what was the avg. demographic of the typical c4 buyer?
12-30-2012, 10:47 AM
#1
Race Director
Thread Starter
what was the avg. demographic of the typical c4 buyer?
I just remembered back to when I remember c4's being new.
First off, a c4 was an incredibly expensive car back then. For example, I think the sticker on my loaded 93 6spd vert was $41k. Meanwhile, c5 / 6 base models are just a few thousand more in current pricing (so much for inflation! )
As for the driver:
It was always some old golf-course type guy, driving it real slow so that he could be seen. Though at the same time, windows were up - to get full benefit of A/C. Never ever getting on it, racing anybody or showing anyone what the car could do.
This demographic had some negative influence on the evolution of the c4 over the years also. For example, the 1.0g pulling z51 package was dropped as std equipment after 1984 because there were too many complaints of rough ride (sloshes my soda on the way out to palm springs). Another example would be the change from the tight wrap around fighter jet seats from 84 to 93 to the wide-bottomed chairs of 94 thru 96. Though every person here's preference is different.
I think this also explains why app. 75% (of c4's) were always automatic vs. manual.
On the flip-side, I see people of all ages driving new c6's. Most drive them slow (when I see them), however sometimes I do see them getting on it. Funny that they always want to race me (I decline). Also theres more stickshifts in the c5/6's then there are in the c4 line. (note Im not ******* the automatic - which are typically faster at the dragstrip anyways, just pointing out that the drivers of the newer cars dont mind shifting a gear).
I know there are many members on here that bought their c4 new and still have it (and def. got their smiles worth).
Id like to hear what others thought of the 'demographic' of people buying c4's at the time they were new.
I disapprove of gm designing newer corvettes around being able to fit 'golf bags'. Id rather have something lighter, smaller and faster. However I know that if gm didn't cater to this type of crowd, then there would be no corvette at all.
First off, a c4 was an incredibly expensive car back then. For example, I think the sticker on my loaded 93 6spd vert was $41k. Meanwhile, c5 / 6 base models are just a few thousand more in current pricing (so much for inflation! )
As for the driver:
It was always some old golf-course type guy, driving it real slow so that he could be seen. Though at the same time, windows were up - to get full benefit of A/C. Never ever getting on it, racing anybody or showing anyone what the car could do.
This demographic had some negative influence on the evolution of the c4 over the years also. For example, the 1.0g pulling z51 package was dropped as std equipment after 1984 because there were too many complaints of rough ride (sloshes my soda on the way out to palm springs). Another example would be the change from the tight wrap around fighter jet seats from 84 to 93 to the wide-bottomed chairs of 94 thru 96. Though every person here's preference is different.
I think this also explains why app. 75% (of c4's) were always automatic vs. manual.
On the flip-side, I see people of all ages driving new c6's. Most drive them slow (when I see them), however sometimes I do see them getting on it. Funny that they always want to race me (I decline). Also theres more stickshifts in the c5/6's then there are in the c4 line. (note Im not ******* the automatic - which are typically faster at the dragstrip anyways, just pointing out that the drivers of the newer cars dont mind shifting a gear).
I know there are many members on here that bought their c4 new and still have it (and def. got their smiles worth).
Id like to hear what others thought of the 'demographic' of people buying c4's at the time they were new.
I disapprove of gm designing newer corvettes around being able to fit 'golf bags'. Id rather have something lighter, smaller and faster. However I know that if gm didn't cater to this type of crowd, then there would be no corvette at all.
Last edited by dizwiz24; 12-30-2012 at 10:25 PM. Reason: mis-spelling
12-30-2012, 11:45 AM
#2
Race Director
I don't think the demographic has changed much over the years, I would guess the median age of new vette buyers is close to 50. Utility has always been an issue with younger buyers. The older the used vette, the younger the driver up untill 15 or 20 years, and then the age starts climbing.
12-30-2012, 11:53 AM
#3
The C4's trunk annoys me to no end, since it seems anything other than grocery bags likes to slide up and smack me in the back of my right elbow while driving.
Last edited by Aaron Keating; 12-30-2012 at 01:23 PM.
12-30-2012, 12:16 PM
#5
Race Director
Thread Starter
Or are you saying you are young now and own a c4?
Plenty of young owners of used c4s now.
I'm talking about who bought your c4 when it was brand new.
12-30-2012, 12:50 PM
#6
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I think it's just boils down to the income factor. In the older days guys like my father who were in their prime of their career were the ones who could afford the car when new. My fathers new 89 convertible was near 40k back then when I was in my early 20s. I had a 1986 Mustang GT which had a sticker of 12,800. Fast forward to today and it is still the money issue. A big difference in price. Now I am on my 40s and I could finally afford one which was around 13k when I bought it.
12-30-2012, 01:21 PM
#8
Drifting
I bought a new 93 Ruby when I was 18, thanks to my 91 getting ran the F**K over. My step dad was the director of a 300 bed hospital, with all the doctors kids I went to HS with, I wasn't the only young punk with new Corvettes at my school, but I did have the only 6spds. LOL
12-30-2012, 02:24 PM
#9
Race Director
Thread Starter
I bought a new 93 Ruby when I was 18, thanks to my 91 getting ran the F**K over. My step dad was the director of a 300 bed hospital, with all the doctors kids I went to HS with, I wasn't the only young punk with new Corvettes at my school, but I did have the only 6spds. LOL
12-30-2012, 02:46 PM
#10
Le Mans Master
i'm 31 and have owned 2 Vettes. both used of course. i could afford a new C6 if i didn't have 4 kids, a wife, a house payment of $1381.00 per month, my wife's van payment of $468.00 per month, plus cell phones, utilities, groceries, wife's credit cards, and insurance. i buy used because they are a HUGE bang for the buck I can spend. i just save up and buy what i want. that's not to say that in 10 or 12 or so years that will change. when the van is paid off, the kids are older, and my wife has less credit cards i will probably spring for a new Vette.
as for my current 94, it was bought new by a man on his 50th birthday. not sure how long he owned it. i have his address. i should write him a letter and ask him more about the car. the car looks like it was well cared for at one time but not so much later in life. somewhere along the line someone installed a VBP (sp?) rear spring on the car so i know whoever did so probably wanted better handling. the car was bought with the FX3 adjustable suspension, so i assume the original owner enjoyed taking corners and believe that he may have had it installed.
as for my current 94, it was bought new by a man on his 50th birthday. not sure how long he owned it. i have his address. i should write him a letter and ask him more about the car. the car looks like it was well cared for at one time but not so much later in life. somewhere along the line someone installed a VBP (sp?) rear spring on the car so i know whoever did so probably wanted better handling. the car was bought with the FX3 adjustable suspension, so i assume the original owner enjoyed taking corners and believe that he may have had it installed.
12-30-2012, 04:57 PM
#11
Melting Slicks
My own recall of the C4 demographic jibes with OP. The advertising sales rep for the newspaper that did ads for the car dealership I worked at when I was 21 had a new '89 Coupe. One of my dad's work buddies (cops) leased a new '86, it was my first ride in a Vette. But most of my experience with C4s back in the day was watching silver haired, CFO/Doctor -looking guys drive by.
12-30-2012, 05:13 PM
#12
Drifting
I bought my '90 vert new (number 7) when I was 54. GM was offering a dynamite $10K discount off of an MSRP of about $35K for the base vert with a ZF stick.
My 1st Vette was a new '59 270HP 4 speed that had an MSRP of $4700 and discounted to $4000. I was single, 23 years old and making $130 weekly.
My 1st Vette was a new '59 270HP 4 speed that had an MSRP of $4700 and discounted to $4000. I was single, 23 years old and making $130 weekly.
Last edited by mickey5; 12-30-2012 at 05:38 PM.
12-30-2012, 05:52 PM
#13
Safety Car
At 25 I guess I'm on the young end of Corvette ownership. Bought my 93 at 21.
There are more (% wise) C5/C6's with manuals compared to C4's however, BY far the C5/C6 is predominately auto's.
Also, in 1970 the median age of a Corvette buyer was 26.6. 93% male and 56% single. Otherwords, a young man's car.
Today I'm willing to bet my next paycheck that the median age is well above 50. IHMO, the Corvette is going to A: Price itself too high. B:The demographic buying the Corvette is old, NOT a good thing for image or otherwise. C: The combo of A&B can be argued is killing the car.
Sales stink on ice since 2008 or so. I know the ECONOMY STINKS. Regardless of what President Pinhead and his cronies say. The C7 will tell if the car will survive or not. Sales are going to have to be better than barely (C6) 10K a year. Heck, the C4 NEVER sold that slow and it was LONGER in the tooth in the mid 90's. Just my 2 cents worth.
There are more (% wise) C5/C6's with manuals compared to C4's however, BY far the C5/C6 is predominately auto's.
Also, in 1970 the median age of a Corvette buyer was 26.6. 93% male and 56% single. Otherwords, a young man's car.
Today I'm willing to bet my next paycheck that the median age is well above 50. IHMO, the Corvette is going to A: Price itself too high. B:The demographic buying the Corvette is old, NOT a good thing for image or otherwise. C: The combo of A&B can be argued is killing the car.
Sales stink on ice since 2008 or so. I know the ECONOMY STINKS. Regardless of what President Pinhead and his cronies say. The C7 will tell if the car will survive or not. Sales are going to have to be better than barely (C6) 10K a year. Heck, the C4 NEVER sold that slow and it was LONGER in the tooth in the mid 90's. Just my 2 cents worth.
Last edited by 93Rubie; 12-30-2012 at 05:58 PM.
12-30-2012, 06:39 PM
#14
Melting Slicks
If the car is selling 10k a year that is really a sobering number. There is a lot more competition for your sports car dollar these days.
It does seem that they are trying to create an entry-level Vette- there are more trim/equipment/engine choices than in the past. The base car is, as it has always been, a bargain when compared to other cars with its performance capabilities. The Corvette represents something very unique- it is the true American sportscar- and as such, to lose it would be awful.
It does seem that they are trying to create an entry-level Vette- there are more trim/equipment/engine choices than in the past. The base car is, as it has always been, a bargain when compared to other cars with its performance capabilities. The Corvette represents something very unique- it is the true American sportscar- and as such, to lose it would be awful.
12-30-2012, 08:43 PM
#15
Race Director
Thread Starter
[QUOTE=DinoBob;1582693023]My own recall of the C4 demographic jibes with OP. The advertising sales rep for the newspaper that did ads for the car dealership I worked at when I was 21 had a new '89 Coupe. One of my dad's work buddies (cops) leased a new '86, it was my first ride in a Vette. But most of my experience with C4s back in the day was watching silver haired, CFO/Doctor -looking guys drive by.[/QUOTE
In the 80s, the ceo of goodyear drove a white c4. My parents worked there and pointed him out one time when i had to go to their work
In the 80s, the ceo of goodyear drove a white c4. My parents worked there and pointed him out one time when i had to go to their work
Last edited by dizwiz24; 12-30-2012 at 08:53 PM.
12-30-2012, 08:53 PM
#16
got mine at 44.. always wanted one and my oldest son still remember me saying "there goes the vette" when my wife announced that she was pregnant with his brother and then again sister. as for stick vs auto. i'd love to buy a stick but my wife can't drive stick (well she can but only in bedroom, figured i'd say it b4 someone else
) and she enjoys driving as much as I do. my 89 is auto and I'm in market for a C5 auto but if I live long enough to my 3rd vette will be stick
) and she enjoys driving as much as I do. my 89 is auto and I'm in market for a C5 auto but if I live long enough to my 3rd vette will be stick
12-30-2012, 10:19 PM
#17
Racer
In Australia the demograph of C4 owners is definitely older. The price of good used C4's here are equivalent to late C5s and early C6's (due to conversion costs).
As a result they are generally not accessible to the youth market. Add to the fact that many of them are over 20 years old, keeping them running is not cheap and 9/10 most owners have another car as they really are not a daily car when they get to this age.
Corvette owners are alittle mad down here paying alot more for C4's than stateside.
I am 33 and have owned by C4 for a few years now. It would be fair to say that in the US (all things being equal) I would own a late model C5 Z06 or a 2006/2007 C6 base coupe.
As a result they are generally not accessible to the youth market. Add to the fact that many of them are over 20 years old, keeping them running is not cheap and 9/10 most owners have another car as they really are not a daily car when they get to this age.
Corvette owners are alittle mad down here paying alot more for C4's than stateside.
I am 33 and have owned by C4 for a few years now. It would be fair to say that in the US (all things being equal) I would own a late model C5 Z06 or a 2006/2007 C6 base coupe.
12-30-2012, 10:22 PM
#18
Race Director
Thread Starter
Its interesting hearing about at what age, did the original purchaser of the c4, decide to 'spring' for the vette.
If many people are like me, they wanted one for a long time before they actually got one.
What I was looking to figure out was if the average age of the new corvette buyer has gotten higher or lower since the c4.
I would think it has gotten younger (vs. the c4)
However, contradicting my post:
A guy at my old job (in the other post I have here about whats faster: coupe vs. vert) would have bought his car young (he had a 93) as he wasnt very old at the time I worked with him.
Another co-worker was telling me his older brother bought one new (an '85) first thing out of college. he said his family told him he was very stupid for buying it. He still has it.
If many people are like me, they wanted one for a long time before they actually got one.
What I was looking to figure out was if the average age of the new corvette buyer has gotten higher or lower since the c4.
I would think it has gotten younger (vs. the c4)
However, contradicting my post:
A guy at my old job (in the other post I have here about whats faster: coupe vs. vert) would have bought his car young (he had a 93) as he wasnt very old at the time I worked with him.
Another co-worker was telling me his older brother bought one new (an '85) first thing out of college. he said his family told him he was very stupid for buying it. He still has it.
Last edited by dizwiz24; 12-30-2012 at 10:29 PM.
12-30-2012, 11:25 PM
#19
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St. Jude Donor '05
When I was growing up it was 40 and 50 yr olds buying the new 80s Vettes.
We always looked at them as the "old guys cars".
Guess what we are the old guys now. @^!%#
They always did drive them slow too bugged the hell out of me.
We always looked at them as the "old guys cars".
Guess what we are the old guys now. @^!%#
They always did drive them slow too bugged the hell out of me.
12-31-2012, 01:45 AM
#20
Bought my 95 last year right after I turned 17. I feel this puts me on the very young end of the chain.
I drive mine like it is intended to be driven, but I do know my limits as well as the cars limits... Which is why my car is still in one piece and I'm still kicking.
Already lost one friend because of a high speed accident, some kids seem to have brains; while some don't.
The Vette has been a blessing to me and I plan on keeping it around for quite a while. To me, it is the sexiest car and every time I walk away from it I catch myself turning around staring at it, admiring and smiling.
I drive mine like it is intended to be driven, but I do know my limits as well as the cars limits... Which is why my car is still in one piece and I'm still kicking.
Already lost one friend because of a high speed accident, some kids seem to have brains; while some don't.
The Vette has been a blessing to me and I plan on keeping it around for quite a while. To me, it is the sexiest car and every time I walk away from it I catch myself turning around staring at it, admiring and smiling.