Another newbie ZR-1 question

[Z R 1]

Hello everyone,
I am very close to buying a polo green 91 ZR-1 w/38k (all stock) in the 20k range. I currently own a 78 and am bored with it's lack of power and decided to look for something with not only more zing but something that also has collect ability. I was very close to buying a 69 coupe 350/350 when I found this ZR-1 that was the same price. I really like the ZR-1 and am very impressed by it. The only thing that is holding be mack is wondering if my 20K that I put into buying this what will the market value be in like 5-10 years? I don't plan on driving it daily but I also don't believe in just letting it sit either? I know it will need things and probably one of the first I would do with a full tune up is replace the injectors with some RC's. I have read some that these cars could be very highly collectible and then others that think it will become just a foot note and never be very collectible? Any advise on putting 20K into a ZR-1 instead of a 69 Coupe would be greatly appreciated!

[jonszr1]

you just have to decide which one youd like to drive more. t5hat should be the deciding factor. trying to hedge your bet in a fickle market not a wise thing. Remember you can think its worth so much but someone still has to buy it. Buy it for pleasure or take your chances. only you can decide!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jason 91]

I would go with the ZR1. You can get a good deal right now (your example seems like one) and I wouldn't worry about it going down in value. These are great cars and have a strong following as I'm sure you can see. Good luck.

Jason

[Z R 1]

Originally Posted by Jason 91

I would go with the ZR1. You can get a good deal right now (your example seems like one) and I wouldn't worry about it going down in value. These are great cars and have a strong following as I'm sure you can see. Good luck.

Jason

Jason,
Thanks for the reply and a fellow Coloradan too! That was kind of my thinking too. A 91 polo green w/ 38K and the asking is $20,911 and they are also very motivated to sell it. Being winter also I think/ hope I could talk them into 18K out the door but it is a dealer also so who knows. It just alot me me to part with and I would also wait to spring to sell my 78. I would just hope that in 5-10 years the ZR-1's were worth only $10K because the engine parts became rare to non existant and if you could fine them were way too expensive.

[tomtom72]

The future collectability answer is in the crystal ball.
No one can say for sure. I would say look at the steel bumper sharks & the circumstances it took to get their values going north as an indicator. All the C2's had to go thru the roof first. The rare C3's proly were always worth $ because of small production numbers. JMHO but a car is not an investment.

Maybe a good indicator might be the extreemly rare C3's like the LT-1. They seem to be holding strong and maybe on the edge of taking off. Maybe in enough time the ZR-1 will do the same but it's gonna take a long time for the ZR-1 if the C3's are any indicator. JMHO.

If the Z you buy was well cared for then the motor is the least of the worries in terms of it blowing up or wearing out. Just look at the number of 100K + mile cars still going strong. The trans and a host of other things will give you something to do way before the internals on the LT5 will break.....unless you buy a used race car ofcourse. The biggest thing you have to square with yourself is the seemingly difficult route to obtaining parts for the LT5 plus the ZR-1 in general and lastly the C4 as a generation. Also a C4 is more difficult to work on than a C3, in general. Once you get used to it that issue goes away but the fiirst little while you will wish for a less complicated car. The parts, ZR-1 specific, and C4 specific are out there as are the LT5 parts....they just cost more than C3 parts and are a bit harder to find until you get the hang of where to look. Look over at the NetRegistry site for some very important info about "common issues" with the Z. Go hang out on a C4 forum so you can see the general issues with the generation and add the two and then make your decision.

Oh, don't go driving any well maintained ZR-1's till you do your homework or you might forget about doing your homework! This is my opinion on the subject and I came from the C3 ranks....I had a 72 LT-1 A/C t-top which I thought was all that till I got my ZR-1.

Good luck in your quest!

Tom

[WB9MCW]

IF YOU WANT BETTER HANDLING AND PERFORMANCE AND LESS MAINT. GO ZR-1

YOU WILL HAVE A LOT LESS FAILURES ON A 91 VS A 69 THAT IS FOR SURE.

MY GUESS IS THEY WILL BOTH HOLD THEIR OWN ON VALUE BUT THE 69 MIGHT DO A TAD BETTER BUT WON'T BE NEAR AS FUN TO OWN!!! AND U WILL BE WORKING ON IT A LOT MORE DUE TO THE AGE. PLUS A LOT MORE CABIN ROOM IN THE Z---FOR A BIG GUY LIKE ME (6'4") IT IS A BIG DEAL....

[Z Factor]

Originally Posted by Z R 1

I would just hope that in 5-10 years the ZR-1's were worth only $10K because the engine parts became rare to non existant and if you could fine them were way too expensive.

Hello Jason and welcome to the forum.

There are two ways to look at your concern. First is that ZR-1's will only become more desirable with time due to their decreased numbers, high desirability, unique capabilities, etc. As to the part availability, that should not be an issue as there is a strong group of enthusiasts who will always find or manufacture the needed parts. If however parts became scarce or unavailable, your ZR-1 would still retain a high value just for the parts alone.

If you buy one in decent condition and maintain it properly, you should not have to worry about the typical depreciation of most other cars. The ZR-1 is about as low as many people think it will ever go, and there are signs that certain ones are already starting to appreciate. Needless to say all of the owners who have purchased one in the last few years have no worries as to the future value dumping out. Therefore you should buy one and enjoy it without being concerned about it losing most of it's value provided you maintain it.

Good luck in your search and let us know when you join the KOTH club.

[tomcat]

Jason,

How goes the Battle? 91 vs 69? The ZR1 Ride, handling, Maintance is better than the 69. It is lot easier to work on than a 69. Gas mileage is better. If you take your ZR1 to a show & shine, Your ZR1 will get more attention. I can go on & on. You will enjoy the Corvette Experience more with a ZR1. As far as parts go, with the Internet up a running you can always find parts even if They say you can't. So come & join up us. You not regret it.
Oh-Bye-Way There a lot of ZR1's that look Great & they at not Garage Queens. ZR1 owners drive them a lot eve during the winter time.

Tomcat
91 #906
http://www.pnwzr1.net/PNWZR1.htm

[Z R 1]

Thank you everyone for the replies and I am sold!!! Now comes the hard part, finding the best one I can for the money. As I have said I have found one here in Colorado and especially like the color (Polo Green) but am now trying to figure out which car history report service to go with. Do any of you have any ideas on which might be a better report service than another. I have read that carfax is very limited on what there data base has to offer.
I did start another thread also one this question here: http://www.zr1netregistry.com/forum/...ead.php?t=2627

BTW: Jason AKA Jason91 is the name of one of the person who replied to my question and not my name. My name is actually Kirk,captain James T if you must. Yes I like to beat people to the punch line there because I like to see which people pick up on that one and which just stare at me blank in the face! Anyway very nice to meet you all and thank you very much for the warm welcomes!