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6. Insurance costs are outrageous!
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It depends on certain circumstances. Sure it is
costly if you are under 21 years old. And if you have had many
prior claims against one's driving record. Always check in advance
with your current insurance company. Don't buy the Corvette of
your dreams only to find out later your annual premium is over
$3,000.
There are specialty insurance companies that offer unbelievably
low rates for a few modest conditions. If you plan on using it
less than 2,500 miles annually, have an enclosed garage on your
house, do not drive it to work, and are over 25 years old, these
companies are worth taking a good look at. Check out my article
"Alternative Insurance for Your Corvette" by clicking
here. |
| 7. Corvettes are expensive to fix
and maintain |
They can be expensive to repair if the major components
are problematic. But this is true of any car, not just Corvettes.
If you can handle simple maintenance like changing oil, rotating
tires, and other simple tasks, then a Corvette can cost the same
as any other sports car. All Corvettes use Chevy parts versus
some exotic manufacturer and most basic repairs can be handled
by a reputable and qualified mechanic.
Be forewarned, whenever a mechanic specializes in Corvette repairs
only, it will cost more than the services of a general mechanic.
As in all types of businesses, a specialist always charges more,
because of his expertise in a given area. Sometimes you may have
to bite the bullet and take it to a mechanic who specializes in
Corvettes for tasks like a 4-wheel alignment, complex motor repairs,
or other tasks that are not the norm. |
| 8. The best time to buy a Corvette
is in the fall or winter |
| At one time in the past this may have been true.
But with the Internet, I do not notice any great difference in
either prices or availability based on certain seasons. The web
has made the Corvette market more expansive and easier for all
to check out. Check back in the near future for my upcoming article
"Selling and Buying a Corvette on the Internet." I have
successfully sold a few Corvettes and what works may surprise
you. |
| 9. Southern and Western Corvettes
are the best buys |
| Once again, this just is not accurate. Up here in
Western Pennsylvania, the winters are horrible. Snow, cold temperatures,
and salt on the roads exist from November till April. So most
Corvette owners up here park them or store them away until nice
weather returns in the spring. Their exteriors, interiors, and
other components are protected half the year resulting in reduced
wear for their years. And most of these Corvette owners do not
even drive them in the rain! |
| 10. Look for limited edition models
only |
Again be careful. A few examples to consider: How
many ZR1 motors are available if you need one? What about parts
for the 1,000 1996 Grand Sport C4's. Corvettes from the 1950's
and 1960's have some very limited parts availability, which makes
them very expensive. If looking for a fuel injection unit for
your 1957, a set of knock off aluminum wheels for your 1967, or
an original 396 cubic inch engine for your 1965 Corvette, be prepared
to pay dearly if you are lucky enough to locate any of these rare
pieces.
Models like the 1986 - 1995 C4's have great parts availability,
are generally equipped with many options, and provide world class
performance. Mid 1970's Corvettes can be found for under $10,000
and offer great looks, excellent handling and adequate performance
for typical street driving. Corvettes from the 1960's that were
modified and not considered original can be good finds too. Another
benefit of choosing these more available models comes when it
is time to sell. Many potential first time Corvette buyers find
these to be a great entry point into the Corvette world because
of their stated advantages. |
| Conclusion: |
| Well that's just a few of the myths about buying
a Corvette. Let me know your thoughts. Did I miss any? If so please
pass them on. I will include them on this web site in a prompt
manner. Many of you potential Corvette buyers may be surprised
to discover that whenever buying a Corvette, using this common
sense approach works well too just like any other major ticket
item. Having patience, doing your homework, and staying unemotional
can result in a great purchase. And as always, if I can be of
assistance to any potential buyer, just drop me a line and I will
do my best to assist. |
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