Crunky

ATTENTION: Before reading, please note, I AM NOT A VETTE FAN WHATS_O_EVER
Ok, this is partially off topic, but right now I have the chance to acquire an '88 Vette, convertable. Its not quite black, kinda charcoal with silver flake, or flek or whatever you call it, and a brand new tan leather top. 4 speed auto , full power options, and looks almost immacualate.
Its for sale at a used car lot that has a commercial account set up with us at work.
The price they are asking for it is $7700, they told me I could have it for $7000. One of the guys there brought it over to work for me to look at, and he wanted to know if I would be interested in trading in my 944.
I immediately turned down the trading notion, but I have been thinking about it. I can still do allt he auto-x, tracking, and DEs that I wanted to do in the 944, and have a great daily driver too, but in one package. And the other plus is that parts are fairly cheap, and they are parts that I can actually get from work too(discount)
I would expect to get around $2500-$3000 trade in on my '44, its not perfect, but is fairly sound.
What do you guys think?

Trucho-951

If only it was a '93 or newer... in 1993 came the LT-1 and serious HP, from then on it only got better..

Legoland951

There is nothing wrong with liking a vette if that's your kind of thing. I had an 87 convertible and its a fun car to cruise around the beach. I wouldn't do the trade though unless you are getting the better end of the deal (pay less than $2000 + your 944) for the vette. The 88 vette has the aluminum head 350 TPI engine along with roller cam and lifters. Whether we like it or not, that 88 convertible will be much more of a collectible car than any 944 n/a 8v car now or in the future. Lots of people in downtown hicksvilles across the country love these cars. I believe the 88 is an anniversay year for the vette (35th or something like that). They will kick the 944s butt in straights burning up the 275/40/17 tires and be even around the turns with the 944. Highway they get around 23 to 25 mpg but if you get your foot into it, you will get around 17. They do rattle and creek much more than the 944 though the 944 has its share of hatch rattles etc. Also, if you lose control in the vette, you better have ***** the size of church bells.

Crunky

I was actually looking last night online for a 93+ for cheap, thinking that I'd drive it to hell and then use the motor for a swap with the 944. But I found out today that they have this one and are willing to cut a deal with me. I mean I am still young, I have atleast 60+ more years to buy a 951 that I have always wanted,but for now, I just want something thats decent to drive around town with A/C, so I guess the auto might not be that bad.
Who knows, I might find some redneck later on that has a 951 and I can trade the vette straight up for it. That or I pick up another junkyard 944 and slowly turn it into the dream car while I use the Vette as a daily beater.

hockeydude

um. yea...


(do what you want. it's your car/$)

Mike C.

If an automatic doesn't bother you then it sounds like a pretty good deal for 7K. I think you would do better to sell your car on your own rather than trade it in.

silverBean

It's your call because it is your monney. I don't want to make the decision for you and I doubt anyone here does either, but I wouldn't do it. It's just personal preference. I don't like driving anything automatic for one. I was taught to drive by my dad when I was 11 on a 5 speed, so I'm sure that has something to do with it. Again, all about you when it comes down to it.

GodSpeed

sell the 944, and buy a 951 or a 928 or a 968

M Danger

I say drive it, and if you like it.... kill your self ;-)

icat

I've had 3 vettes. First was a 72 auto, then a 77 auto, and finally a then new 80 4-speed. All were t-tops. I'd love to have any one of them back.

hacker-pschorr

The L98 is a torque monster with great potential - $7k for this vette if in good condition is a good deal.

I was a Corvette guy from birth until age 16 when my father sold his last Corvette (7 of 7) for a 928.

Crunky

Yes, I've heard alot of good things about the L98. The one I'm looking at is in near pristine condition, but I only got to look at it for about 5-10mins, I'm going to the dealer tomorrow for the trest drive .
Before I got my 944, I was big into Monte Carlos. I'd love to get my hands on a decent Super Sport, but recently it seems that they are going for atleast as much as this Vette, not to mention I'll never find a dealer that has one for sale. I couldn't possibly afford anywhere near 7k for a car right now if it were not for the financing. But anyways, the L98 and would be a perfect swap into a Monte

Trucho-951

I love torque, that's why I replaced the 350 in my '78 with a custom 408 cubic inch motor with Air Flow Research heads and roller cam, now that is torque!

aeronautica86

just a minor correction, the LT-1 motor was introduced for the '92 model C4s, and also, most people have better drag times with the auto transmissions in vettes due to the autos being a bit easier to launch, also with the auto tranny changing out the R&P and torque convertor will make a pretty drastic increase in acceleration, and both the l98 and lt1 are very responsive to heads/cam/exhaust mods which are all relatively cheap for those cars

zoxx2004

I dont see how you could hate 2000 up c-5 corvettes.look under it its remarkable similiar to the 944.
GM borrowed about the whole design.except the leaf springs ofcourse.