I hope I don't ruffle too many feathers by posting this in 3 different forums, just wanted to get opinions from each era.

Doing some research on a possible Corvette purchase. My budget (under $20K) will allow a C3 ('74 and later, roughly), C4, and earlier C5s.

Going strickly on looks, the C3 is the winner hands down (for me). That being said, are the C4s and C5s such "better" cars that I shouldn't even consider a C3 (plus, being an older car things are more prone to be worn out or needing repair)?

Storage is important to me, nothing too much, maybe a couple small suitcases and small cooler for a weekend get-away for two. If I can convince the "boss" that a Corvette can be practical too, things will be much easier .

Anyway, I appreciate any opinions.

 

It is a buyers market now. The consensus here when the question was asked is, buy the newest with the least mileage. IMHO since I don't like C5s (Big Butt) The newest C4 is they way to go. The C3s are so underpowered it would take $$$$ just to compare to a mid C4.

 

Go drive or ride in all three generations. They are all very different.
You may not like any of them, I like them all

 

They are all going to kickle and dime you. Just buy the best car that you can for the money. You can get an awefully nice car for your budget. If you can do your own work, you are one step ahead of most people.

The C4 is the best driving example, IMO. They are for driving anywhere. A C3 is not as comfortable, IMO. I've had several of each generation. I'd do the C4 and buy a 96 6 speed conv or a nice early C5.

 

$20K buys a lot of C3 right now, you can easily pick up a nice chrome bumper car for that. If you're looking to get a car that will hold it's value, buy a C3. If you need to use it, buy a C5.

 

C3: Chrome Bumpers

C4: Buy a late C4

C5: Buy 2000 and newer

 

c3 = 68-72
c4= 90-95 ZR1 (95) 96GrandSport
c5= early Z06

 

Storage for those items=C5

 

Had a C3, fun car but lacked power and comfort. Have a C4 and a C5 now. The C4 is a fun car for sure but the C5 has great power with some bolt on mods, is very comfortable on long trips and holds a lot of suitcases (gone northern Pa to Miami several times with it). My preference, if I have to choose, is the C5. But I also like the C4 very much. Tuff choice for sure.

 

Buy a C5

 

As a C4 die-hard I must Buy the newest lowest mileage your budget will allow.

 

For $20k budget?? I'd buy a fixer and use the extra dough to go through the car.

My opinion is that the C4s are at the service window with..........with everything.

I can't speak for the C3s or the C5s, but the C4s all suffer from the same weaknesses, Even if you find a low mileage garage queen like I did, once you press it back into service, things start going south quickly.

I use mine for work and I write off ~300 miles per week when it is....."running" (I don't mean to sound crass, but sometimes the thing needs attention....major attention) The car is great fun....and seeing clients...it sure takes the duldrums out of all those miles. When you get $.55 cents per mile....even with gas at $4....that car pays me every week. It is a hell of a machine for what I paid for it.

My advice if you choose a C4, get one that is like mine...already gone through...."correctly"......or one that is really cheap (~$2k) and use the rest of the money to freshen up all the major components. Things that we all experience

brake M/C
Wheel bearings
Half shafts
Headlight motor repair
Clutch
clutch hydraulics
D36
tranny
Waterpump/cooling system
heater Core
Digital Dash
suspension bushings are all gone
shocks
Bose Stereo is crackly
A/C is leaky
exhaust is rusty

Shall I continue?

 

forget about storage in a C4 vert... C5 will have a nice storage area more confort and will do +/30mpg easy on highway

 

Basen your criteria:

- Some storage for trips
- Under $20K
- loves the C3 looks
- curious about why the C4/C5 would be "better"

Some thought:

1. If storage is important, then every C3 until 1978 will be inadequate. The fastback styling of the 78-82 is helpful for baggage. The 82 (Collector's edition) even has a hatch. All the C4 and C5 coupe will be fine for storage with the convertibles being less so - naturally.
2. Don't know how far under $20K you wish to go, but that would allow you to purchase decent small block chrome bumber C3s (although forget big blocks at that price level). You can buy most C4s - even the high mileage early ZR-1s would not be out of reach. You also can purchase most non-Z06 C5s (although not convertibles) or even a very high mileage Z06s. Given that you wish to go on trips with the car, I would definately stay away from high mileage examples. The old adage of newest with the lowest miles would work for you.
3. The C3 may be what you love to look at, but it is a more archaic vehicle to drive and may not be as comfortable on a long trip - and it's not just the seats. Because of the lack of a closed ventalating fuel system on the C3, you may walk away from every trip smelling like gasoline. The same is true for my C2.
4. C3s with their carburetors are not likely to be as reliable as a well running fuel injection system (it's just technological progress). Although an 82 might work for you with the cross-fire system.
5. Performance - consider that the LT4 in the 96 Corvette or any base C5 has more power and acceleration capability than the 71 LS6 - one of the rarest and powerful of the C3s. The ZR-1s or the Z06s then raise the bar another notch. You would find driving the C4 akin to wearing the car. Harder to get in and out of compared with the C5, but you feel more a part of the car when driving it. The C5 seats will not hold you in place during hard cornering like the C4. Yet the C5, mostly due to the better NVH, stiffer chassis, and lighter weight, allows for improved handling.

Good luck with your decision.

 

Not sure about the other models once again, and since this thread has focused in on Storage.

I had 16 Duffel bags in my '84 on Thursday. I couldn't use the rear view mirror, and I had to force the hatch down, but they all fit in there along with the Plastic box I keep brochures and samples in.

One more thing, who was that member that posted a picture of his Track wheels in the rear hatch of his C4?? He'd change his wheel set out once He arrived at the track.

 

I only haul fix aflat in my vette, so space is not why I use the vette.

 

^^Do you not use plugs??

 

Sadly, the #1 reason I wanted and got the C5 was the trunk space. I love my C4 convertible, but traveling sucked because of the lack of storage. It was great otherwise though. Coupe. Different story. The C5 I'm sure will hold more than the C4 coupe, but that back area will hold a lot more than you think. If your preference is a convertible, definitely go with the C5 just for the storage.

Now from a price point, my C4 Vert will leave you with lots of $$$ to ship your luggage when you do take those trips.

 

Depends what you are going to use it for

 

I love them all I have a C4 cp. as far as trunk space goes Well my buddy has a 71 big block when we go to a show I carry all my stuff and half of his If getting a C3 A/C a must! But like all have said get the most car you can PS I bought the C4 6yrs ago Ex. sys and 2 tires is all it cost me since