Pros and Cons
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Guess the Q was a little morbid huh
Must not be sane no way I want to live to be 80 with the problems I have now havent even hit 50
Grab yourself a nice one and enjoy anyway
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,252
Likes: 6
From: The Colony Tx
Bought my first, a 63 ragtop, a week after getting home from VN. That was a lot of fun and never really gave me trouble. Traded for 66 Coupe and when summer came couldn't figure how to get the top up if I cut it off. Traded for 66 ragtop. Again a lot of fun.
Had 2 C3s, and while they were fun, they felt completely different. Bought the 88, and while it is more comfortable than the mid-years, it feels very close to the way the old ones did. No desire here to buy a C5.
Had 2 C3s, and while they were fun, they felt completely different. Bought the 88, and while it is more comfortable than the mid-years, it feels very close to the way the old ones did. No desire here to buy a C5.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 17,982
Likes: 1,074
From: Lansing MI
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 917
Likes: 25
From: College Station Tx
If you insist on getting a C4, make sure you get one that has been well-maintained (which doesn't always equate with low miles). If you are not careful you will end up spending as much keeping the car on the road as you would have spent just buying a C5.
As for getting in and out, I'm pretty old, 55, pretty big, 250 lbs, and have a bad back and sore knees, and I have no issue getting in. Getting out is a little tougher only because the car is so low to the ground. I have to stand up from a squatting position.
As for getting in and out, I'm pretty old, 55, pretty big, 250 lbs, and have a bad back and sore knees, and I have no issue getting in. Getting out is a little tougher only because the car is so low to the ground. I have to stand up from a squatting position.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 603
Likes: 45
From: Baltimore County MD
You gals and guys have helped me along so far in my decision due to us now raising the grand daughter to change from a newer C5 to a C4 for financial reasons.
Being the pros and the experts I guess the questions I have to clear up in my mind is:
a. What is the "pros and cons" of a C4 Corvette?????
b. I looked at a couple (been studying the C5 for a while) and what strikes me first is the difficulty in entering and exiting one, any suggestions?
c. Next is first look inside is the dash electronics....these things just reek of $$$$$$$$$$$$ repairs to this in-experienced guy, your experience?
d. Ride and comfort?
Sorry to ask so many questions but my desire for a Corvette is 30 odd years long, it has always been something that has messed ownership of one up.
Call it a macho thing I guess, I would love to be a fortunate guy and have a C6-C7 but responsibilities have changed for us but the desire remains, I'd be a lucky man to have anyone of them in my garage.....
We have rethought this and short small trips, cruise ins, car shows, just driving with another group of owners are our goals now...The long drawn out trips are an after thought.
Thanks to you all for your assistance....
November 11 is coming up ------ to all my fellow veterans and especially my fellow Vietnam Veteran brothers (me,1968-1969) let me say "Welcome Home ". Remember our fallen and missing, help the younger veterans, support them more than we were supported, Love and Honor our Country.
Being the pros and the experts I guess the questions I have to clear up in my mind is:
a. What is the "pros and cons" of a C4 Corvette?????
b. I looked at a couple (been studying the C5 for a while) and what strikes me first is the difficulty in entering and exiting one, any suggestions?
c. Next is first look inside is the dash electronics....these things just reek of $$$$$$$$$$$$ repairs to this in-experienced guy, your experience?
d. Ride and comfort?
Sorry to ask so many questions but my desire for a Corvette is 30 odd years long, it has always been something that has messed ownership of one up.
Call it a macho thing I guess, I would love to be a fortunate guy and have a C6-C7 but responsibilities have changed for us but the desire remains, I'd be a lucky man to have anyone of them in my garage.....
We have rethought this and short small trips, cruise ins, car shows, just driving with another group of owners are our goals now...The long drawn out trips are an after thought.
Thanks to you all for your assistance....
November 11 is coming up ------ to all my fellow veterans and especially my fellow Vietnam Veteran brothers (me,1968-1969) let me say "Welcome Home ". Remember our fallen and missing, help the younger veterans, support them more than we were supported, Love and Honor our Country.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 600
Likes: 56
From: Elyria, Ohio
I had a '96 C-4 vert until an accident a few months ago.
I happen to like the "fighter jet" feel of the cockpit.
My brother has a C-5 but like some of the guys say, it's
more like a "normal" car, which to me is a strike against it.
BTW, at the end, the headlights hadn't given me any problems
and that was at 44,000 miles.
I happen to like the "fighter jet" feel of the cockpit.
My brother has a C-5 but like some of the guys say, it's
more like a "normal" car, which to me is a strike against it.
BTW, at the end, the headlights hadn't given me any problems
and that was at 44,000 miles.
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Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,426
Likes: 229
From: Pennsylvania
What does "getting blinded by every SUV coming at you" have to do with C4 headlights? I've driven my C4 for many years now and have never had any problem with the lighting of the headlights. Actually, they are much better than a few projector beam headlight cars I've had over the past years. The high beam lights on my C4 will blind anyone coming at me. They should only be used when no on-coming traffic is coming at you. The only better headlights in the rain are the blue ones. You know....the ones every one hates coming at you.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 600
Likes: 56
From: Elyria, Ohio
An SUV will blind any Vette driver, regardless of year.
That's the price we pay for siting so low to the road.
Stronger headlights won't stop you from being "blinded".
Strong headlights won't cancel out the light coming at you
from another vehicle.
That's the price we pay for siting so low to the road.
Stronger headlights won't stop you from being "blinded".
Strong headlights won't cancel out the light coming at you
from another vehicle.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,091
Likes: 35
From: Coldville
The C5 prices are dropping.
I even see C4's with the same Mileage for more then C5.
don't know if I would buy a C5 next or even a Vette, but if you have one and its paid for I would keep it over a C4 unless you like C4's better.
C4 is more Visceral and commands more driver attention.
60 mph in a C4 feels like you going allot faster then in a C5.
Its not for people who like to drive sofa's or easy chairs on wheels IMO
I even see C4's with the same Mileage for more then C5.
don't know if I would buy a C5 next or even a Vette, but if you have one and its paid for I would keep it over a C4 unless you like C4's better.
C4 is more Visceral and commands more driver attention.
60 mph in a C4 feels like you going allot faster then in a C5.
Its not for people who like to drive sofa's or easy chairs on wheels IMO
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
I can't answer your Question. Only you can. However I can tell you what my decision was. I've always wanted a Vette, there is not a gen that I don't like. I even like the 76-77 model.
I was diagnosed with Cancer a month before my 56th birthday. On my birthday I purchased a 1996 convertible two owner car with records, and low mi. It was love at first drive. I know that LS cars are faster, newer, but they are vanilla compared to a C-4. this is the most fun car I have ever had. Some things have come up that I did not expect but they don't matter. Someone said it earlier this car is RAW, Corse, brutish all of the above. You know what your are sitting IN from the start. I love it and would not trade it for a new one. Best looking cheapest fun you will ever have. Thank you for your service, I'm Retired USAF. Get a good C-4 and drive the heck out of it.
I was diagnosed with Cancer a month before my 56th birthday. On my birthday I purchased a 1996 convertible two owner car with records, and low mi. It was love at first drive. I know that LS cars are faster, newer, but they are vanilla compared to a C-4. this is the most fun car I have ever had. Some things have come up that I did not expect but they don't matter. Someone said it earlier this car is RAW, Corse, brutish all of the above. You know what your are sitting IN from the start. I love it and would not trade it for a new one. Best looking cheapest fun you will ever have. Thank you for your service, I'm Retired USAF. Get a good C-4 and drive the heck out of it.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 59
Likes: 1
From: Christiansburg Va
Didn't mean to pee in anyone oatmeal but I have wanted a lot of things since I first drove my uncles 60 Vette and rode his Sportster... even wanted beautiful ladies since my first kiss but you know something.....sometimes you have to wait for the most desirable due to what life has thrown at you...... my life story is my business but to put some people at ease I have had other more important things to deal with besides a car or motorcycle....Finally got the bike 4 years ago and fell on ice, broke the leg and was advised to get back on 4 wheels instead of two so now comes my other dream---the Corvette,retired and ready then we have the grand daughter NOW to raise so I have to readjust life's wants again, no ones fault just another hiccup in life's journey... so the C4 is going to be the bucket list item instead of the C5, that is fine...as long as the dream is fulfilled then I am a happy man and guess what??????...Most of the Corvette owners I see driving around are my age 66+...quite a few in this area have desired one for years before they could buy one..... no matter how long you dream and want ...one day it'll happen.....If i buy one tomorrow and die the next it'll be worth it..... I envy you all and hope to be a owner soon....Thanks for everyone's opinions, you have helped me so very much, still studying and comparing the different years of the C4 but like anything, it is worth the effort.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 492
Likes: 40
From: SE Ohio
St. Jude Donor '16-'17-'18,'19
Congrats on your decision.
I've had several vettes but like the c-4's the most. I'm 71+ 6'2" tall 220lb and have no trouble getting in and out. Maybe in ten years I'll have to fall into it and roll out on the ground to get out, then wait for someone to come along to help me up but, that's ok I'll keep it.
Pick a good one.
I've had several vettes but like the c-4's the most. I'm 71+ 6'2" tall 220lb and have no trouble getting in and out. Maybe in ten years I'll have to fall into it and roll out on the ground to get out, then wait for someone to come along to help me up but, that's ok I'll keep it.
Pick a good one.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 59
Likes: 1
From: Christiansburg Va
Congrats on your decision.
I've had several vettes but like the c-4's the most. I'm 71+ 6'2" tall 220lb and have no trouble getting in and out. Maybe in ten years I'll have to fall into it and roll out on the ground to get out, then wait for someone to come along to help me up but, that's ok I'll keep it.
Pick a good one.
I've had several vettes but like the c-4's the most. I'm 71+ 6'2" tall 220lb and have no trouble getting in and out. Maybe in ten years I'll have to fall into it and roll out on the ground to get out, then wait for someone to come along to help me up but, that's ok I'll keep it.
Pick a good one.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 122
From: st paul minnesota
I'll be 66 in January and bought my first 'Vette in 1974-a used '69 427 coupe. I've had at least one of each generation since then and now have an '84, '05, and '14. I have always been partial to the C4's, having owned an '89 as well. The C5's (I had two) were like others have stated have more of a luxo-cruiser feel than a sports car. More comfortable and refined than the C4 to be sure, but it lost some of the 'crudeness' that was always associated with Corvettes. I'm most comfortable in the '84 as it fits me better than the C7 despite the ingress/egress being a bit more difficult. Once I'm in I can drive all day. I bought my '84 new and it's only traveled 25,000 miles. The Z51 suspension is stiff, no doubt, but tolerable. OEM/NOS parts for C4's are dwindling but with as many as were sold I would hope some aftermarket/repro items will start showing up. Although C4's are dirt cheap right now to me they are a great value-IF you are fortunate to find a good one. Good luck!
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,953
Likes: 550
From: Mission Viejo CA
There must be a better word to describe the Corvette experience! Yes, a good sports car should present somewhat of a challenge, but the rewards are definitely worth the challenge! I had a good friend who bought a new 1984 when they first came out. He would let me borrow the car anytime, just bring it back full, clean, and shiney side up! I could not believe how well that car fit me, and how much fun it was to drive!! I knew I'd have one someday!!
