57k Mile 1989 Chevrolet Corvette
The fourth generation Chevrolet Corvette began with the 1984 model and stayed around all the way through 1996, making the C4 the second-longest run in the car’s history, surpassed only by the C3 which outlasted it by just two model years. Production actually began in 1983, which closes the time-frame gap even more, so there are plenty of these fourth-generation cars around, and good deals typically aren’t that hard to find. This 1989 Chevrolet Corvette is a no-reserve auction here on eBay, and with bidding having reached only $7,500 thus far, there’s always the possibility this one could end up falling into that category.
For 1989, the standard powerplant for the Corvette was a 350 cubic-inch V8, available with either a 6-Speed manual or a 4-Speed automatic transmission. Horsepower was rated at just under 250, so it’s not one of the beefiest offerings, but this one’s only been driven 57,000 miles since new so hopefully, there’s plenty of good life left in it for the buyer, who will be the car’s fourth owner. The seller says the motor is smooth and responsive, and that the transmission is shifting properly, with everything we can see under the hood also looking to be in good order.
Black is the ‘Vette’s factory color, but the car is stated to have had one respray. We don’t know when the paint was applied, and although the body itself seems decent, the finish looks like there may be some minor discoloration in a few of the crevices, especially near the front. Maybe that’s just some wax build-up or perhaps how the light is hitting those areas, but overall the exterior appearance looks pretty good. The seller does mention that if a potential buyer looks closely they may find a scratch, chip, or other imperfection, plus I’m also not sure the car was photographed under the best of outside lighting conditions. The windows are definitely not scoring at the top of their class in tinting efforts, either.
Most of the inside photos provided are out of focus, but the owner claims the interior is original and that the leather seats are in above-average condition. We do get to see a short video in the listing, and it shows some fraying on the steering wheel and driver’s side seat, though for the most part, it looks OK in there for a driver-quality car. And while it’s not specifically addressed, we get to view a picture of the one-piece Targa top that seems to show a few chips in the glass. Maybe this isn’t exactly a mouthwatering Corvette, but for someone looking to get into the hobby at an entry-level or if you’re just in search of a low-mileage and fun weekend cruiser, it may be worth considering. What are your thoughts on this one?
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Comments
Now that’s how NOT to take a lead picture.I had
to figure out what that Red thing on top of the car was.
I still don’t know what it is or why.
I think it’s supposed to be a Christmas package bow, as in the seller saying please buy this car as a gift for a loved one!
It’s the car cover, just didn’t remove the whole thing for photos I’ve done the same thing
I love to hear about low mileage cars. With that having been said, someone is not being honest or has been mailed. This is not a 57,000 mile car. If you look at the seat wear, especially driver’s seat, no rips but definitely well used to the tu e of more than 57 thousand miles. The wear on the console where someone rested their arm while cruising is another. The steering wheel wear is also indicative that there is more miles on this car! Those are a few but there certainly more!! The price is right and if that’s what you want go for it. But just understand that the car probably is at 157,000 and not a true 57,000 mile car!! Enjoy!!!
The wheel on my 87 is doing that, with only 65,000 miles. I chalked it up to the Florida sun, since I leave the top down most of the time. Maybe that’s common. The seat isn’t worn like that in mine, but I get in and out without “flopping” like most people do. Seriously, it’s a hard car to get in and out, especially if you’re a bit weight challenged.
To me, it looks more like the mileage is true, but that it wasn’t a garage queen. Auction is up to 7600. I doubt it will go into five digits. Not perfect, coupe with automatic, 7600 is pretty strong.
The owner sat for hour’s listening to the radio while wifey complained about the insurance premiums
$7,500 Is actually pretty strong for one of these.
Uh oh. Somebody just bid 7,600 with just under 2 days to go. Get out the popcorn. Maybe we’ll see it bid up to 8,000!
Really, a fascinating auction if anyone wants to bookmark it. Someone got bold and ladled in another $100 just before 1 p.m. today, so we’re at $7,900. Could we hit the magical $8k? 1 day, 1 hour to go!
The Dept of motor vehicles could verify how many owners and that may be an indicator if it’s true to the milage.The odometer will state the original milage unless tampering was involved.The readout is 6 digits plus tenths.My 87 was a clean car and had some driver seat wear.I am 3rd owner with all records and have the Targa top and sun roof top.My cars odometer read 49000and was true milage.The engine looks really clean not saying it may have been cleaned.Older cars are not going to be flawless unless selling at like Barrett Jackson.I paid $8000.00 2 years ago and the car is a nice car.Sure not perfect but from like 6ft paint etc looks new.
A nice car. Anyone should be happy to own it at that price.
I had a ‘89 convertible with only 47,000 miles, Sapphire blue with cognac interior, very rare color options. Car was in excellent condition and I struggled to get $9,500 for it. That was in 2018 and prices have come up, but the seller better consider taking what he can get.
Corvette C4s are VERY expensive to repair and they need lots of repairs. You do the math.
Idk what you’re talking about. What repairs are specific to c4s? This is a Chevy remember, there’s nothing fancy going on. I’ve had a c3, c4, and a c5. They’re pretty simple.
Exactly Dave.
I love the C4’s! I did some trading for my Harley-Davidson and ended up getting an ’89 convertible with about 70,000 miles on it essentially free.
Several years and about $15,000 later, I have a great $8,000 car! :)
Winning Bid: $9300
Can’t beat the looks of the GM TPI manifold. It trades some top end power for more grunt down low.