test drove a C4. ?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: MT Airy Maryland
test drove a C4. ?
Hello all.....happy new years.....
i am in the market for my first corvette. I have never driven / nor sat in any thing other than a 99 C5.
I am concidering purchasing a c4 .I told my self nothing pre 96. I have mentally already bought 2 member cars on this site in the 4 sale area. 96 CE LT4..... and a 96 LT4 GS clone black.Little evil.....NICE>>>>
I test drove a 1991 yesterday, i knew before going there, i would not buy one that old... unless i could steal it with a HELL of a deal.. nice car 51k miles VERY CLEAN......I know the guy.
$13 or OBO . JUst to old for me. And for 2-3 grand more i can drive a much nicer car....I jUst wanted to drive the C4 for the first time and experiance it first hand.. WOW.
My queastion is......How much better is the 96 model VS other c4's.
I know there all C4's and i know the differance between LT1 and LT4..but i felt so CONFINED in the car, like i could not even scratch my nuts if i needed to. How do you LOYAL C4 guys deal with climbing in and out and am i the only one that feels so HUGE.. when sitting in one of these cars.
Is it a price thing C4 VS a C5.. OR is it all about the LOVE.
I welcome your knowledge and thoughts. thanks john h
i am in the market for my first corvette. I have never driven / nor sat in any thing other than a 99 C5.
I am concidering purchasing a c4 .I told my self nothing pre 96. I have mentally already bought 2 member cars on this site in the 4 sale area. 96 CE LT4..... and a 96 LT4 GS clone black.Little evil.....NICE>>>>
I test drove a 1991 yesterday, i knew before going there, i would not buy one that old... unless i could steal it with a HELL of a deal.. nice car 51k miles VERY CLEAN......I know the guy.
$13 or OBO . JUst to old for me. And for 2-3 grand more i can drive a much nicer car....I jUst wanted to drive the C4 for the first time and experiance it first hand.. WOW.
My queastion is......How much better is the 96 model VS other c4's.
I know there all C4's and i know the differance between LT1 and LT4..but i felt so CONFINED in the car, like i could not even scratch my nuts if i needed to. How do you LOYAL C4 guys deal with climbing in and out and am i the only one that feels so HUGE.. when sitting in one of these cars.
Is it a price thing C4 VS a C5.. OR is it all about the LOVE.
I welcome your knowledge and thoughts. thanks john h
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,280
Likes: 50
From: Jacksonville, FL
St. Jude Donor '08 thru '25
speaking for myself only....my purchase was dictated by my budget and not wanting to borrow any $ to buy a toy....so at the time, '04, I bought what I saw as the most vette I could afford. It turned out to be a C4.
The "in & out" thing took me a while to figure out and now it's second nature....I'm not a youngster @ 55 but with the early sport seats ya gotta just make allowances. I feel it's worth the gymnastics, once I'm "in" it just feels like I'm wearing the car....and they are great in the twisties for not letting you slide around....but, big but, I'm short @ 5'5" so I fit just fine. The C4 isn't for everyone, and the model I bought is for far fewer people, indeed.
My best advice is buy the most vette for your budget, without going too far over, if at all because they are just toys and largely a waste of resources....except that they make us feel good and they are cheaper than a shrink. I feel my vette can cure a bad day anytime!
Good luck in your search!
Tom
The "in & out" thing took me a while to figure out and now it's second nature....I'm not a youngster @ 55 but with the early sport seats ya gotta just make allowances. I feel it's worth the gymnastics, once I'm "in" it just feels like I'm wearing the car....and they are great in the twisties for not letting you slide around....but, big but, I'm short @ 5'5" so I fit just fine. The C4 isn't for everyone, and the model I bought is for far fewer people, indeed.
My best advice is buy the most vette for your budget, without going too far over, if at all because they are just toys and largely a waste of resources....except that they make us feel good and they are cheaper than a shrink. I feel my vette can cure a bad day anytime!
Good luck in your search!
Tom
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,757
Likes: 172
From: Rolla Missouri
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
St. Jude Donor '10 thru '25
Well, the '96 is the best of the C4's.
But in all honesty, a very well maintained and pristine '91 would be a better car than an run down '96.
As far as feeling confined, all C4's are going to feel the same way. There all the same size and layout.
The C4 is much harder to get in and out than the C5.
You get that fighter jet cockpit feel in a C4, which is what a lot of people feel a sports car should be like.
My next Corvette will be a C5 though, so I have nothing against them. But I love my LT4. A nice LT4 will not disappoint you.
But in all honesty, a very well maintained and pristine '91 would be a better car than an run down '96.
As far as feeling confined, all C4's are going to feel the same way. There all the same size and layout.
The C4 is much harder to get in and out than the C5.
You get that fighter jet cockpit feel in a C4, which is what a lot of people feel a sports car should be like.
My next Corvette will be a C5 though, so I have nothing against them. But I love my LT4. A nice LT4 will not disappoint you.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 7,999
Likes: 14
From: Life is just one big track event. Everything before and after is prep and warm-up and cool-down laps
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
St. Jude Donor '12
speaking for myself only....my purchase was dictated by my budget and not wanting to borrow any $ to buy a toy....so at the time, '04, I bought what I saw as the most vette I could afford. It turned out to be a C4.
The "in & out" thing took me a while to figure out and now it's second nature....I'm not a youngster @ 55 but with the early sport seats ya gotta just make allowances. I feel it's worth the gymnastics, once I'm "in" it just feels like I'm wearing the car....and they are great in the twisties for not letting you slide around....but, big but, I'm short @ 5'5" so I fit just fine. The C4 isn't for everyone, and the model I bought is for far fewer people, indeed.
My best advice is buy the most vette for your budget, without going too far over, if at all because they are just toys and largely a waste of resources....except that they make us feel good and they are cheaper than a shrink. I feel my vette can cure a bad day anytime!
Good luck in your search!
Tom
The "in & out" thing took me a while to figure out and now it's second nature....I'm not a youngster @ 55 but with the early sport seats ya gotta just make allowances. I feel it's worth the gymnastics, once I'm "in" it just feels like I'm wearing the car....and they are great in the twisties for not letting you slide around....but, big but, I'm short @ 5'5" so I fit just fine. The C4 isn't for everyone, and the model I bought is for far fewer people, indeed.
My best advice is buy the most vette for your budget, without going too far over, if at all because they are just toys and largely a waste of resources....except that they make us feel good and they are cheaper than a shrink. I feel my vette can cure a bad day anytime!
Good luck in your search!
Tom
You wear a C4, its just like putting on your favorite pair of well worn jeans. (I'm 50 and "big boned") I occasionaly drive the GF's C5 and for a long trip its a more comfortable drive. However I can still sit in the C4 for an 11 hour trip.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,971
Likes: 9
From: The reason time exists is so everything doesn't happen at once
I My queastion is......How much better is the 96 model VS other c4's.
All C4s were upgraded as the model years progressed and the 96 just represents the best of the generation. The fact that both cars your are considering have the LT4 just makes the 96 that much better.
I know there all C4's and i know the differance between LT1 and LT4..but i felt so CONFINED in the car, like i could not even scratch my nuts if i needed to. How do you LOYAL C4 guys deal with climbing in and out and am i the only one that feels so HUGE.. when sitting in one of these cars.
Is it a price thing C4 VS a C5.. OR is it all about the LOVE.
I welcome your knowledge and thoughts. thanks john h
All C4s were upgraded as the model years progressed and the 96 just represents the best of the generation. The fact that both cars your are considering have the LT4 just makes the 96 that much better.
I know there all C4's and i know the differance between LT1 and LT4..but i felt so CONFINED in the car, like i could not even scratch my nuts if i needed to. How do you LOYAL C4 guys deal with climbing in and out and am i the only one that feels so HUGE.. when sitting in one of these cars.
Is it a price thing C4 VS a C5.. OR is it all about the LOVE.
I welcome your knowledge and thoughts. thanks john h
As far as price a well maintained, low mileage LT4 can cost more than an early C5, so I guess to some extent it is about love. The C5 is a better all around car but as I said earlier the C4 has more of a sports car feeling.
Good luck with your decision.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 8,244
Likes: 114
From: Watkins Glen NY
Racer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 459
Likes: 2
From: Hawaii
Oh yes. I was in your shoes about a year ago. I own a 96 and like it very much. Im 6'5 and 285 lbs, it took me about 2 weeks to get the "technique" down of getting in and out of the car. One thing you want to look for is a loose steering collum, a old and unfortunate habit of some people is to use the steering wheel as a anchor to exit and enter the car. Ive never driven a C5 but from looking inside it looks a lot more open than a C4. C4's are like a cockpit in a fighter jet, you feel very tight and compressed. That's how a sports coupe is supposed to be! I test drove numerous C4's in the mid-late 90's and found the 96 to be almost perfect and all the flaws worked out. But remember there are two LT1's, GEN1, GEN2 the GEN 1 has had a lot of problems with the Optispark due to no vacume line from the intake to suck out moisture. GEN 2 has fixed this problem, but some there is no bracket for the vacume line which can rub against the power steering pulley.Happy hunting and enjoy your new machine!!!!
Hello all.....happy new years.....
i am in the market for my first corvette. I have never driven / nor sat in any thing other than a 99 C5.
I am concidering purchasing a c4 .I told my self nothing pre 96. I have mentally already bought 2 member cars on this site in the 4 sale area. 96 CE LT4..... and a 96 LT4 GS clone black.Little evil.....NICE>>>>
I test drove a 1991 yesterday, i knew before going there, i would not buy one that old... unless i could steal it with a HELL of a deal.. nice car 51k miles VERY CLEAN......I know the guy.
$13 or OBO . JUst to old for me. And for 2-3 grand more i can drive a much nicer car....I jUst wanted to drive the C4 for the first time and experiance it first hand.. WOW.
My queastion is......How much better is the 96 model VS other c4's.
I know there all C4's and i know the differance between LT1 and LT4..but i felt so CONFINED in the car, like i could not even scratch my nuts if i needed to. How do you LOYAL C4 guys deal with climbing in and out and am i the only one that feels so HUGE.. when sitting in one of these cars.
Is it a price thing C4 VS a C5.. OR is it all about the LOVE.
I welcome your knowledge and thoughts. thanks john h
i am in the market for my first corvette. I have never driven / nor sat in any thing other than a 99 C5.
I am concidering purchasing a c4 .I told my self nothing pre 96. I have mentally already bought 2 member cars on this site in the 4 sale area. 96 CE LT4..... and a 96 LT4 GS clone black.Little evil.....NICE>>>>
I test drove a 1991 yesterday, i knew before going there, i would not buy one that old... unless i could steal it with a HELL of a deal.. nice car 51k miles VERY CLEAN......I know the guy.
$13 or OBO . JUst to old for me. And for 2-3 grand more i can drive a much nicer car....I jUst wanted to drive the C4 for the first time and experiance it first hand.. WOW.
My queastion is......How much better is the 96 model VS other c4's.
I know there all C4's and i know the differance between LT1 and LT4..but i felt so CONFINED in the car, like i could not even scratch my nuts if i needed to. How do you LOYAL C4 guys deal with climbing in and out and am i the only one that feels so HUGE.. when sitting in one of these cars.
Is it a price thing C4 VS a C5.. OR is it all about the LOVE.
I welcome your knowledge and thoughts. thanks john h
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Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,757
Likes: 172
From: Rolla Missouri
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
St. Jude Donor '10 thru '25
But, be very careful when buying a "cheap" Corvette. And $6750 sounds too good to be true for a nice '96.
If you know what your doing, and the car checks out that's fine.
But in a lot of cases, you get what you pay for.
Unless you can do your own work, buying a "fixer upper" will cost more than the car is worth.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24,460
Likes: 7
From: sw Ohio
I wanted something fun and cheap to work on. That ruled out the LT1 cars for me. I picked up an '85 for $5000 in good condition. Nothing wrong with an LT1 but some of the maintainence is a royal pain like changing the plugs. Not to mention that I can use just about all Gen 1 SBC parts on mine
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: MT Airy Maryland
surfnsun..... I HOPE YOU DONT MIND ME POSTING A PICTURE OF YOUR BEUTIFUL CAR...Please forgive me as i
Up untill yesterday, (during my first experiance with the C4)
I was mentally prepaired to make an offer on this car site un seen, and never riding in any C4 at all.
The ride yesterday was in an Auto, and these LT4's are Manual. I cant imagine my size 12 Feet FUMBLING all over the pedals while shifting a stick in the tight COCKPIT of these cars......
Mabey its just me cause its new to me.... How ever i love the look of this car. excuse me as i
ONCE AGAIN....JOHN H
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: MT Airy Maryland
I wanted something fun and cheap to work on. That ruled out the LT1 cars for me. I picked up an '85 for $5000 in good condition. Nothing wrong with an LT1 but some of the maintainence is a royal pain like changing the plugs. Not to mention that I can use just about all Gen 1 SBC parts on mine
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: MT Airy Maryland
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,619
Likes: 1
From: Salem Oregon
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
I bought my C4 in Sept, 1996 collectors edition, and although it has some things that need fixed, have NEVER been sorry. It was what I could afford. My bf has a C5 and love that car also, and they both have thier own pros, cons. I would of loved to have bought a C5 but finances wouldnt allow it, so making that my longer term goal. Good luck on your search, and when you make your choice, post pics please. Thats a nice car that your drooling over!!!
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: MT Airy Maryland
[QUOTE=tomtom72;1563416535]speaking for myself only....my purchase was dictated by my budget and not wanting to borrow any $ to buy a toy....so at the time, '04, I bought what I saw as the most vette I could afford. It turned out to be a C4.
That's exactly where i am at now, how ever a high mile C5 is obtainable for the same money... it is a toy and not a daily driver
The C4 isn't for everyone, and the model I bought is for far fewer people, indeed. If i may... Which model do you have?
My best advice is buy the most vette for your budget, without going too far over, if at all because they are just toys and largely a waste of resources....except that they make us feel good and they are cheaper than a shrink. I feel my vette can cure a bad day anytime!
I agree, thanks
That's exactly where i am at now, how ever a high mile C5 is obtainable for the same money... it is a toy and not a daily driver
The C4 isn't for everyone, and the model I bought is for far fewer people, indeed. If i may... Which model do you have?
My best advice is buy the most vette for your budget, without going too far over, if at all because they are just toys and largely a waste of resources....except that they make us feel good and they are cheaper than a shrink. I feel my vette can cure a bad day anytime!
I agree, thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,152
Likes: 33
From: Folsom Ca
I was choosing between a `95 and `96 a couple of monthgs ago. I dont think there are many differences in those two years unless you get an LT4.
I choose the `95 simply because I was in the market for an Auto and they cars were very similar in a mileage and condition. It actually came down to the color combo for me.
I think the late C4s are very similar cars with some small differences unless ofcourse you throw in the wildcard LT4 engine.
I choose the `95 simply because I was in the market for an Auto and they cars were very similar in a mileage and condition. It actually came down to the color combo for me.
I think the late C4s are very similar cars with some small differences unless ofcourse you throw in the wildcard LT4 engine.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,867
Likes: 17
From: Phoenix Arizona
I've owned an '88, '92, and now a '96.
The '96 has fewer squeaks and rattles, much better leather on seats, and OBD2. The LT4 engine (if you get a stick) is at least 30 horsepower stronger than the LT1.
With that being said I agree with the other poster, a low-mile clean '91 is better than a beat high-mile '96.
The '96 has fewer squeaks and rattles, much better leather on seats, and OBD2. The LT4 engine (if you get a stick) is at least 30 horsepower stronger than the LT1.
With that being said I agree with the other poster, a low-mile clean '91 is better than a beat high-mile '96.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,757
Likes: 172
From: Rolla Missouri
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
St. Jude Donor '10 thru '25
He meant that the ZR1 is not for everyone, and he's right. It's probably the top of the line C4, and produced in very limited quantities.
They didn't nickname it "King of the Hill" for nothing.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,161
Likes: 8
From: Beverly Hills Florida
CI 7-8 Veteran
I have the best of both worlds.
No problem getting in and out of either cause Im skinny....
you wear the C4, so to speak, and that is what people like about that car, in a positive sense, at least I do...
No problem getting in and out of either cause Im skinny....
you wear the C4, so to speak, and that is what people like about that car, in a positive sense, at least I do...