cv67

May be getting rid of my Abody to someone Ive been talking to for months. Dont really want to but hard to drive in LA and honestly the prices are going in the dumpster so may as well cash in while I can.

Going back and forth between a very nice C3 or C4, just a super clean "daily driver". Dont have the funds to build real power and dont think much of the IRS for it anyway. C5s electronics and the issues they can present turn me off. C1-2 my fav but cant afford and just dont fit.

Interested in whats the best "ride" quality dont really care what yr
It would just me mild, AC that type of thing. These can be had for well under 10k and dont have to worry about it in a parking lot
Another C4 is tempting as a perfect low miler is about the same as a Camry but love carbureted stuff.

Had a 73 and hated the way the steering and front end felt, loved the rest of it (well except for that L48 good gawd what a pig lol)

Thoughts?

Fast81

1982: most refined C3, last of the line

mortgageguy

The best ride quality were the latter C3's. I believe 1980 was the last non computerized C3. But, your last statement about low power kind of kills anything made in the latter year C3's.

Rky Mtn C6

1978 - Saw the return of the fastback, which increased cargo capacity. Also the glove box returned.

1979 - All Corvettes began having improved seats first introduced in 1978 Pace Car replicas.

1980 - The C3 became lighter.

1981 - A new single leaf mono rear spring was introduced improving ride and handling. I have a 78, put one on, and experienced a greatly improved ride, and better handling.

cv67

The seats of the later ones look nice, how are they as far as back support..mines pretty bad
Do they recline a bit as I cannot sit upright for more than a few minutes.

When I say ride just mean overall comfort/solid, stiff isnt a big factor
If I wind up outside ca and can put whatever I want in it.
Just something fun without spending a ton;plus something both of us can drive....she loves driving the Camino but its a little on the ratty side.

Camaros, Chevelles etc are just too damn much
Really want another 67 rs but not paying 20k for something that still needs work...C3/4 good bang for the buck;rather put the money in a house

Keep the suggestions coming.

blue427

79,I brought my wife one and she drove it for about 7 or eight years and really loved it.They made 53+thousand so there are plenty around. No computers and good rear visibility,plus many weren't hot rodded. My 69 with the sugar scoop makes for lousy side visibility.It was very comfy,leak proof and rattle free. With a 3.55 rear it had enough get up and go although we had straight pipes and resonators,no cats. Gas milage was between 15 &20mpg. The only reason we sold it was my wife would go down and pick her mother up for shopping and she was having a hard time getting in and out of the vette.

resdoggie

Shop in Canada. The US$ goes a long way up here. Older cars shouldn't be that difficult to import into the US. Check out autotrader.ca or kijiji.ca

The13Bats

A 69 bb c3 can with shocks and Springs ride as good as any later factory c3,

In my world i have been kind of sorta looking for another dd, something older, a bit sporty that i can work on,
And my wife actually wants to drive,

C4 offers a lot of bang for the buck had an 86 and just didnt fall in love, i dont hate them just really dont like them but i still look at them, the hatch back is great for a dd,

i also noticed 3rd gen camaros have a hatchback and i dig their look,
A lot are worn out dog doodoo but some have engine swaps, trans replaced etc,

I might go look at an 84 that has a 383, 700, and pretty much restored, show car looking, even updated ac system, 6k,

My way of thinking to be a sound dd any car has to be well mantained or restored if old like i want.

Bikespace

I'd recommend the '79 for the nice seats, but still the classic C3 look, or the '80 for the last year without electronics. I have one of each. The seats really are comfortable, to me and my wife, but YMMV. The '79 is her daily driver.

I don't have direct experience with either, but if I were to go with a later Corvette, and a C6 wasn't in the budget, I'd get a C5 and just enjoy driving it. I have to think you can find one for $10K.

I'm no expert on California, but if I lived there, I would do whatever I needed to do to make sure I could do what I wanted to my car before buying it, or know that I'd have to keep it stock and compliant with CARB regulations. Ride comfort can be fixed later with bolt-on mods if stock isn't a worry for you.

KingRat

I really enjoy driving my 4-Speed 1980s. I've owned four. They are very comfortable. I like the seats and power everything. I can hear the radio. They do not get overly warm inside. The A/C works great. Because of the 3.07 rear gear all '80s had, my 1980 L82 automatic does not seem appreciably faster than the L48. I also really like the looks of the late C3s. If you want a quicker car with comfort, buy a '78-'79 L82 4-speed. An optional rear end ratio is better than no choice at all.

Z06LMB

I could be wrong but I believe Cuisinartvette also included with his interests the C4s.
If that is the case, for handling, it's hands down the '86 and newer C4s ride like they are on rails, more confident braking and once you master the C4 lean and roll getting in, the seating has greater feel and security.

For character and style get a C3!

gbvette62

By far, the 81-82 were the most "civilized". They rode better, are quieter, have the most creature comforts, and the Bowling Green ones were better built and had better paint (originally). They also got better gas mileage, and seem to have the best heat/AC. With the optional Gymkhana Suspension, and/or the 60's series tires, they also handled better than most 77 or earlier Corvettes.

EarlyC34me

I agree c4's offer great ride and are dirt cheap now. I saw a sweet 32k mile LT4 last year at carlisle for 10k. It was cherry. Getting in and out is a little tight in the c4s

Darinm

My Dad just purchased a 1 owner 86 C6 with 6 speed and 70k miles for $6k ! Definitely good deals to be had.

7T1vette

I love the C3 cars. But the late 80's / early 90's Corvettes are far better from a FUNCTIONAL point of view. Appearance??? Not so much...

But if I was going to do a lot of highway miles in a C3 or C4 car, I wouldn't pick a C3.

Did the later C3 cars ride "better"? Define what "better" is! If you mean a softer/spongier ride....yes. If you mean better handling....no.

That's my story--and I'm stickin' to it.

CA-Legal-Vette

Simply can't beat C4 for value and performance for the dollar

BUT

If you only have a few k for a daily driver, get a Honda or Toyota. $10k will get you a decade of reliable service.