Basic C4 questions by C5 owner
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Loveland Colorado
Basic C4 questions by C5 owner
A quick question for you C4 experts.
After many years without my old C3 (stolen) I was able to replace it with a 2001 C5. I have always liked the looks of the C4 however and a local owner is selling a 1985 C4 like new. It is great looking two-tone blue. I plan to look at it with serious interest but admit I have little knowledge of the C4 line. I know the 85 went to real fuel injection, better riding suspension over the 84, and improved instrument panel reliability but little else. Was the 85 a good year or would I be better looking at the newer c4s? What are the weaknesses if any for this year? This one has only 39K on the odometer.
Thanks in advance!!! Tom
After many years without my old C3 (stolen) I was able to replace it with a 2001 C5. I have always liked the looks of the C4 however and a local owner is selling a 1985 C4 like new. It is great looking two-tone blue. I plan to look at it with serious interest but admit I have little knowledge of the C4 line. I know the 85 went to real fuel injection, better riding suspension over the 84, and improved instrument panel reliability but little else. Was the 85 a good year or would I be better looking at the newer c4s? What are the weaknesses if any for this year? This one has only 39K on the odometer.
Thanks in advance!!! Tom
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,322
Likes: 248
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Two things come to mind, when I think 85. MAF module and OD. Neither would kill a sale, but the module is a bitch and the OD had been improved by 86, along with having ABS brakes. 87 and up have a roller cam, another good reason to get newer.
My 86 was an impulse purchase. If I were to do it again, I would look at 89+.
My 86 was an impulse purchase. If I were to do it again, I would look at 89+.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,344
Likes: 48
From: San Marcos CA
The newer the better. 95 or 96...even the abs and stability control had been seriously improved by then. I often can tell the difference on my 91 on even these small details. I never realized how good my 95 was until I sold it off.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,236
Likes: 355
From: Albuquerque, NM
Depends on what you want it for. If you're going to drive it daily, you'd probably do well to consider a newer C4 because of all the improvements. But if you plan to drive it only occasionally and keep the mileage low and you like the two tone paint, digital dash, and concave rear bumper, then go for it. Although the later C4s are move driveable, there's nothing wrong with the early ones and in fact, they're starting to come into their own as people start to appreciate the retro 1980s aspects of these cars.
It seems to me like you've got a better driving car in the C5 than any C4, so why not buy this one as a cool occasional driver?
It seems to me like you've got a better driving car in the C5 than any C4, so why not buy this one as a cool occasional driver?
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Loveland Colorado
Great inputs!
A big thanks for all the great inputs. I have learned a little more about the car since my first post. It is an automatic transmission, has cloth sport seats but has some maintenance issues. It leaks a few drops transmission fluid when parked awhile, needs all new tires as current tires are VERY old maybe original!!!!! The power door lock switch is inop on one side and the A/C fan works OK except in High position, stuff like that. These things don't scare me as I could fix them but surprised at the list with only 39k on the odometer. I guess sitting too much could be bad too. This is a two owner car.
Still thinking about it so thanks again for all the inputs!!
Still thinking about it so thanks again for all the inputs!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 878
Likes: 2
From: BC
Unless this car is a real good deal price wise I would definitely look for something newer even if that means more mileage too. I'd personally have a car with more miles that's had all the common stuff replaced than one that's sat around for so much of its life.
89-90+ are the way to go IMO
89-90+ are the way to go IMO
Max G’s
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,751
Likes: 79
From: Monroe OH
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Surpised no other pre 87 Vette owners mentioned was the need to add zinc additive to the oil. No big deal but something that you need to be aware of.
Other than that, get it if you liike it.
Other than that, get it if you liike it.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 34,988
Likes: 515
From: Riverside County Southern California
Co-winner 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C4 of Year
2016 C7 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
You are a C5 owner and I understand you like the C4 stance. If I was you, I would buy a 95 or 96 C4. The newer the C4 the better.
The newest C4s are 16 years old this month.
The newest C4 in the world.
The newest C4s are 16 years old this month.
The newest C4 in the world.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 695
Likes: 55
From: Palm Desert California
I agree right much with all said
Those window regulators are painfully slow. I don't know about Colorado but some of these cars are now eligible for antique tags which is kinda cool. Here in California a car has to be 39 years old to qualify.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 15,056
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From: Holly Springs NC
St. Jude Donor '16-'17,'22,'24
I don't own a C4, but I'm out right now looking for a Vette probably a C5, but maybe a C4. There are two recommendations the mechanics gave me. Watch out for early aluminum heads because they can develop leaking head gaskets and buy a later model with the LT1 enging. If you've got a line on a cherry 85, I wouldn't let the LT1 thing enter the equation if your getting it at a good price and you like it.