Hello folks,

The time has come for me to become a Vette owner. At the ripe young age of 44, I have finally resisted the urge for far too long, and I must give in to the mystical powers that are compelling me to make the purchase.

Now, with all that out of the way...hehe.......I have scoured the forums on the net for a couple months, and have decided to join this one, as I like the attitudes here, and have read quite a bit of great information from the forum members.

There were only two cars that I always wanted......A 90 IROC Z28 with the 5.7L tuned port, and a Vette. I was lucky enough to own the first one, and I truly loved that car. I think it is time for the Vette now.

Since I am a complete newbie when it comes to Vettes, I will welcome any, and all criticisim, and guidance. I have learned quite a bit in the last couple months, but still consider myself ignorant of many things Corvette related. I will lay out my "master plan", and you guys, and gals, feel free to shoot holes in it at will......

I prefer the exterior stylings of the C4. All of the Vettes I have driven have been C4s, so I cannot compare the interior feel to others, but I sure loved what I felt while driving the C4.

I am planning on this purchase sometime this year, and want to start my research early enough to make an informed decision. As of right now, my target is somewhere in the range of a 90 - 96 model. Coupe or Targa top. Not really crazy about the idea of a convertible, but maybe......Just depends on what "jumps out and grabs me". Bright red/red ticket magnet, or Polo green/tan. LT1 engine.....automatic trans, as I have gotten lazy in my old age. I am thinking somewhere in the price range of 12,000 - 15,000 should fit into my budget.

This is just the initial target, and could change easily over the next few months. I have waited a long time to buy a Corvette, and want to make sure I take the time to do it right. Any guidance you folks could give me, or just words of advice, are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Alfster

 

I would suggest you get as new as you can, the LT1 engine runs from 1992 to 1996, i have a 96' LT1 auto car as a daily driver with 91k miles and love it, you should be able to find a nice 96' Auto well optioned in your price range. Be sure and ask previous owner (of possible) if he/she has changed the optispark/water pump as these are issues on LT1 cars, also check condition of weatherstriping, listen/feel for any vibrations in the driveline, If the car has the Bose stereo make sure all features/speakers work properly. Any other questions be sure and ask, there is a wealth of knowledge here, this is my 4th C4 and there are alot more out there
~B~

 

I'm happy for you, can't wait until you get it...........I too am in my 40s....late late 40s I looked at alot of vettes 80s and 90's. And believe me when you see it you'll know..Mine is a 94 red six speed 28,000..It jumped out at me. Like yourself I waited a long time,wish I'd done it years ago.

 

Thanks B,

Good info there. Those things are on my list of things to check out. Someone typed quite a long list of things to look out for on one of the other posts, and I have it printed out.....at my age I forget things occasionally if I don't print it out.

The 96 popped up in my on-line searches quite a bit.......could that be a sign ?

 

I hear ya JD,

One of the reasons for not narrowing my search too much is that very thing that you mentioned. I am thinking the right car will just jump out and scream "TAKE ME HOME !!" Unlike the cute 20yr olds at work, but that is another story for another forum..... LOL

That is the way I bought the 90 IROC Z. I was just cruising the local dealership pre-owned lot one day in 92. Not really intending to buy anything. Just looking. I heard something calling my name, and when I looked over, this bright red Z was just sitting there snarling at me. I had no choice. I had to buy it right then, and there. I was lucky enough that it was a small town, and I happened to know the previous owner. I talked to him about the car, and the next day I was driving it off the lot. That time I was lucky, as the car was in great shape, and I had zero problems with it, but I want to be sure and take my time and buy a nice car this time too.

I am planning on waiting till later in the year, but who knows what my crazy mind will come up with....... hehe

 

I would go for as new as I could. There is a lot of outstanding Corvettes in that price range. Just take your time and you will find the exact one you want. You will choose each other. You'll know when it's right one.


I know I went through the same thing. Looked and looked some more. Finally it happened. A '92 Polo coupe, in the price range, in the mileage range. What amazes me is everything worked. Carfax came back good. Had it the very next day. It's been love ever since.

 

That's what it's all about!

 

First off pick up a copy of the "Corvette Black book" as it has details on all Vettes since '53.

When checking out potential candidates pay attention to paint, interior, weather stripping and tires as these are big $$ items.

Then try on a few to see what feels right.

 

Welcome!!! We shall now have a
This is a good place filled with some very good and knowledgable guys... and some chumps... but what forum isn't. Anyway, anything you need for your car you can find here.

 

Now go get her so you'll have all spring and summer to enjoy!

 

65Z01 says it all and once you find the perfect fit. Make sure to pick up a copy of "101 Projects for your Corvette" Author Richard Newton. Great book and with a helms manual you are set for almost anything.

Good Luck and don't forget to wave.

 

Gonna start gathering up the books so I can have more info at hand. Found the Black Book at Barnes and Noble. Two versions.....one 53-99, the other 53 - 2003. I am still planning on waiting another 6-9 months, but if the right one comes along, I may just snag it sooner.

Thanks for the great welcome. Now I'm sure I picked the right forum to join !

 

Welcome!

-JRC-

 

Boy, this sounds familiar! Late this past summer I finally decided to buy a vette. Like you, I started buying and reading all the books I could (I also recommend Cor-Vette Specs by Mike Antonick which is like an expanded version of the Black Book but for C4's). Also I had plan on looking for about 6-9 months. But in October, I found my 94 with 86,000 miles.

 

Thanks Dave,

Ordered a stack of books from Amazon.com. Corvette Specs, and the Pricing guide by Mike Antonik, as well as the 101 Projects for Your Corvette by Richard Newton. Should keep me busy reading for a few days.

As far as patiently waiting all those months to make the purchase, yeah that may be tricky...... But at least I'm going to try to hold out. Surely there are some benefits to being old. Hopefully patience is one of them. Maybe not.

 

Welcome! You have good taste in cars. I also have a 90 IROC-Z. Like others have said, try to get the newest possible because it seems every year that went by another problem area got fixed. Browse through this site: http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/ It basically list all the options and changes from year to year. Good Luck in your search and let us know what you buy

 

Nice web site. Thank you Sir !

 

I also have a 1996 A4 and now with 89000 miles. In 1996, there were more modifications in the C-4. Opti, 13" brake rotors etc. And they are in your price range.

 

Welcome-let the fun begin.I purchased my 3rd vette an 87 on my 55th birthday. One thing-if I ever purchased a modified vette, I definetly would want to know the seller VERY well. I searched for 6 months-driving several before this one jumped out at me-my wife said she knew I was going to buy it when she first saw it.

 

Welcome to the Jungle!
I know what you mean about one jumping out at you. Back in 2000, I would drive by a Ferrari dealership everyday on my way to work. One day a Vette was parked in the used lot and I heard the call. 2 weeks later she was mine. Besides, I was just days away from turning 40 - and isn't that when you are supposed to buy a Vette
Good Luck on your search - the time and $$ are right to get a C4 now

PS - If you're brave, venture over to Off Topic for some madness