C3 or C4
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
C3 or C4
This is my first post since selling my Zo6 less than a yr ago. I miss the Vette world & want to buy another one that is less expensive & need some advice. I am now living on a retirement income & can only afford $10K max.
Would the C3 or C4 be better for my circumstances? I can do fiberglass & paint work (I have a paint booth, hyd. lift , mig & tig welders etc.)so my main concern is the reliability & maintence. I need to buy a driveable car w/manual trans. Please advise.
Thanks Don
Would the C3 or C4 be better for my circumstances? I can do fiberglass & paint work (I have a paint booth, hyd. lift , mig & tig welders etc.)so my main concern is the reliability & maintence. I need to buy a driveable car w/manual trans. Please advise.
Thanks Don
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
If you buy a C3 for less than $10K, you will likely have to put another $5-7k into it to get it in running shape (late '70s C3's can be purchased for around $7-8k). A late 80's C4 will probably cost no more and it will have less years on it. Conversely, if you have major components to buy, the C4 parts may cost more, but they might be easier to get to if you do the work. The C3 will hold its value better when you get it in running shape...the C4 will be more comfortable if you go on longer rides. Bottom line.... it all depends on what you want. Hope this is a "help" rather than more confusion. (P.S. I'm retired, too...and I have a C3.)
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 236
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From: michigan
welcome back Don, I think this forum will be a little prejudiced in favor of a c-3. sounds like you can do some work and maybe you have the time now, I think a late c-3, then again I may be a little prejudiced.
Lepus-temperamentalus
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,827
Likes: 5
From: Roswell Ga
Given the information provided, I think I'd go with a C4. You can buy them cheaper right now and they have a greater potential to appreciate. While it's true that the major components would probably cost more in a C4, they are much more likely to still be in decent condition.
I'm close to retirement and I've been thinking about trying to find a ZR-1 for the very reasons I stated above.
I'm close to retirement and I've been thinking about trying to find a ZR-1 for the very reasons I stated above.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,231
Likes: 7
From: Fort Pierce Florida
Neither are very reliable or comfortable. The C3 is easier to work on, but probably has more issues due to 30 year old wiring and technology. A LT1 C4 would probably be a good choice for a fairly reliable driver. If you're not too worried about style and don't want a Vette for the nostalgic feel, then go with the C4.
Lepus-temperamentalus
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,827
Likes: 5
From: Roswell Ga
Neither are very reliable or comfortable. The C3 is easier to work on, but probably has more issues due to 30 year old wiring and technology. A LT1 C4 would probably be a good choice for a fairly reliable driver. If you're not too worried about style and don't want a Vette for the nostalgic feel, then go with the C4.
(Yes, that means you're getting old. Me too).
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,231
Likes: 7
From: Fort Pierce Florida
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 736
Likes: 1
From: Chester VA
I have a 71 convertible now, and had an 84 coupe previously. They each had their ups and down. The 84 was more comfortable, street mannered, had A/C, cruise, power everthing which is nice. The 71 is more fun for cruising, more power, better sound, gets more attention, and while not a fair comparison going top down is nicer than the targa top. The 71 is a breeze to work on, but the 84 wasn't that bad either, even muddled my way through some FI and electrical problems without too much frustration. Now the rub, I paid $6500 for the 84 in very good shape, and paid $20K for the 71 in a little better shape but same ballpark.
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Racer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 300
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From: Joplin Missouri
Whats up with that? Is it a written rule that C3 owners have to be in their golden years? Just because not all of us were around when C2s were new doesn't mean we can't appreciate the C3. Just messing with ya. Someone has to stick up for the 20 somethings, and yes my C3 is older than me. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 1
From: west babylon new york
cars
go with the chrome bumper ,cant beat it for looks and fun, if you have all the assetts you should be able to pick up a wrecked one for3/6 thou ,half the fun of the car is putting it back toghether ,parts are available and fairly cheap
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
C4 = good engines, lots of electrical gremlins, crappy interiors (besides the seats), looks like an overgrown doorstop. The value bottom has not yet been located.
C3 = quirky, possibly unreliable, underpowered, good interiors (besides the seats), very sexy. All are headed back up in value.
C3 = quirky, possibly unreliable, underpowered, good interiors (besides the seats), very sexy. All are headed back up in value.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 736
Likes: 1
From: Chester VA
Whats up with that? Is it a written rule that C3 owners have to be in their golden years? Just because not all of us were around when C2s were new doesn't mean we can't appreciate the C3. Just messing with ya. Someone has to stick up for the 20 somethings, and yes my C3 is older than me.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 4,930
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From: AnyTown NJ
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,876
Likes: 1
From: Jersey Shore Exit 98
Given the information provided, I think I'd go with a C4. You can buy them cheaper right now and they have a greater potential to appreciate. While it's true that the major components would probably cost more in a C4, they are much more likely to still be in decent condition.
I'm close to retirement and I've been thinking about trying to find a ZR-1 for the very reasons I stated above.
I'm close to retirement and I've been thinking about trying to find a ZR-1 for the very reasons I stated above.
but you will not find a ZR-1 for $10K, closer to $20K however there are a lot of 89 to 92 LT4 6sp coupes w/low miles in the $10K to $12K range . Nice vette's that make a good DD.G/L enjoy your retirement years.
Last edited by Jims79; Apr 19, 2007 at 08:03 AM.
Lepus-temperamentalus
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,827
Likes: 5
From: Roswell Ga
Whats up with that? Is it a written rule that C3 owners have to be in their golden years? Just because not all of us were around when C2s were new doesn't mean we can't appreciate the C3. Just messing with ya. Someone has to stick up for the 20 somethings, and yes my C3 is older than me.
