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My wife likes the idea of getting a second corvette as long as it's an automatic so she can drive it. We already have a 96 LT4.
I've been looking at later C3s to get something different. Mostly the later ones because they were pretty much all autos and I like the large rear window. Here in the northeast rust is a real problem, and rust is much more of a problem on C3 than on a C4. While the later C3s are significantly cheaper than the older ones, it seems much harder to find one at a bargain price and also well documented and well cared for compared to C4s.
So I think I may switch gears and look for another C4. There's so many more to choose from. There are 3 convertibles near me under 10k with much lower than 100k miles. I keep thinking it's silly to have two C4s but I like the idea more and more.
The one advantage of having a second one is when you have to fix something you'll know how to do it on the second one. Downside is who's car is going to be the guinea pig ???
I'd get an '88 35th Anniversary, or a vert of some sort.
That said, I do love me some C3s, I'd love to have a 79-82.
Yeah I'm looking at the C4 convertibles, C3 convertibles are virtually non-existent. It's easier to justify because we already have a coupe. And I've had just about every issue one can have on a C4 so I know what to look for and how to fix it
Buy a next Gen. Vette. Low mile C6. If you can stretch it get a C7. Why, the upper generations are great drivers. Sure there is plenty of plastic in them but C4's have it too. The power and handling are in creditable. At least drive one.
Buy a next Gen. Vette. Low mile C6. If you can stretch it get a C7. Why, the upper generations are great drivers. Sure there is plenty of plastic in them but C4's have it too. The power and handling are in creditable. At least drive one.
Couldn't disagree more.
I've got a C6 GS and think it sucks as a driver's car compared to my C4. It's a great touring car, if you want to ride around and have people be impressed that you're in a fast car, it's fantastic. While it is incredibly fast, and incredibly capable, it's not a driver's car at all. The steering is terrible with little feel and no communication, and unless you're going really fast it's totally drama free. It's not much of an experience to drive it, it's like driving a really nice looking, and incredibly fast recliner.
But if you want a cruising car without the feel of a sports car, a newer gen isn't a bad choice. But to be honest... there's really no reason to buy a newer Corvette over a Camaro. I love my 12 Centennial GS, it was my dream Corvette, but I sometimes wonder if I shouldn't have just bought a Z/28 instead. Other than the targa roof, and a handful of creature comforts, the Camaro would do everything my car does, but with an LS7 and a back seat.
I've got a C6 GS and think it sucks as a driver's car compared to my C4. It's a great touring car, if you want to ride around and have people be impressed that you're in a fast car, it's fantastic. While it is incredibly fast, and incredibly capable, it's not a driver's car at all. The steering is terrible with little feel and no communication, and unless you're going really fast it's totally drama free. It's not much of an experience to drive it, it's like driving a really nice looking, and incredibly fast recliner.
But if you want a cruising car without the feel of a sports car, a newer gen isn't a bad choice. But to be honest... there's really no reason to buy a newer Corvette over a Camaro. I love my 12 Centennial GS, it was my dream Corvette, but I sometimes wonder if I shouldn't have just bought a Z/28 instead. Other than the targa roof, and a handful of creature comforts, the Camaro would do everything my car does, but with an LS7 and a back seat.
Kind of. I have GS and a C4, there is no way you can use more than 25% of the power/handling of the GS on the street without risking jail time, while the C4 can be driven much closet to it's limits on the street. On a track the GS is more of a car than I am a driver, but I can push the C4 up to (and past) it's limits.
I've got a C6 GS and think it sucks as a driver's car compared to my C4. It's a great touring car, if you want to ride around and have people be impressed that you're in a fast car, it's fantastic. While it is incredibly fast, and incredibly capable, it's not a driver's car at all. The steering is terrible with little feel and no communication, and unless you're going really fast it's totally drama free. It's not much of an experience to drive it, it's like driving a really nice looking, and incredibly fast recliner.
Yep I read a post from someone in the C5 section, he had owned both a C6 Z06 and a C7 Z06 but was going back to a C5 Z06 because he said it was more of a driver's car than the newer models.
I have a 70 LS5 4 speed and a 91 M6 coupe. The 70 is more impressive at a car show with the hood up, but the 91 is much nicer to drive. I drive the 70 for other people I drive the 91 for me.
I have a C3 & C4. I find the C3 to be more fun to drive. If you do get a C3, I'd get a 1974 or older. Mine is a 1974. You should be able to get a nice small block car for under 20k, the big blocks are much more $$$$. 1974 and earlier are all catalytic converter and smog pump free and have true duel exhaust! Mine rumbles at idle, unlike my stock C4, and you can hear it coming down the street! But you have to be cautious when looking at C3's because some of these cars can have major "bird cage" rust and that is a major problem. I suggest if your considering a C3 you should get on the C3 page of this form and read up and search rust problems. Happy Hunting!
Last edited by jts90vette; Sep 3, 2017 at 03:17 PM.
I have a 70 LS5 4 speed and a 91 M6 coupe. The 70 is more impressive at a car show with the hood up, but the 91 is much nicer to drive. I drive the 70 for other people I drive the 91 for me.
Nice cars. That's a good point on how different the generations drive. Even a C3 auto is much more rough around the edges. I think the C4s are the perfect middle ground. Good gas mileage for a V8, practical for a two-seater and has all the 'luxury' options. A lot of C3s I've looked at have the AC removed, which is annoying. It's not a drag car. As I've driven C3s I think the wife would enjoy them much less.
Yeah I'm looking at the C4 convertibles, C3 convertibles are virtually non-existent. It's easier to justify because we already have a coupe. And I've had just about every issue one can have on a C4 so I know what to look for and how to fix it
I don't know that you would be able to feel as confident with repairs if you moved up to a C5 or a C6. I think another C4 is probably your best choice. I agree with what you said about it's not easy to find a C3 in the north east at a reasonable price point in good condition.
Considering a second corvette...
Kind of. I have GS and a C4, there is no way you can use more than 25% of the power/handling of the GS on the street without risking jail time, while the C4 can be driven much closet to it's limits on the street. On a track the GS is more of a car than I am a driver, but I can push the C4 up to (and past) it's limits.
