Pricing question 1993 convertible
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 864
Likes: 134
Pricing question 1993 convertible
Hi guys. I need some input.
I'm looking at a 1993 convertible. It is not the 40th anniversary edition. It is Polo green with tan interior and top. It has about 108k miles. It looks to be in average to perhaps slightly above average both mechanically and cosmetically. New top. New tires. Good seats. Very good paint. AC blows cold. No clicking or other problems with the headlights.
So I have two questions...
First, is there anything that I am missing in terms of traditional problem areas for C4s?
( I have done some reading/research but I would appreciate any input).
Second, what do you think would be a fair but competitive offer for the car? Driving season in the mid-Atlantic is coming to an end. Fall is fast approaching. The C4 market is and has been brutal for a while now.
Once again, thanks in advance for your help.
I'm looking at a 1993 convertible. It is not the 40th anniversary edition. It is Polo green with tan interior and top. It has about 108k miles. It looks to be in average to perhaps slightly above average both mechanically and cosmetically. New top. New tires. Good seats. Very good paint. AC blows cold. No clicking or other problems with the headlights.
So I have two questions...
First, is there anything that I am missing in terms of traditional problem areas for C4s?
( I have done some reading/research but I would appreciate any input).
Second, what do you think would be a fair but competitive offer for the car? Driving season in the mid-Atlantic is coming to an end. Fall is fast approaching. The C4 market is and has been brutal for a while now.
Once again, thanks in advance for your help.
Last edited by Randy_in_MD; Sep 12, 2016 at 03:58 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,478
Likes: 254
From: Downers Grove Illinois
Some of the '92-93 C4s have intermittent problems with the ECM. I had mine fixed recently and it isn't too expensive. You will get widely varying opinions about the reliability of the non-vented opti.
Without more info or pictures I would say $6-8K
Without more info or pictures I would say $6-8K
Last edited by JimLentz; Sep 13, 2016 at 08:34 AM. Reason: Additional info
Pro
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 609
Likes: 239
From: Franklin NC
The 100k+ miles concerns me the most. There is probably no way of knowing if the car was driven real hard all it's life or just used for 'topless' cruising on weekends. It isn't just the engine and tranny but every component on this 20+ year old car. It makes such a difference. Have the fluids been changed regularly? Tires OK quality wise, or did he throw cheap Chinese mongrel brand on there? Brakes OK? Top work properly and fitted properly?? Leaks?? How many owners? One or two is always nice but 5+ owners?? Makes you think about the history even more. All of us know the car will need $$$ unless you can do many things yourself. I'll agree about the $6,000 mark but not more unless you absolutely feel comfortable with the upkeep and ownership history. Good luck!
Last edited by Atomic6; Sep 13, 2016 at 08:59 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 2,644
Likes: 144
From: Connecticut
When you go to look at the car, do not brush off the small things and look at the car as if it's already yours, point out every negative and take note of that 
Without pictures, i'd say max 6k.
Without pictures, i'd say max 6k.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 864
Likes: 134
First, thanks to those who responded.
I saw the car. Realistically it was a good solid 7 on a 10 point scale as far as C4s go...I have seen many. That wouldn't be so bad, but the owner described it as an 8.5 or 9 during our correspondence.
I'm not looking for perfection. I realize it is almost 25 years old. A few things that concerned me were:
Some weatherstripping issues...dry, cracked in a few places
Aftermarket radio...not a big fan. I think they can exacerbate electrical issues.
Passenger window only worked with the switch on that side. The driver control for the passenger window was inoperative.
Excessive turning/rumbling/clicking from headlight assemblies when turning lights on or off.
Positives:
Interior was in pretty good shape. No rips, tears, cracks or holes in the seats, carpets or dash.
Tires are pretty new. Probably 3-4K miles on them.
Top is brand new. Fits well.
Not sure if a positive or a negative, but the auto transmission was rebuilt in 2014.
Suspension sounds and feels pretty good. Engine sounds pretty good. Clean engine compartment.
The seller says $6500 is his best. That seems a little high. I'm going to put this one in the maybe pile and continue my search.
I saw the car. Realistically it was a good solid 7 on a 10 point scale as far as C4s go...I have seen many. That wouldn't be so bad, but the owner described it as an 8.5 or 9 during our correspondence.
I'm not looking for perfection. I realize it is almost 25 years old. A few things that concerned me were:
Some weatherstripping issues...dry, cracked in a few places
Aftermarket radio...not a big fan. I think they can exacerbate electrical issues.
Passenger window only worked with the switch on that side. The driver control for the passenger window was inoperative.
Excessive turning/rumbling/clicking from headlight assemblies when turning lights on or off.
Positives:
Interior was in pretty good shape. No rips, tears, cracks or holes in the seats, carpets or dash.
Tires are pretty new. Probably 3-4K miles on them.
Top is brand new. Fits well.
Not sure if a positive or a negative, but the auto transmission was rebuilt in 2014.
Suspension sounds and feels pretty good. Engine sounds pretty good. Clean engine compartment.
The seller says $6500 is his best. That seems a little high. I'm going to put this one in the maybe pile and continue my search.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,693
Likes: 144
From: on Barnegat Bay Joisey
This sounds like a vert with good paint,interior,tires and top. The only negatives are the mileage and minor electrical problems. 3 to 5K gets you junk coupes. If it runs well and your on a strict budget it doesn't sound too bad. If you have a few grand more look at +/- 50K mile verts, maybe even a ZF6.
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Advanced
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 71
Likes: 2
From: Oregon
First, thanks to those who responded.
I saw the car. Realistically it was a good solid 7 on a 10 point scale as far as C4s go...I have seen many. That wouldn't be so bad, but the owner described it as an 8.5 or 9 during our correspondence.
I'm not looking for perfection. I realize it is almost 25 years old. A few things that concerned me were:
Some weatherstripping issues...dry, cracked in a few places Pretty normal on the a car that age, I replaced all mine with no issues. Took a few hours.
Aftermarket radio...not a big fan. I think they can exacerbate electrical issues. Yes this can but also depending on the radio it had, it might have failed a while ago. I had the Bose and it went out and I replaced it wit a Nav unit but I also ran a completely new harness from the rear of the car to the front to replace the factory Bose harness to the processor.
Passenger window only worked with the switch on that side. The driver control for the passenger window was inoperative. My bet is the contacts are dirty or the wire from the Drivers switch internally is bad. The passenger side gets its power from the drivers switch, so with the Passenger switch working and the drivers side control not, seems like a simple issue to fix.
Excessive turning/rumbling/clicking from headlight assemblies when turning lights on or off. Common issue with the C4, due to the heavy glass lights they use. Also if it hasn't been taken apart to replace the plastic gears, most likely the grease is dry and needs lubrication. Lots of good U Tube videos how to do this. I had to rebuild both of mine and did it in a few hours.
Positives:
Interior was in pretty good shape. No rips, tears, cracks or holes in the seats, carpets or dash.
Tires are pretty new. Probably 3-4K miles on them.
Top is brand new. Fits well.
Not sure if a positive or a negative, but the auto transmission was rebuilt in 2014. I would call it normal, I know my trans needed a rebuild at 125k miles and I have the original service records that it was serviced every 24K miles.
Suspension sounds and feels pretty good. Engine sounds pretty good. Clean engine compartment.
The seller says $6500 is his best. That seems a little high. I'm going to put this one in the maybe pile and continue my search.
I saw the car. Realistically it was a good solid 7 on a 10 point scale as far as C4s go...I have seen many. That wouldn't be so bad, but the owner described it as an 8.5 or 9 during our correspondence.
I'm not looking for perfection. I realize it is almost 25 years old. A few things that concerned me were:
Some weatherstripping issues...dry, cracked in a few places Pretty normal on the a car that age, I replaced all mine with no issues. Took a few hours.
Aftermarket radio...not a big fan. I think they can exacerbate electrical issues. Yes this can but also depending on the radio it had, it might have failed a while ago. I had the Bose and it went out and I replaced it wit a Nav unit but I also ran a completely new harness from the rear of the car to the front to replace the factory Bose harness to the processor.
Passenger window only worked with the switch on that side. The driver control for the passenger window was inoperative. My bet is the contacts are dirty or the wire from the Drivers switch internally is bad. The passenger side gets its power from the drivers switch, so with the Passenger switch working and the drivers side control not, seems like a simple issue to fix.
Excessive turning/rumbling/clicking from headlight assemblies when turning lights on or off. Common issue with the C4, due to the heavy glass lights they use. Also if it hasn't been taken apart to replace the plastic gears, most likely the grease is dry and needs lubrication. Lots of good U Tube videos how to do this. I had to rebuild both of mine and did it in a few hours.
Positives:
Interior was in pretty good shape. No rips, tears, cracks or holes in the seats, carpets or dash.
Tires are pretty new. Probably 3-4K miles on them.
Top is brand new. Fits well.
Not sure if a positive or a negative, but the auto transmission was rebuilt in 2014. I would call it normal, I know my trans needed a rebuild at 125k miles and I have the original service records that it was serviced every 24K miles.
Suspension sounds and feels pretty good. Engine sounds pretty good. Clean engine compartment.
The seller says $6500 is his best. That seems a little high. I'm going to put this one in the maybe pile and continue my search.
Mine has 148K and runs like new, the area that I hear wear and tear is I get some rattles over bumps from the convertible deck cover.
Only area of my car that gave me problems were 138K Opti went out, I replaced it, water pump, belts, hoses, wires, plugs, all at once. Then a week later the ICM and Fuel pump started going out so I replaced them. After that no issues what so ever until Friday when I got rear ended and I am pretty sure my car is going to be listed as a total loss due to bent frame. I have a thread called Another 40th dies lol.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 864
Likes: 134
Mmandley,
Thanks for the thoughtful post/response. I appreciate it. Maybe he'll go for $6k. Corvette convertible weather is coming to an end here in MD.
I read your post about your 40th Anniversary car. It made me sad. I hope you find something else that you like and get back on the road ASAP.
Thanks for the thoughtful post/response. I appreciate it. Maybe he'll go for $6k. Corvette convertible weather is coming to an end here in MD.
I read your post about your 40th Anniversary car. It made me sad. I hope you find something else that you like and get back on the road ASAP.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 781
Likes: 73
My son is a service consultant. He confirms his dealership already knows they can no longer sell vehicles that are 20 years or older and 1986 or newer without passing an MSI.
FYI, I received the email below from the MVA today.
Dear Historic Vehicle Owner,
As the owner of a historic vehicle, we want to make you aware of legislation passed by the Maryland General Assembly that goes into effect on Saturday, October 1, 2016. It is important to know that this legislation will impact how historic vehicles may be operated.
Effective October 1, 2016, a Maryland registered historic vehicle may no longer be used for transportation to and from employment, school, or for commercial purposes.
In addition, historic vehicles with a model year of 1986 or newer may be subject to safety equipment repair orders issued at roadside by law enforcement.
Thank you for your compliance with this new Maryland law.
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 48
Likes: 6
IMO from what you described the seller made you a good offer. There are a lot of '93 - 96 C4's out there with low mileage but they aren't $6500. The coups are 10+ and the rag tops 12+. Your description sounds like a nice driver.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 2,644
Likes: 144
From: Connecticut
Some of the convertibles for sale in my area
http://albany.craigslist.org/cto/5700702096.html
http://hartford.craigslist.org/cto/5735394342.html
http://newyork.craigslist.org/stn/cto/5767798527.html
All the owners think their corvette was dipped in gold before leaving the factory
You'd think they'd wanna get rid of them a little more since winters coming here.
http://albany.craigslist.org/cto/5700702096.html
http://hartford.craigslist.org/cto/5735394342.html
http://newyork.craigslist.org/stn/cto/5767798527.html
All the owners think their corvette was dipped in gold before leaving the factory
You'd think they'd wanna get rid of them a little more since winters coming here.
Last edited by BrandensBeast; Sep 14, 2016 at 04:34 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,943
Likes: 14
From: Gurley (Keel Mtn, Sweet Home) Alabama
If you can buy a 100K convert for $6K, then consider yourself as having found a bargain.
Don't know why in today's age that folks get all wound up about 100,000 miles on a vehicle, especially if upon viewing and driving the car, it seems solid, shows that it has been cared for, and has the maintenance history.
Don't know why in today's age that folks get all wound up about 100,000 miles on a vehicle, especially if upon viewing and driving the car, it seems solid, shows that it has been cared for, and has the maintenance history.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 676
Likes: 196
From: Chester SC
St. Jude Donor '15-'16, '21,'24
