Vette Question
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix Arizona
Vette Question
Hello all, this is my first post as I will be buying my first vette this week and decided to join the forum. I need an opinion on pricing. Is $5500.00 a good price for a "pristine" brown 1986 C4 with 95,000 miles on it? Besides the condition of the paint, interior, and engine, Is there anything else that might be hidden I should look for? Any info or opinions will be appreciated. I look forward to sharing info and opinions with all of you in the future.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,139
Likes: 482
From: H-Town Texas
As far as pricing goes, I'd say 5,500 is worth a look see. To get a real idea do some research on AutoTrader or Cars.com in your area as pricing can vary from place to place. E-Bay is another source for general price comparison.
When you look at the car, take it for a good long test drive. Feel the car, how it rides, how it steers. Do some acceleration, and firm braking. Check for pulling, wobbling, clicks and clunks. Test all the electronics. Talk to the owner at length. Ask if they have maintenace records and stuff like that. You should be able to get a feel for how the car was cared for.
When you look at the car, take it for a good long test drive. Feel the car, how it rides, how it steers. Do some acceleration, and firm braking. Check for pulling, wobbling, clicks and clunks. Test all the electronics. Talk to the owner at length. Ask if they have maintenace records and stuff like that. You should be able to get a feel for how the car was cared for.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,230
Likes: 27
From: Athens Ohio
If the car is pristine like you say. I think that is a good price. Brown is not my favorite color but I'm sure a lot of people don't like the color of my 86. It is silver beige metallic
With 95K, if it was take car of, it wouldn't scare me. Mine has 103K and is perfect.
With 95K, if it was take car of, it wouldn't scare me. Mine has 103K and is perfect.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,426
Likes: 229
From: Pennsylvania
Even if the car is just in "good" shape, $5500.00 is a fair price. If it goes for anything much lower, it should be expected to be a work in progress car or a fixer upper. These cars cannot be had for less than $5500.00 and be expected to in excellent or pristine condition. Too many people here say that they can, but when anyone with any Corvette knowledge at all looks at these "prizes", they will soon understand why it is at such a ridiculously low price. Just remember, the lower the selling price, the higher the rebuilding price will be. If you really do like this Vette, by all means buy it as it is what is going to make you happy and that is all that counts. 
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,475
Likes: 270
From: Kingman AZ
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Here is the 87 I used to own. Medium Brown Metallic. It is a very rich and warm color and you will not usually see another when you are out cruising around. I think the color code was U69.
It is important to find out how the previous owner(s) maintained the car. Has it been fanatically maintained or just run through the Jiffy Lube every 5,000 miles or so?
Things that wear out are, water pump, valve seals, intake gasket, throttle body wear, radiator, alternator, rubber and plastic lines, fuel pump, exhaust, O2 sensor, dashboard electronic display, seat bolsters, carpet, weatherstripping, steering wheel covering.
If most or many of these have been repaired/replaced then things are looking good at a good price.
Good luck man!
It is important to find out how the previous owner(s) maintained the car. Has it been fanatically maintained or just run through the Jiffy Lube every 5,000 miles or so?
Things that wear out are, water pump, valve seals, intake gasket, throttle body wear, radiator, alternator, rubber and plastic lines, fuel pump, exhaust, O2 sensor, dashboard electronic display, seat bolsters, carpet, weatherstripping, steering wheel covering.
If most or many of these have been repaired/replaced then things are looking good at a good price.
Good luck man!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 780
Likes: 0
From: New Port Richey Florida
Make sure you tell the seller you want to be able to start the engine when it's stone cold, a lot of these cars have bad valve seals and will smoke out of the tailpipe on first start. when I bought mine the owner always pulled it out of his garage before I got there I didn't think much of it until I got it home and watched it smoke on cold start then the light went on he was warming it up so I didn't notice the smoke. I put a set of valve seals in it and at the same time some roller rockers which I didn't mind at all but you may not want to do that and it pissed me off that the seller was hiding that fact. Just a little heads up from my experience, look it over good don't expect it to be perfect but at least know what your getting into. good luck 
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 105
Likes: 1
From: New Ulm MN
These guys are exactly right! 5 years ago I bought my 86 Z51 with 70K miles on it for $6000.00 thinking I was getting a great deal. I still believe I did. Within 2 years however, I had spent another 6 thousand getting the engine, transmission and interior just the way I thought it should have left the factory. I am not including a repaint in the total either. All of this was not my original plan. It all started with 2 spun bearings in the lower end. At that time I had to make a decision. Either junk it or rebuild the motor. I decided to rebuild the entire motor from the bottom up knowing full well I would be going past the point of no return. I could not be more happy with it now. I will never get $12,000 + for my 86, we all know that, but it is worth every nickel I have invested into it, to me. One day I hope to hand it over to my son who has developed a passion for vettes as well.
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Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix Arizona
Thank all of you for the info. I am on my way to go see it. I have been wanting a vette since I was a kid, now at 43 I have decided to make my dream a reality. I will post some pictures when I get my ride. I am looking forward to being in the Vette frat.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,700
Likes: 3
From: Lebanon KY
I think the price sounds fair if it is in the condition he says it is. Definitely worth a look. Also, just FYI 1986 was the year that GM made the transition to the aluminum heads. The early 86's had iron heads with the perimeter bolt covers, and the later 86's had the first of the aluminum heads and center bolt covers. The aluminum head 86's had a little extra weight savings, and a little higher compression if I remember correctly
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,971
Likes: 9
From: The reason time exists is so everything doesn't happen at once
Not everything on this list is C4 specific, but it should give you a better idea of what to look for:
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/buying.html
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/buying.html
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix Arizona
Thank you guys for all the info. Went to see the one I told you about and it was not pristene. Took it out for a test drive and the car ended up overheating and spewing it's water. It also was making funny noises in second gear and just in general. I did not know what a Vette is supposed to sound like but it didn't seem right. Just about the time I had given up I saw an ad for another 86 and after talking to the guy went to see it. Used all the tips you gave me to check it out and it was also a lot quieter. The inside was even nicer than the last one I saw. Other than a few paint chips and some minor stuff the seller is taking care of, it is a great first Vette for me. Here's the kicker, I got it for $5000 after talking him down from $5500.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/memb...rst-vette.html
Here is my album with the first pictures. Let me know what you think.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/memb...rst-vette.html
Here is my album with the first pictures. Let me know what you think.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix Arizona
More Vette Questions
I also wanted some input from you guys about audio in the car. I was thinking of 6 1/2 sepreates in the doors and two 8 inch subs in the rear speaker holes. Have you found that that works well or should I consider putting 6x9's in the rear and a sub behind the seat The reason I ask is because I don't want to lose the little bit of space I have in the back with a sub box. Any input will be appreciated.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,971
Likes: 9
From: The reason time exists is so everything doesn't happen at once
I also wanted some input from you guys about audio in the car. I was thinking of 6 1/2 sepreates in the doors and two 8 inch subs in the rear speaker holes. Have you found that that works well or should I consider putting 6x9's in the rear and a sub behind the seat The reason I ask is because I don't want to lose the little bit of space I have in the back with a sub box. Any input will be appreciated.
That's definitely a custom paint job. The two tones in 86 had either Gray, Black, Silver or Medium Brown as the bottom color. None were Blue.
Changing the audio is not just a matter of switching speakers; the Bose system in the Corvettes had the amplifiers in each speaker, not in the head unit, so you can't just replace the speakers (unless a previous owner scrapped the Bose and installed somehting else). Check out the audio section for some ideas as to what needs to be done.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix Arizona
Thanks for the info. I should have mentioned that I am ripping out the whole system. I have looked through out the audio threads and not found alot specific to the 1986 model. My main concern is should I use a seperate sub or put them in the rear 6x9 holes? I have always liked fill speakers but don't know if I need it for the vette though it would probably help when I'm with out the top. Also is it very difficult to install 6.5" seperates in the doors? Saw a post where some one said they had to cut the door. Lastly I didn't find anything about putting a 2 din unit in the 1.5 din space. Has anyone done it and is is difficult? I spent hours last night looking to no avail, any links or hints would be appreciated. Once again thanks to all you guys for the help.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 589
Likes: 1
From: PA
Nice looking Corvette. A few details under the hood, like a good wash and some paint here and there you'll get that all looking nice. If you grow tired of the non original (blue) paint, have the bottom under painted white (along with the roof).
Oooo, don't rip the radio and speakers out, just take them out. LOL
Oooo, don't rip the radio and speakers out, just take them out. LOL