See Chevrolet Chevette. This isn’t just a Chevette either. It’s a 1987 model year, the final year of what was arguably one of the worst economy cars ever made. It gets even better, because this car only has 47 miles on the odometer. Documents on the car show it had a starting price of $4,995 in 1987.
This Chevette was just sold at Mecum’s 2025 Kissimmee Auction For $33,000. Apparently, someone really wanted a last-year Chevette in new condition. There is a problem though. It’s not very new, despite the mileage.
Photo by: Mecum Auctions
Photo by: Mecum Auctions
Photo by: Mecum Auctions
The headliner is drooping, and the glue has dried for a long time just like many other cars of this era. It’s not shown in a few of the photos in the auction listing, but we see it hanging like a deflated balloon in a demo video. we He does See close-up shots of the engine compartment, which is mostly clean, except for significant corrosion on the aluminum components. The exterior badges appear to have some pitting, which is prominently displayed on the Chevrolet logo at the back. And the lower interior door trim panel looks very wavy. To be fair, it could have been that way from the factory. This is a Chevette, after all.
It’s a good option though. You’ll find an AM radio and a cigarette lighter in the dashboard. The climate control system has a “flow ventilation system” instead of air conditioning. The auction listing also highlights a dome light, front stabilizer bar, and four-speed manual transmission. Lest we forget, the Chevette was still old-fashioned with its longitudinal drivetrain, so the four-speed stick sent all 65 horsepower to the rear wheels.
Admittedly, we’re going a little wild here. Every car has passionate fans who would pay for a good example, and this Chevette has the last year/low mileage going for it. But still…$33,000? For a no-option Chevette with a sagging headliner and worn parts? For the record, 33 grand will get you a new Honda Civic Si, including destination fees. That’s not to say buyers are shopping through 38-year-old garbage cans with modern hot hatchbacks.
Of course, the person who buys this Chevette isn’t interested in driving it. With 47 miles on it, the previous owner wasn’t interested in driving it either. But have we reached a point where even terrible cars like the Chevette are getting unrealistic prices just because they’ve never been used?
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