C3 - c4 - c5
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Plymouth Minnesota
C3 - c4 - c5
I hope I don't ruffle too many feathers by posting this in 3 different forums, just wanted to get opinions from each era.
Doing some research on a possible Corvette purchase. My budget (under $20K) will allow a C3 ('74 and later, roughly), C4, and earlier C5s.
Going strickly on looks, the C3 is the winner hands down (for me). That being said, are the C4s and C5s such "better" cars that I shouldn't even consider a C3 (plus, being an older car things are more prone to be worn out or needing repair)?
Storage is important to me, nothing too much, maybe a couple small suitcases and small cooler for a weekend get-away for two. If I can convince the "boss" that a Corvette can be practical too, things will be much easier
.
Anyway, I appreciate any opinions.
Doing some research on a possible Corvette purchase. My budget (under $20K) will allow a C3 ('74 and later, roughly), C4, and earlier C5s.
Going strickly on looks, the C3 is the winner hands down (for me). That being said, are the C4s and C5s such "better" cars that I shouldn't even consider a C3 (plus, being an older car things are more prone to be worn out or needing repair)?
Storage is important to me, nothing too much, maybe a couple small suitcases and small cooler for a weekend get-away for two. If I can convince the "boss" that a Corvette can be practical too, things will be much easier
.Anyway, I appreciate any opinions.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 1
From: North Bellmore Ny
St. Jude Donor '09
The 69 for me was the car I always wanted, I purchased a 77 and I always compared it to a 69 so I bought a 69 and sold the 77. However friends of mine own C-4's yes they ride and handle much better. I just love the 60's styling and ride, If I want a new car feel I will buy one. It's really about what you want, C-4's are the best bang for the buck right now IMO. 
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,738
Likes: 2
From: San diego ca
I hope I don't ruffle too many feathers by posting this in 3 different forums, just wanted to get opinions from each era.
Doing some research on a possible Corvette purchase. My budget (under $20K) will allow a C3 ('74 and later, roughly), C4, and earlier C5s.
Going strickly on looks, the C3 is the winner hands down (for me). That being said, are the C4s and C5s such "better" cars that I shouldn't even consider a C3 (plus, being an older car things are more prone to be worn out or needing repair)?
Storage is important to me, nothing too much, maybe a couple small suitcases and small cooler for a weekend get-away for two. If I can convince the "boss" that a Corvette can be practical too, things will be much easier.
Anyway, I appreciate any opinions.
Doing some research on a possible Corvette purchase. My budget (under $20K) will allow a C3 ('74 and later, roughly), C4, and earlier C5s.
Going strickly on looks, the C3 is the winner hands down (for me). That being said, are the C4s and C5s such "better" cars that I shouldn't even consider a C3 (plus, being an older car things are more prone to be worn out or needing repair)?
Storage is important to me, nothing too much, maybe a couple small suitcases and small cooler for a weekend get-away for two. If I can convince the "boss" that a Corvette can be practical too, things will be much easier
.Anyway, I appreciate any opinions.
but you nailed it, being an older car, things will break and frankly I would rather have a C3 if things are going to break because with the exception of perhaps the 82 these cars are just mechanicals, with little to no hard to diagnose electronics to fail.Get a ECU to fail in a early model C4 and you are in a world of hurt.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 297
Likes: 3
Corvette purchase
I have owned C-3, C-4, and C-5 and at the present time I own a 1980 and a 2001. The 1980 is fun to drive and I like it, but the 2001 is a better running car all around and they are fairly low priced at the moment. You should be able to purchase a 2001 or 2002 coupe for less than $20,000 with reasonable miles on the odometer. Also my 2001 is averaging 22.5 mpg on city and a little highway driving. Do not think any C-3 will come close to that. It also will outhandle a C-3 and the AC will freeze you out of the car in the summer and the Bose sound system is awesome. Not meaning to ruffle any feathers, just my observations on my 2 cars. Hope this helps.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 492
Likes: 3
From: Temecula CA
Years ago, I had a 68 convertible that I really loved. I got a bug up my a** and sold it to buy a nearly new 88 ragtop. Was the 88 "better"? No question! Fast, comfortable, reliable, and 20+ mpg. Was it more fun? No way! I drive a 72 T-top today, and if I get a newer model Vette, it will be in addition to my old beauty!
Temvette72
P.S. I know this probably wasn't any help! All Vettes are cool, but it all depends on what you want out of your car.
Temvette72
P.S. I know this probably wasn't any help! All Vettes are cool, but it all depends on what you want out of your car.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 727
Likes: 113
From: Austin TX area
If storage is an issue then you are likely going to want to steer towards a 78 or later in so far as a C3 is concerned, C4's & C5's are arguably better cars, they do pretty much everything better than a C3 can do, except look good doing it but you nailed it, being an older car, things will break and frankly I would rather have a C3 if things are going to break because with the exception of perhaps the 82 these cars are just mechanicals, with little to no hard to diagnose electronics to fail.
Get a ECU to fail in a early model C4 and you are in a world of hurt.
but you nailed it, being an older car, things will break and frankly I would rather have a C3 if things are going to break because with the exception of perhaps the 82 these cars are just mechanicals, with little to no hard to diagnose electronics to fail.Get a ECU to fail in a early model C4 and you are in a world of hurt.
If you have $20K you should be able to find a pretty darn good late C3. Like most of the posts, it’s what you want to do with it. Me I wanted a C3, never even consider a C4, I just did not like the way they look, and a C5 was out of my price range. I wanted to be able to work on my car rather then have to take it to a garage. The newer the car the more computer control on it. Take your time, do your research and don't rush into the purchase. I wish I had taken my own advice when I bought mine. Good Luck with whichever vette purchase.
.
Thanks Bill
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,345
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne Australia
I have owned C-3, C-4, and C-5 and at the present time I own a 1980 and a 2001. The 1980 is fun to drive and I like it, but the 2001 is a better running car all around and they are fairly low priced at the moment. You should be able to purchase a 2001 or 2002 coupe for less than $20,000 with reasonable miles on the odometer. Also my 2001 is averaging 22.5 mpg on city and a little highway driving. Do not think any C-3 will come close to that. It also will outhandle a C-3 and the AC will freeze you out of the car in the summer and the Bose sound system is awesome. Not meaning to ruffle any feathers, just my observations on my 2 cars. Hope this helps.
CF Community Team
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From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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20 grand will get you into a very nice C3, C4 or C5. It will even get you into an earlier, 68-72 bumper car. If you want to take long road trips with luggage go for a C5 coupe. I don't even consider my C3 for really long trips (500 miles plus). My C5 coupe has plenty of accessible storage, gets over 30 mpg (6 speed/hgwy) and is dependable. Good luck
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
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From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
...
Going strickly on looks, the C3 is the winner hands down (for me). That being said, are the C4s and C5s such "better" cars that I shouldn't even consider a C3 (plus, being an older car things are more prone to be worn out or needing repair)?
Storage is important to me, nothing too much, maybe a couple small suitcases and small cooler for a weekend get-away for two. If I can convince the "boss" that a Corvette can be practical too, things will be much easier.
Anyway, I appreciate any opinions.
Going strickly on looks, the C3 is the winner hands down (for me). That being said, are the C4s and C5s such "better" cars that I shouldn't even consider a C3 (plus, being an older car things are more prone to be worn out or needing repair)?
Storage is important to me, nothing too much, maybe a couple small suitcases and small cooler for a weekend get-away for two. If I can convince the "boss" that a Corvette can be practical too, things will be much easier
.Anyway, I appreciate any opinions.
Only Performance counts.
To consider picking up 1 girl/woman at the airport the amount of luggage must be determined for 68-77. 78- has more storage, a glove box & is more practical.
PS If the woman is the "boss", not a good match for a Corvette.
