Which of the C4 (1984-1996) convertibles should I not consider?

 

Get the newest model you can afford. I personally would get an 89 up to get the ZF6 instead of the 4+3, but plenty of people love their 4+3's.

 

The LT1 engine started in 92, if you want more power/torque than previous years.

 

94-96...but that is my preferance

 

Which ever one you can afford knowing that you will be spending money on it each year that you own it. Personnally I would get the 96.

 

I would not get the 84 or 85......86 was the first year for the vert, correct?

 

Yes, 86' was the first year for the convertible.

All coupes are targa roof equipped.

As mentioned, the cars got better (in terms of fit/finish, and squeaks/rattles) as time went on, so buying the newest car you can afford is a good strategy.

Also as mentioned, none of these cars are new anymore, so there will be maintenance issues. As an example, even a 96' is now twelve years old, so all the rubber bits will be entering replacement age. That means weather stripping, suspension bushings, engine bay hoses, etc. Set your budget accordingly.

 

Write a vertical column of 1-11, next to it but a column starting with 96 and ending with 86. That would be my choice. (Actually I'd stop at the number 5 unless it was an exceptional car).

 

There are really no years that you should NOT consider, they are all nice cars. As others have said, each advancing model year yielded some sort of "improvement" over the previous years. Sometimes it was just a quality control improvement, sometimes it was a styling change, suspension change or powerplant change. Some people will debate whether some of the improvements are actually improvements, but most would generally agree, the cars got nicer as the model years advanced.

What you need to tell us though, is how much you have to spend. The flip side to the newer is better coin is that for a given amount of money to spend, newer is more worn out. If you only have $7k to spend, you will not find a nice 95 convertible, whereas you may find a nice 86. If your budget is say $13 to $14K, then you can take your pick of late model verts in nice shape.

But there are really no years to avoid, except of course those 84 and 85 verts.............

 

considering this one:
http://www.rogerscorvette.com/carNew...=inv/95r_06662

any thoughts on pricing and what to look out for this 95'?

 

Yep, it's expensive. A low mileage car can have more problems that a car that has been driven and well maintained. I'm willing to bet that car has more than one oil leak and the tires are probably hard as a rock.

That said, if you want a garage queen, pay their price, and you have it.

 

Thats a nice car, Rogers is known for nice low mile cars and high prices to go along with them. I can't say that is too much money, it is a very low mile car. If you start using it on a regular basis and get the mileage up, even beyond 10K, the value will drop quickly. You can get a very nice similar car for a lot less money if that is a concern and of course for that kind of money, you can get a decent C5.

 

I agree. I got plenty of time and will sit tight keeping my ears to the ground for a C5. I'll keep doing research and ask questions... that's the fun part of all this!!

 

For that kind of cash, I'd buy a C5. A C5 vert has more hp, and a trunk.

 

I would get 85-88

84 problems
89-96 ugly bumpers, harder to work on, more computer based, ugly 90's interior

 

Dang Dan! Kinda hard on us later C4 guys. Ugly bumpers and interiors? Ouch, I guess it is all a matter of personal opinion and individual taste. I looked at both. I selected a 94. I wanted the LT motor and preferred the later styling! I wish mine was a convertible!

Many things I liked about both Sub-Gen 84-88, 89-91, and 92-96. They are all vettes and look great with the tops down. Several years ago I test drove a red 86 convertible around Atlanta. Top down, of course! I got more waves and thumbs up on that drive than on any other time in a car. A very memorable drive.

If I were looking to buy a C4 convertible, I would look for the best individual car I could find. regardless on year. Each year has unique issues/problems. A car in bad shape or "needs improving" will bleed you to death! I like the earlier cars because they are a little easier to maintain (No Opti!!). But then again, I like the way the LT engines spin up. The LT4 would have to be my favorite. I believe, and pricing indicates, that they are the most desirable C4 convertible. One year only manufacture = unique. The downside is that the LT4 prices overlap the C5 vert prices. The C5, by way of engineering, is a superior car. Just a fact, ask and automotive engineer. On the other hand, I love the lines of the C4 and the way the hood opens and many other things. The lines on the convertible with the top down is soooo cooool!!!! Just beautiful to me.

Take your time look at them all and have fun with your search.

 

 

This is excellent advice to follow.

 

Here is what I found. I bought a 1990 Vert. I liked the new cockpit styled interior that came out in 1990, but it seemed that when you got to the 1991, the price jumped because of the new exterior styling (rear facia and front clip). So it seemed to me that there was more bang for the buck in the 1990. And no matter what, get a Convertible. And a plus if it has the Auxilary Hardtop!

 

If I were shopping for a C4 right now, I'd go with a TPI car, with the ZF6 tranny. If going with a LT1 car, go with a 95-96, as those have the vented opti spark distributor, which is less prone to failure than the 92-94 model year opti's (flamesuit on).