Need some advice! 89 C-4
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,694
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
Need some advice! 89 C-4
While out looking to buy a new Duramax Truck today, this 1989 C-4 caught my eye... I have never considered a C-4 and have NO idea what to look for as far as trouble spots.. thinking back a year when I bought my 18k mile 98 C-5, only to discover the computers have all been discontinued by GM and they are NOT being reproduced by anyone yet and the 97-2000 can't be rebuilt, has me somewhat worried.. Is there such an issue with the C-4's? Are there any real drastic issues to review before buying this car? It surely will look great between my 79 and 98..
Backing up, it's a one owner 55k mile Vette. New tires. Perfect interior, along with a very nice exterior that shows it's been garaged.. Under the car is very clean. No leaks.. As per the dealer, the original owner passed away and the family traded it in.. It was priced @ $12,995, but I was told it could be had for under $10k.. I was hoping they would take a quick $9k CASH if everything checks out.. I have yet to drive it since I was afraid it would be in my garage already.. I felt I needed to come to the forum and ask for some HELP before I make a $9k mistake...
Thanks in advance!
Backing up, it's a one owner 55k mile Vette. New tires. Perfect interior, along with a very nice exterior that shows it's been garaged.. Under the car is very clean. No leaks.. As per the dealer, the original owner passed away and the family traded it in.. It was priced @ $12,995, but I was told it could be had for under $10k.. I was hoping they would take a quick $9k CASH if everything checks out.. I have yet to drive it since I was afraid it would be in my garage already.. I felt I needed to come to the forum and ask for some HELP before I make a $9k mistake...
Thanks in advance!
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,328
Likes: 15
From: Jacksonville FL
Looks pretty nice. As all 23 year old cars it will have issues with some parts availability that can be year specific. Not really sure about the 89 but my 85 has a bunch of things like this, brake master cylinder and ECM come to mind. Most issues were settled by '89 but the C4 was ever evolving during its 12 year run.
A well maintained car will have less issues and your 55K mile car is a good balance of garage queen vs. driven and enjoyed. Very low mileage cars can have issues with not keeping everything lubed and generally all rubber items deteriorate over time. Original tires are a big deal and can catastrophically go away at the worst times. The belt and hoses need to be looked at closely. Average things for any older model car.
Good luck with it, the C4 is a leap forward from the C3 and behind the C5 in many categories as well. The C4 will offer more seat of the pants road experience kin to the older models. The C5s and 6's offer more tech and better creature comforts.
Luke, come over to the dark side!!
A well maintained car will have less issues and your 55K mile car is a good balance of garage queen vs. driven and enjoyed. Very low mileage cars can have issues with not keeping everything lubed and generally all rubber items deteriorate over time. Original tires are a big deal and can catastrophically go away at the worst times. The belt and hoses need to be looked at closely. Average things for any older model car.
Good luck with it, the C4 is a leap forward from the C3 and behind the C5 in many categories as well. The C4 will offer more seat of the pants road experience kin to the older models. The C5s and 6's offer more tech and better creature comforts.
Luke, come over to the dark side!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
I've posted about it many times, but the '89 had/has issues with head gaskets (as does the '90, though seemingly not as extensive). GM addressed it in a Service Bulletin, redesigning the heads which only made it into the '91 (and all current production ZZ4 longblocks), though that original Bulletin is now edited so reading it now makes you think "sowhat". These problems were popping up close to the end of the warranty and I'd guess more than one was denied since I found several lawsuits against GM about the issue. I wouldn't buy an '89 without a compression or leakdown test, particularly if it's got less than 50,000 miles. Also, on engines where the problem went on for any length of time, the weepage can groove the deck of the block which means a new engine, though many just replace the head gaskets; unfortunately, time and time again. There's at least one post in Tech right now concerning an '89 with a blown head gasket. It's how I found this place over 10 years ago and it's a reoccurring problem. So no matter how nice it may look, there may be something more sinister underneath.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,694
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
The info so far given is fantastic and has me somewhat wondering about taking the car or passing for a newer C-4.. There seems to be quite a few popping up these days.. Sadly, I can see the early C-5's being a bargain really soon with the computer issues and lack of replacements.. Bummer is, my C-5, a very low mile car, falls into the no parts available category. I bought my 98 planning to do long cruises with the wife once she retires. After my first encounter with the "Pull Key, Wait 10 seconds" 2mph fuel cutoff that really has NO fix through any GM dealership, made me feel like I'll be stuck somewhere on I-40 (Route 66) at the worst possible moment. I actually had a failure in the local Chevy Dealerships service isle and they had NO idea what to do next..
Thanks again for the comments so far.. I'm not planning to do a yes or no on the 89 until Monday afternoon so keep the ideas coming!
Thank you all here at the forum!
Thanks again for the comments so far.. I'm not planning to do a yes or no on the 89 until Monday afternoon so keep the ideas coming!
Thank you all here at the forum!
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 66,235
Likes: 86
From: Santa Cruz CA
St. Jude Donor '15
If the car checks out with no significant issues, go ahead and get it. Many of these '89 Vettes can be had for around $5K but usually have over 100k miles and show lots of wear and have various problems.
This one sounds like a "jump in and drive it" example
This one sounds like a "jump in and drive it" example
Racer
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 349
Likes: 1
From: Clayton CA
I just returned from having my 89 Smog checked. It has passed every smog in the last 20 yrs I have owned it. It has over 100k mi. and the only problems have been plug wires and the auto trans. Its a convert. with both tops and original paint and interior. The paint and interior show the age and miles. It was my first c4 and I would buy it again.
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,694
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
I'm still pondering on this purchase... I've been reading up on the Tech section which has been very informative.. Coming from the C-5 group, most guys there hate the C-4.. To me, it's a Vette! What is there to hate! So far, I'm 75% in favor of making the buy.. Thanks for the input so far.. Please keep any suggestions coming... Thanks again!
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,691
Likes: 71
From: Phoenix Arizona
$9000 is a lot of money for that car (unless you specifically want a red 89). Once the lust dies down, it's not going to be pretty. But then again, you would lose the same amount of money on a new Duramax when you drive it off the lot. You'd probably better stick with the Duramax.
Last edited by zr1fred; Sep 16, 2011 at 09:08 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 3
From: Granada Hills CA
I think it looks like a great choice for that price. I can't drive my '89 enough. How much time could you possibly have to be able to drive 3 great vettes and a truck? Buy this and the other 2 will spend a lot more time parked! Yes, things can go wrong, enjoy it!
Last edited by bangbgC6; Sep 16, 2011 at 07:29 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 139
Likes: 10
From: Franklin kentucky
About a year and a half ago, through no fault of my own,I was forced to sell my '03 50th. anniv.coupe and take a plain jane '89 coupe in on trade. After feeling sorry for myself for a couple of months,I started to really enjoy the '89. They are what Corvettes are suppose to be.
The C5's are way too plush. I would guess the C6's are also.
Speedracer2
The C5's are way too plush. I would guess the C6's are also.
Speedracer2
Last edited by speedracer2; Sep 16, 2011 at 04:36 PM. Reason: spelling
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,425
Likes: 229
From: Pennsylvania
[/QUOTE]Look at it this way. If this car was priced at $5000.00, you would be asking yourself,.........OK, what's wrong with it? And rightfully so! With the higher price tag this car has, it's great looks, description and very low miles it would be a very good choice. You will probably be able to get it for around $10,500 to $11,500 from the dealer. As I always reply to threads like this one, don't pay too much attention to the members here who chime in with comments stating it's nothing special or it should go for about $5000.00. Those guys deal in mostly "beater cars" and don't know the difference with better cars.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,920
Likes: 6,178
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
I'm still pondering on this purchase... I've been reading up on the Tech section which has been very informative.. Coming from the C-5 group, most guys there hate the C-4.. To me, it's a Vette! What is there to hate! So far, I'm 75% in favor of making the buy.. Thanks for the input so far.. Please keep any suggestions coming... Thanks again!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 1
From: MidOhio
Not too much to worry about the ECM. The original ECM is used in several other gm vehicles. The original ECM, 1227165, had 2 later replacements: 16198259,445 & 88999194,201. I don't remember what the 445 or 201 stands for at the moment but the 889... was in my '89 when I bought it; reman, doesn't have the 201 on the label. For the last 2 years I've had an original unit out of an S10/15 in mine to save the 889... (supposed to be heavier duty output transistors). Got in a local yard for $15. It works fine, even with the (since modified) Hypertech chip that came with the car. I've sent a pic of the list of replacements the guy at the j-yard got off his computer to you by private message (never got around to learning how to post pics).
Cheers
Tony
Cheers
Tony
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 49
Likes: 1
I like this thread and it has good points on both sides. I'm new to the Vette and the C4 is what I'm looking to get into.
I have found prices from 3000.00-15,000.00. The last few I have looked at were 89-96 C4s and those have been in the range of 5-7000. These cars are not beaters.
I think if you look around you can find a nice low mile Vette like what your looking at for a few grand under.
If all goes right in a few weeks I will be driving my first Vette and a C4. I just sold my R/T and just noticed DMV has a typo on my title they took a 3 and made it an 8...........Waiting on DMV now.
Good luck on what ever you do and be sure to get in some driving time.
I have found prices from 3000.00-15,000.00. The last few I have looked at were 89-96 C4s and those have been in the range of 5-7000. These cars are not beaters.
I think if you look around you can find a nice low mile Vette like what your looking at for a few grand under.
If all goes right in a few weeks I will be driving my first Vette and a C4. I just sold my R/T and just noticed DMV has a typo on my title they took a 3 and made it an 8...........Waiting on DMV now.
Good luck on what ever you do and be sure to get in some driving time.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 6,470
Likes: 2
From: levittown pa. usa Even a bad day with my `Vette, is better than a good day at work
St. Jude Donor '10
Racer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 251
Likes: 3
From: Corona California
For 9k, I'd say it's a pretty good buy for the condition you've stated and the mileage. It's not a bargain or anything, but it's not really over priced.
I love all C4's, personally I have a 93 LT1. If you don't care about the engines than by all means buy the car. The later C4's come with an LT1 and LT4. More horsepower, and a good one can be had for maybe around the same price.
I doubt you'd care much about power though when you already have a C5.
Bottom line, if you really want the car, get it. If not, there are plenty of good condition C4's that can be had for 9K.
Just incase you do make the buy, don't let the dealers make it seem like the car is worth more than it really is. Walk away if that happens.
I love all C4's, personally I have a 93 LT1. If you don't care about the engines than by all means buy the car. The later C4's come with an LT1 and LT4. More horsepower, and a good one can be had for maybe around the same price.
I doubt you'd care much about power though when you already have a C5.
Bottom line, if you really want the car, get it. If not, there are plenty of good condition C4's that can be had for 9K.
Just incase you do make the buy, don't let the dealers make it seem like the car is worth more than it really is. Walk away if that happens.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,072
Likes: 109
From: Longmont Co
The info so far given is fantastic and has me somewhat wondering about taking the car or passing for a newer C-4.. There seems to be quite a few popping up these days.. Sadly, I can see the early C-5's being a bargain really soon with the computer issues and lack of replacements.. Bummer is, my C-5, a very low mile car, falls into the no parts available category. I bought my 98 planning to do long cruises with the wife once she retires. After my first encounter with the "Pull Key, Wait 10 seconds" 2mph fuel cutoff that really has NO fix through any GM dealership, made me feel like I'll be stuck somewhere on I-40 (Route 66) at the worst possible moment. I actually had a failure in the local Chevy Dealerships service isle and they had NO idea what to do next..
Thanks again for the comments so far.. I'm not planning to do a yes or no on the 89 until Monday afternoon so keep the ideas coming!
Thank you all here at the forum!
Thanks again for the comments so far.. I'm not planning to do a yes or no on the 89 until Monday afternoon so keep the ideas coming!
Thank you all here at the forum!
As for the 89, it looks pretty good, and C4s are a great bargain. Get it checked out by a good mechanic, of course.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,062
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Buy one for 5k youll put 4k into it to get it into the condition of the red one whats the difference pay now or pay later.
They have their issues just like every gen Vette out there and some parts are discontinued. Like your C5 gotta hit the parts section.
Just part of owning an old car.
They have their issues just like every gen Vette out there and some parts are discontinued. Like your C5 gotta hit the parts section.
Just part of owning an old car.