Possibly Looking @ C4
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 341
Likes: 4
Possibly Looking @ C4
So, I need to get into a cheaper ride; and while I want to sacrifice my payments/power, I still want to have a fun, cheaper ride. Looking into getting a C4. What years should I look into getting the most? Found a variety of 89-95s, both auto and manuals with <60k miles (so you would assume excellent shape?). Should I choose a couple years and the auto/manual more in certain years than others? Here are some prospects:
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/3155582033.html
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/3205148093.html
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/3221212373.html
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/3154319750.html
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/3211009134.html
Also, what should I be looking at price range-wise on these years? I am only going to keep the car a couple of years max while I shave off some other debt, so maintenance required in the next 25-30k miles would be helpful as well.
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/3155582033.html
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/3205148093.html
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/3221212373.html
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/3154319750.html
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/3211009134.html
Also, what should I be looking at price range-wise on these years? I am only going to keep the car a couple of years max while I shave off some other debt, so maintenance required in the next 25-30k miles would be helpful as well.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,181
Likes: 286
From: Puyallup Washington
My opinion. The 95 coupe could be a decent buy. The 91 conv. may be OK. The other 3 are overpriced.
I bought my 1992 coupe with 49 K miles on it in April of 2011 for $ 8300. I drove it home to the Seattle area from Phoenix with no problems.
If you are looking for a little more performance stay in the 1992 - 1996 years. In 1992 the LT1 engine came out with 300 HP, up from the 1991 with 250 HP. The 1994 has a few inprovements over the earlier LT 1 cars, such as the vented optispark. Nice, but not a major consideration. Newest is always better, if other considerations are the same, such as mileage, condition, etc. Auto or manual is your decision. No problems in any of the years I am aware of.
In 1996 all automatic cars had the LT 1 engine. All manual cars had the LT4 with 330 HP. The LT4 cars tend to cost a little more.
<p>
I bought my 1992 coupe with 49 K miles on it in April of 2011 for $ 8300. I drove it home to the Seattle area from Phoenix with no problems.
If you are looking for a little more performance stay in the 1992 - 1996 years. In 1992 the LT1 engine came out with 300 HP, up from the 1991 with 250 HP. The 1994 has a few inprovements over the earlier LT 1 cars, such as the vented optispark. Nice, but not a major consideration. Newest is always better, if other considerations are the same, such as mileage, condition, etc. Auto or manual is your decision. No problems in any of the years I am aware of.
In 1996 all automatic cars had the LT 1 engine. All manual cars had the LT4 with 330 HP. The LT4 cars tend to cost a little more.
<p>
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,475
Likes: 270
From: Kingman AZ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Cruise-In VIII
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
I agree about the 95. Most squeaks, rattles and quality control problems were engineered out by then and the weatherstripping was better.
Please do yourself a favor and find someone in the local Corvette club who has owned one of these and ask them to go along with you to look at it.
It is very easy to buy a shiny turd if you don't know what to look for.
I also think a C4 is not the car to use as a daily driver and you might want to get into a 1997 or later Corvette if you are going to use it as a reliable grocery getter and go-to-work ride.
May the odds be ever in your favor!
Please do yourself a favor and find someone in the local Corvette club who has owned one of these and ask them to go along with you to look at it.
It is very easy to buy a shiny turd if you don't know what to look for.
I also think a C4 is not the car to use as a daily driver and you might want to get into a 1997 or later Corvette if you are going to use it as a reliable grocery getter and go-to-work ride.
May the odds be ever in your favor!
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Playa del Carmen Old Mexico
I've had two '93 C4's for a few weeks, and I recommend getting into one ASAP!
I sold one this morning... I really didn't need two, and for me the decision was easy since one had a T top and the other is a convertible.
Drive it like you stole it with the roof down!
I sold one this morning... I really didn't need two, and for me the decision was easy since one had a T top and the other is a convertible.
Drive it like you stole it with the roof down!
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Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,062
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Id buy the best maintained one of the bunch.
And one bone stock that hasnt been hack repaired by Bubba.
These are decent when sorted out but certainly not maintenance free they have thier demons.
And one bone stock that hasnt been hack repaired by Bubba.
These are decent when sorted out but certainly not maintenance free they have thier demons.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,672
Likes: 8
From: Sumter South Carolina
Agreed, manuals are the way to go. Feel faster, run through those gears and have fun, i love my 89. Parts are abundant and cheap. All early third gen camaros use our engines tuned down.
Low miles on a 20 year old car dont mean quite the same thing. Depends on where the miles came from and more importantly what climate the car has been in. A car that has been living its life in florida or maine under a car cover wont be the same as a car in a climate controlled garage. Even though they may be similar in outward appearence. Ive owned 3 and having connectors break from living outside is a huge problem and headache.
If you dont work on your own stuff, i think you would be happier in another car, not a c4.... its rewarding but a lot of work to keep them running awesome.
Low miles on a 20 year old car dont mean quite the same thing. Depends on where the miles came from and more importantly what climate the car has been in. A car that has been living its life in florida or maine under a car cover wont be the same as a car in a climate controlled garage. Even though they may be similar in outward appearence. Ive owned 3 and having connectors break from living outside is a huge problem and headache.
If you dont work on your own stuff, i think you would be happier in another car, not a c4.... its rewarding but a lot of work to keep them running awesome.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,672
Likes: 8
From: Sumter South Carolina
Also, expand your search. Through u ship ive shipped 4 cars all around 500 bucks. My 89 i got from new orleanes to south carolina for 500. All the guys have always been nice and easy to work with. And 500 is a small price to pay for the perfect car and the perfect price.
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 399
Likes: 4
From: Suffield CT
My 2 cents....TO: OP
I have a 96 Imp SS diff cam,heads,water pump, but same LT1
if getting a C4 i would want a 96 but a MT so i guess that means no LT1 but a LT4 if above post are accurate...?
20mpg is nice in a 96 V8 vette is better i think since it's lighter than a B-body...
Enjoy the hunt !
-ALF out...
I have a 96 Imp SS diff cam,heads,water pump, but same LT1
if getting a C4 i would want a 96 but a MT so i guess that means no LT1 but a LT4 if above post are accurate...?
20mpg is nice in a 96 V8 vette is better i think since it's lighter than a B-body...
Enjoy the hunt !
-ALF out...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,605
Likes: 202
From: Trinity FL
I love my 6 speed and wouldn't change my decision but sometimes it can be a PITA for a daily driver in traffic. The fun factor is way higher though and that is more important to me as driving is as much of a hobby as it is transportation. If you plan on only keeping it for a little while why even go with a Vette?
