First Corvette
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2005
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First Corvette
Am looking to buy my first corvette. Will be sharing the vehicle with my son. Have decided on either a 1995 or 1996 model because of price and style. Happen to visit a Chevy dealer who had several used corvettes for sale. All were 1997 and above. The salesman indicated that the C4 models (1984 - 1996) were problematic.....poor body integrity (shakes, rattles), lots of mechanical problems and advised not to buy anything less than a C5. Is this guy giving me good advise or was he just trying to sell me one of his cars. HELP!
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
The C4 started out as a great car in '84 and just continued to be improved and refined throughout it's run. You will love the late C4 when you find the "one." Obviously this salesman, as salesman are wont to be, was full of doggy-doo.... 
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Just down from LA State of Confusion
Looks like the salesman is trying to dig into your pocket. 
I have a 92 Vert with 130,000 miles. Uses Mobil 1 10-30 Syntheic since day 1, still runs like new. 
Every car has its picks and pans. It's how deep are your pockets to a salesman. 
I have a 92 Vert with 130,000 miles. Uses Mobil 1 10-30 Syntheic since day 1, still runs like new. Every car has its picks and pans. It's how deep are your pockets to a salesman.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 149
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From: Columbus GA
Cruise-In I Veteran
I agree, no C-4's on the lot. He was trying sell what he had.
As to what he said about C-4' is not true. They are like any other car out there, in general they are sound vechicles just look for one that has been taken care of and you will be fine. 
As to what he said about C-4' is not true. They are like any other car out there, in general they are sound vechicles just look for one that has been taken care of and you will be fine.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
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From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
Very few dealerships have 9+ year old cars on their lot.... he was trying to get ou into something he did have or might get soon.
The only things the C5 has over the C4 is more of a family car feel when you drive it, additonal horsepower(depending on year) and is easier to get into.
I am thrilled with my C4. When I mentioned thinking about moving into a C5 to my wife... she said "You are not selling my car!" hmmmm up until thant moment it had always been mine ...
The only things the C5 has over the C4 is more of a family car feel when you drive it, additonal horsepower(depending on year) and is easier to get into.
I am thrilled with my C4. When I mentioned thinking about moving into a C5 to my wife... she said "You are not selling my car!" hmmmm up until thant moment it had always been mine ...
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Racer
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Stockton CA
Originally Posted by rws.1
When I mentioned thinking about moving into a C5 to my wife... she said "You are not selling my car!" hmmmm up until thant moment it had always been mine ...
Maybe you convince her to let you get another one that belongs to you then.
Le Mans Master
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From: DrunkDefender
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St. Jude Donor '07-'10
The C5 is a better car no doubt. It has more room inside, ingress/egress is easier. They are more "civilized" if you will. Looks are subjective. I like the late C4s alot. I had a 90 and loved it too. A well cared for 95 or 96 will have enough power to run very close to a C5 [except ZO6]. If its an LT4 it will run with or beat a C5 [non ZO6] stock for stock.
I would not pass up a well cared for 95 or 96 for a so so C5 by any stretch. The 95 and 96 were the least troublesome of the C4s. I work at a chevy dealer as a mechanic. I work on all the vettes. I own a C4 [a 96 LT4 to be exact].
I would not pass up a well cared for 95 or 96 for a so so C5 by any stretch. The 95 and 96 were the least troublesome of the C4s. I work at a chevy dealer as a mechanic. I work on all the vettes. I own a C4 [a 96 LT4 to be exact].
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 858
Likes: 6
From: Hobe Sound FL
Car Salesman's BS
Originally Posted by melly1944
Am looking to buy my first corvette. Will be sharing the vehicle with my son. Have decided on either a 1995 or 1996 model because of price and style. Happen to visit a Chevy dealer who had several used corvettes for sale. All were 1997 and above. The salesman indicated that the C4 models (1984 - 1996) were problematic.....poor body integrity (shakes, rattles), lots of mechanical problems and advised not to buy anything less than a C5. Is this guy giving me good advise or was he just trying to sell me one of his cars. HELP!
Boatman
Racer
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 412
Likes: 21
From: Franklin TN
I own a 95 model, not because I can not afford a C-5, but because I like the C-4. A well taken care of C-4 will not have any more problems and may not have as many problems as a C-5. In the C-5 section a couple of days ago someone was asking for problems to look for when buying a used C-5. There is a list of at least fifteen differant problem areas to look for on a C-5. I don't think the C-4 has that many problem areas. You might want to go to the the C-5 general section and look at the problems listed before you make up your mind.
Good Luck
Goose
Good Luck
Goose
Pro
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 584
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From: Baldwinsville NY
Originally Posted by Z-07 freak
I wouldn't trust a salesman who had to insult a type of Vette they didn't have to try to sell one they do have in stock.
EXACTLY Sounds like you should do yourself a big favor and move on to another dealer or seller.
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2
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Originally Posted by bkerlee
I'd hate to see what he thinks of C-3's... 
One more question....has anyone bought a vehicle through the website www.usedcorvettesforsale.com. They offer a service through www.automobileinspections.com where they will provide you with a "detailed" report about the vehicle before you buy it.....at a cost of about $275. They send a "qualified" inspector to look over the car and test drive it. Since 1995 - 1996 vehicles with low mileage are hard to find I may have to buy one some distance from my home. This service seems attractive, especially if you are buying a car located far from your home. Of course before I buy anything I will see it in person as well. But having a more "qualified" opinion seems the smart thing to do. Does anyone have any experience with this or a similiar service?
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 101
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From: NRH TX
I'm not sure if Pep Boys would look at a corvette, but they will inspect most used cars for $25 before you buy - try calling them and seeing if they will take a look at it one before you plunk your money down.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2002
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St. Jude Donor '09
Originally Posted by Draven
He was trying to sell a car, my friend.
PERIOD!