Think, Look, Read, Decide, Repeat
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Think, Look, Read, Decide, Repeat
Hey guys! I've done a previous post about purchasing a c4 gen vette now or in the future. I want to get thoughts on an idea that popped into my head. I'm a junior college student athlete just finishing my freshman year of school. Around this time next year I'll be done with my time at my current school and will have the summer before i transfer to whatever school I get a scholarship to. I just bought a car(03 Benz C Class Kompressor, insurance accident money came in handy)) because the registration went out on the one i was driving and it wasn't worth renewing. My little brother starts driving next year and I've been thinking of giving him my current car when he does and getting 94-96 Vette. Any car I have wouldn't be driven as much during the year because I'd either be gone out of state to school or stuck driving the streets of a local California Campus. I've read and watched a lot to inform myself about the car, it's pro's and cons, the dreaded optispark, maintenance tips, buying tips,etc. First thing I would do when I buy it is replace the opti with a dynaspark, or just cut down reliance on the opti by getting a dynaspark or LTTC, or torqhead kit. I also am trying to learn more about cars and how to do routine and complex maintenance, as I had two alternators fail in my last car and If I'd been able to fix it myself, it would've saved me a lot of trouble. I believe that used cars are generally more reliable when they haven't been sitting for a long time. It would also be an awesome feeling for me to buy a sort of dreamcar for me(even though I'm a mercedes/AMG fanatic) as I got in trouble recently and my dad reminded that the accident settlement from an accident bought me my current car, not my own work which really took the joy and excitement out of me driving and owning my current car. To sum this all up, I want to buy a C4 when I'm done with JUCO and drive it wherever I go if I'm even allowed to
. Most likely won't happen but you never know! Thoughts?
. Most likely won't happen but you never know! Thoughts?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 6,314
Likes: 508
From: South-central Missouri
Hey guys! I've done a previous post about purchasing a c4 gen vette now or in the future. I want to get thoughts on an idea that popped into my head. I'm a junior college student athlete just finishing my freshman year of school. Around this time next year I'll be done with my time at my current school and will have the summer before i transfer to whatever school I get a scholarship to. I just bought a car(03 Benz C Class Kompressor, insurance accident money came in handy)) because the registration went out on the one i was driving and it wasn't worth renewing. My little brother starts driving next year and I've been thinking of giving him my current car when he does and getting 94-96 Vette. Any car I have wouldn't be driven as much during the year because I'd either be gone out of state to school or stuck driving the streets of a local California Campus. I've read and watched a lot to inform myself about the car, it's pro's and cons, the dreaded optispark, maintenance tips, buying tips,etc. First thing I would do when I buy it is replace the opti with a dynaspark, or just cut down reliance on the opti by getting a dynaspark or LTTC, or torqhead kit. I also am trying to learn more about cars and how to do routine and complex maintenance, as I had two alternators fail in my last car and If I'd been able to fix it myself, it would've saved me a lot of trouble. I believe that used cars are generally more reliable when they haven't been sitting for a long time. It would also be an awesome feeling for me to buy a sort of dreamcar for me(even though I'm a mercedes/AMG fanatic) as I got in trouble recently and my dad reminded that the accident settlement from an accident bought me my current car, not my own work which really took the joy and excitement out of me driving and owning my current car. To sum this all up, I want to buy a C4 when I'm done with JUCO and drive it wherever I go if I'm even allowed to. Most likely won't happen but you never know! Thoughts?
. Most likely won't happen but you never know! Thoughts?2nd, if an alternator was a challenge, just wait till you try an opti!
You have no business buying an old C4 and trying to go to school too, unless you are majoring in automotive engineering (and NOT literature.
)Just some grandfatherly advise from a C4 fanatic.
Last edited by Paul Workman; Jun 4, 2018 at 05:34 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,427
Likes: 604
From: Minneapolis Mn
My 1st thought is, for a JUCO kid you should have learned about writing a proper paragraph by now...
2nd, if an alternator was a challenge, just wait till you try an opti!
You have no business buying an old C4 and trying to go to school too, unless you are majoring in automotive engineering (and NOT literature.)
Just some grandfatherly advise from a C4 fanatic.
2nd, if an alternator was a challenge, just wait till you try an opti!
You have no business buying an old C4 and trying to go to school too, unless you are majoring in automotive engineering (and NOT literature.
)Just some grandfatherly advise from a C4 fanatic.
The newest C4 is over 20 years old. Unless you have the time, space, tools and talent to fix it yourself as well as the ability to let it sit while non-running it's not a sound choice. Most C4's are going to take ongoing repairs and maintenance, if you can't do a majority of that yourself it will quickly become a non-running money pit.
If you need something drivable, get something that will be on the road not sitting on jackstands awaiting repairs. Once you've graduated and have your own place and some extra money, then think of getting yourself a C4.
That's from another Grandfather. C4's can be fun but few can keep them as a DD. My 2 cents.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
My 1st thought is, for a JUCO kid you should have learned about writing a proper paragraph by now...
2nd, if an alternator was a challenge, just wait till you try an opti!
You have no business buying an old C4 and trying to go to school too, unless you are majoring in automotive engineering (and NOT literature.)
Just some grandfatherly advise from a C4 fanatic.
2nd, if an alternator was a challenge, just wait till you try an opti!
You have no business buying an old C4 and trying to go to school too, unless you are majoring in automotive engineering (and NOT literature.
)Just some grandfatherly advise from a C4 fanatic.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
The newest C4 is over 20 years old. Unless you have the time, space, tools and talent to fix it yourself as well as the ability to let it sit while non-running it's not a sound choice. Most C4's are going to take ongoing repairs and maintenance, if you can't do a majority of that yourself it will quickly become a non-running money pit.
If you need something drivable, get something that will be on the road not sitting on jackstands awaiting repairs. Once you've graduated and have your own place and some extra money, then think of getting yourself a C4.
That's from another Grandfather. C4's can be fun but few can keep them as a DD. My 2 cents.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
The newest C4 is over 20 years old. Unless you have the time, space, tools and talent to fix it yourself as well as the ability to let it sit while non-running it's not a sound choice. Most C4's are going to take ongoing repairs and maintenance, if you can't do a majority of that yourself it will quickly become a non-running money pit.
If you need something drivable, get something that will be on the road not sitting on jackstands awaiting repairs. Once you've graduated and have your own place and some extra money, then think of getting yourself a C4.
That's from another Grandfather. C4's can be fun but few can keep them as a DD. My 2 cents.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 600
From: Question Government
Mamadu21,
Sounds like at this point in your life, you really need low maintenance costs and reliability in your transportation. This is the practical truth whether you like it or not. Any C4 will eventually need unforeseen repairs that will cost $$$ and time to fix. I have a 1996 C4, but I also have a reliable 2017 Hyundai Tucson as my main driver. Every young guy wants a sporty looking car such as a Corvette, but unfortunately it's when they don't have the $$$ or time to maintain and repair it. I say, if the Vette were to be your second (non daily driver) car, and you have a full time job, Go For It, but not until then.
Sounds like at this point in your life, you really need low maintenance costs and reliability in your transportation. This is the practical truth whether you like it or not. Any C4 will eventually need unforeseen repairs that will cost $$$ and time to fix. I have a 1996 C4, but I also have a reliable 2017 Hyundai Tucson as my main driver. Every young guy wants a sporty looking car such as a Corvette, but unfortunately it's when they don't have the $$$ or time to maintain and repair it. I say, if the Vette were to be your second (non daily driver) car, and you have a full time job, Go For It, but not until then.
Zen Vet Master Level VII
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 5,218
Likes: 1,174
From: Southlake, TX
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 750
From: near the thumb in the mitten
Since you are in college, and will likely need some elective courses. Look for a basic electronics and maybe general science class, your looking for fundamentals. Summer jobs at auto repair businesses can give you exposure. The other choice is to pick a high demand field that brings a serious paycheck. Then just drive. Wait until after college and you are working to get an old Corvette.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,562
Likes: 946
From: Communist Colorado
Here... follow your own advice.... Think, Look, Read, Decide, Repeat
Ill simply post our last exchange regarding this subject....
Quote:
Originally Posted by 81c3 View Post
Finish schoiol, dont worry about Corvettes or anything like a Corvette type vehicle. Think Toyota Camry!! Concentrate on school.... When youre done with school, buy a new Vette... or if you must have a C4 like some of us choose to, buy a pristine one... maybe a Grand Sport or ZR-1
Your Reply:
Thank you! The chances of me getting one are slim anyway but I wanted advice anyway. I shall return back here in a few years when i finish school and buy my dream car!
Ill simply post our last exchange regarding this subject....
Quote:
Originally Posted by 81c3 View Post
Finish schoiol, dont worry about Corvettes or anything like a Corvette type vehicle. Think Toyota Camry!! Concentrate on school.... When youre done with school, buy a new Vette... or if you must have a C4 like some of us choose to, buy a pristine one... maybe a Grand Sport or ZR-1
Your Reply:
Thank you! The chances of me getting one are slim anyway but I wanted advice anyway. I shall return back here in a few years when i finish school and buy my dream car!