Low mileage is the dominant factor in many enthusiasts’ decision to pay top-dollar for a collector car. I’ve been amazed over the years how no amount of maintenance or paperwork can sway a buyer who simply wants the most virgin example they can find. This 1989 Chevrolet Corvette is a low-mileage example with just 44,770 miles on the clock and looks sharp with its unusual graphite paint job. The Corvette is listed here on eBay with bids to $4,350 and no reserve.
The current bid is way too low for this car, and I’m surprised the seller is listing it with no reserve. He notes the last bidder flaked out, so he’s hopeful that the car will sell this time around. It seems to me if you’re snagging a low-mileage C4 in a rare color with no reserve that you’re buying a desirable specimen with a strong likelihood of holding its value if not appreciating at a decent clip. Unless there are major red flags in person, this Corvette looks pretty tidy in photos.
Sure, it’s not a manual-equipped version which would truly be the cat’s pajamas but the spec is still desirable: the seller notes it is equipped with the Z51 suspension package that added larger wheels and Bilstein shocks, but it seems there’s been some feedback given to him that this was standard equipment by ’89 (and not some sort of an optional upgrade.) Regardless, it should make the C4 a modern-day muscle car that handles as good as it looks. The interior is in great shape, certainly fitting of a low-mileage car with only nominal creasing noted on the seats.
The only thing I could see holding some bidders back is the lack of title, which is normal for those of us living in the New England states. Places like Connecticut, where this car lives, don’t issue titles for cars over a certain age, so you’ll be getting a registration certificate if you pick it up. This has never been an issue for me living here, but I can see where it might be a factor for folks living in title states. Regardless, as the current bid price, it is worth the hassle of figuring out a way around the paperwork issues.
Color is unusual and makes it a good buy. The interior will need mucho tlc though. A redoo of the seat cover at minimum but can always have them redone in cloth but i’m always weary of was it maintained or i never put a cent on it. If it passes inspection its worth it
About average price on a C4. I’ve owned two, both had lots of electrical problems as they aged. The digital dash is a neat item, if it’s still working. They are wonderful driving cars, and are still a good value as they haven’t started appreciating yet like the C3 and earlier have. The color is rare for a reason, red and yellow look so much better on these cars.
So, we get to see what the market is for a dark brown C4. I’m rather surprised it’s at $6,200. Someone’s grandpa must have had one and it brings back good memories?
This is the fourth time listed with two “sales” and one no sale with reserve.
Maybe because, as my grampy used to say, “once the liquor wears, off you realize you just bought a brown C4 son,” LOL!
All kidding aside, this would be a good starter performance car for someone new to the hobby at the right price – as in 5k or so. Problem is people get all competitive and then they’re like “oh cr–” when then “win.” Then they back out.
Because there are literally 0 repercussions to backing out of a winning bid on E___y, often people will bid on multiple cars and which ever they win that they actually want they will keep and the other winning bids they had they will just back out. I stopped selling cars on E___y years ago because of non-paying “bidders” years ago.
In theory, the car just sold for $7388.
Hammer down at $7388. Seems like a good deal to me. I wish I were in position to bid.
Bought one new in this color with a six speed. The interesting thing is, the color shifts some with different light angles. I was in sales and drove all over the south with a full desktop computer and big monitor. Took up the whole car but I loved driving the car. Kept it about 14 months, traded it in but about 2 years later while looking for another Corvette I stumbled on it on a used car lot. Bought it back with about 6k additional miles.