How to buy a Corvette


100 Questions That Could Save You Thousands

The Corvette Buyers Guide

Model Year:___________________Model:_____________________Vin#________________

Owner information:  Name:__________________________________Phone:____________________

 Colors:  Exterior:_________________Interior:_________________________

 Mileage:___________________________

 Documentation:   Window sticker:______Build sheet:_______

 Maintenance records:__________________________________________

Who and where was car maintained?________________________________

Are maintenance and upgrade receipts available?______________________

Number of previous owners:_______________________________________

Contact information for previous pwners:___________________________________________________________ 
  Is registration and inspection current?_____________________________

 Are there any modifications?________________________________________

 Has clutch been replaced?  If so, at what mileage, when, and by whom?____________________________________________________________

 Has car been in any sort of accident?__________________________________

 Is car garage kept?______________  Driving conditions?__________________

 What repairs or services does the car need immediately?_____________________________________________________

Exterior Inspection

  Paint condition:  Oxidation?                     Repainted?     If so, by whom?

  Do sides of the car seem aligned?

 Are there any stress cracks or waves in fiberglass?

 Any dings or stone chips in paint?

 Cracks or chips in windshield or rear glass?

 Do doors open and close normally and lock and unlock with key properly?

 Rear hatch glass open correctly?

 Do the struts hold the rear hatch open properly or does it fall closed?

 Does hood release work?

 Are there any missing badges, moldings, or trim pieces?

 Suspension Issues:

 Are tires in good condition?

 
 Is tire wear uniform?

 Are the wheels stock?

 What conditions are the brake rotors?  Cracks or scarring?

 Any wet spots under the car?

 What is condition of rubber axel boots?

  Inspect the tie rod ends and ball joints

  Inspect shocks: if they appear wet, they may be leaking.

  Is the exhaust in good condition? 

  Interior Condition:

 Are all doors, hatch and top seats in good condition?

  
  Is the ratchet wrench for targa top present?

 
 Are the seats clean?

 Can the seats be adjusted?

 Is the carpet clean?

 Can you adjust the mirrors?

 Does the interior light work?

 Is the dash in good condition; is it cracked?

 Is the center console in good condition?

 Does the glove box door work?

 Do the windshield wipers function properly?

 Does overall condition of interior match mileage?

 Does tilt steering wheel work properly?

 Does security alarm work?

 Does clock work?

 Do speakers sound alright?

 Does cassette or CD player work right?

 Engine Evaluation:

 Type of engine:_______________________________________

 Is engine original?

 Is the oil clean?

 When was last oil change and lube?

 Check for leaking oil pan gasket.

 Check for leaking front/rear main seal.

 Check the master cylinder and slave cylinder for leakage.

 Check all coolant lines for leakage.

 Check the coolant in the reservoir.  Brown frothy mixture usually indicates oil and water mixing in the oil filter/cooler housing.

 Inspect the fuel lines going to the fuel rail for brittleness or cracking.

 Inspect the plug wires for brittleness or cracking.

 Brake fluid color should not be black.  If so, it needs changed.

 Is the air filter clean?

 Engine Operation:

 Does car start properly?

 The car should have a steady idle.

 Is the oil pressure normal?

 Is engine coolant temp normal?  If it is fluctuating, it may need a new water pump.

 Is there valve chatter or excessive engine noise?

 Excessive engine vibration?

 With the engine running, listen for leaks at the exhaust manifolds and exhaust.

 Does the heat work?

 Does A\C work?

 Do the heater and A/C blow air at all speeds?

 Does the radio work properly?

 Does power antenna work properly?

 Do power windows and door locks work properly?

 Does defroster work?

 Do all knobs/controls function properly?

 Do all the gauges/dashboard lights work?

Test Drive Evaluation:

 Does the parking brake work?

 Is brake pedal firm or soft?

 Is clutch pedal firm or soft?

 Does the clutch operate in a smooth, quiet manner?

 Does shifter seem tight?

 Any squeaks  or noises, especially over rough terrain?

 Is steering smooth and responsive?

 Does wheel hold straight when going down straight, level road?

 Brake with your hands off the wheel, does it steer straight?

 At highway speeds, does the car shake, shimmy, or pull?

 Does the cruise control  work properly?

 Is there exceptional wind noise?

 Does ABS system function properly?

 Does Traction Control work properly?

 Does Selective Ride System work?

 Is the battery in good condition?

 Do all signals, lights, headlights, and high and low beams work?

 Asking price?

    
  Trade in value?

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