Hello to anyone who is reading this post.

I'm new to this forum but not new to forums in general. I am currently active in a Duramax Diesel Forum and one for a Corvette. So, to say the least, I know how valuable it is to have an active forum to learn things from. I have been looking around this forum for a couple of days now...to the point my head hurts from reading. It looks like a very active forum with a lot of informative and honest feedback, it looks great!!

I'm looking at buying an IROC. So far, two cars are on my radar and I'm curious of the opinions from the forum. So here are my questions:

1) What is a 1986 IROC worth? The car has 32k miles, appears to be fully loaded (I don't have the RPO codes), has 4 wheel disk brakes, 145 MPH speedo, radio with equalizer, 305 TPI (I know its the de-tuned version). I have yet to see the car in person but have talked to the owner who seems legitimate and the pictures of the car look great. Interior appears to be in perfect shape. All original. Car has been up on jack stands and covered since '92. I'd appreciate a range on what people have paid for similar cars or think they are worth. I have looked all over ebay, craigslist, cars direct, in the forum, internet etc off and on for years...but the asking prices are all over the board.

2) What is a 1987 IROC worth? The car has 92k miles, 5.7 TPI motor. Appears to be all stock. In decent shape but you can see it needs a little TLC. Doesn't appear to have any dents or rust. I haven't seen this car in person either but have seen pictures...the car looks Ok. Interior is in good shape and its leather. I'd appreciate a range on what people have paid for similar cars or think they are worth with this one also.

3) Which car is worth more today?

4) Which car will be worth more with 40k more miles on it?

I'm asking these questions because I have found two IROC's, the '86 that appears to be in perfect condition but with the 190hp motor...the other car is the '87 with the 5.7 TPI motor in very good condition but not as 'pristine' as the '86'. It appears the options are about the same on both cars although I'm saying that only based on the pictures I have seen. I have run the VIN's on both cars and they seem legitimate (the '87 is for an IROC based on the 8 in the VIN). The '87 has a lot more miles and I'd say it does show on the car, it's just not as clean as the '86. I'm buying the car to drive. I won't put a lot of miles on the car but want the car for my son and I to tinker on.

Thanks in advance to anyone who has read the post this far!!

Greg

 

Hate to tell you, but the car is worth what you are willing to pay for it. You should really look at both cars in person, take them for a drive and let it marinate in your head to which you like better. I don't think there is any real price value difference. There are plenty of pristine examples out there, so if you are thinking of making this an "investment", probably not a wise move.

 

I'd go for the low mile car myself.

 

Without pictures and seeing the cars it's impossible to assess values. That said, for the two specific cars you mentioned, the '86 will be worth more just due to condition and mileage. Overall though, '86 is the scorned year for IROCs due to the low power output and the ugly third brake light hump. In other words, even a low mile '86 will always be less than a low mile '85 or '87-'92 car.

Personally I would look for a low mile '87+ car.

 

Eh i owned a 86 iroc with tpi and a 700 and it went pretty good. Yes power may have been down but it doesnt take much to do a cam swap and get it back. Third brake light isnt really that bad either but yea i do like the later years better.

Basically i would love an owner who has a 87 iroc and a 86 iroc with the same 305/700/ rear end gearing to do a back to back test of the cars. I dont think it will be as noticeable as everyone on here seems to think without actually having owned a 86.

 

86 is different because of the third brake light only year with it in that location makes in cooler in my book but a 5.7 more power but idk if more power is good for your son?

 

I appreciate everyone's advice. I didn't want to show my hand too much with my original message but I am leaning more towards the '86. Personally I want an '87, I have for years...but I can't pass up the miles on the '86. On top of that, from my experience of shopping around, it is getting more and more difficult to find a stock IROC. Because this is mainly for my son and not me, I might even prefer the detuned motor. I'm 41 years old and still vividly remember the hell I put my cars through in high school...I just pray my son is more careful!!

I am planning to leave tomorrow morning for a 12 hour road trip...trailer and cashiers check in hand. Not trying to get my hopes up too much but at least going to check the car out.

Thanks to everyone taking the time to read and comment on my questions!!

Happy New Year to everyone!!

Greg

 

Good luck... Post PIX!

 

This is probably true, but the annals of history will forever scorn the '86 models.

 

Of the 2 you are taking about, the low mile 86 is the better pick. But you're still going to have a lot of work ahead of you. The fuel system is going to have to be completely disassembled, cleaned, and some of the parts replaced.

You can in fact pass up the miles on the 86 if you wish. There are tons of low mile IROCs out there, and if you can wait, the exact right one will show up for sale, I promise.

And make sure you don't let the seller see your trailer, it might compromise your negotiating power. Unless you've already made the deal and it's just subject to your inspection. Disconnect it and leave it somewhere safe nearby while you make the deal.

 

This is some good advice right here!

 

Let us know how you make out, Good Luck and send some pic's if you grab it ...

Happy New Year to all...

 

Maybe you could check closed auctions on ebay to find what they are going for to get actual market value.

 

Unfortunately, eBay isn't what it used to be. Many years ago, you could use eBay as a reference, but they have done the absolute opposite of Barret-Jackson. BJ prices are extremely high because of the clientele they cater to. Ebay is just slightly better than Craigslist today. Too many people looking for a bargain. With that, you also get the people that are trying to make their first million on a single item. I don't know if their is a reference for our cars yet.

 

I agree on BJ, but ebay WILL give you what people are willing to pay if the car receieved a bid and advertises to a larger audience. However, it can be equally useful if a car did not receive a bid, if you think about it. Craigslist will give you what people are asking-not getting-being somewhat less useful. On occasion you will see people complete ignore this law...$55k GTA-can't remember where I saw that one (TTA.com I think.) Remember pricing a car is more of an art and NOT a science and you must go to the markets to find value.

 

Appreciate all the input on my original post. I ended up buying the car. We negotiated a little bit more on the price and shook hands.

I now have the car home and starting to go through it. I has been on blocks, basically, since '92. Sounds like the oil was changed annually while it was on blocks and it was driven. The tires look brand new but were put on in '90. All the fluids look new in the car although I would say they are at least a year old.

In the process of changing the thermostat...kind of a bitch on these TPI cars. Have changed the oil and fuel filter. Plan on changing the tranny fluid but will make a new post with my questions/concerns on how the transmission is acting (I have driven the car some). Also have new plugs/wires/rotor/cap we will replace on the car too.

I only have two pictures on this PC of the car in my garage. I'll get a couple of better pictures.

Thanks again for all the input!!

Greg