Buying a C4 advice..
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Buying a C4 advice..
Hi, I have a C3 that is my absolute love, but I am thinking of adding a C4 or C5 to start a collection 
. I like the "second generation" C4s so I was thinking 95-96. Or a 97-99 C5. Does anyone have any advice as to what to look for in searching for one of these cars. I am thinking a convertiable. Red/Red or White/Red. Like what mileage, what are known concerns, etc. Is matching numbers a concern with these "newer" vettes like is was for my C3? I want to be able to show the car, but I want to be able to drive it when ever, where ever with no concerns. It would not be a daily driver, just for enjoyment and sunshine....thanks for any help..
Chrissi
. I like the "second generation" C4s so I was thinking 95-96. Or a 97-99 C5. Does anyone have any advice as to what to look for in searching for one of these cars. I am thinking a convertiable. Red/Red or White/Red. Like what mileage, what are known concerns, etc. Is matching numbers a concern with these "newer" vettes like is was for my C3? I want to be able to show the car, but I want to be able to drive it when ever, where ever with no concerns. It would not be a daily driver, just for enjoyment and sunshine....thanks for any help..Chrissi
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 15,138
Likes: 283
From: Salt Lake City Utah
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (stock)
I did the same thing, I opted for the C4 as it was a MUCH better value for the money and felt more like a Vette than the C5 did. The C5 feels too soft for me, but it's a nice cruiser.
I love my C3, but driving the C4 is a blast and you can't buy more car for the money.
I love my C3, but driving the C4 is a blast and you can't buy more car for the money.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,776
Likes: 182
From: Rolla Missouri
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
St. Jude Donor '10 thru '25
Since you stated '95 or '96 and a manual transmission, you should give strong consideration to a well maintained 1996 6-Speed.
The 1996 manual transmission cars were all LT4's.
1000 were Grand Sports, but all other manual cars got the same engine.
Since you mentioned showing it and it not being a daily driver, I would make sure you got a very well maintained and excellent condition car.
It will be cheaper to spend a little extra and get an excellent car, than it is to save on the initial purchase and then have to spend $ fixing it up.
I use my '96 just as you describe, and I wouldn't be afraid to drive it cross country.
In fact, I run the Hot Rod Power Tour (Long Haul) every year in it.
The 1996 manual transmission cars were all LT4's.
1000 were Grand Sports, but all other manual cars got the same engine.
Since you mentioned showing it and it not being a daily driver, I would make sure you got a very well maintained and excellent condition car.
It will be cheaper to spend a little extra and get an excellent car, than it is to save on the initial purchase and then have to spend $ fixing it up.
I use my '96 just as you describe, and I wouldn't be afraid to drive it cross country.
In fact, I run the Hot Rod Power Tour (Long Haul) every year in it.
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
I did the same thing, I opted for the C4 as it was a MUCH better value for the money and felt more like a Vette than the C5 did. The C5 feels too soft for me, but it's a nice cruiser.
I love my C3, but driving the C4 is a blast and you can't buy more car for the money.
I love my C3, but driving the C4 is a blast and you can't buy more car for the money.
'96 LT4.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 552
Likes: 1
From: Sacramento Tennessee
I say get what you want be it a C4 or C5. Each year is an improvement on the prior year. Do you like the small cockpits that the C3 has or would you want some extra space around you? Getting in and out of C4 isn't the easiest thing in the world but once inside you truly feel as though your really connected to the car 
If you want it to be more for show than go I say buy that '96 LT5. Regaurdless what it is that you choose you'll just have to buy the other generation later for your collection. Copper
If you want it to be more for show than go I say buy that '96 LT5. Regaurdless what it is that you choose you'll just have to buy the other generation later for your collection. Copper
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 444
Likes: 2
From: Dardenne Prairie Mo
You are in the same boat I was in about four years ago. I have a 1971 coupe that I love but wanted a new C4-C5. I knew I wanted a six speed. I love the Lt-1 models but had heard alot of bad stuff about the opti spark. I finallay decided on a 89 model. First year for the Zf six speeds.
If I did it again I think I would go for a 95 or 96 manual vert.
What ever you decide, I am sure you will love it!
Bob
If I did it again I think I would go for a 95 or 96 manual vert.
What ever you decide, I am sure you will love it!
Bob
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,971
Likes: 9
From: The reason time exists is so everything doesn't happen at once
The usual rule applies, get the newest and best you can afford. Look for maintanence records. There is a checklist on this forum for all Corvettes in general. Matching numbers is usually not a concern as these cars were produced in such large quantities that they will most likely never become collectable in the same sense and the earlier generations. Having said that, most of these cars, particularly the later years will have matching numbers as the engines/ transmissions are very robust.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 34,988
Likes: 515
From: Riverside County Southern California
Co-winner 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C4 of Year
2016 C7 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
If you are looking for a ready to buy and drive Vette, find a 95 or 96 LT4. All 96 manuals are LT4.
95 ZR1s are also manuals.
95 ZR1s are also manuals.
