nathanours

Hey everyone, sorry if this has been discussed before. I didn't find anything after a brief search.

My question is, how long does a C4 generation Corvette usually last? Assuming it is taken care of well, how many miles/years can it be driven before major components break to the point where it isn't worth repairing on average?

I know for 3rd gen Toyota Camrys, it is between 275-300k miles, although by that time the body is usually in pretty bad shape. People say they will be okay for 25-ish years.

I know a lot depends on regular maintenance and the like, but what mileage do people typically get out of these cars? One guy told me after a while, the frame flex makes it so all the fiber glass pieces will no longer line up well.

How many miles have you guys gotten out of your cars?

mustangsmoker

Mines a 84 with 135 thousand n still driving great

PLRX

So far the oldest C4 are only 29 years old.

The ones not taken care of are junked, the ones with a careless driver ended up wrapping a tree or down a cliff.

Regular maintenance is that maintenance and without it any car will not last long.

There are C4 owners with more than 380,000 miles in them.


The pieces don't line from the factory, don't worry about that.

Keystring

They'll last as long as your pocket book or wallet does.

Mine has 236,000 miles and still going strong..

SunCr

Just read the Bulletins, Recalls and what's left of the complaints filed with www.nhtsa.gov when they were new - some didn't do real good out of the Factory and the replacement parts - if you can find them - aren't always so hot either. I'd at least make sure that the Recalls were covered because those parts - Proms on the early years come to mind - aren't available. Otherwise, opening your wallet for a quality repaint, new upholstery and various other items, might mean you're putting more into it than it will ever be worth and none of those things make it as reliable as any mid teen car that you can buy new now. Of course if you want one, there's still plenty to choose from.

Joe C

20 years from now, we'll be asking the same question! C4's in one form or another will be around a lot longer than all of us!

Jon Hekking

It all depends on you and your checking account balance.

FYI, nice avatar

Blue 92

This was taken in 2005. I know he posted a year or two ago and it was still going strong.

nathanours

Very cool. I'd like to keep my 1996 running forever if I can. I was just wondering because a lot of cars, like my friend's older focus, are usually completely done by around 115k miles.

My car has only 87k on the clock right now. I'm hoping to have it still running when I'm 80 if I make it that long (22 now).

Nowhere Man

A SB chevy will run for ever if you keep oil in it. the only things that will prevent you from keeping your car on the road in the future is the available of Corvette only parts for your car that might break or just wear items. your drive line parts are available anywhere its the other small parts

techvette

A better question would be: how long do the original drivetrains last? I.E. engines, transmissions, and differentials?

I realize that is a very subjective question. I would be interested, in particular, to know how long drivetrains have lasted for people who track their cars and daily drive them while meticulously maintaining them.

383vett

My 84 has over 2500 1/4 mile runs and is still going strong. As said, they go for as long as the wallet has green inside.

VetteMed

I daily-drive a '91 ZR-1, with over 200K on the clock. Sure, it takes some upkeep, but in no way does the car feel "worn out".

Blue 92

2500/4 = 625 miles.

It's not even due for it's first oil change.

94LT4

GreyGhost

120,000 on my 1993 and going strong

5abivt

The real answer.

How big is your wallet?



Every single component has a replaceable part/high performance upgrade. Beauty of a car with an aftermarket.

383vett

Don't forget the return road miles.

Sweet 90

Depends on the oil, antifreeze, thermostat, wax and the octane gasoline you use.

PLRX