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Hotdogand6pack
05-14-2012, 09:20 PM
I would like to introduce myself; my name is Aaron, and I just bought a ZR-1. I live just outside of Buffalo, NY and I love Corvettes. I am a commercial Electrician who smartly saved his money and smartly (or so I truly believe) invested it into a ZR-1. Judging the market, the recession, and many other factors, I truly believe that the ZR-1 Corvette will be the next big collector item. Those of my generation (I am 28) have no loyalty to the 69 chevelles or comaro's, the shelby or mach I mustangs. They weren't from my time, and while they all deserve the honor they receive they have no true emotional impact of being 6 or 8 years old and dreaming of the car like the one I just purchased. I truly believe that the ZR-1 will become the hot ticket item as those of my generation come of age (and money.)

That being said, I found the Z for me. I searched the internet high and low for the right one. I spent over four months searching, but to no avail. I was about to give up and just grab a new Mustang 5.0 GT (I have a soft spot for Mustangs.) Then I stumbled upon a very shortly worded message on the Corvette Forum boards. All the others I had considered had been posted on many boards, sites, and blogs. Owners desperately trying to sell their car. To me that raised a flag. But this post I could not replicate anywhere. It was short, to the point (3 sentences,) and contained no pictures. It was obvious to me that the owner was not truly committed to selling the car. And that was exactly what I was looking for.

After several e-mails, I decided to drive down to the seller's house (which happened to be only 4 hours down the interstate.) I brought no money, and no intention to purchase; only a camera. I took several (about 40) pictures and drove home.

I slept like a baby the first night, after many hours of driving it was necessary. But after the first night, sleep became labored. I would find myself waking up after midnight just to boot the laptop and examine the pictures. This endured several days. I started to go to work late, and often times caught myself hearing the sounds of the LT-5 in my head until being interrupted by one of my apprentices. It was at this point that the devil on my left shoulder pierced the heart of the angel on my right with his trident of cast aluminum (with Iron inserts by the Devil's demand of course.)

A series of e-mails followed and I was offered a price I simply couldn't refuse. Guided by the devil on my left shoulder I allocated the funds, horse-traded the use of an enclosed track-trailer and dually, and made my way down the Interstate.

The man I purchased my Z from was, in my opinion, the best of what Mankind has to offer. It is rare to find such a caring, honest, gentle, true-hearted and true-minded soul who has a love for automobiles. It is my regret that I do not live closer because he is a man that I can look up to and strive to become. (Charley K, Although I have your Z, you have my full respect and admiration. You will never be Z-less, for your Z will endure as a tribute to your love of it which I share.)

The car it self has a lineage of owners of near retirement age. The maintenance records are near complete. The flaws are as follows:
1) carpet pulling away from the dash on the passenger side, L and R of the glove box (easy fix)
2) Shift boot nearing detachment
3) Stone chip very center of hood
4) OEM oil cooler and radiator hoses need replacing
5) Clutch slave, master, and lines should be replaced
6) Spark plug wires need replacing (want to keep the LT-5 marked ones in good working order)
7) Driver seat left lateral support shows some minor wear (as it should)

The car has a Corsa exhaust (installed at the Corsa factory itself) The OEM exhaust is in AZ awaiting arrangements to be shipped in. It has a K&N air filter installed but the modifications were made to an aftermarket intake and I have all the original parts intact. Every part that was replaced I was given the original component that was removed, beit the brake master cylinder, or the PCV valve. I have all the original parts. I even have the stock battery (non fiunctional.) Add to that the car still has the sticker on the dash plexiglass stating that all gauges are not linear, consult manual , for customer removal only.

The car is a black/saddle 93 with 17500 odometer.
I won't say what I paid, but it would be interesting to see you guys tell me what it's worth.

Best regards,
Aaron

EDIT: The car has new Vredestein tires on OEM A-molds. The original tires are in good condition on the original sawblades (one has very minor curb rash which is able to be covered by a weight.) The LTPS light is on because the tire pressure sensors are on the sawblades with the original tires, which still have OEM air in them and I don't want to remove them.

VetteMed
05-14-2012, 09:27 PM
Welcome, and congratulations!

If I were to guess what a low-mile 93 would sell for in this market, I'd suspect somewhere in the $20-22K range.

cvette98pacecar
05-14-2012, 09:33 PM
I would like to introduce myself; my name is Aaron, and I just bought a ZR-1. I live just outside of Buffalo, NY and I love Corvettes. I am a commercial Electrician who smartly saved his money and smartly (or so I truly believe) invested it into a ZR-1. Judging the market, the recession, and many other factors, I truly believe that the ZR-1 Corvette will be the next big collector item. Those of my generation (I am 28) have no loyalty to the 69 chevelles or comaro's, the shelby or mach I mustangs. They weren't from my time, and while they all deserve the honor they receive they have no true emotional impact of being 6 or 8 years old and dreaming of the car like the one I just purchased. I truly believe that the ZR-1 will become the hot ticket item as those of my generation come of age (and money.)

That being said, I found the Z for me. I searched the internet high and low for the right one. I spent over four months searching, but to no avail. I was about to give up and just grab a new Mustang 5.0 GT (I have a soft spot for Mustangs.) Then I stumbled upon a very shortly worded message on the Corvette Forum boards. All the others I had considered had been posted on many boards, sites, and blogs. Owners desperately trying to sell their car. To me that raised a flag. But this post I could not replicate anywhere. It was short, to the point (3 sentences,) and contained no pictures. It was obvious to me that the owner was not truly committed to selling the car. And that was exactly what I was looking for.

After several e-mails, I decided to drive down to the seller's house (which happened to be only 4 hours down the interstate.) I brought no money, and no intention to purchase; only a camera. I took several (about 40) pictures and drove home.

I slept like a baby the first night, after many hours of driving it was necessary. But after the first night, sleep became labored. I would find myself waking up after midnight just to boot the laptop and examine the pictures. This endured several days. I started to go to work late, and often times caught myself hearing the sounds of the LT-5 in my head until being interrupted by one of my apprentices. It was at this point that the devil on my left shoulder pierced the heart of the angel on my right with his trident of cast aluminum (with Iron inserts by the Devil's demand of course.)

A series of e-mails followed and I was offered a price I simply couldn't refuse. Guided by the devil on my left shoulder I allocated the funds, horse-traded the use of an enclosed track-trailer and dually, and made my way down the Interstate.

The man I purchased my Z from was, in my opinion, the best of what Mankind has to offer. It is rare to find such a caring, honest, gentle, true-hearted and true-minded soul who has a love for automobiles. It is my regret that I do not live closer because he is a man that I can look up to and strive to become. (Charley K, Although I have your Z, you have my full respect and admiration. You will never be Z-less, for your Z will endure as a tribute to your love of it which I share.)

The car it self has a lineage of owners of near retirement age. The maintenance records are near complete. The flaws are as follows:
1) carpet pulling away from the dash on the passenger side, L and R of the glove box (easy fix)
2) Shift boot nearing detachment
3) Stone chip very center of hood
4) OEM oil cooler and radiator hoses need replacing
5) Clutch slave, master, and lines should be replaced
6) Spark plug wires need replacing (want to keep the LT-5 marked ones in good working order)
7) Driver seat left lateral support shows some minor wear (as it should)

The car has a Corsa exhaust (installed at the Corsa factory itself) The OEM exhaust is in AZ awaiting arrangements to be shipped in. It has a K&N air filter installed but the modifications were made to an aftermarket intake and I have all the original parts intact. Every part that was replaced I was given the original component that was removed, beit the brake master cylinder, or the PCV valve. I have all the original parts. I even have the stock battery (non fiunctional.) Add to that the car still has the sticker on the dash plexiglass stating that all gauges are not linear, consult manual , for customer removal only.

The car is a black/saddle 93 with 17500 odometer.
I won't say what I paid, but it would be interesting to see you guys tell me what it's worth.

Best regards,
Aaron

It doesn't matter what we think, If you are happy with the price you paid and the seller is happy with what he sold it for that is what matters.

There is no such thing as a car that is a good investment. If you invest your money wisely you should be able to turn your money over two fold every 7 years. If you bought your Z for 20K it needs to be worth a minimum of 80K in 21 years.

Welcome to the brotherhood, you will find that most of us are like the man in which you purchased your Z.

Oh yeah, We are picture guys add some pictures and let us bask in her glory.

Kevin
05-14-2012, 09:36 PM
if you bought it as an investment, sell it and put the money in the bank or the market. if you bought it to drive, welcome home

bldavis11
05-14-2012, 09:37 PM
Welcome aboard! We're all happy that you're part of the brotherhood!

Hotdogand6pack
05-14-2012, 09:40 PM
I'm not expecting great returns. But, truth is, I have never taken my 401(k) for a cruise to the beach

ZZZZZR1
05-14-2012, 09:53 PM
Congrats!

Looking forward to pictures!

:cheers:

David

Hotdogand6pack
05-14-2012, 09:53 PM
If I didn't buy it to drive it, I'd be a Liar. I did not put 500 miles on it in 4 days :dancing And absolutely did I not drive above 160 mph :cheers:

Hotdogand6pack
05-14-2012, 09:58 PM
Some pics

Blue Flame Restorations
05-14-2012, 09:58 PM
Welcome and congrats on your new Z.:cheers:

Hotdogand6pack
05-14-2012, 09:59 PM
ugh, boards won't take large pics. guess I have to upload and link........

PhillipsLT5
05-14-2012, 10:01 PM
Welcome

ghlkal
05-14-2012, 10:21 PM
Welcome; it sounds like you found a great Z at a great price

I'm not expecting great returns. But, truth is, I have never taken my 401(k) for a cruise to the beach

True dat. As others mentioned, a ZR-1 can't be an investment, per se, but that doesn't mean we can't dream as we drive ;)

Brad Sewell
05-14-2012, 10:29 PM
Congratulations.

I am 34 so it is nice to see another owner who grew up in the 80s and 90s when these cars were Front Page News.

Re: the investment. We are a different generation. After seeing our parents' (and my own) retirement accounts slashed because somebody else didnt make their mortgage payment, we want something tangible. And if we want to put our money in something we can put our hands on it might as well be something we can enjoy. After all, I can only stuff just so many bars of gold under my bed.

Drive the car, take good care of it and enjoy it. Unless you wrap it around a toll both the value won't be relegated to 0 overnight. Can't say the same for my WAMU, LEH or WB stock.

cvette98pacecar
05-14-2012, 10:33 PM
ugh, boards won't take large pics. guess I have to upload and link........

Send them to me, I will load them for you. r.de_macro@yahoo.com

Hotdogand6pack
05-14-2012, 10:43 PM
I would, but I'm the *** that took photo's on fine quality with a 13 megapixel camera..............

Z51JEFF
05-14-2012, 10:58 PM
Congrats on the car,you wont find a more devoted group of owners than the ZR-1 owners.I didnt read your intire post but if that car has the original tires REPLACE THEM NOW!They arent safe.

jimmy b.
05-14-2012, 11:14 PM
I do believe Aaron has the "curse", welcome to the gang!

John Boothby
05-15-2012, 12:47 AM
I'm not expecting great returns. But, truth is, I have never taken my 401(k) for a cruise to the beach

There ya go!

Nice to know a young guy with good taste in cars! Enjoy it for many years!!

captcorvette
05-15-2012, 03:53 AM
Welcome to the best group of folks I have found in many years. Forget the "investment" enjoy the extension of your being that has 4 wheels. Drive it like you stole it but take care of it like an expectant wife. Everything you give to the car it will give back in enjoyment, it won't add to your waistline and you will never have to look for more reasons to enjoy everything about her. Yeah I know "King of the hill" but to me the car is just like a real good woman. You take good car or her and she will do likewise. Neglect it a bit and you will suffer the consequences. But she will forgive you quickly when you return the care.

And yes at being 36 years your senior I am very jealous that you have the opportunity to spend many more years with yours than I will with mine. But I have made arrangements for mine to be added to our museum when I am gone.

Take pictures and post them.
Congratulations on your choice, purchase and finding this brotherhood.
Wayne:handshak:

HAWAIIZR-1
05-15-2012, 06:07 AM
Aaron,

Congratulations and welcome to the family:cheers:. I have always said that a car is only worth what someone is willing to pay. It sounds like you found a nice one to enjoy for many years to come. There are some awesome folks here and to be totally honest, they are the only reason I still have my ZR-1.

Craig

Z Factor
05-15-2012, 09:13 AM
Hello Aaron, and welcome to the forum.:handshak:

You will find a wealth of knowledge here from people who genuinely love our ZR-1's.

:cheers:

ZONER 95
05-15-2012, 09:29 AM
I agree with many of your statements.....Collector car values are a generational thing...I don't want a Model T, even in mint condition .....we just saw the baby boomer/muscle car market go crazy and then subside to more "reasonable" levels......our time will come.

Nice example C4 ZR-1's have future collectability written all over them....and having the new ZR-1's back in production helps, people will inevitably start taking a look at the "older generation" Z's in a new light....it will be a few years but it will happen.......in the mean time drive it and enjoy it for what it is.

Like you, in convincing my wife to but my first Z, I told her......"I can't drive my (falling) mutual fund".....its time to enjoy , see , and experience what I worked hard for all these years....and if I make some money in the end, even better....if not.....I died with a smile on anyway. Enjoy!

Kevin.....:cheers:

scottfab
05-15-2012, 09:37 AM
To put a little perspective on it, it you go into this (ownership) thing with the long term view you'll come to think of you car as one of you children. They can be demanding and unpredictable at first. Then as you get to really know them you can read them like a book.
I bought my Z when still raising kids. My youngest was 10 now he's 25.
The car is part of my family :-D

Welcome to our family.
Oh and DO NOT wash the engine. Learn why then
do it carefully.