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-...em170185772438 . 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.

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.

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.

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.

[GOLDCYLON]

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, 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]

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!

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!


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.