if the maintenance was done on time, or if they were done a few thousand miles past the recommended mileage. This will tell you a lot about how the owner approached the care and feeding of their Corvette.
For help with service and maintenance on your car, check out the how to section of LS1Tech.com