Hows it going guys. Let me start off by saying my dad owned a 1974 Corvette Sting Ray when i was 8 years old. He would let me help him while he was working on it and it started my whole love for cars. So my dads friend is selling a 1980 black corvette with a 4-speed manual. The car looks and drives like a beast, and I would love to own it. Point is i would have to sell my car(1999 Camaro SS) because i cant afford two cars. I drive 20 miles to and from work about 3-4 times a week. Would a C3 corvette be a practical DD?

 

My $0.02 worth.....maybe. It all depends on the condition of the Corvette now, as well as the care it received in the past, and the mileage currently on it. Keep in mind, you're talking about a 30 year old car vs. an 11 year old car.

If the 'Vette was in a climate that was fairly dry, rust in the frame and birdcage shouldn't be too big a risk. However, if the car spent time in the "snow belt", and was (gasp!) driven in the winter, these areas of the car could be a big concern. Things like weather stripping, rubber seals around the heater/AC box, brake hoses, brake calipers, etc, are all areas that need to be completely inspected prior to purchasing.

I know that I'll ruffle a few feathers by saying this, but IMHO, these cars were built when GMs general philosophy was to build cars to last 8-10 years, then to the wrecking yards. Corvettes, however, having a strong enthusiast following, have remained on the road. Yes, the aftermarket has responded with fixes and parts in order to address the car's shortcomings, but you need to be aware that some of these fixes will be costly and/or involve sourcing hard to find parts.

I just finished reading a thread here, that discussed the frustrations of dealing with a couple of Corvette part suppliers and either their poor customer service and/or poorly reproduced parts sourced from Chinese vendors. Be aware that this will become a way of life for you if you decide to go with a C-3 as a DD. On the other hand, keep in mind that the drivetrain is pretty much "tough as nails" Chevrolet stuff. That offsets some of the negatives.

 

leadfoot4 His points should be considerd. I am now driving mine as My main car for the summer. It has just been through a frame off and I am still having things come up that were working fine before it all went together. I think it can be done, but it wont be the same as the camaro and will probably nickle and dime You over time. But You will have a COOL ride.

 

In your case, No. Your Camaro with computer assist is better suited for the daily commute.

 

The C3 is a great car, and if it is in good condition you won't have any trouble using it as a DD. It just raises your maintenance costs. Where mine is parked 6 months of the year it isn't practical as a DD. But that being said, in the 30 years our C3 has been in the family it has never left anyone stranded. But we do spend a lot of time keeping it in top shape, first my dad now me... And parts are still easy to find.

 

I daily drive mine, but I do have another option when it needs work that takes it off the road. I do most of my own work and am patient enough to deal with issues that have popped up.
My drive is short, less that 10 miles.
While it's more expensive to drive everyday, it's a lot of fun

 

In my opinion, if you want to use a Corvette as a daily driver, I would buy a C5. They are fuel efficient, fast and reliable. C3's are beautiful, classic cars but their deficiencies will bubble to the surface if you try to use it as a daily driver. You will be fixing things often.

 

Much more reliable to use a C5. It is still a vette, and if it is the only car you are going to have, it might be the better way to go.

 

I would only have to add it also depends on where you live. If you get snow i would not want to drive a C3 in the snow and Ice. I agree as a DD try a C5 .

 

I friend of mine did that with a bone stock '77, and he had no mechanical inclination. End of story plan on spending like $2500 to get it every day worthy and unless you do the work yourself plan on like $500 a month in maintenance.

 

99 Camaro SS vs. 80 C3 as DD? Do NOT do this, unless you have cash reserves or your VISA card ready to go.

IMO the Camaro SS gives you a very big a bang for the buck in a modern high performance car. Unless you can swing the C3 as a 2nd car, don't be tempted.

Rickman

 

They are no worse or better in the snow than a Camaro.....keep them both....

 

 

500.00 a month maintenance? What was wrong with this vette? No way it should cost that much every month just to keep it on the road.
I owned several 60's cars in the past and it never cost that.

 

Using the word practical & vette in the same sentence is like mixing oil & water! For most of us, the vette is a toy, hobby & passion. As a DD it could be fine with a short commute, and fair weather year round. If it was taken care of, then it should be reliable. It won't be near as comfortable as the camaro, or fuel efficient. Seriously think this through as to your needs in the long run, not blinded by the short term impulse.
Good luck either way.
Glenn

 

If you drive 20 miles per day, you should really stick to the Camaro, or look for a C5. Since it's your job that you drive it to, it would be safer/smarter to stick with the Camaro for now. If you can sell the Camaro and afford a C5, that would be a better option. Good luck.

 

NO not unless you have very good mechanical skills. I bought mine in college and had to learn to become a mechanic real quick.

 

IMHO, no. Even the 1982 C3 is pushing 30 years old. I wish I could say otherwise. If my kid asked my opinion I'd tell him/her to keep the Camaro.
Sorry.

 

Beyond my original comments, I should add that I currently have both a '96 Z-28 and an '01 C-5. Either car I would recommens as DDs.

I've had a lot of experience with C-3s, as my wife owned one from '79, when she bought it brand new, while we were first dating, until '97, several years after we married. (we didn't see each other for several years, but that's another story)

Her car wasn't abused, and although daily driven, even in winter, it's first couple of years, the car had only 48,000 miles on it when she sold it. However, I still repaired/replaced a lot of things, as the car was 19 years old at the time it went to its second owner.

Think fuel and brake lines, brake calipers, shocks, suspension bushings, radiator hoses, LOTS of money spent on A/C repairs.....

 

I agree here. One thing to keep in mind with a C3 is that not many of the parts you are likely to need will be on the shelf at your neighborhood auto parts store. Lots of what they don't have, they can get overnight, but lots more will need to be ordered and shipped to you. Last year, I thought seriously about replacing my '95 Camry DD with a newer C3 or a C4, but I think at this point I have decided against it for the reason cited above. Even a simple repair can take you off the road for the better part of a week due to limitations in access to parts.