Hello from Ohio
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Toledo Ohio
Hello from Ohio
I am not a corvette owner yet. That's why I'm here. I'm in need of opinions and answers before I make a purchase. My neighbor has a 1992 corvette that he asked me if I would be interested in buying. It's white on white with removable glass tops. He just put brand new tires on it and it has 54k miles on it. My neighbor is 65 yrs old, he is the second owner of the car. The car mostly just sits in his garage. He drives it very little in the summer months. I don't know enough about theses cars to make an educated purchase. He has offered the car to me for $8k. Is that a good fair price.
1. What should I look for when inspecting the car.
2. Any problems with the 92 C4. Common issues?
3. Should I buy it?
Thank for the advice.
1. What should I look for when inspecting the car.
2. Any problems with the 92 C4. Common issues?
3. Should I buy it?
Thank for the advice.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,850
Likes: 38
From: Cleveland (Ohio City) OH
If you post where in Ohio you live, maybe CF members can suggest a local dealership or service center that can give you an idea about the cars condition.
Just on price (compare the Yahoo's used car listing) he certainly is not gouging you.
Just on price (compare the Yahoo's used car listing) he certainly is not gouging you.
Banned Loser
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: They say you learn from your mistakes, I must be a genius
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St. Jude Donor '14-'15-'16-'17
How is the paint? Weatherstripping around doors, windows, rear hatch? Tires? These items are costly to repair.
Does he have maintenance records?
Pictures would also help.
Does he have maintenance records?
Pictures would also help.
Enjoy while you can.
Joined: May 2008
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From: 10th District Court OHIO
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You might want to post your questions in the C4 section. Welcome aboard.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-g...discussion-34/
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-g...discussion-34/
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Delta B.C. Canada
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If you were already looking for a vette, and this one has become available, then there are some benefits: You know the owner and how it's been looked after, and he can tell you more about the car then a dealer or a stranger. However, it's still a 20 year old car and there will be maintenance items that will come up. If you do your own wrenching, that maintenance is manageable.... but if you need someone else to do all work for you then it's going to get costly.
If you're sure that you want a C4 vette, then this one may be a good choice. There is a LOT of info on the forum that will help you, both now and if you decide to get the car. Play with the 'search' function for a while -- you'll be amazed.
BTW, I love my white/white/white '92.
If you're sure that you want a C4 vette, then this one may be a good choice. There is a LOT of info on the forum that will help you, both now and if you decide to get the car. Play with the 'search' function for a while -- you'll be amazed.
BTW, I love my white/white/white '92.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,351
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From: Delta B.C. Canada
2023 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Oh, and one more thing: do NOT wash the front of the engine. There is a strong likelihood of destroying the optispark distributor which is located under the water pump and very $$ to replace.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Cleveland Ohio
Greetings from Cleveland, west side. In my opinion, 8K + elderly owner + know the guy + new tires and low mileage = a good buy. Actually, in my humble opinion, it's a very good buy.
Regards,
Frank
Regards,
Frank
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From: Montgomery, Alabama
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Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Toledo Ohio
If you do your own wrenching, that maintenance is manageable.... but if you need someone else to do all work for you then it's going to get costly.
If you're sure that you want a C4 vette, then this one may be a good choice. There is a LOT of info on the forum that will help you, both now and if you decide to get the car. Play with the 'search' function for a while -- you'll be amazed.
BTW, I love my white/white/white '92.
If you're sure that you want a C4 vette, then this one may be a good choice. There is a LOT of info on the forum that will help you, both now and if you decide to get the car. Play with the 'search' function for a while -- you'll be amazed.
BTW, I love my white/white/white '92.
I do all my own mechanical and body work. I'm in the process of restoring my 72 Cutlass Supreme Convetible. I'll post a link so you guys can take a look. My brother owns his own auto shop so besides my large tool box, I have access to all his tools.
I'm not sure about a C4 vette, that why I came to this forum. I definitely need some in sight on this model.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Toledo Ohio
I'm thinking it's a good buy too! Looking on CL and other sights, this model is bringing more $$ the the $8k I will pay.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati Ohio
I live in Cincinnati and keep a pretty close eye on C4 prices in this area. If the car is in the condition you say it is, that price is a very good price.
That being said, if it's not exactly what you want in a car, I wouldn't buy the car just because it's a good deal. For example, if it's an automatic and you want a manual, you'll never be completely happy with the car...been there, done that.
Also, pay attention to the condition of the driver side seat. It's common for the leather to wear/tear on the left side from the occupant "rolling" in and out of the car. The seats can be expensive to repair.
That being said, if it's not exactly what you want in a car, I wouldn't buy the car just because it's a good deal. For example, if it's an automatic and you want a manual, you'll never be completely happy with the car...been there, done that.
Also, pay attention to the condition of the driver side seat. It's common for the leather to wear/tear on the left side from the occupant "rolling" in and out of the car. The seats can be expensive to repair.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,328
Likes: 15
From: Jacksonville FL
I usta live in Parma and had a 71 Cutlass vert...........wow if you lived in the South we wud be cuzins.
Sounds like a good deal, with our cars its almost never a little old lady, its the ancient old guy (sorry to all 65 yr old members) who bought the car 20 years ago and drives it in the summer (for you Yankees) on Sunday. Most of them took great care of their mid life crisis/reward car, servicing every 3K miles, washing it when it wasnt dirty, and getting away from the old lady (or taking her with) for a spin.
Heres a great website for tons of prebuy info. If you find the info helpful send member Silverja a PM thanking him for saving the info and putting it on his website
http://www.corvettephotographs.com/c4vettes/index.htm
Go ahead and drive it, you will be hooked. Post up a pic when you buy it
Sounds like a good deal, with our cars its almost never a little old lady, its the ancient old guy (sorry to all 65 yr old members) who bought the car 20 years ago and drives it in the summer (for you Yankees) on Sunday. Most of them took great care of their mid life crisis/reward car, servicing every 3K miles, washing it when it wasnt dirty, and getting away from the old lady (or taking her with) for a spin.
Heres a great website for tons of prebuy info. If you find the info helpful send member Silverja a PM thanking him for saving the info and putting it on his website
http://www.corvettephotographs.com/c4vettes/index.htm
Go ahead and drive it, you will be hooked. Post up a pic when you buy it
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,060
Likes: 214
From: Epping NH
C4's are solid cars in terms of power train and body, so this sounds like a good deal. Most problems with C4's are little things, especially weatherstripping...worst made for any car IMHO!!! Gears in the headlights like to fail, but easily fixable. Window stop guides like to break, but again easily fixable.
I think this is a fair price for the car and has decent mileage meaning it's been driven over the years keeping everything lubricated.
I think this is a fair price for the car and has decent mileage meaning it's been driven over the years keeping everything lubricated.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Toledo Ohio
Here is some pics of my 72 Cutlass Project. Password is rocket.
http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r...lds%20Project/
http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r...lds%20Project/