Shopping for a C5

[Patman]

It seems like a month ago when I wasn't ready to buy a C5 there were tons of them out there and now that I'm actively searching to buy one, they've all dried up on me. :(

You guys in the US are so lucky, there are tons of them down there for sale, but up here in Ontario the selection is a lot smaller, especially in my price range. If I wanted a 2000 or newer I have tons to choose from though.

[408Ashman]

Glad to see u are finally ready to get one....what exactly are u looking for?

[Patman]

I'm looking for a 97 or 98 coupe, in automatic. I don't want to spend a lot of money though, so I'm looking for something with higher mileage on it. I'd love to find one that is mechanically and cosmetically in real good shape, just with a lot of miles on it so that it's under $27,000 Canadian. I saw a white automatic 97 with 110k on it selling for $26,900 a month ago, but it's gone now. :(

I've put the word out at the two biggest Corvette dealers in town though, and one of them has a network of 8 dealers owned by the same guy and they get all the used Corvettes since they are the Corvette specialists out of that network of GM dealers. The guy I spoke with is very hopeful that he can find me something that fits my criteria between now and the fall. I want one as soon as I can obviously, but realize that given my price range, I may need to wait until the end of summer or early fall before I am able to find one. Once the C6 comes out there should be a flood of C5 trade ins too.

[dvandentop]

sweet pat cant wait to see what ya get

[Patman]

I am meeting with a "buyer" this afternoon. This guy works for a large used car network up here called Barg Auto (www.bargauto.com) and what this guy will do is take down my info and he'll specifically get me the car that I want at one of the auctions. He goes to a few auctions per week. And this guy in particular I'm told is a Corvette fanatic, he apparently has a "collection of Corvettes" at home. So I've found myself exactly the right person for the job! Hopefully he can find me one before the end of the month now!

[Patman]

The meeting with this guy went very well, he's confident they can find me what I want within two weeks! They've got someone going to the auction 5 days per week, including one tonight and one tomorrow morning.

[Miriah]

Pat why dont you just look for one here in the states take a flight up and drive it home?

good luck on the search if you try what I said, I'm willing to help ya out with what ever I can.

[Patman]

Buying one in the US involves too much paperwork, plus then I can't trade in my car.

I'm confident that I'll find one now that I have someone going to the auctions looking for one! That is my best shot, the auctions get all the higher mileage stuff. GM dealers only have the low mileage cars in their used car section, and only 2000 or newer mostly.

[Miriah]

yeah, I didn't think of the paper work that would need to be done. Good point with that. Good luck w/the acution. Just make sure the title is clear and all that good stuff!

[Patman]

These people who are searching for me have assured me that they never buy cars which have been wrecked at all. Only clear titles. They fully inspect every car and if the frame has been tweaked or any other major problems show up, they reject it and send it back to the auction. So the car I get will be fully emissions tested, certified and in good shape. I'm so excited I can hardly sleep! :)

[Miriah]

Sounds great!!

Hopefully we will be reading your posts of you flying down the road in your "new" C5 :cool: