Considering a '96 - help me decide
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 760
Likes: 27
From: Farmersville Texas
Considering a '96 - help me decide
I have owned a c3, c5 and c6. I am now considering a '96 LT4 with 60-70K miles on it.
To those in the know, please give me your thoughts on this model year. Do they require a lot of attention, or are they reliable if one treats them well?
At this mileage range, what maintenance may be needed in the future? Can the passagner airbag be turned off?
Finally, what is the vehicle worth in good condition?
Thanks,
Brannon
To those in the know, please give me your thoughts on this model year. Do they require a lot of attention, or are they reliable if one treats them well?
At this mileage range, what maintenance may be needed in the future? Can the passagner airbag be turned off?
Finally, what is the vehicle worth in good condition?
Thanks,
Brannon
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,348
Likes: 233
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
ALL the maintenance will be required in the future.
The '96 is among the most reliable C4's.
The airbags can be disabled, but not "turned off".
What's an unknown C4 worth? It's worth from zero to about $30,000, depending. Sorry, that's the best I can do.
Larry
__________
not easily impressed....
The '96 is among the most reliable C4's.
The airbags can be disabled, but not "turned off".
What's an unknown C4 worth? It's worth from zero to about $30,000, depending. Sorry, that's the best I can do.
Larry
__________
not easily impressed....
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,057
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
I have no experience with the 96, so I'll just parrot what I've read, and give you my opinion.
The 96 is the best C4. Most of the bugs ironed out. It's still relatively young at 13 years old. LT4 is the way to go.
If I could sell my car, I'd buy a 96 LT4. Lots of pull, will run with an early C5 and if something like the trans goes, it's much less expensive to fix. I'd expect to pay around $15k for a good 96 LT4.
Cheaper isn't always better, if or when I buy another C4, I'll spend the extra to get a good car.
The 96 is the best C4. Most of the bugs ironed out. It's still relatively young at 13 years old. LT4 is the way to go.
If I could sell my car, I'd buy a 96 LT4. Lots of pull, will run with an early C5 and if something like the trans goes, it's much less expensive to fix. I'd expect to pay around $15k for a good 96 LT4.
Cheaper isn't always better, if or when I buy another C4, I'll spend the extra to get a good car.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 760
Likes: 27
From: Farmersville Texas
ALL the maintenance will be required in the future.
The '96 is among the most reliable C4's.
The airbags can be disabled, but not "turned off".
What's an unknown C4 worth? It's worth from zero to about $30,000, depending. Sorry, that's the best I can do.
Larry
__________
not easily impressed....
The '96 is among the most reliable C4's.
The airbags can be disabled, but not "turned off".
What's an unknown C4 worth? It's worth from zero to about $30,000, depending. Sorry, that's the best I can do.
Larry
__________
not easily impressed....
Brannon
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,290
Likes: 6
From: St Marys GA
I bought my LT4 with 70k miles last November for $15k, and am glad I did! It's a great car. Like all cars (especially Vettes) they have their quirks, but it's been my reliable DD ever since. I've had to do some maintenance, but nothing that I couldn't do myself, or that has kept it off the road.
As far as the airbags go, I think someone sells a kit to turn it off. I'll go scour the internet, but I think there's a tech article on Corvette Magazine's website on the installation.
My opinion: do it!
As far as the airbags go, I think someone sells a kit to turn it off. I'll go scour the internet, but I think there's a tech article on Corvette Magazine's website on the installation.
My opinion: do it!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 760
Likes: 27
From: Farmersville Texas
Just spoke with the owner of the prospective vehicle. He's seems to be a very stand-up guy. He informed me, in depth, on the car and its history.
The only two things he mentioned that might be of concern are:
1) a couple of drops of oil behind the balancer from time to time. Anyone have ideas on the possible sources of this problem?
2) when backing up the car about 20' or so, there is a "clunk" sound coming from what he believes are the breaks. As he understands it, this is not uncommon and somewhat typical of model? He's built and modified cars before and doesn't consider the sound an issue. Opinions?
Thanks,
Brannon
The only two things he mentioned that might be of concern are:
1) a couple of drops of oil behind the balancer from time to time. Anyone have ideas on the possible sources of this problem?
2) when backing up the car about 20' or so, there is a "clunk" sound coming from what he believes are the breaks. As he understands it, this is not uncommon and somewhat typical of model? He's built and modified cars before and doesn't consider the sound an issue. Opinions?
Thanks,
Brannon
Last edited by Brannon; Aug 12, 2008 at 03:45 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 760
Likes: 27
From: Farmersville Texas
I bought my LT4 with 70k miles last November for $15k, and am glad I did! It's a great car. Like all cars (especially Vettes) they have their quirks, but it's been my reliable DD ever since. I've had to do some maintenance, but nothing that I couldn't do myself, or that has kept it off the road.
As far as the airbags go, I think someone sells a kit to turn it off. I'll go scour the internet, but I think there's a tech article on Corvette Magazine's website on the installation.
My opinion: do it!
As far as the airbags go, I think someone sells a kit to turn it off. I'll go scour the internet, but I think there's a tech article on Corvette Magazine's website on the installation.
My opinion: do it!
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 694
Likes: 1
From: Spokane WA
You want reliable buy a new vette. A 96 will leave you stranded on the side of the road, but may be that is your destany. Your out of cell phone range you walk to a little dinner and you end up meeting a hot waitress and spend the night at a motel 6
.
Forget the new vette get that crappy 96.
.Forget the new vette get that crappy 96.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,874
Likes: 0
From: Littleton CO
2) when backing up the car about 20' or so, there is a "clunk" sound coming from what he believes are the breaks. As he understands it, this is not uncommon and somewhat typical of model? He's built and modified cars before and doesn't consider the sound an issue. Opinions?
Look for or ask whether the water pump & optispark have been replaced - lots of folks here will opine that the originals would be due to fail soon, but I wouldn't worry about it on a car that has been taken care of. It's nice to know either way.
Last edited by jrp; Aug 12, 2008 at 04:29 PM.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 694
Likes: 54
From: Sandwich Illinois
96 lt4
I have had a C1, & a C2, & a C3, & an LT4. The 96 LT4 is by far the fastest, most quiet, most reliable, dryest inside, most economical of the three. Go and buy it for Pete's sake!!! I am 6' 7'' and I am comfortable once I'm in it. Getting in and out is challenging, but not impossible. 
Save the Wave
Save the Wave
Safety Car
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,651
Likes: 10
From: Apple Valley MN
The oil leak could be from the opti or crank seals as mentioned above, or could be from the crankshaft position sensor o-ring, or from the front of the intake manifold. Oil leaks at the front and rear of the intake on LTx engines are very common - I discovered that the bolts weren't torqued properly at the ends of mine, and tightening them seemed to solve my small leak for now.
A common problem with '96 models is with the air conditioning. Make sure the A/C blows properly from the dash vents, rather than through the defroster and floor outlets. There are a bajillion threads on that subject here, and the fix isn't necessarily expensive (though a bit of a PITA), but if you find this problem on the car you're looking at, you might be able to use that as a bargaining chip.
Here's some great info about what to look for on C4's in general:
http://tinyurl.com/68ljjt
A common problem with '96 models is with the air conditioning. Make sure the A/C blows properly from the dash vents, rather than through the defroster and floor outlets. There are a bajillion threads on that subject here, and the fix isn't necessarily expensive (though a bit of a PITA), but if you find this problem on the car you're looking at, you might be able to use that as a bargaining chip.
Here's some great info about what to look for on C4's in general:
http://tinyurl.com/68ljjt
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 760
Likes: 27
From: Farmersville Texas
The oil leak could be from the opti or crank seals as mentioned above, or could be from the crankshaft position sensor o-ring, or from the front of the intake manifold. Oil leaks at the front and rear of the intake on LTx engines are very common - I discovered that the bolts weren't torqued properly at the ends of mine, and tightening them seemed to solve my small leak for now.
A common problem with '96 models is with the air conditioning. Make sure the A/C blows properly from the dash vents, rather than through the defroster and floor outlets. There are a bajillion threads on that subject here, and the fix isn't necessarily expensive (though a bit of a PITA), but if you find this problem on the car you're looking at, you might be able to use that as a bargaining chip.
Here's some great info about what to look for on C4's in general:
http://tinyurl.com/68ljjt
A common problem with '96 models is with the air conditioning. Make sure the A/C blows properly from the dash vents, rather than through the defroster and floor outlets. There are a bajillion threads on that subject here, and the fix isn't necessarily expensive (though a bit of a PITA), but if you find this problem on the car you're looking at, you might be able to use that as a bargaining chip.
Here's some great info about what to look for on C4's in general:
http://tinyurl.com/68ljjt
CF JASOC Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,040
Likes: 34
From: Downtown Annapolis, MD. The Future is where we all have to live. Let's not screw it up.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 760
Likes: 27
From: Farmersville Texas
Read and noted. I'll adhere to these steps when I look at the vehicle in person.
Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,385
Likes: 4
From: King George VA
I bought two 1996s, one with 31k at the time for $16,000 and the other has 114k miles for $8000.00. Sometimes you pay alittle extra for lower miles. You can find a real good deal and they are great cars.
Last edited by fc_soldier; Aug 13, 2008 at 04:27 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,616
Likes: 5
From: Sandhills of North Carolina
I love my '96 but if I was going to do it over again I would get an LT4. Unless special ordered they are the only 6 speed '96's. I got mine in Nov last year and have enjoyed ever minute of it. The guy I got mine from seemed to be up and up to so I took his word on a lot of things I shouldn't have. One was a leak in the front just like yours has. It cost me 1100.00 to fix that leak. Opti of course. The heater vent control valve is notorious for going bad on the '96's. Not difficult to repair it's just a PITA to get to. It's under the dash on the drivers side firewall. Some have had problems with the VATS on this year. I've been fortunate there so far. The Bose stereo is really not that good. The CD part of it is almost a given to failure. The whole car is an electronic nightmare if introduced to to much water. There's a sensor for everything. So be careful there! All in all it's a great car and very solid. It's really quiet inside with no rattles. It's considered the best C4. Good luck with your decision.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 6,314
Likes: 508
From: South-central Missouri
Nuttin against a good LT4, But! For little (if any) more, you can have the ZR-1 which will put ya on another level all together. As always, low mileage and newest models are usually the better cars. But, the LT5 is bullet proof and there is one heck of a support group to help you with anything you might need!
Don't take my word tho. Go drive a Z and you be the judge! (heh, heh, heh...) I did, and I never looked back!
P.
Don't take my word tho. Go drive a Z and you be the judge! (heh, heh, heh...) I did, and I never looked back!
P.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 805
Likes: 11
From: Hickory Flat Ga
I've put 45,000 miles on my '96. It's been a great car. Just yesterday I threw it down the entrance ramp edging 6k on each shift leaving the crowd behind only to purr through the Corsas at the light as always. It's the last of the C4 with the last true small block derived from the '55 model.
It has the best heater and AC (manual) of any car ever owned. Although it's worth only 12 or 13 thou 81,000 miles, it's my baby. A great therapy to maintain and upgrade. It'll pay you back many fold in enjoyment. Go get it!
It has the best heater and AC (manual) of any car ever owned. Although it's worth only 12 or 13 thou 81,000 miles, it's my baby. A great therapy to maintain and upgrade. It'll pay you back many fold in enjoyment. Go get it!
Last edited by tlong; Aug 13, 2008 at 09:00 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,348
Likes: 233
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
My own LT4 has just under 90K miles and the only parts replacement I've had to do (not counting normal wear items like brakes) is the rear hub washers that were clicking. Other than that it's been only the standard fluid and filter changes: clutch and brake fluid, oil, gearbox and differential lubricants, etc.
I've had this C4 since 2002 and it's been the most reliable car I've ever owned...and I bought my first car in 1964.
Larry
__________
not easily impressed....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,139
Likes: 482
From: H-Town Texas
What I really like about my LT4:
A) Most people that aren't familiar with later C4's tend to think it is a lower power car. This makes it fun to see the look on their faces. (especially the c5 folks)
B) At least where I live, there seems to be less than a handful of c4's. The c5's and c6's are everywhere.
C) It's a great DD. Well mannered in traffic, reliable, and yet very fun to drive. The torque curve is almost flat so I can get that pushed in my seat feeling very easy any time I desire.
The only things I don't care for are the few rattles and leaks, but the car is twelve years old, so compared to any other twelve + y/o car it's probably less. (even less than some new cars). Also the gear rattle from the ZF6. But A,B,and C more than make up for these little inperfections.
The LT4 is fast and quick. I believe it is the best bang for the buck right now in the Corvette world. And with just a few $ in mods it could keep up w/ just about anything out there.
A) Most people that aren't familiar with later C4's tend to think it is a lower power car. This makes it fun to see the look on their faces. (especially the c5 folks)
B) At least where I live, there seems to be less than a handful of c4's. The c5's and c6's are everywhere.
C) It's a great DD. Well mannered in traffic, reliable, and yet very fun to drive. The torque curve is almost flat so I can get that pushed in my seat feeling very easy any time I desire.
The only things I don't care for are the few rattles and leaks, but the car is twelve years old, so compared to any other twelve + y/o car it's probably less. (even less than some new cars). Also the gear rattle from the ZF6. But A,B,and C more than make up for these little inperfections.
The LT4 is fast and quick. I believe it is the best bang for the buck right now in the Corvette world. And with just a few $ in mods it could keep up w/ just about anything out there.