Tough choices
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,042
Likes: 202
From: Atoka, TN
Tough choices
Found 2 potential cars... It's never easy is it?
Option 1: a high-er mileage GS. Looks to be nice.
Option 2: very low mileage 90 in exceptional condition.
Both are coupes. The 90 is an auto and about $4K less. The GS is really at the top of my budget.
So I guess the choices are either simple and clean or unique.
Option 1: a high-er mileage GS. Looks to be nice.
Option 2: very low mileage 90 in exceptional condition.
Both are coupes. The 90 is an auto and about $4K less. The GS is really at the top of my budget.
So I guess the choices are either simple and clean or unique.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,042
Likes: 202
From: Atoka, TN
Yes, it's a forum member's Grand Sport. It's about 4 hours from me now, but in a week I'll be in va beach and it will be a lot farther and shipping it will kill my budget for any repairs it might need.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,841
Likes: 19
From: CLT, North Carolina
I'd suggest neither right now. Wait till you are settled in your new location so you don't feel rushed into making a decision.
If it has to be between these two cars and say I bought the 90 I would probably eventually regret not getting the GS with the LT4. If I bought the GS I probably wouldn't regret not getting the 90.
If it has to be between these two cars and say I bought the 90 I would probably eventually regret not getting the GS with the LT4. If I bought the GS I probably wouldn't regret not getting the 90.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 6,314
Likes: 508
From: South-central Missouri
I'd suggest neither right now. Wait till you are settled in your new location so you don't feel rushed into making a decision.
If it has to be between these two cars and say I bought the 90 I would probably eventually regret not getting the GS with the LT4. If I bought the GS I probably wouldn't regret not getting the 90.
If it has to be between these two cars and say I bought the 90 I would probably eventually regret not getting the GS with the LT4. If I bought the GS I probably wouldn't regret not getting the 90.
The GS has bling appeal and collector's appeal (to some), but you'll end up paying a lot for a paint scheme, stick-on fender flairs, and an unique VIN. Nice cars tho. The GS will/has held it's value better than any C4s, including the ZR-1s
. And, the thing about GS's is the owners tend to be pretty diligent about maintenance; a good thing.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,691
Likes: 71
From: Phoenix Arizona
While I'm of personally not a fan of Grand Sports, (I think you are paying for a paint job) the fact is most of the collector world thinks otherwise. On value alone, the GS is worth far more now, and probably even more in the future. As far as car for car, there is no comparison, the GS is so much more. Better build quality, much faster, more reliability, and better driveability. I agree with Greg and Paul, you would probably not regret passing on the 90 if you bought the GS, but you'd always kick yourself for passing on the GS if you bought the 90. This is, of course, assuming no major problems on the GS. Don't fall into the mileage trap. Present condition is far more important than mileage. Its often been said here, and just as often ignored, to the buyers dismay, that low mileage does not equal less problems. Even if you are planning to put 100k on it in the next few years (average present annual usage of most C4's >3000miles) the lower mileage car usually will need more $$$ than a well maintained , good condition high mileage car. Yeah, I know it doesn't make sense, but just read the posts here for 6mos. Remember also that the 96 is 6 years newer, and that is at least as important as mileage.
Last edited by zr1fred; Dec 8, 2013 at 10:00 AM.
Cruising
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Slidell Louisiana
While I'm of personally not a fan of Grand Sports, (I think you are paying for a paint job) the fact is most of the collector world thinks otherwise. On value alone, the GS is worth far more now, and probably even more in the future. As far as car for car, there is no comparison, the GS is so much more. Better build quality, much faster, more reliability, and better driveability. I agree with Greg and Paul, you would probably not regret passing on the 90 if you bought the GS, but you'd always kick yourself for passing on the GS if you bought the 90. This is, of course, assuming no major problems on the GS. Don't fall into the mileage trap. Present condition is far more important than mileage. Its often been said here, and just as often ignored, to the buyers dismay, that low mileage does not equal less problems. Even if you are planning to put 100k on it in the next few years (average present annual usage of most C4's >3000miles) the lower mileage car usually will need more $$$ than a well maintained , good condition high mileage car. Yeah, I know it doesn't make sense, but just read the posts here for 6mos. Remember also that the 96 is 6 years newer, and that is at least as important as mileage.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,181
Likes: 286
From: Puyallup Washington
You have not given us enough information to make an informed opinion.
What is higher mileage - 90000 or 287543 miles?
What is lower mileage - 40000 or 6845 miles?
What are the prices - $ 4000 and $ 8000 or $ 13000 and $ 17000?
What is your assessment of the general overall condition of each car, especially after a long test drive?
Without knowing the above I would say that if the prices are in line with the mileage and condition of the car I would go with the GS. There were about 1 zillion 87 thru 91 Corvettes made and 1000 GS Corvettes. The GS will hold its value much better than a low mileage 90, especially after you put another 50000 miles on the 90. It will then just be another used Corvette, while the GS will always be a one of 1000 GS Corvettes made.
What is higher mileage - 90000 or 287543 miles?
What is lower mileage - 40000 or 6845 miles?
What are the prices - $ 4000 and $ 8000 or $ 13000 and $ 17000?
What is your assessment of the general overall condition of each car, especially after a long test drive?
Without knowing the above I would say that if the prices are in line with the mileage and condition of the car I would go with the GS. There were about 1 zillion 87 thru 91 Corvettes made and 1000 GS Corvettes. The GS will hold its value much better than a low mileage 90, especially after you put another 50000 miles on the 90. It will then just be another used Corvette, while the GS will always be a one of 1000 GS Corvettes made.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,616
Likes: 111
There are only 1,000 GS's built in 96; how many 90's were built?
I could afford both, I know which one I would take for a number of reasons....well actually if I could afford both, I would buy both ......HA
I could afford both, I know which one I would take for a number of reasons....well actually if I could afford both, I would buy both ......HA
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,042
Likes: 202
From: Atoka, TN
I just realize my typo... It's an 89, not a 90. No that that it made much difference. Some parts would be cheaper.
I also just sent the GS owner a message to get some more info and a couple additional pics of specific things. I suppose my major reservation on the GS is the cost of LTX replacement parts and the mileage. I've had a 94 with the 6 speed and did enjoy it.
On the other hand, as an aircraft mechanic, I know they don't like set around without being exercised. I plan on retiring from the Navy in the next 3-5 years so I want this to be a well sorted cruiser.
I also just sent the GS owner a message to get some more info and a couple additional pics of specific things. I suppose my major reservation on the GS is the cost of LTX replacement parts and the mileage. I've had a 94 with the 6 speed and did enjoy it.
On the other hand, as an aircraft mechanic, I know they don't like set around without being exercised. I plan on retiring from the Navy in the next 3-5 years so I want this to be a well sorted cruiser.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,616
Likes: 111
I just realize my typo... It's an 89, not a 90. No that that it made much difference. Some parts would be cheaper.
I also just sent the GS owner a message to get some more info and a couple additional pics of specific things. I suppose my major reservation on the GS is the cost of LTX replacement parts and the mileage. I've had a 94 with the 6 speed and did enjoy it.
On the other hand, as an aircraft mechanic, I know they don't like set around without being exercised. I plan on retiring from the Navy in the next 3-5 years so I want this to be a well sorted cruiser.
I also just sent the GS owner a message to get some more info and a couple additional pics of specific things. I suppose my major reservation on the GS is the cost of LTX replacement parts and the mileage. I've had a 94 with the 6 speed and did enjoy it.
On the other hand, as an aircraft mechanic, I know they don't like set around without being exercised. I plan on retiring from the Navy in the next 3-5 years so I want this to be a well sorted cruiser.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 769
Likes: 22
From: California
FL Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor'13
If it were me i'd probably go for the 90' and save the rest of the budget to put in it or if something happens you have some left over money to fix it.
If the grand sport is in excellent condition and thats what you want then get it. You will be much happier with what you want even if it cost a little more.
If the grand sport is in excellent condition and thats what you want then get it. You will be much happier with what you want even if it cost a little more.