c3 as daily driver???
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
c3 as daily driver???
well, right now i have a supercharged 2004 pontiac grand prix gtp. its a nice car just want something with more power, 2-door, and rear wheel drive of course!(mine is FWD). Looking at different cars and came across the c3's. I was wondering how they would be as a daily driver? Are they a lot of work, reliability issues, average MPG (i get around 17city 22-24hwy), anything i should be aware of when buying, had a few offers for trade on craigslist. thanks a lot!
Pro
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 570
Likes: 11
From: Lancaster PA
For reliability, some are good some are not. Just remember that the newest C3s are 29-30 years old. things will need replaced. That being said, I absolutely love my 80 and will drive it almost daily through the summer months.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
well, right now i have a supercharged 2004 pontiac grand prix gtp. its a nice car just want something with more power, 2-door, and rear wheel drive of course!(mine is FWD). Looking at different cars and came across the c3's. I was wondering how they would be as a daily driver? Are they a lot of work, reliability issues, average MPG (i get around 17city 22-24hwy), anything i should be aware of when buying, had a few offers for trade on craigslist. thanks a lot!
Are they a lot of work - yes, unless you get one that has been either very well cared for or completely rebuilt. Expect to pay top $ for one of these.
reliability issues - yes, remember that they are close to 30 years old or older, have had questionable maintenance and have fragile electrical systems due to their age.
average MPG - they get MPG, sometimes several. Unless you install an overdrive transmission don't expect to get even your quoted city mileage on the highway. These cars were designed in an era when gas was cheaper than pee.
anything i should be aware of when buying - frame rust. A lot of new Vette buyers get suckered because the bodies look good. They're fiberglass, so of course they're not going to rust. They forget to look underneath at the 30-year-old frame that may look like swiss cheese. Take someone with you who knows Vettes very well when you look at a car.
I'm not trying to discourage you from owning a Vette. I just think that buying one and intending to use it as a daily driver may be unrealistic unless you have a backup vehicle.
Rick B.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
thanks for the replys, i would love to own a vette but i think as a daily it might not be the best choice as stated, especially a 30 year old one lol (just love the body styling of the c3 though!) i might have to settle for a newer f-body which is kinda close 
..... still will keep the c3 in my mine though if i can find a good enough one. thanks again
..... still will keep the c3 in my mine though if i can find a good enough one. thanks again
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,487
Likes: 1
From: Sydney
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 2
From: Round Rock, Texas, USA Texas
over the past several years I have driven my '77 (and also my '72 Blazer) as daily drivers ----- any older vehicle will need a little more attention than a newer vehicle.
I plan as time and money will allow to put am overdrive trans and Vortec style small block in mine and make it a little more highway friendly ---I commute 40 miles one way.
my vote is: go for it ---it will be an experience you will always remember
I plan as time and money will allow to put am overdrive trans and Vortec style small block in mine and make it a little more highway friendly ---I commute 40 miles one way.
my vote is: go for it ---it will be an experience you will always remember
Last edited by rrent; Apr 18, 2009 at 06:59 AM. Reason: add signature pics
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Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 561
Likes: 0
I would not recommend a C3 as a dialy driver. I have a Caddy CTS as a daily and only use the Vette for being cool. That would be my advise to you....have both.
As far as maintanence etc., count on there being lots of things to replace, fix etc. like weatherstripping, carpet, plugs, brakes, lower control arm, tires and all the things you simply take for granted today that wont break or wear out.
BTW, C3's are not known for extraordinary power. You will have to put more money into it to get it to beat your supercharged unit today.
MPG = about 18-20 when you play nice.
As far as maintanence etc., count on there being lots of things to replace, fix etc. like weatherstripping, carpet, plugs, brakes, lower control arm, tires and all the things you simply take for granted today that wont break or wear out.
BTW, C3's are not known for extraordinary power. You will have to put more money into it to get it to beat your supercharged unit today.
MPG = about 18-20 when you play nice.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
Drove my 78 from 99-2005 every day.
Went into a 2002 after that. Felt utterly pampered.
Find a used C5, they're the most fuel efficient vettes ever (at least with the 6-spd), and they're probably the most practical 2-seater go-fast car you can buy.
Went into a 2002 after that. Felt utterly pampered.
Find a used C5, they're the most fuel efficient vettes ever (at least with the 6-spd), and they're probably the most practical 2-seater go-fast car you can buy.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,476
Likes: 7
From: Toronto Ontario
i've been driving my 80 almost every day , for the last almost 3 years
thru the downtown & motoring up & down the Hways around Toronto.
i've heard every smart-*** critizym from every ****** out there & ya know what i don't give a rats **** because i enjoy the look & feel of driving it.
the boneheads that yell out its an auto its junk or the nut-cases that pull along side you at 70mph & want you to race em , then start drifting across the line, almost hit ya because they are not paying attention
the wanta bees that never owned a Corvette & prob never will always have the nasty, negative stuff to say
my advise is , get exactly what you want & can afford to drive & F*&^ what everyone else has to say
keep it maintained & safe & enjoy the machine & what driving it does for ya
if yer happy driving some puddle-jumping gas - saving box or a tank SUV or a pick-up truck .....go for it , do what makes you happy....period!
thru the downtown & motoring up & down the Hways around Toronto.
i've heard every smart-*** critizym from every ****** out there & ya know what i don't give a rats **** because i enjoy the look & feel of driving it.
the boneheads that yell out its an auto its junk or the nut-cases that pull along side you at 70mph & want you to race em , then start drifting across the line, almost hit ya because they are not paying attention
the wanta bees that never owned a Corvette & prob never will always have the nasty, negative stuff to say
my advise is , get exactly what you want & can afford to drive & F*&^ what everyone else has to say
keep it maintained & safe & enjoy the machine & what driving it does for ya
if yer happy driving some puddle-jumping gas - saving box or a tank SUV or a pick-up truck .....go for it , do what makes you happy....period!
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
reply
I've driven my vette daily for 8 months and its been in the shop 1 month out of that.
The MPG is a bit worse than my 96 Ford Explorer, takes $30 to fill her up nowadays.
As a daily driver, its a wonderful thing. I would only suggest that whatever career you are in. Make sure it won't get sideswiped by you having to call a tow...I'm a beloved webmaster so its not a tremendous issue.
The MPG is a bit worse than my 96 Ford Explorer, takes $30 to fill her up nowadays.
As a daily driver, its a wonderful thing. I would only suggest that whatever career you are in. Make sure it won't get sideswiped by you having to call a tow...I'm a beloved webmaster so its not a tremendous issue.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
With some 'realtively' simple updates, you can easily expect to drive the car every day.....not a issue...BUT to do that afford ably you need to do your own work, and so obviously YMMV....
the list on mods on my '72 reads like the NYC phone directory...nothing stock wheels to roof....22 mpg on the freeway....not so awful evil...
the list on mods on my '72 reads like the NYC phone directory...nothing stock wheels to roof....22 mpg on the freeway....not so awful evil...
Racer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 390
Likes: 8
From: Louisiana
I've driven my 1980 everyday for 4 years and it's doing fine. I had to fix a few things here and there, but it never gave me that much of an issue. Over time I replaced the starter, master cylinder, brakes, brake booster, alternator, tires and a few belts. That's pretty much basic stuff that needs replacing on an almost 30 year old car. I'd recommend a C3 as a daily driver, because the enjoyment of turning heads everyday is too much to pass up.
Troy
Troy
