Brand new and need some advise.....

[fredj]

Guys,

I have just entered the market for my dream car....a zr1 corvette. I have had my head on a swivel since 1990 (at 17yrs old) looking for that tell tale "zr1" emblem on the back of my favorite model american sports car....the corvette. As a new dad, it was a tough sell to my wife, but she is officially on board. I have never even sat in a corvette. I am as newb as a newb can be. The first place I looked was on the Bay, and there it was---------
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1991-CHEVY-CORVETTE-ZR1-SPORT-LEATHER-375-HP-29K-MILES_W0QQitemZ170185772438QQcmdZViewItem?hash=ite m170185772438 . After talking to the seller (sells 300 cars a month), I'm thinking it will take 23k. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Hope its ok to post the link and thanks in advance.

[Jeffvette]

Fred, first Welcome to the forum.

There are lots of ZR-1's for sale. The one you picked first is a nice clean example, and has a nice exhaust system on it.

I would suggest though that you take some time, do a little research and try to go for rides and some drives in ZR-1's. We've got a few members in GA who would be more than happy to assist you.

I'd also suggest looking for a car closer to you so you don't invest a lot in travel to look at a certain car.

Good luck in your search and ask plenty of questions.

[fredj]

Glad to be here Jeff. I'm getting the "cool your jets" vibe from your post, and that probably is the best way to go. I will read read read, and then read some more. Just don't want to miss a chance at a great car.

[Jeffvette]

I hear ya. But I will say there are plenty of these cars that were stashed away in hopes of being the next L88. There have been several with under 100 miles pop up in the past year alone. Plenty of nice cars out there.

[Z Factor]

Hello and welcome to the forum. :handshak:

Jeff is giving you sound advice. While that ZR-1 you linked might be very nice, you should consider several others before making a decision. You should also test drive one to get a feel for it.

Then you need to decide if you want one that is stock, or if you will want to add mods. If it is the latter, you are probably better off buying one that already has most of the mods you want to save yourself some time and money.

Have you looked in the Registry for sale section yet?

http://www.zr1netregistry.com/ZR1_sale.htm

http://zr1netregistry.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=10

Remember, when you buy from a dealer you are paying a markup. However if you cannot afford an outright purchase and want to finance, you can still avoid a dealer by getting a home equity loan or financing through a credit union type source.

Feel free to ask questions as you will find many of our forum members very knowledgeable and eager to help.

:cheers:

[GOLDCYLON]

:handshak: Welcome if I also may suggest cool your jets.

Look here http://www.zr1netregistry.com/ZR1_faq.htm


Look also at our for sale section and look at the what to look for when buying a used ZR-1. We all understand youe excitement. But take the time and find the right car for you. GC

[flyin ryan]

welcome Fred:hello:, i agree with Jeff especially when it comes to shipping. your in a good area, lots of population & year round driving, so don't get into shipping if you can help it. you'll save save money & sleep better. trust me.

[Hammer]

Fred,
TAKE YOUR TIME. I didn't, and I ended up getting a car that has/had a lot of problems. Not mechanical, just bad paint, glass and other items that wear out are having to be replaced. I didn't take the time to learn about the things to look for and have thus paid the price. The car however has been sound mechanically.

Some common things to look for:

The paint was sandblasted (best description) and the wheels were pretty bad as was the windshield (just replaced). I have replaced the wheels and buffed the paint to where it looks much better now. Be sure to look at the car under lights, not direct sunlight and get down on your back to look at the rocker areas and front.
Just replaced the windshield with a standard C4 as there are no new ZR-1 windshields at a reasonable price available. There are used ones, but you can't find anyone to guarantee an installation.
The hood and gas door emblems show wear and are being replaced.
Left front stereo speaker and cd player weren't working. these are common problems. I was lucky and a local guy here in Boise was able to fix them.
All the gas struts are being replaced.
The engine on the right side is stained. This is a very expensive problem to take care of because it requires major (for most) disassembly and you might as well plan on porting and powder coating the pieces so you don't have the problem again.
The drivers side carpet is worn down in the footwell area.I paid a good price for this car and it's my fault I bought it in the condition it was in. It was the third car I tried to buy and I wish I had waited and done exactly as you are doing. I didn't even know about the ZR-1 Net Registry or I think my car would be much nicer than it is for the money.

On a bright note though, this is a buyers market right now and there are some very good buys available. Enjoy your search and keep us all posted. We are here to help you anyway we can.

[tomtom72]

:hello: Fred and welcome to the asylum!

Some great advice from the guys here.....take a deep breath & hook up with some of the local GA Z owners...check out the Peach State Possie. I'm sure you will find the local GA guys more than willing to lend a hand. They're top notch people who will share the light with ya!:thumbsup:

Yes, you need to look over at the netreg site for the FAQ's and the for sale section is bang on...plenty of loved Z's there!

Good luck in your quest!

:cheers:
Tom

[Paul Workman]

Welcome to the group!

I'm a newbie to the Z. I had some concern about maintenance and advice. But, that was before Z Factor invited me to this forum and the super folks that reside here - and my worries have disappeared.

If you have never jumped into a Corvette seat before, you are in for a real treat - I owned a '95 LT1 for 5 years prior to getting the Z, and I'm still on cloud 9!. Anyway, jumping into a Z will definitely spoil you!

There is a lot to like in Corvettes, and far beit from me to discourage you from getting your Z. However, as some others said, I would make it a point to drop into the seat of a few in your price range - including a Z - and see what you like. If nothing else, you will gain a first-hand appreciation for what the Z is and can do!

The C4 ZR-1 with it's LT5 is not just a stellar performer, but is very unique - making it a total "package". That "package" is what attracts me and many others to the Z. But, one has to keep in mind that expertise is usually not to be found at every dealership anymore (if ever!). The cars are getting older and parts will take a little more hunting. So, with that in mind and the Z is what you want after driving a few other Vettes, you would be in the best of company.

For your research and reading pleasure, I recommend the book

"The Heart of the Beast" available on Amazon.com. will give you a good insight into the history, what the Z was designed to do, and how it has performed.

Good luck!

P.

[We Gone]

Welcome....Ga Member here just south of Atlanta..drop me a pm I'm always looking for a good reason to get old blue out..

Steve

[32valvZ]

Hello & welcome :cheers:

I'm a newb too. I have had my Z about 2 months now. These guys are top notch & I've learned a ton about my car since being here. I have a mid mileage car that was driven. Its got 46k on the odo. The price I paid for the car was really fair, so I knew some repairs would be in order.

Upon delivery of my car, I found an almost perfect interior and an 8 out of 10 paint condition. The tires were almost new & it had slight windshield delamination. It also needed rotors & pads.

All in all, I was pleased with the purchase & cant really complain for less than $16k I have a couple of slight oil leaks & an engine miss/vibration that I'm trying to figure out.

To me, thats all ok. I can do most of my own work.....and have thus far. If you dont have a garage, decent set of tools & some willingness to learn, then my suggestion is to buy a car thats low miles and in excellent shape. Its a typical "pay me now or pay me later" situation.

Main thing is, have fun looking for one & also have fun driving it when you get it! :hello:

[ZZZZZR1]

hi there,


Personally I would never purchase from a "dealer", but that car does look in immaculate condition! There is always markup (serious markup) and I would rather purchase from somebody who knows the car and has documentation.

If you want, I'm sure that we can give you lists of things to look for and things to watch out for. Whatever car you get, post here and I'd be willing to guess there is a fellow Z owner that lives close to the car you want to purchase AND would love to look at it for you.

Good luck and when you get your car, make sure you take lots of pictures for us to see!

Cheers!

:thumbsup:

[fredj]

Well fellas,

First, let me say thank you for all the great responses. I will heed the advice and take my time to learn as much as I can about this car of cars. I am still really excited, but now I'm excited to learn and buy at the right time. I have several questions, but I bet many of them will be answered in this forum somewhere. SO....I will be in touch and ask when I can't find the answers. I am 100% sure I will own one of these masterpieces sooner than later. I am thrilled that I have found a "Home Base" for my journey. Thanks again and wish me luck!

P.S. I still want the car I linked LOL.

[flyin ryan]

P.S. I still want the car I linked LOL.nothing wrong with going after something you want. we just want you to keep BOTH eyes open, that's all.

[Polo-1]

Man I hate to say it...........

I think you can do better for the $24k.
With todays prices I think you could get a 93 405 hp car for that kinda money. Or if you like the newer guts maybe a 94 with a just a little more $.

Happy Hunting

[DaveK]

I went through the 'long wait' too like a lot of others here. Finally bought a Z listed in the sales section on here and was glad I did. Ebay and dealers always left me with the feeling that I was getting screwed in some way.

As it was I got a fairly low mileage 91 in very good condition, very clean and although it had been modified it came with all the original parts - including the original 91 rubber/rims, exhaust etc.

So from personal experience I'd have to recommend that route.

[John Boothby]

Don't be afraid of a car with a few miles on it either. As long as the previous owner(s) have taken care of it, you can get a real bargain! Mine had 65K on it when I bought it and it runs flawlessly! The previous owner's had already updated the injector's; ECM and prom; exhaust system; etc etc. I just had to fix a few minor items and it looks and runs great!! All for about $18K!! Of course if you want a garage queen, that is your choice.

[guinnessdood]

Pick your color(s) and go looking. We can all advise when you find somehting that really peaks your interest. The best part is knowing that you have THIS community available to you when you do become an owner. anywhere you find a ZR-1, you will probably find someone from this community that is willing to go have a look at it for you. Sometimes the car of your dreams is not in your area and you have to rely on someone else to check it out for you. This is the place for that! So....happy shopping!

http://www.zr1netregistry.com/ZR1_Production_color.htm

COLOR CODE 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 Totals

Bright Red 81U 1560 634 130 - - - 2324
Black 41U 905 489 124 52 127 121 1813
Arctic White 10U 125 313 78 22 40 41 619
Dark Red Metallic 75U 181 90 17 2 19 16 325
Torch Red 70U - - - 57 120 140 316
Ruby Red Metallic 68U - - - 245 - - 245*
Competition Yellow 53U 23 39 26 11 43 49 189
Polo Green Metallic 91U 104 65 - - - - 169
Polo Green II Metallic 45U - - 37 20 39 31 123
Quasar Blue Metallic 80U 19 71 15 7 - - 112
Turquoise Metallic 42U 16 94 - - - - 110
Charcoal Metallic 96U 72 19 - - - - 91
Black Rose Metallic 73U - - 48 11* 11 - 69
Admiral Blue Metallic 28U - - - - 44 12 56
Steel Blue Metallic 25U 11 43 - - - - 54
Bright Aqua Metallic 43U - - 27 8 5 13 53
Dark Purple Metallic 05U - - - - - 25 25
Unknown - 33 187 - 13 - - 246
Production Totals - 3,049 2,044 502 448 448 448 6,939

[tomtom72]

Well fellas,

First, let me say thank you for all the great responses. I will heed the advice and take my time to learn as much as I can about this car of cars. I am still really excited, but now I'm excited to learn and buy at the right time. I have several questions, but I bet many of them will be answered in this forum somewhere. SO....I will be in touch and ask when I can't find the answers. I am 100% sure I will own one of these masterpieces sooner than later. I am thrilled that I have found a "Home Base" for my journey. Thanks again and wish me luck!

P.S. I still want the car I linked LOL.

Nothing wrong with love at first sight Fred! Just ask Steve, aka We Gone, to go with you and eye her up.:thumbsup:

Oh yea, if you do take the plunge & join up at the NetRegistry and here, you will find that this is a brotherhood....no ZR-1 & it's owner left behind.

:cheers:
Tom

[Tim]

AMEM

[Jason 91]

I agree with that as well. I've gotten really good support from my brothers. :thumbsup:

Jason

[Jeffvette]

Fred, I may have a car for you. It's black on black and a 94. I've been doing the service on the car.

Give me a shout.
www.pnwzr1.com