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Wondering why C4's are not selling for as high as their book values. I just looked up mine on NADA, an 89 coupe, and the high value was $15,960 with average value being $10,495. I'd say mine is definitely at or a pinch above average condition (minus the 115k miles) but I know I couldn't get close to $10k. Even with all the new/aftermarket engine/suspension parts it has. Why is that? Demand? Sellers aren't willing to hold out for more thus driving real values down? I'd love to get $9-10k for mine and then put that toward a C5 Z06 but that would never happen. Curious to know what others think.
Last edited by HandsomeMike; Dec 13, 2016 at 03:06 PM.
The only car retaining value would be LT1 6-spd cars. Everything else is still depreciating predictably.
How can you even have NADA or blue book on a car from the 80's? Maybe that's just for insurance payoff, but mostly by the time a car is that old, it is based on condition and how bad that particular buyer wants a car.
The majority of buyers want newer cars and aren't diy mechanics or anything close. So that leaves a smaller pool of interested people. Me personally, have zero interest in L98 cars.
I think that the early C4s are probably bottoming out in value and well looked after examples should hold their value or maybe slightly increase in value in the coming years.
I'm hoping so as I bought a 88 model a couple of months ago. After the deal was done, the seller told me that he had trouble understanding why his car was worth so little, but I'm happy that I bought a good car at a good price and I will enjoy it for a few years while it hopefully appreciates.
My first Corvette (1995 LT1 6-speed) got totaled in 2013. I had $10k into the car and insurance paid me over $13k for it. It had all the options available without the ZR-1 package (FX3, Z07, dual sport seats, Bose, etc etc) but that would not justify such a difference in value. I'm not complaining, just saying...
So it's hard to say about C4 prices vs values. It's worth whatever someone will pay for it. Also lots of other threads on this topic.
My first Corvette (1995 LT1 6-speed) got totaled in 2013. I had $10k into the car and insurance paid me over $13k for it. It had all the options available without the ZR-1 package (FX3, Z07, dual sport seats, Bose, etc etc) but that would not justify such a difference in value. I'm not complaining, just saying...
So it's hard to say about C4 prices vs values. It's worth whatever someone will pay for it. Also lots of other threads on this topic.
this is highly geographically dependent. where i live c4's are rising not falling. good ones that is, regardless of the year.
Interesting comments. I'd love a C5 Z06 but would hate to see my 89 go. I've done so much to it myself and it's damn near done as far as track day reliability goes. I don't know if it's worth it to get a Z06 just for the extra speed and coolness. To hell with it. I'm keeping the 89! It's fast/fun enough on the track!
I've seen pristine, low millage '80-'81 C3's selling for $15K and fully restored selling for more. A car is worth the condition, market inventory of like kind and quality, how badly someone wants it, and what someone is willing to pay for it. Often you have to pay more to get a good car with no issues regardless of what a "book" value says it's worth. So Kelly Blue Book, NADA, online evaluators, etc, are only estimates and starting points.
Last edited by Barchetta; Dec 14, 2016 at 12:02 AM.
From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
I sold my 86 and now drive a 04-Z06. Much more of everything.
Yet I miss that hood.
So what difference does NADA or KBB pricing matter?
The real value is what the buyer will pay.
I felt the 86 was worth 10K based on what was spent (8500) to get her into reliable condition.
She sold for 7500 and I couldn't be happier.
.
Last edited by JrRifleCoach; Dec 14, 2016 at 01:46 AM.
The only car retaining value would be LT1 6-spd cars. Everything else is still depreciating predictably.
How can you even have NADA or blue book on a car from the 80's? Maybe that's just for insurance payoff, but mostly by the time a car is that old, it is based on condition and how bad that particular buyer wants a car.
The majority of buyers want newer cars and aren't diy mechanics or anything close. So that leaves a smaller pool of interested people. Me personally, have zero interest in L98 cars.
many sites have pricing on antique and classic cars, although I don't know how accurate anything is...
my 90 shows a high retail of over $16K - - if I could get that out of it, it would be gone so fast, it would pull a vacuum in my garage! even average retail is over $11 grand, and i'd be happy with that. I'm only seeing minimal interest at $8500. bottom line, it's only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. FWIW, I sold my steel blue 90 about 4-5 years ago for $11K - 45K miles, very clean, but a tired motor. I was ecstatic to get the 11 grand!!!
NADA is just way off with pricing for them. KBB and other sites are far closer to reality than NADA.
Nobody pays nada thats for dealers
Take what you can get and move on, C5s are dipping into the 10- area so unless someone has to have a C4 they will usually buy the newer car
Truth is these just arent worth much at all good if youre buying;people just arent lining up for these cars so its does drive the price into the ground
From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
Ya know Ron with 59K posts you'd think you rate more than "Senior Member" status.
You should ask for another member level..... I can think of a few but I'll bite my tongue for now.
C4 Values
- if I could get that out of it, it would be gone so fast, it would pull a vacuum in my garage! 
even average retail is over $11 grand, and i'd be happy with that. I'm only seeing minimal interest at $8500. bottom line, it's only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. FWIW, I sold my steel blue 90 about 4-5 years ago for $11K - 45K miles, very clean, but a tired motor. I was ecstatic to get the 11 grand!!! 
