Hey everyone, I am looking at purchasing a 91 Coupe A/T with 127500 on the clock. I am wondering what I should be on the look out for? I am new to the C4 generation and I don't know what their strengths and weakness' are!
Any help would be appreciated.

 

Look out for any fault codes (check engine light)
Test drive the car and make sure you see the check engine light come on for a moment when turning the key to start the car, then make sure it doesnt come on while driving.

Of course listen for any unusual noises, make sure the auto transmission shifts smoothy no jerks or slipping.
A reco turbo 700 transmission will set you back around a thousand dollars...

Check the dipstick see what the oil level is, look at the coolant any service history? look at the valve cover cap is it clean? you do not want any frothy oil water mix..

Does the brake fluid in the reservoir look good clean (not rusty)

Have a good look at the body, weatherstrips and paint.
Remember repainting a car is expensive

Does it have 2 targa tops? a solid and a tinted see thru targa roof?
The astro tops get crazed with age from uv light, they all crack eventually and then you need a new one another thousand. (they cannot be repaired) The fibreglass roof can be repainted.

Check everything works a/c, dash instruments has good oil pressure and try the heater look for any leaks (replacing the heater core is a nightmare)

Check the steering column, look for any side to side or up down movement? it should not move.

Check the electric seats work... big list i know but you have to take your time, as some things can be expensive to fix.

Good luck

 

I purchased a '91 last year. The car is great, but I did have a few issues after I purchased the car.

The tilt steering column needs repair. There's a slight bounce to it. I guess many drivers use the steering wheel as a crutch to lift themselves out of the car and that damages the steering column.

The other issue I have is the blend door makes a loud bang sound when I turn on the air conditioner. I hear this is a common issue as well.

Otherwise, the car is great!

 

Here's a pre-purchase checklist....
http://www.corvettephotographs.com/c...repurchase.htm

 

The 90 and 91 are notorious for having messed up tachs. They are usually off by a wide amount.
I always advise that you take someone with you to look at the car. This person is someone who has owned an 85-91 Corvette in the past.
You can post up a request for help in the appropriate regional section here.
This person can save you a LOT of money and heartache.

 

And, mine was off by 20% too. How-some-ever, it was an easy fix, given a soldering iron and a few resistors. (The procedure is in the archives.)