Looking for 1st Corvette (C4)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,032
Likes: 204
From: Greenwood Indiana
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
A manual tranny from any year will come with the HD Dana 44 rearend, (except 84s).
95-96 come with 13" frt brakes standard. (optional on other years, J55 option code)
94-96 don't use chips in computer. To make any tuner mods, it can be programmed with the proper equipment.
95-96 come with 13" frt brakes standard. (optional on other years, J55 option code)
94-96 don't use chips in computer. To make any tuner mods, it can be programmed with the proper equipment.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 677
Likes: 39
From: Southern Indiana
Ya gotta take some ribbin here guy and the hint about the profile lets us know where you're from. Sometimes we know of a Vette near your home state/town that you might like to see and we can steer you towards it. We being an EXTREMELY helpful bunch of guys and gals want to know you to make friends. Thanks for joining us. Always feel free to ask questions.
Olcrusty
Olcrusty
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,971
Likes: 9
From: The reason time exists is so everything doesn't happen at once
Take your time and do your homewwork. Thare's a checklist on this forum; print it out and study it well before you start looking. There are a lot of these cars out there. Look for one that's been well maintained and has service records. Set a price level then look at cars above that level in order to get a sense of what you may be giving up to meet you budget.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,971
Likes: 9
From: The reason time exists is so everything doesn't happen at once
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,842
Likes: 285
From: Palmdale CA
Jon,
I just picked up my first Corvette last Saturday from a fellow forum member. My long-time girlfriend was a huge help in the hunt for the "RIGHT" Corvette! Forgive the caps, but the RIGHT car is not the first one you find, nor the second, nor the third, (but it might be...).
Line up all your goals and then go looking. The dealership cars were a disappointment. Check them over very carefully. The one low mileage 96' (65K) I looked at, had numerous things wrong with it. The 'low coolant' light was on, the LTPWS (Low Tire Pressure Warning System) light was continously on (the salesman told me that they got rid of the original wheels???). There was a hole in the carpet on the driver sill where somebody rested their foot continously, the power antenna was real reluctant to go up and worse, when I looked underneath, there was oil dripping from the tranny pan.
OK, so I test drove it. Ran well enough (with all the warning lights previously noted), but getting back, my girlfriend smelled something on her side. She smelled oil, so we popped the hood and sure enough, there was a light vapor of oil coming up from the back of the engine and the firewall area. The salesman said it was a valve cover gasket and he'd fix it. I asked if it could possibly be a head gasket and he said he'd ask his mechanic. He came back with that it couldn't be a head gasket as it would be leaking water too (BS!!!). So I walked away from that one too.
Walking away is good. You don't want to be dumping money into your new purchase right off the bat. Also, know your options. If you're looking for a late C4, make sure you get the power passenger seat. Also does it come with both tops? Selective ride control? Maintenance records? How many owners? I lucked out because I was patient (though I had Corvette fever bad) and what I just picked up is a mint condition 95' with a flawless interior and superbly taken care of by the original owner. I liked that he was an older guy like myself and not some young Hollywood or real estate hotshot who might not have lavished the care on the car that my car's previous owner did (thanks Doug!).
Good luck!!!
I just picked up my first Corvette last Saturday from a fellow forum member. My long-time girlfriend was a huge help in the hunt for the "RIGHT" Corvette! Forgive the caps, but the RIGHT car is not the first one you find, nor the second, nor the third, (but it might be...).
Line up all your goals and then go looking. The dealership cars were a disappointment. Check them over very carefully. The one low mileage 96' (65K) I looked at, had numerous things wrong with it. The 'low coolant' light was on, the LTPWS (Low Tire Pressure Warning System) light was continously on (the salesman told me that they got rid of the original wheels???). There was a hole in the carpet on the driver sill where somebody rested their foot continously, the power antenna was real reluctant to go up and worse, when I looked underneath, there was oil dripping from the tranny pan.
OK, so I test drove it. Ran well enough (with all the warning lights previously noted), but getting back, my girlfriend smelled something on her side. She smelled oil, so we popped the hood and sure enough, there was a light vapor of oil coming up from the back of the engine and the firewall area. The salesman said it was a valve cover gasket and he'd fix it. I asked if it could possibly be a head gasket and he said he'd ask his mechanic. He came back with that it couldn't be a head gasket as it would be leaking water too (BS!!!). So I walked away from that one too.
Walking away is good. You don't want to be dumping money into your new purchase right off the bat. Also, know your options. If you're looking for a late C4, make sure you get the power passenger seat. Also does it come with both tops? Selective ride control? Maintenance records? How many owners? I lucked out because I was patient (though I had Corvette fever bad) and what I just picked up is a mint condition 95' with a flawless interior and superbly taken care of by the original owner. I liked that he was an older guy like myself and not some young Hollywood or real estate hotshot who might not have lavished the care on the car that my car's previous owner did (thanks Doug!).
Good luck!!!
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,093
Likes: 0
From: Spring City Tn
The bottom line is this. In my opinion, if you like the looks of the '85-89 over the later c4's, then I think you will be more than happy with the handling. As far as power, the LT1 starting in '92 had alot more power. But with a few mods, you can take car of that. Anyway, I love the way the tuned port looks vs the lt1. Stay away from the '84s if you can. There were over 80 engineering improvements/changes from the '84 to the '85
Just my .02
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,323
Likes: 142
From: Green Valley Arizona
If you are willing to drive to Tucson, I have two for you to look at:
A '95 Torch Red coupe, 6 sp, grey interior, 125K, no problems whatsoever.
Also have a 96 CE coupe, LT4, (6sp), black interior, only 52k miles, lots of extras.
Send me a PM and we can talk details.
Lanny
A '95 Torch Red coupe, 6 sp, grey interior, 125K, no problems whatsoever.
Also have a 96 CE coupe, LT4, (6sp), black interior, only 52k miles, lots of extras.
Send me a PM and we can talk details.
Lanny
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 677
Likes: 39
From: Southern Indiana
Jon,
I just picked up my first Corvette last Saturday from a fellow forum member. My long-time girlfriend was a huge help in the hunt for the "RIGHT" Corvette! Forgive the caps, but the RIGHT car is not the first one you find, nor the second, nor the third, (but it might be...).
Line up all your goals and then go looking. The dealership cars were a disappointment. Check them over very carefully. The one low mileage 96' (65K) I looked at, had numerous things wrong with it. The 'low coolant' light was on, the LTPWS (Low Tire Pressure Warning System) light was continously on (the salesman told me that they got rid of the original wheels???). There was a hole in the carpet on the driver sill where somebody rested their foot continously, the power antenna was real reluctant to go up and worse, when I looked underneath, there was oil dripping from the tranny pan.
OK, so I test drove it. Ran well enough (with all the warning lights previously noted), but getting back, my girlfriend smelled something on her side. She smelled oil, so we popped the hood and sure enough, there was a light vapor of oil coming up from the back of the engine and the firewall area. The salesman said it was a valve cover gasket and he'd fix it. I asked if it could possibly be a head gasket and he said he'd ask his mechanic. He came back with that it couldn't be a head gasket as it would be leaking water too (BS!!!). So I walked away from that one too.
Walking away is good. You don't want to be dumping money into your new purchase right off the bat. Also, know your options. If you're looking for a late C4, make sure you get the power passenger seat. Also does it come with both tops? Selective ride control? Maintenance records? How many owners? I lucked out because I was patient (though I had Corvette fever bad) and what I just picked up is a mint condition 95' with a flawless interior and superbly taken care of by the original owner. I liked that he was an older guy like myself and not some young Hollywood or real estate hotshot who might not have lavished the care on the car that my car's previous owner did (thanks Doug!).
Good luck!!!
I just picked up my first Corvette last Saturday from a fellow forum member. My long-time girlfriend was a huge help in the hunt for the "RIGHT" Corvette! Forgive the caps, but the RIGHT car is not the first one you find, nor the second, nor the third, (but it might be...).
Line up all your goals and then go looking. The dealership cars were a disappointment. Check them over very carefully. The one low mileage 96' (65K) I looked at, had numerous things wrong with it. The 'low coolant' light was on, the LTPWS (Low Tire Pressure Warning System) light was continously on (the salesman told me that they got rid of the original wheels???). There was a hole in the carpet on the driver sill where somebody rested their foot continously, the power antenna was real reluctant to go up and worse, when I looked underneath, there was oil dripping from the tranny pan.
OK, so I test drove it. Ran well enough (with all the warning lights previously noted), but getting back, my girlfriend smelled something on her side. She smelled oil, so we popped the hood and sure enough, there was a light vapor of oil coming up from the back of the engine and the firewall area. The salesman said it was a valve cover gasket and he'd fix it. I asked if it could possibly be a head gasket and he said he'd ask his mechanic. He came back with that it couldn't be a head gasket as it would be leaking water too (BS!!!). So I walked away from that one too.
Walking away is good. You don't want to be dumping money into your new purchase right off the bat. Also, know your options. If you're looking for a late C4, make sure you get the power passenger seat. Also does it come with both tops? Selective ride control? Maintenance records? How many owners? I lucked out because I was patient (though I had Corvette fever bad) and what I just picked up is a mint condition 95' with a flawless interior and superbly taken care of by the original owner. I liked that he was an older guy like myself and not some young Hollywood or real estate hotshot who might not have lavished the care on the car that my car's previous owner did (thanks Doug!).
Good luck!!!
I would really like an LT1 car if possible... I had a 97 WS6 Trans Am with and LT1/6spd combo and it was a fabulous car... really loved it. Would like to try a Vette this time with one (of course, an LT4 would be nice too!!!)
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 677
Likes: 39
From: Southern Indiana
Just to follow up... I found (and bought) my Vette!
Bought in from a nice retired gentleman who also had a C6 and a Harley and a 57 Chevy Pickup and a boat, etc... IOW... lots of toys. Very nice guy who definitely takes care of his stuff.
Here's the details:
1988 base coupe
69k miles
Red with Saddle cloth interior (don't see many of those, but really nice here in the desert)
L98/Auto
2.59 rear gears
Body color fiberglass targa (a HUGE plus in my book, acrylic is a brain heater out here!)
PW, PL, CC, AC, PM (heated), PDS (base seats)
The previous owner had owned it since 1999 and it is extremely well kept. Has had recent new water pump, new fuel pump, new alternator, newer tires, newer shocks, newer mufflers (stock, dang!), new headliner on targa top, new 4-wheel disc brake job with new front calipers and new rear rotors in Aug of '09.
The only thing I've found on it that doesn't work as it should is that the driver side power lock needs some "owner input" to help it sometimes. Otherwise everything works as it should... including the digital dash (which I must say, I love!)
Oh yeah, and price paid: $6900
The pics I have at the moment aren't so great, but I took some new ones this weekend and will load them up as soon as I have a chance to download them off the camera.
Anyway, thanks for everyone's advice and especially for that checklist... it served me well in going over the car during the 3 different visits I made to the previous owner's house whilst trying to decide and work a good deal.
Bought in from a nice retired gentleman who also had a C6 and a Harley and a 57 Chevy Pickup and a boat, etc... IOW... lots of toys. Very nice guy who definitely takes care of his stuff.
Here's the details:
1988 base coupe
69k miles
Red with Saddle cloth interior (don't see many of those, but really nice here in the desert)
L98/Auto
2.59 rear gears
Body color fiberglass targa (a HUGE plus in my book, acrylic is a brain heater out here!)
PW, PL, CC, AC, PM (heated), PDS (base seats)
The previous owner had owned it since 1999 and it is extremely well kept. Has had recent new water pump, new fuel pump, new alternator, newer tires, newer shocks, newer mufflers (stock, dang!), new headliner on targa top, new 4-wheel disc brake job with new front calipers and new rear rotors in Aug of '09.
The only thing I've found on it that doesn't work as it should is that the driver side power lock needs some "owner input" to help it sometimes. Otherwise everything works as it should... including the digital dash (which I must say, I love!)
Oh yeah, and price paid: $6900
The pics I have at the moment aren't so great, but I took some new ones this weekend and will load them up as soon as I have a chance to download them off the camera.
Anyway, thanks for everyone's advice and especially for that checklist... it served me well in going over the car during the 3 different visits I made to the previous owner's house whilst trying to decide and work a good deal.
Post'em if you got'em. 
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 20,974
Likes: 261
About what
My only advice is set a dollar amount you are willing to spend then find a car with the specs and options that fits those needs.
In the F/z section here you can go from stock to a completely modified 500+ c4 for only 13K. Your problem isn't which c4 it is how much do you want to blow on one.
But I see you made your decision. good on gas I suppose.
1988 base coupe
69k miles
Red with Saddle cloth interior (don't see many of those, but really nice here in the desert)
L98/Auto
2.59 rear gears
Body color fiberglass targa (a HUGE plus in my book, acrylic is a brain heater out here!)
PW, PL, CC, AC, PM (heated), PDS (base seats)
My only advice is set a dollar amount you are willing to spend then find a car with the specs and options that fits those needs.
In the F/z section here you can go from stock to a completely modified 500+ c4 for only 13K. Your problem isn't which c4 it is how much do you want to blow on one.
But I see you made your decision. good on gas I suppose.
1988 base coupe
69k miles
Red with Saddle cloth interior (don't see many of those, but really nice here in the desert)
L98/Auto
2.59 rear gears
Body color fiberglass targa (a HUGE plus in my book, acrylic is a brain heater out here!)
PW, PL, CC, AC, PM (heated), PDS (base seats)
Last edited by pologreen1; Feb 1, 2010 at 11:38 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,842
Likes: 285
From: Palmdale CA
Congratulations Jon on your purchase! Ya did the homework and found a nice car, that was well taken care of and it's red! 
here's to enjoying your new ride, and do you Jon, take this Vette, to love and to cherish? We know the Vette's answer 
!
here's to enjoying your new ride, and do you Jon, take this Vette, to love and to cherish? We know the Vette's answer !
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 677
Likes: 39
From: Southern Indiana
Hahaha... yes, to love and to cherish until death do us part-out!
Thanks everyone... I've already put almost 500 miles on it just getting a feel for it... really nice car! Everyone I've shown it to is amazed at it's condition... when I first showed it to my dad (who wouldn't know a C4 from a C5/C6) he asked me, "Is it new?" (meaning brand new!). Well, it's proabably a stretch to say it looks brand new, but dang it is well-kept that is for sure.
It tried to get it for $6000, but the PO said no dice... said he'd take $7000 (was aksing only $7500). I countered with $6500... he declined said $7000 was firm. I told him (which is true BTW) that I told my wife I'd get it for less than $7000 and he said, "Okay, fine: $6900!" SOLD!!!
Will try to get pics up tonight!
Thanks everyone... I've already put almost 500 miles on it just getting a feel for it... really nice car! Everyone I've shown it to is amazed at it's condition... when I first showed it to my dad (who wouldn't know a C4 from a C5/C6) he asked me, "Is it new?" (meaning brand new!). Well, it's proabably a stretch to say it looks brand new, but dang it is well-kept that is for sure.
It tried to get it for $6000, but the PO said no dice... said he'd take $7000 (was aksing only $7500). I countered with $6500... he declined said $7000 was firm. I told him (which is true BTW) that I told my wife I'd get it for less than $7000 and he said, "Okay, fine: $6900!" SOLD!!!
Will try to get pics up tonight!
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: La Verne California
Lots of good advice here. I would go '92 and up. I got a '94 vert last summer. I am in So Cal and had a member in Tulsa, where the car was, evaluate it for me. I was in great shape (paint and interior in near new condition) with 90k miles. I love it. Have been doing small projects to bring it up to snuff.