Potential newbie
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Potential newbie
I am trying to make a pretty safe purchase for a C4 Corvette. I have rheumatoid arthritis which will limit some things I can do. Is a 91 a pretty safe bet? I was thinking of a C3 but afraid of the non electronic ignition thinking the newer ones will be less work. Also not sure about all I don't know about the opti system. Does the 91 have that?
Thanks in advance.
Curly
Thanks in advance.
Curly
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Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2006
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Thanks, I am looking for something that is pretty reliable with decent miles for its age. I can handle getting in and out with a new knee. Hoping things won't go further south on me. Any other year suggestions would be appreciated. I have a couple of cars here in Arizona in mind.
Thanks again,
Curly
Thanks again,
Curly
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Pennsylvania
1991 C4's are great Corvettes, but the C5 will be alot easier for you to get in and out of with arthrits. Not bashing the C5 here, but many older owners buy C5's for this very reason. Plus many C5's can now be picked up cheaply and getting cheaper every month. Good luck with your Corvette whatever year you get. 
They're fun cars.
They're fun cars.
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From: Wichita Ks
1991 C4's are great Corvettes, but the C5 will be alot easier for you to get in and out of with arthrits. Not bashing the C5 here, but many older owners buy C5's for this very reason. Plus many C5's can now be picked up cheaply and getting cheaper every month. Good luck with your Corvette whatever year you get. They're fun cars.
They're fun cars.
Good luck on your search.
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From: Salt Lake City Utah
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Pass on the C3, very uncomfortable cars to drive and I love the things. C4 will kill your knees climbing out. C5 is a better fit.
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Intermediate
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I just try not to step into/out of a c4. Sit, pivot, and reverse to exit, winging both arms/elbows on the pillars to pull up and get out.
Left knee = 4 surgeries, bad back, arthritis all at 50...I get in/out OK. Stepping in tho is a disaster, just not young/agile/flexible enough any more.
Left knee = 4 surgeries, bad back, arthritis all at 50...I get in/out OK. Stepping in tho is a disaster, just not young/agile/flexible enough any more.
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From: Kingman AZ
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What price range are you looking at? If in the 30s then a C6. 20s for C5s and teens for a nice C4. A C4 convertible is easier to get in and out of with the top down. Sounds like you should avoid the stick shift Vettes.
Now - if price is not a factor then a C6 Z06 is the best performance bang for the buck. Just dose up on the NSAIDS before you start clutching and shifting!
Now - if price is not a factor then a C6 Z06 is the best performance bang for the buck. Just dose up on the NSAIDS before you start clutching and shifting!
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From: Salt Lake City Utah
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What price range are you looking at? If in the 30s then a C6. 20s for C5s and teens for a nice C4. A C4 convertible is easier to get in and out of with the top down. Sounds like you should avoid the stick shift Vettes.
Now - if price is not a factor then a C6 Z06 is the best performance bang for the buck. Just dose up on the NSAIDS before you start clutching and shifting!
Now - if price is not a factor then a C6 Z06 is the best performance bang for the buck. Just dose up on the NSAIDS before you start clutching and shifting!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
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Thanks for all the help. I would say my finances for now are in the C4 price range. I am still able to get in and out pretty well. I am not sure what rattles worse, me on the pills or the car. Are the 90-91 cars maintenance friendly? I can do the routine stuff but the heavy lifting is where things start to get rough. I know with more miles front ends start to go and things such as that. Have found some cars with bad A/C and am not sure what things like that cost to repair. Also, how hard is the weather stripping to replace?
Thanks again.
Curly
Thanks again.
Curly
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From: El Paso Texas
Thanks for all the help. I would say my finances for now are in the C4 price range. I am still able to get in and out pretty well. I am not sure what rattles worse, me on the pills or the car. Are the 90-91 cars maintenance friendly? I can do the routine stuff but the heavy lifting is where things start to get rough. I know with more miles front ends start to go and things such as that. Have found some cars with bad A/C and am not sure what things like that cost to repair. Also, how hard is the weather stripping to replace?
Thanks again.
Curly
Thanks again.
Curly
I've said this a ton of times...if you can do your own wrenching, an old C4 (which is all of them) can be kept running forever for a reasonable sum. If you have to farm it out every time it hiccups (and it WILL hiccup), it can and will bankrupt you.
Labor is close to $100 an hour these days. Something to think about.
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I have a 91 convertable and love it. I have a 20 year old artificial hip and I have to get in and out like a girly man. You may be able to pick up a real nice 90 cheaper which is the same car under the skin as the 91.
Burning Brakes
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From: Crystal Springs MS
After years off perfecting the egress of a C4, I'm having difficulty getting in and out of the Missus' C5...that seat is definitely lower, and you don't have that door sill to brace yourself getting in either...
Thread Starter
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I am looking for that gem of an early model 90-91 car. So far, I can get in and out pretty well of a C3 that a buddy owns. Thanks again for all the help. Need to find a club in Tucson so I can absorb some knowledge from them before I buy.
Curly
Curly
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Check the Phoenix Craigslist ads. There are always a few 90-91 C4s every week. I feel very old when I get in and out of my son's C4. I would check a few out and make sure you can handle it.
For Arizona owners, you can also check out -- http://www.arizonacorvetteenthusiasts.net
For Arizona owners, you can also check out -- http://www.arizonacorvetteenthusiasts.net