I'm interested in purchasing a C4-Auto-Purple-Titanium Interior-Low Miles say Less than 80k. What year should I look at? Will I end of spending alot on getting her up to speed? What questions should I ask? The purpose of car is daily driver, maybe take trip or something. The wife likes purple and she has always wanted one. I do own a C6-06 that I show and compete with. I know there maybe some questions that are the same for both generations but I know it's a different car. I would like to make the right decision. Can any of you guys give me some suggestions. Thanks for any help.


TIM$VETT

 

The fact that it is claimed to be "titanium" interior, when that was never an interior color choice, leads me to suspect you're shopping at a dealer trying to make his inventory sound more exciting.

Most C4 issues are no different than any 15-25 year old car. They can be serious money pits if you're starting with a rough example. Cosmetics (paint, interior, etc) are very expensive on these cars. Drivetrain, suspension, brakes, cooling, etc less so,but still a lot of maintenance to consider since many owners neglect these issues until something breaks.

 

If I where to do it again I would go for a 96 with low miles...

 

95-96

Black Interiors

Dark Red Metallic or Silver

The LT4 engine on the 96s are all manual transmission.

 

Last April I bought this 1992 with 49000 miles on it for $ 8300. It is called Black Rose Metallic. This color was used in 1992, 93 and 94. In 95 and 96 the color Dark Purple Metallic is actually a little lighter than Black Rose. I believe the interior choices would be black or gray.
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I think a 1996 would be a good ride for the right price, if you found a pristine example, low miles, clean, unmolested leather, 6-or auto, your choice, unless a CE or grandsport.., I think for a C4, the 1996 is the ultimate for the money, but, 92-96 lt-1 and lt-4 are great.
Some Checks while you are reviewing:
A good opti ! have that checked out 1st thing, a good radiator, hoses, t-stat, most important on the reverse cooling system, take note of any aftermarket looking or home patched wiring, that is suspect, a full working gauge package in the dash both digi side and analog, a smooth, non-skipping idle, all these lil things, if not present, can become bears, does the ASR work correctly, on / off..if it has adjustable suspension, is it in good condition, no leaking shocks, is the car sitting at a level right height, fore and aft, springs tend to sag, probably not so much on a 1996, but see if there is any camber in the traverse springs front and rear. does the engine bay look like trash or is this prior owner a diligent vette enthusiast, who occasionally q-tips out the nasty crud, or is it a sludge festival? Under the car, general look see, any dripping, noticible oil leaks, check rear of block, at the top of the intake manifold, for oil leaks there, check water pump for evidence of leaking, remember on lt-1/4 if the wp leaks, it leaks on your Opti distributor!,
listen for exhaust manifold leaks, check from right side of car, into the small access hole in the radiator support shroud, is there the sherwood forrest between the face of your radiator, and the condensor for the AC? the C4 Vacuums up every light thing it runs over..and deposits here..it has to be as clear and clean a possible. Headlight motors,
function correctly, all exterior lights, etc. is oil, and trans fluid rather clean looking,
and the transmission oil does not have a burnt odor, if an auto?
Is the air filter box sealed well? power steering fluid, and power steering lines, very important to see that they are NOT leaking, they are a SOB to get at..because of the time it takes to get things out of the way. check carefully for PS leaks, especially the high pressure side. and of course, do the entire set of window gaskets work, to close the windows, rear hatch and keep them sealed from wind, and water..very important also, you will be surprised what a few peices of rubber costs!!

there are many more, but these majors should give you some negotiation space to talk to prior owner about, before you decide to buy..

I own two C4s, and I love em both...I bought em cheap, and brought them back to new condition, I think you will enjoy em too..Good Luck, Best, Derek.