72 yr old seeks Corvette info
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2011
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72 yr old seeks Corvette info
I am seriously thinking of buying a Corvette, but have limited funds, thus I am seeking advice on buying a C3 vs. C4.
Which is more prone to design problems? maintenace, ride, etc.
Your opinion is appreciated,
Thanks Don-FL
Which is more prone to design problems? maintenace, ride, etc.
Your opinion is appreciated,
Thanks Don-FL
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
If you just want to "tool around" in a Corvette for fun, you have limited funds, and you really don't want to do the DIY car repair 'thing'....buy a nice C4 that has been cared for and is in good condition. Focus your attention on the operating systems in the car: engine/tranny/brakes/steering/suspension/lights. Those are the things that need to be operational and reliable. The "appearance" issues usually get all the attention...but the 'guts' are the important things.
You can buy a good C4 for much less money than a comparable C3. But, just FYI...the '75-'79 C3's go for less money than the other years, so they are the most affordable of the C3's. Good luck.
You can buy a good C4 for much less money than a comparable C3. But, just FYI...the '75-'79 C3's go for less money than the other years, so they are the most affordable of the C3's. Good luck.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,468
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From: Sherman CT
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St. Jude Donor '24-'25-'26
one word of caution and at 72 years young I applaud your desire to cruise around in a corvette. I am 55 years old and found it quite a feat to enter and exit a C4, I literally had to roll myself out of it. Try one and see before you decide.Regards
Roy
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
If it were me at age 72 (no disrespect intended, I'm 62) I'd be looking at a C4, years 92>96 based on the questions you've raised.
92 was the debut of the LT1 engine (300hp) and 94 was the first year for sequential fuel injection. 96 was the last year for the C4 and would be the best one to shoot for.
I'd start looking for a low mileage example in those years. One rule to follow is buy the best car you can afford.
Good luck with your search.
92 was the debut of the LT1 engine (300hp) and 94 was the first year for sequential fuel injection. 96 was the last year for the C4 and would be the best one to shoot for.
I'd start looking for a low mileage example in those years. One rule to follow is buy the best car you can afford.
Good luck with your search.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,050
Likes: 124
From: Wichita KS
Welcome to the Forum!
As others have noted, a well cared for late model C4 (IMO 1995 or 96) would be better especially for a driver than a C3. C3's are NOT good limited-funds vehicles especially if you don't do your own work.
Also as stated earlier, try getting in/out of the car. C4s, with their high door sills, are NOT easy to extricate yourself from. For this reason, you should consider a C5.
(IMO) Shop around a bit for a good C5 - get the best one you can afford - paying less for a car that needs work, will end up costing you more than if you purchased a good car to begin with. (This I know from personal experience.)
As others have noted, a well cared for late model C4 (IMO 1995 or 96) would be better especially for a driver than a C3. C3's are NOT good limited-funds vehicles especially if you don't do your own work.
Also as stated earlier, try getting in/out of the car. C4s, with their high door sills, are NOT easy to extricate yourself from. For this reason, you should consider a C5.
(IMO) Shop around a bit for a good C5 - get the best one you can afford - paying less for a car that needs work, will end up costing you more than if you purchased a good car to begin with. (This I know from personal experience.)
Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
From: Washington
get-a-Vette
Hey, I have a year on you but this is not my first Vette.....it's my fourth and it is a '69 coupe I bought 2-1/2 years ago. It had quite a bit of work already done on it. Since I have had it I had the original engine rebuilt by a respected local Vette/rod shop. It already had a VERY good repaint. It is a 350/300 w/four speed and factory air.
Others have given you good advice to try out a few different year models. I am 6 foot and 200# and the only option I do not have that I wish I had is a tilt wheel. I love my C3. This one will probably be with me until it is time for it to go to my grandson.
Others have given you good advice to try out a few different year models. I am 6 foot and 200# and the only option I do not have that I wish I had is a tilt wheel. I love my C3. This one will probably be with me until it is time for it to go to my grandson.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,056
Likes: 716
From: San Antonio Texas
I am 58 and I recently sold my C4, a 96 LT4 car. I really got to where I didn't want to drive the car because among other things, it was sooooo hard to exit. I am 6' tall 210#. I agree with the above post to look for a nice, "older" C5. The prices have really come down on the C5's in the last few yrs. They are very comfortable to enter/exit, and are much more dependable than the average C3/C4.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,301
Likes: 4,389
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi,
Boy oh boy, are we ever OLD!!!!
An older car is bound to need some tender loving care as you enjoy it.
With your 'limited' funds I think you need to leave a few dollars under the matress for the unexpected expenses that WILL come up.
Old Corvettes are in no way cheap to own.
BUT... nothing beats a day spent playing with an old car.
Well, something does, but that was years ago!
Regards,
Alan
Boy oh boy, are we ever OLD!!!!
An older car is bound to need some tender loving care as you enjoy it.
With your 'limited' funds I think you need to leave a few dollars under the matress for the unexpected expenses that WILL come up.
Old Corvettes are in no way cheap to own.
BUT... nothing beats a day spent playing with an old car.
Well, something does, but that was years ago!
Regards,
Alan
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,821
Likes: 204
From: Lincoln CA
I'm 65 and I'm five years deep in my first Corvette (a 69 427/390hp coupe). I'm over 6' and well over 250# and I have to tell you that the C3 is no car for us old guys. Entrance and egress are gymnastic acts, at best. The same creaky joints that are causing me to think about getting rid of our tri-level home for a single story are also causing me to consider switching to a later model Vette. The C4 has more interior room, and the C5 is like entering your living room. C5s are powered by the LS1 V8 and perform like a rocket. High 12 second e.t.s in the quarter mile. And, they are far more capable handling machines than the C3 or C4. You can find some real deals on the C5s these days. Maybe even in the price range of a well restored C3. IIWY, I'd look for a C5 with low miles.
Last edited by RagTop69; Apr 11, 2011 at 08:24 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Mundelein Illinois
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 12
From: SoCal
The words "limited funds" in your post jumped out at me - I'm sure others are going to disagree with me, but if you have limited funds, buying a 30-40 year old car (a C3) is definitely out, and I would also recommend against buying a 20 year old car (a C4). An older car (and that includes C4s) is almost surely going to be a money pit. I think RagTop69 has the right idea - look for a good deal on a C5.
But the older models sure are fun when they're in running order!
But the older models sure are fun when they're in running order!
Last edited by VCuomo; Apr 11, 2011 at 09:15 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,972
Likes: 6
From: Chester Virginia
I'm 67.....own a 76 and you can come for a ride with me today in mine.....the newer c4, c5 will be more reliable but I'm taking mine on a track in a touring lights day driving it myself May 5.
Come on, hop in. I did this ride along the james river towards Williamsburg today....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_swqjjn-fc
Lance
Come on, hop in. I did this ride along the james river towards Williamsburg today....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_swqjjn-fc
Lance
Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
From: Washington
gettin' in and out
Available funds and the reason you are buying the car are the two issues here. Several posts suggest age is a factor in buying a C3 or older model. Sure, at my age and physical size a C3 is not the easiest thing to get in an out of but I didn't buy a C3 to tour the country OR to use as a daily driver running back an forth to the grocery. It's a pleasure to take the sunny day drives The fun of owning a more classic Vette far out weighs the inconvenience of ingress and egress as far as I'm concerned.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
I have been getting in and out of Corvettes all my life and still maintaining 220 lbs at 6'1" and I can get in and out without any problems..if your not overweight buy the best you can afford and enjoy your selection regardless of the year, just don't buy a headache.....
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,560
Likes: 4
From: Arlington texas
Depends on your funds. I'd say a well kept low mileage late model C4 would be the best for ride and reliability. That hump getting in to it is a pain but I loved my 96. On average the C3 will require more maintenance and be a bit more basic in ride and comfort.
In todays market, the C5s can be gotten pretty cheap. that would be my first choice. Whichever you decide on, the main thing will be to have it looked over by someone who is knowledgeable in the models and knows what to look for. I assume this will be just a weekender ride that doesn't get a lot of miles put on it each year. The one thing that the C3 has going for it is that the engine is about as basic as you can get. Anyone can work on them and not much to worry about as far as computers and electronics are concerned.
C4's for the most part are looked at by most as the red headed step child of the corvette world and therefore, they don't demand a lot of money. You should be able to get more bang for your buck with one of these than say a C3. You need to get with people who have both and try driving each to see what you like. Totally different machines.
In todays market, the C5s can be gotten pretty cheap. that would be my first choice. Whichever you decide on, the main thing will be to have it looked over by someone who is knowledgeable in the models and knows what to look for. I assume this will be just a weekender ride that doesn't get a lot of miles put on it each year. The one thing that the C3 has going for it is that the engine is about as basic as you can get. Anyone can work on them and not much to worry about as far as computers and electronics are concerned.
C4's for the most part are looked at by most as the red headed step child of the corvette world and therefore, they don't demand a lot of money. You should be able to get more bang for your buck with one of these than say a C3. You need to get with people who have both and try driving each to see what you like. Totally different machines.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 111
Likes: 2
From: Warren Ohio
Well, I'm 71 and at 6'-5" tall getting in and out of my '79 takes a little effort. Once behind the wheel you're young again. Love what you drive. I've loved the C-3
"sharks" and can do much of my own work and that helps. My resources are limited too but having a car that I really love makes it all worth while. Later C-3s are pretty reasonable, but C-4 and C-5 models are reasonably priced.:cheers
"sharks" and can do much of my own work and that helps. My resources are limited too but having a car that I really love makes it all worth while. Later C-3s are pretty reasonable, but C-4 and C-5 models are reasonably priced.:cheers
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,486
Likes: 71
From: Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
I would buy a C5, the prices are dropping. You can buy a C5 with 70 -100K miles for under 15K. I have seen C5's with higher miles for $10K. Nothing else comes close in performance for that kind of $.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 216
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From: Eugene OR
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,169
Likes: 2
From: Cemetery of a town Montana
Entering and exiting a Corvette is simple: do not go in leg first, enter butt first then swing the legs in, reverse for the exit. I learned this with my fall in/climb out C4 and it became a habit.