Wanting first vette
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1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Wanting first vette
Wanting my first Corvette finding C4's for about three to four thousand dollars run and drive am I crazy am I asking for a bunch of headaches if I buy one like this any advice is appreciated
Last edited by Mikewantsc4; Aug 15, 2018 at 01:44 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,451
Likes: 336
From: Greater Cincinnati Area.
Regardless of mileage, some of these cars are 34 years old now. You can expect some headaches.
To be successful, you need at least one of the following.
1) A good deal of mechanical aptitude.
2) Less mechanical aptitude, but a strong desire to learn.
3) A stack of cash.
It's still a great hobby. I love my car and wouldn't trade it for anything.
This forum is an excellent resource for a new owner. They know EVERYTHING!
Good luck!
To be successful, you need at least one of the following.
1) A good deal of mechanical aptitude.
2) Less mechanical aptitude, but a strong desire to learn.
3) A stack of cash.
It's still a great hobby. I love my car and wouldn't trade it for anything.
This forum is an excellent resource for a new owner. They know EVERYTHING!
Good luck!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,706
Likes: 485
From: Everett WA
C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
To get a well sorted out late model C4 you are going to need to spend $8 - $12K. The more maintenance records that come with the car the better.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 600
From: Question Government
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 81
From: Finger Lakes Region, New York
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,024
Likes: 363
From: Central Alabama
I bought mine for 5200 with low 70K miles. Had some issues. I've but between 2 and 3K in it. All work done by me. So I'm still about 8K into it. But now I've gone through bringing all the systems up to date.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 750
Likes: 86
From: St Petersburg
1989
Have always wanted one but new out of my reach and family etc etc.
so older now and finally got one I paid $2,500 it ran but I knew it needed work and $
I now have $6,000 into it but it runs great Don't go into it thinking it's an investment It's plain fun to drive
St Pete Florida
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 600
From: Question Government
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,451
Likes: 336
From: Greater Cincinnati Area.
You can look at it two ways depending on your skill level.
I bought a junk one and for about 6500 bucks it has a new engine, transmission, injectors, radiator, heater core, interior, paint is almost done, etc.
All the things people here are having trouble with now are things I replaced, and I priced that into the purchase. But I do all my own work.
However, if you have to pay other people to do these things, you really want a nice example to help minimize costs.
I bought a junk one and for about 6500 bucks it has a new engine, transmission, injectors, radiator, heater core, interior, paint is almost done, etc.
All the things people here are having trouble with now are things I replaced, and I priced that into the purchase. But I do all my own work.
However, if you have to pay other people to do these things, you really want a nice example to help minimize costs.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,179
Likes: 673
From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,706
Likes: 485
From: Everett WA
C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
You can look at it two ways depending on your skill level.
I bought a junk one and for about 6500 bucks it has a new engine, transmission, injectors, radiator, heater core, interior, paint is almost done, etc.
All the things people here are having trouble with now are things I replaced, and I priced that into the purchase. But I do all my own work.
However, if you have to pay other people to do these things, you really want a nice example to help minimize costs.
I bought a junk one and for about 6500 bucks it has a new engine, transmission, injectors, radiator, heater core, interior, paint is almost done, etc.
All the things people here are having trouble with now are things I replaced, and I priced that into the purchase. But I do all my own work.
However, if you have to pay other people to do these things, you really want a nice example to help minimize costs.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,426
Likes: 3,277
From: Hartford WI
Looking at the MSRP and accounting for the value of money at the time vs today, it is a little more to buy a C7 brand new than a C4 when it was brand new. So think about this when you figure $3000 and decide if you want that headache.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
x2
A nice one in that range only comes around once in a great while, really need to know what to look for. Wrong car to buy as a "fixer"....unless you dont mind some $
A low miler driven regularly is fine, as said one thats sad I wouldnt touch. My own which has sat 2 yrs is going to need a fair amount thrown at it $$ to be right again. Even "stored properly" chit goes bad.
A nice one in that range only comes around once in a great while, really need to know what to look for. Wrong car to buy as a "fixer"....unless you dont mind some $
A low miler driven regularly is fine, as said one thats sad I wouldnt touch. My own which has sat 2 yrs is going to need a fair amount thrown at it $$ to be right again. Even "stored properly" chit goes bad.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,426
Likes: 3,277
From: Hartford WI
Just saw this a couple of days ago. Guy came to an auto part store to get oil and trans fluid Why? He is selling it and wants it to look good. When asked about the filter he declined. Why? Fluid looks fresh and the sucker won't check the filter. I wonder why I get suspicious when he fluid in the car looks like new.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,426
Likes: 3,277
From: Hartford WI
I'd save and get a newer version .Less, not none, less times you hear "no longer available" or have to hope and pray for a part from the boneyard that is in better condition than the current one you have.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 148
Likes: 49
From: Coral Springs Florida
Regardless of mileage, some of these cars are 34 years old now. You can expect some headaches.
To be successful, you need at least one of the following.
1) A good deal of mechanical aptitude.
2) Less mechanical aptitude, but a strong desire to learn.
3) A stack of cash.
It's still a great hobby. I love my car and wouldn't trade it for anything.
This forum is an excellent resource for a new owner. They know EVERYTHING!
Good luck!
To be successful, you need at least one of the following.
1) A good deal of mechanical aptitude.
2) Less mechanical aptitude, but a strong desire to learn.
3) A stack of cash.
It's still a great hobby. I love my car and wouldn't trade it for anything.
This forum is an excellent resource for a new owner. They know EVERYTHING!
Good luck!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 6,314
Likes: 508
From: South-central Missouri
