84-96 ?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 263
Likes: 12
From: k-town
84-96 ?
HI,
I will be in the market for a corvette, it will be my first, so my question is on the c4's 84-96 what year is better or more desirable? I think I like the 96 because of the LT1 and the OBD II
I will be in the market for a corvette, it will be my first, so my question is on the c4's 84-96 what year is better or more desirable? I think I like the 96 because of the LT1 and the OBD II
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
LT-4 (all 6 spds) is the big attraction for '96.
Look for the newest model with the lowest miles.
http://www.corvettebuyers.com/c4vettes/prepurchase.htm
http://www.islandnet.com/~kpolsson/v...s/vett1984.htm
Look for the newest model with the lowest miles.
http://www.corvettebuyers.com/c4vettes/prepurchase.htm
http://www.islandnet.com/~kpolsson/v...s/vett1984.htm
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
And in the best condition.
Each model year, brought new features, more horsepower, engineering changes, and of course some design changes.
Do you want a coupe or a convertible? Will you be doing your own maintenance? While you may like certain colors, try not to focus on color alone. The key is to find a nice car that runs great and won't need a lot of work up front (unless you have no problems with doing your own work).
You will find the "Corvette Tax" to be costly if you pick a car on appeal alone and it turns out it needs lots of work.
1992 was the first year for the LT1 motor. A 6-speed was offered with the LT1 up through 1995. In 96, the only 6-speed cars were the LT4's. With the summer coming to an end, you may find that buying in late Fall or early Winter will save you money on a purchase price. It's also a good time to get any work or mods done before next spring.
[/QUOTE]
Each model year, brought new features, more horsepower, engineering changes, and of course some design changes.
Do you want a coupe or a convertible? Will you be doing your own maintenance? While you may like certain colors, try not to focus on color alone. The key is to find a nice car that runs great and won't need a lot of work up front (unless you have no problems with doing your own work).
You will find the "Corvette Tax" to be costly if you pick a car on appeal alone and it turns out it needs lots of work.
1992 was the first year for the LT1 motor. A 6-speed was offered with the LT1 up through 1995. In 96, the only 6-speed cars were the LT4's. With the summer coming to an end, you may find that buying in late Fall or early Winter will save you money on a purchase price. It's also a good time to get any work or mods done before next spring.
[/QUOTE]
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 263
Likes: 12
From: k-town
Hi,
Looking for a coupe. I don't like convertibles. I’m pretty good with turning the wench, general maintenance should be no problem, let me ask what is every one is paying for car Insurance ? I’m close to 40 with a clean record
Looking for a coupe. I don't like convertibles. I’m pretty good with turning the wench, general maintenance should be no problem, let me ask what is every one is paying for car Insurance ? I’m close to 40 with a clean record
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Insurance costs can vary widely. Rates can be higher or lower based on where you live (ZIP code), miles driven each year, used for work or pleasure, age, marital status, driving record, and depending on the company, your credit rating.
Of course you can save some by carrying higher deductibles for collision/comprehensive coverages.
Of course you can save some by carrying higher deductibles for collision/comprehensive coverages.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
"Corvette Tax" is what people refer to when the price of a part for a Corvette is higher than the same part for a "regular" car.
OBDII appeared in 1996 on all domestic vehicles. Most '95 cars had OBD1 or a mix. Whether or a not a Corvette is OBD1 or 2 should not be that big of a deal in the selection of a nic e car. A trained auto repair technician wil be familiar with both types of codes and can diagnose problems from the codes that are stored in the ECM. OBD2 has more error codes and they are more specific.
There is nothing wrong with buying a earlier OBD 1 car if it's what you like, the price is right, and doesn't need any work when you buy it.
OBDII appeared in 1996 on all domestic vehicles. Most '95 cars had OBD1 or a mix. Whether or a not a Corvette is OBD1 or 2 should not be that big of a deal in the selection of a nic e car. A trained auto repair technician wil be familiar with both types of codes and can diagnose problems from the codes that are stored in the ECM. OBD2 has more error codes and they are more specific.
There is nothing wrong with buying a earlier OBD 1 car if it's what you like, the price is right, and doesn't need any work when you buy it.
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Brett Foote
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4,284
Likes: 1
From: Whitehall Pa.
Like everyone says buy the latest model you can afford. Of course condition and mileage factor in it. I originally found a 96 I was going to buy but bought another house and couldn't justify the 96. But right after we got the house I found my 84 that was in great condition with a good price. While she is not a 96 she is still my baby.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,477
Likes: 10
From: Aurora OR
I love my '95. As was said, the newer the c4 the better. Ran into a guy just bought a '84 with 97,000 miles single owner. At auction in Lincoln City, Or for $4,200, but heard the prior to '86 had lots of problems. Check history closely. Had new auto trans put in at Aamco and then found out the prev was still under warranty. Dumb!!
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: South Brunswick NJ
Get all the info you can. You will fing most, if not all, right here. I followed the advise of buying 'newest model C4 with the price you can afford." This is sound advise. Look, ask questions, take your time. Your Corvette is closer than you think. '84-'96 4's kick ***!
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 301
Likes: 0
From: Seattle / Tacoma area Washington
I own an 87 Coupe. I am thrilled to own her.
But considering how I drive her, mostly fairweather and warm driving.
I wish I would have gotten a convertible. The reason? Taking the Targa top on and off is sort of a pain for me.
But all in all, an 87 Coupe is still a great car. I am currently restoring my interior in mine. I have done the rear carpeting, new dash and removed the breadbox, had the seats resewn and lots of odds and ends.
I still have the front carpeting to do, the console and related stuff to do and doors. But I figure do one thing each month and by March, I should have a fairly decent weekend type car.
My insurance is only 300 for 6 months. Male 53, married, 0 tickets, 2nd car on my policy.
But any Vette of any year is still a Vette
Just buy the one you think is the best for you
Good luck in your search.
But considering how I drive her, mostly fairweather and warm driving.
I wish I would have gotten a convertible. The reason? Taking the Targa top on and off is sort of a pain for me.
But all in all, an 87 Coupe is still a great car. I am currently restoring my interior in mine. I have done the rear carpeting, new dash and removed the breadbox, had the seats resewn and lots of odds and ends.
I still have the front carpeting to do, the console and related stuff to do and doors. But I figure do one thing each month and by March, I should have a fairly decent weekend type car.
My insurance is only 300 for 6 months. Male 53, married, 0 tickets, 2nd car on my policy.
But any Vette of any year is still a Vette
Just buy the one you think is the best for you
Good luck in your search.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,966
Likes: 4
From: Made In America
St. Jude Donor '10-'11
Affirmative on the newest cleanest car you can afford. I respectfully disagree with the thoughts on the lowest mileage car is the best. Not exactly. A cars worst enemy is not being driven. The tires can get dry rot. If the fluids stay in it to long, they go bad. The seals and gaskets in the motor get dry and crack. In no sense am I saying get the highest mileage car but get one that has been driven a fair amount without to much wear on the internals. A 10,000 1992 vette may seem worthy but when the gaskets fall apart, your in for a big investment. Just my thoughts on the matter.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 188
Likes: 1
From: Brookhaven Mississippi
I know there are some that say stay away form early C4s, but if you do find an early C4 with low miles that's been very well taken care of you can probably get a bargain, and the early L98 TPI cars are fairly simple to maintain. You'll want to find one with an excellent interior, good paint, tires, suspension, etc. all in good working order, and you can find them out there if you look. If you just want a fun, quick, sytlish cruiser the cheaper good condition early C4s can be a good way to go. 6K will fetch you a mighty fine example in the current market.
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Odenton MD
Have to agree with most of what has been said. The car improved every year, but you'll typically pay more for newer/nicer. I bought my 88 because it was in good shape and priced right.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,619
Likes: 1
From: Salem Oregon
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
Checked your profile to see where you live, but you havent filled it out yet. I have a 96 CE I am looking to sell if you are interested, coupe, LT1. PM me if you would like more information.
Laura
