tpi1986

Last night while doing some bench racing with a few of my car friends, I mentioned that I was looking to buy another Vette. I have been without a street car for a few years and its finally gotten to me.

Anyway, two of my friends began talking about Vettes they know for sale. During the conversation, both of them took a moment to more or less act like the C4 were beneath them. Which pissed me off a little. My first two Vettes were 1986 and a 1987.

I have either owned, driven or worked on every single generation of vette prior to the c7. So it not like I don't know my way around a vette. When did the C4 become a "less than" desirable car? I must have missed that memo!

Frankly, if I wanted a C5, C6 or a C7 I could go get one. (Still hate C7 tail lights) But I have been looking around at C4's because, silly me, they are my personal favorite. Am I crazy or what??

Paul Workman

Kinda having a hard time relating... If you know what you like, that's all you have to say.

kael

Look at it as a good thing, makes it cheaper for us lovers!
(And yeah, I hate the C7 tail lights also, very much. They probably drive great but...just ain't right.)

tpi1986

I'm probably cracked for even posting it and I will admit, I let them get to me. But hell, I love every year of vette. It never occurred to me that some morons don't like the C4.

And yeah, a client of mine bought a C7. It did drive great, but damn, it was a heck of a lot more than I would spend.

confab

I could have another corvette if I wanted one. C4 or otherwise. I don't. I like mine just fine.

I like the boxy looks of the older C4's. It has just enough tech on it to be interesting and useful, but not enough to be a million dollar maintenance nightmare when things go wrong. I am not a racer, so the 1st gen SB is just fine with me. I like the TPI. It works well on the street. It makes a lot of torque and it is visually appealing. It handles well. I'm totally happy.

What I want is all that matters, imo. I wouldn't worry what other people think.

I'm seeing a lot of C5's right now. Older people mostly, out on Sunday and stuff. Almost no early C4's and not a lot of C4's in general.

In a couple of years, I think a really sharp C4 will turn heads in ways their cars won't.

dizwiz24

ive had a hard time explaining to my mustang friends that a dude with a c4, in 2016, is not a corvette snob.

they remember the early 90s where guys with stock c4vettes thought they were the fastest thing out there (bc they were) and had an ego.

those times are long gone. everything is fast now.

the corvette snobs who had stock c4s in the 90s arent smart enough to soup it up or fix all the c4 gremlins, so they have traded it on for newer models with warranties.

but some of the mustang guys still hate all corvettes (usually starting with c4+)

ghoastrider1

I think the 84 did for C-4s what the early 63 did for the c-2s. Everyone pointed to the faults, espicslly those who were never in one. they don't like the style? cant please all. Put them in one, let them drive a bit, it might open their eyes. The wife couldn't understand why I was vette crazy. Took her with me to buy one. let her test drive it around the huge parking lot where we met the guy. LOL, she imeeditly spun the wheels, not having a clue to the power of the car. I let her drive the 40 miles back to our home, mostly interstate. Got home and she already had a name picked out and loved corvettes from then on. Hey, they can love their stangs and Mopars.. give me a vette. Ok, I have trouble now with my left eye, I know I make mistakes spelling and spaceing.. deal with it. I had open heart and had a mini stroke when woken up affecting my eyes and breathing. I have delt with it but sometimes not just worth the trouble to correct my bad typing. thanks.

Elba Mike

It's lucky for me I like the C3's, even the late models. I can afford my '81. Enjoy whatever you buy, and know the difference between friends and acquaintances.

BrandensBeast

Because they're not the most attractive cars to the average person, and they're not the fastest cars, simple as that

tpi1986

Its funny that you would bring in Mustang guy into this, one of them is a mustang guy. lol..

I had my 86 sitting next to my 73 in the shop. My daughter (She was 12) was having a birthday party with about a dozen of her class mates over. When I opened the shop door, I expected them all to head over to my 73 race car.

But the entire group went over and started checking out my 86. Remember, these kids don't know anything but what they like. It was interesting to watch.

I think you assessment of the "snobs" was spot on. Great analysis imo. Its also interesting about the average buyer of the C5. My 71 year old father has one lol.

tpi1986

Well said! You'd think I would be smart enough to know that, but apparently not!

tpi1986

Thanks for you post! The way I type and spell, I can't point a finger at anyone!! lol..

Roys92BlackRose

I told my 22yo son I was considering a C4 Corvette because I always wanted one when I saw it as a kid, and he said "No don't buy a Vette Dad, only old guys drive Vettes"!

I bought one anyway because I'm an old-ish guy (not quite old at 53 yet).

After he drove it once or twice, he don't care about the stigma anymore. He screamed like a little boy when he opened her up on a farm road from a stop.

I have a hard time keeping him out of it now lol!

Buy what you like, drive what you bought. This is the car lover's mantra!

No matter what you like, there will always be those that like it and those that don't. Eff 'Em!

nutsy

where are all the C4s Anyway. with over 51k sold in 84(all coupes) and only 2nd i think to 79 which sold 53k) you dont see very many on the road. wonder how many are still on the road.

Carguytroy1

I've always liked the body style. Actually I can't think of a corvette I don't like. I have a neighbor that has a C6. He doesn't think much of my C4. I could care less. I paid a lot less for the car and it's fun as hell to drive. Works for me.

antfarmer2

I love the C4 hated to see the flip up lights go.

95tealconvert

I really like my C4. I have accepted that not everyone feels the way I do and I am just fine with that. If someone wants to look down on me or my C4 well that is their loss not mine.

Just something about the C4 that gets me. I think what I like most about the C4 is that it is a little of the old and a little of the new. I just do not have the same feelings for the C5 at this point in my life but I know there are plenty who prefer the C5 and newer and I truly am happy for them because that is what keeps the Corvette name alive.

I enjoy getting my C4 out to shows etc. so it can be seen and appreciated for what it is. Sure enjoy parking next to a newer vette that it's owner has spent at least 2-3 times what I paid for my C4 and then watch the crowds spend the time checking out the C4 with the big hood lifted up.

JungleCat

Yeah, that's the way I see it. I've only had positive comments on both of the Corvettes I have owned. Heck, I'm still a fan of the '80-'82 body style also.

zachaeous

I love C4s. I bought a new 1984 in early 84. I drove the car for 2 years and loved it. I traded the 84 for a 1986. There was a big difference between the two cars. The 86 engine was much more responsive as it should have been.

The Crossfire has always held a spot in my mind, so much that i purchased another 84 in 2011 and rebuilt and repainted the car.

I love to drive the 84 just as much as my C5. I think all Corvettes are great and will never run any other owners machine down.




Save the wave!

H P Bushrod

I'm on my 3rd C4. I always loved the C3 Vette's curves and drove a couple over the years, but the first time I drove the C4 (way back in 1984), I was addicted. I'll never get bored with it.