1984 C4 worth???
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Intermediate
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1984 C4 worth???
Hi Guys: I need some input. I'm going this Sat. (3 days) to look at a 1984 C4 with under 11,000 mi's. I looks perfect and the owner said it is. He said he bought it (wholesale) from a tire warehouse 6 mnths ago and they just used it to showcase their tires (hence the low mi's.). He's asking almost 14K but, says he's flexible. I've looked online and seen some for around $6,500, some less. If this car is 'pristine', what's a reasonable price to offer him? Thanks for the input.......Dzer
Le Mans Master
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From: My interests are mobile
Dan...please tell me you're not trying to glorify the 1984 C4's crossfire...lol. The 1984 is the bottom of the barrel C4, point blank. Even with 11,000 miles that car wouldn't pull beyond 10k at auction, and will more likely pull 7k-8500 in private sale. 14k...he's smokin...
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2013
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From: Sacramento CA
It sounds like it could be a very nice car. I do think that's quite too much money for it, though. I know that very low miles command some extra dollars, but not that much more.
Keep in mind, as well, that a car of that age that hasn't really been driven can have its own special set of issues in the way of dried out gaskets that can cause leaks, old fluids and so forth. Sometimes you end up putting a good deal of time/money into getting all of that sorted. Just something to consider and check out before you buy.
Just curious - the current owner hasn't had it very long. Does he not like the car?
Keep in mind, as well, that a car of that age that hasn't really been driven can have its own special set of issues in the way of dried out gaskets that can cause leaks, old fluids and so forth. Sometimes you end up putting a good deal of time/money into getting all of that sorted. Just something to consider and check out before you buy.
Just curious - the current owner hasn't had it very long. Does he not like the car?
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my istake
Sorry, I've looked at (on line and in person) so many 'Vettes I forgot this is a 1985, with the 'tuned port injection. Also I dicussed the question of things (seals etc) drying ou from lack of use and he said it was run (not driven) and kept in a climate controlled warehouse and then in his cimate controlled garage. Your thoughts???
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Intermediate
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My mistake guys. The 'vette with under 12K is a 1985 4+3 speed with the optional suspension, C6 wheels and tires (comes with original wheels), black on black. It was kept in a climate controlled warehous and then a climate controlled garage. Your thoughts on the 14K price tag???? Thanks.
Team Owner
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
One thing to remember about this "pristine" and ultra-low mileage car is that if you intend to drive it, after some point it will no longer be that way.
In spite of how the car was stored, the chances are pretty good that most of the engine seals will start to allow leaks thru them as the car is driven. Rubber parts such as the radiator hoses and other coolant hoses may have dried out. Expect the suspension bushings to be pretty dry. Check the weatherstipping very closely; that stuff can be costly to replace.
There really isn't anything "special" about an '85 outside of the first year of TPI. The 4+3 trans is kinda fun to use but it's not the easiest thing to work on or eventually find replacement parts for it.
If you intend to spend $14K on a Corvette, I would suggest you look for the best car in the latest model year you can find. That amount can get you a C4 from around 1994-1996. These cars will have lots of improvements over the early cars in terms of power, handling, ride quality and even gas mileage. Many parts will be easier to come by.
With a little searching, you might even find a 97-99 C5 in that price range or just a bit higher.
In spite of how the car was stored, the chances are pretty good that most of the engine seals will start to allow leaks thru them as the car is driven. Rubber parts such as the radiator hoses and other coolant hoses may have dried out. Expect the suspension bushings to be pretty dry. Check the weatherstipping very closely; that stuff can be costly to replace.
There really isn't anything "special" about an '85 outside of the first year of TPI. The 4+3 trans is kinda fun to use but it's not the easiest thing to work on or eventually find replacement parts for it.
If you intend to spend $14K on a Corvette, I would suggest you look for the best car in the latest model year you can find. That amount can get you a C4 from around 1994-1996. These cars will have lots of improvements over the early cars in terms of power, handling, ride quality and even gas mileage. Many parts will be easier to come by.
With a little searching, you might even find a 97-99 C5 in that price range or just a bit higher.
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Instructor
Joined: Apr 2013
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From: Sacramento CA
If you intend to spend $14K on a Corvette, I would suggest you look for the best car in the latest model year you can find. That amount can get you a C4 from around 1994-1996. These cars will have lots of improvements over the early cars in terms of power, handling, ride quality and even gas mileage. Many parts will be easier to come by.
With a little searching, you might even find a 97-99 C5 in that price range or just a bit higher.
With a little searching, you might even find a 97-99 C5 in that price range or just a bit higher.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2012
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One thing to remember about this "pristine" and ultra-low mileage car is that if you intend to drive it, after some point it will no longer be that way.
In spite of how the car was stored, the chances are pretty good that most of the engine seals will start to allow leaks thru them as the car is driven. Rubber parts such as the radiator hoses and other coolant hoses may have dried out. Expect the suspension bushings to be pretty dry. Check the weatherstipping very closely; that stuff can be costly to replace.
There really isn't anything "special" about an '85 outside of the first year of TPI. The 4+3 trans is kinda fun to use but it's not the easiest thing to work on or eventually find replacement parts for it.
If you intend to spend $14K on a Corvette, I would suggest you look for the best car in the latest model year you can find. That amount can get you a C4 from around 1994-1996. These cars will have lots of improvements over the early cars in terms of power, handling, ride quality and even gas mileage. Many parts will be easier to come by.
With a little searching, you might even find a 97-99 C5 in that price range or just a bit higher.
In spite of how the car was stored, the chances are pretty good that most of the engine seals will start to allow leaks thru them as the car is driven. Rubber parts such as the radiator hoses and other coolant hoses may have dried out. Expect the suspension bushings to be pretty dry. Check the weatherstipping very closely; that stuff can be costly to replace.
There really isn't anything "special" about an '85 outside of the first year of TPI. The 4+3 trans is kinda fun to use but it's not the easiest thing to work on or eventually find replacement parts for it.
If you intend to spend $14K on a Corvette, I would suggest you look for the best car in the latest model year you can find. That amount can get you a C4 from around 1994-1996. These cars will have lots of improvements over the early cars in terms of power, handling, ride quality and even gas mileage. Many parts will be easier to come by.
With a little searching, you might even find a 97-99 C5 in that price range or just a bit higher.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Clifton Park, NY ............Clearwater, FL ... 85 Original Owner
C4Cruiser: Thanks for the 'heads-up'. But, you never answered my question, which was, what should I offer for the '85 if it is in fact 'pristine' with the low miles. If I like the car I will probably want to offer him significantly less but don't want to offend him by what he might consider a "low ball". Thanks........Dzer
If it's really perfect, I'd say 11 or 12K. No more unless you have to have it.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
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From: Phoenix Arizona
Its worth whatever you want to pay for it. If you are looking to flip it, forget it, almost nobody is looking for an 84 Vette. The only long term value on that car would be if you stored it and never drove it, keeping it in a "pristine, ultra low mileage condition, and even then you would have to find someone such as yourself, assuming you bought it. If you intend to drive it, somewhere in between $8k-$10k, and expect a lot of age related problems. Having said that, if you are not particularly into performance or resale, they can be great cars.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: West Palm Beach FL
I have an 84 also. I have to agree witht eh above posts. Super low mileage is sweet, but it also means the fluids havent been circulated much and things dry out. Will mean repairs down the road. At the very most, somewhere between $8,000 and $10,000 and get it checked by a Corvette mechanic or a mechanic you trust. It will cost you a couple hundred or so, but could save you a nightmare.
Team Owner
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From: Montgomery, Alabama
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C4Cruiser: Thanks for the 'heads-up'. But, you never answered my question, which was, what should I offer for the '85 if it is in fact 'pristine' with the low miles. If I like the car I will probably want to offer him significantly less but don't want to offend him by what he might consider a "low ball". Thanks........Dzer
IMO, the price ranges that others have indicated are in the ball park. I would not offer more that 10.5 to 11K if everything is in pristine condition.
You may want to see if a member here, or someone that knows what to look for, would go with you to check it out.
Team Owner
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
C4Cruiser: Thanks for the 'heads-up'. But, you never answered my question, which was, what should I offer for the '85 if it is in fact 'pristine' with the low miles. If I like the car I will probably want to offer him significantly less but don't want to offend him by what he might consider a "low ball". Thanks........Dzer
Is the car actually worth $14K? Probably not. If the seller doesn't like an offer that is realistic (to him) he will probably flat out reject it, but that's his prerogative to do so. If he's offended by an offer that would be say half of his asking price, he could be just as offended if somebody offered $10K. I have a feeling the seller either doesn't really care about selling the car or he has no real idea of the true value of a 28 year old car where there were nearly 40, 000 of them made.
I just think there are many other C4's out there that will be a much better buy for the $14K the seller is asking. When I bought my first C4, I looked at 16 different cars before buying.
Race Director
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C4Cruiser: Thanks for the 'heads-up'. But, you never answered my question, which was, what should I offer for the '85 if it is in fact 'pristine' with the low miles. If I like the car I will probably want to offer him significantly less but don't want to offend him by what he might consider a "low ball". Thanks........Dzer
You pay a premium price for a pristine show quality car that someone had in their collection.
Then you actually drive it for a year and put some miles on it.
Now the car isn't worth half of what you paid for it.
You don't buy a show quality car with the intent of driving one much.
So, first thing to do is figure out what you are actually going to use the car for.
Just a weekend toy with less than 2k miles a year put on it?
Or a driver with 8k - 10k a year put on?
Don't pay premium show quality prices for a "driver".
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,496
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From: New Jersey
The price advice here is spot on. But I think that this board has a tendency to overstate the fluid/seal issue as a consequence of long term storage. Stored well, the car should be fine. I have a lot of experience in that area and can tell you that by and large weather conditions and moisture are far bigger determinants of a stored car's unearthed condition than disuse.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Bluffton,SC
The price advice here is spot on. But I think that this board has a tendency to overstate the fluid/seal issue as a consequence of long term storage. Stored well, the car should be fine. I have a lot of experience in that area and can tell you that by and large weather conditions and moisture are far bigger determinants of a stored car's unearthed condition than disuse.
I also suggest you go on autotrader just to see what is out there.
I just did a quick search and found 206 C4's with under 30,000 miles.
Many were in the mileage range you are looking at.If nothing else it will give you some ammunition in your attempt to get the car for a reasonable price.
The seller could be just fishing for that "right" buyer who may have had a black 1985 4+3 when new and wants to relive his youth.
I am such a buyer at times.If it is EXACTLY the car I want,I will overpay.
Last edited by sjohnson2615; Jun 14, 2013 at 07:50 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,194
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From: Monroe Twp, NJ
On the plus side the early C4s were some of the best handling Corvettes built. Especially the Z51 84.There ride is harsh but they will handle with the best of the newer stuff that is out there.