1980 vs. 1992 pricing
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,503
Likes: 33
From: McGrady NC
St. Jude Donor '15-'16
1980 vs. 1992 pricing
I love my '80 automatic but I also love the early 90's models for different reasons. My '80 demands a lot of attention (and $$ at this point) although it is considered "presentable" and very drivable as I put almost 100 miles a day on it every chance I get commuting to work. It needs a few things, mostly cosmetic, but I've done a bunch to it mechanically and am not afraid to drive it. It isn't a restoration by any stretch, but other than a fresh, slightly modified, great running 355 it is nearly factory stock. Upgraded suspension parts are the only other mods.
Now I am considering a 92 convertible automatic. I can't get a good feel for a cost comparison between the two as pricing seems to be all over the board. Which, comparing apples to apples, is generally worth more? C3's seems to be going up but an '80 is not at the top of the list. C4's generally seem to be less valuable, but some owners haven't figured that out (Why, your car is twelve years older than mine!). I need a little guidance and this is the place to get it.
Now I am considering a 92 convertible automatic. I can't get a good feel for a cost comparison between the two as pricing seems to be all over the board. Which, comparing apples to apples, is generally worth more? C3's seems to be going up but an '80 is not at the top of the list. C4's generally seem to be less valuable, but some owners haven't figured that out (Why, your car is twelve years older than mine!). I need a little guidance and this is the place to get it.
Drifting
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,526
Likes: 8
From: Atlanta Ga
So you "want" a c4? Well...okay...to each their own right. You like what you like
c4's are def cheaper...they are the least sought after Corvette out there. Go to the C4 for sale section...also you might want to ask the C4 guys how much a decent 92 vert is
c4's are def cheaper...they are the least sought after Corvette out there. Go to the C4 for sale section...also you might want to ask the C4 guys how much a decent 92 vert is
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 8
From: Enid Oklahoma
My Pastor a little over a year ago found a 92 vert in Miami for 6800. It is a very nice car. He does body and paint as a hobby and repainted the front bumper that was slightly faded and replaced the top. It looks mint right now. If you look around you can find good deals on C4's. And the 92 was the first year for the LT1, I would not go earlier than that on a C4. I personally don't like the inside ergonomics, I much prefer getting in and out of my C3 over the C4 but to each his own. AND the few electrical gremlins he has fought I would not want either.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,503
Likes: 33
From: McGrady NC
St. Jude Donor '15-'16
Point taken... I drove a friend's 92 recently and it was so much more refined than my 80. After thinking about it, perhaps it is a little too refined. Not nearly as much fun as mine. The shark bodied cars are hard to beat in the looks department, and I don't have to hire someone to work on it. I retract my statement and hope someone will beat me badly if I ever think such thoughts again.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,581
Likes: 50
From: Prosper TX
Point taken... I drove a friend's 92 recently and it was so much more refined than my 80. After thinking about it, perhaps it is a little too refined. Not nearly as much fun as mine. The shark bodied cars are hard to beat in the looks department, and I don't have to hire someone to work on it. I retract my statement and hope someone will beat me badly if I ever think such thoughts again.
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Mileage, condition and options will dictate which car is worth more. The C4's are all over the map pricewise because there are so many variables to consider. A 90 ZR1 with 5,000 miles may bring $23,000. A 92 convertible with 105,000 miles in poor conditions may only bring $5,000. A 1980 coupe may be worth anywhere from $4,000 to $13,000 depending on mileage and condition.
Stay away from high mileage C4's. They are very complex and can be costly to repair. On balance the C4 is a faster, better handling, more fuel efficient car than a 1980. The 80 might get more looks. It all depends on what you are looking for.
Stay away from high mileage C4's. They are very complex and can be costly to repair. On balance the C4 is a faster, better handling, more fuel efficient car than a 1980. The 80 might get more looks. It all depends on what you are looking for.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,666
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From: Where it's always hot as Hell-South Louisiana.
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
All I can tell you is do NOT take a test drive in a C6, or you'll end up like me with an 80 model AND a 2008 model (bought new with a Museum delivery)...
When I wanna ride in comfort- take the C6
when I want style- take the C3...
Ask yourself- why would I not want 2 Corvettes?
When I wanna ride in comfort- take the C6
when I want style- take the C3...
Ask yourself- why would I not want 2 Corvettes?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,503
Likes: 33
From: McGrady NC
St. Jude Donor '15-'16
A clean shark is a pretty car. Period. Fixing one to make a frequent driver is a true test of patience and finances. No reason to change horses in mid-stream. Maybe I will finish my beautiful black '80 and then look for another one to work on, like a decent chrome bumper car. Anyway, I'm hooked. Heck, I know all about this car from Dealership to my garage. My grandfather bought my grandmother a new 58 and it was sold out of the family after she passed away a few years ago with less than 25000 miles. Corvettes are in my blood.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,560
Likes: 4
From: Arlington texas
Nothing wrong with going to a C4 if that is what you like. They are very affordable but you have to find one that was taken care of. They are very good for a dd. I personally would look at the newer C4s if I was going to get one. C5 IMO is a much better choice and proices have dropped like crazy on them.
The most important thing is to get what makes you happy and not a bunch of guys on the forums. I've had a '78, 96 and a 2000 and all three have been a joy and each has their own strong suits. I kept the C3 though and sold the rest.
The most important thing is to get what makes you happy and not a bunch of guys on the forums. I've had a '78, 96 and a 2000 and all three have been a joy and each has their own strong suits. I kept the C3 though and sold the rest.