Ever feel the C4 is too old?
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
Ever feel the C4 is too old?
I love the C4 but wanted to read your thoughts on this. If one were to buy a used C4 I would imagine one would have to go through the whole car and make sure all is in working order, fluids fresh, no dry rotting hoses etc...Is it worth it to spend hundreds, thousands to get the car in tip top shape especially if it has interior issues to boot? Would it be more feasible to just purchase newer instead of creating a money pit?
#2
Burning Brakes
If you are the kind of person that enjoys fixing up a car then getting an older car of any make or model you like can be worth it. If you want a car that you want to just jump in and drive without having to concern yourself with picking up a wrench than you should buy a new car.
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#3
Team Owner
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C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Totally depends on what you like about a C4 vs a newer one. Too subjective a question.
Personally I find early Sharks better looking and easier to work on, but I started with a C4 and added a C7. Its just about what you want.
You do need to be able to work on them though, learn as you go.
Personally I find early Sharks better looking and easier to work on, but I started with a C4 and added a C7. Its just about what you want.
You do need to be able to work on them though, learn as you go.
#4
Melting Slicks
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No.. But I'm not racing. If being the fastest thing on the road is what you want, then maybe choosing something newer is for you.
We've talked about adding a plastic bumper C3 on and off for a while, so no.. The age of the vehicle doesn't bother me in any way whatsoever.
In fact, I kind of like that because new cars are all so blah and "same" The C4 has a classic look you don't really see much anymore.
We've talked about adding a plastic bumper C3 on and off for a while, so no.. The age of the vehicle doesn't bother me in any way whatsoever.
In fact, I kind of like that because new cars are all so blah and "same" The C4 has a classic look you don't really see much anymore.
#6
Race Director
No, the c4 isnt some magical machine that runs on baby seal oil and unicorn tears. Fluids get old on all cars, you replace them.
If you can afford a new car, then sure. But dont kid yourself, even newer cars need this stuff. Lots of crappy c5s and c6s out there that are money pits. A good number of c7 that have the defective 8 speed auto that are money pits.
If you can afford to buy new and under warranty then go for it. But i suspect that someone complaining about the car being a money pit isnt in the boat to spend 70k on a c7.
If you can afford a new car, then sure. But dont kid yourself, even newer cars need this stuff. Lots of crappy c5s and c6s out there that are money pits. A good number of c7 that have the defective 8 speed auto that are money pits.
If you can afford to buy new and under warranty then go for it. But i suspect that someone complaining about the car being a money pit isnt in the boat to spend 70k on a c7.
Last edited by FAUEE; 03-20-2019 at 06:48 PM.
#7
Team Owner
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If you don't think a "newer" car is a money-pit, consider the value drop of a new car over just the first year of ownership.
Before I made my recent of a sweet '89, ZF6 vert I had no qualms about buying one with ~50k miles on the clock. But then I enjoy not only driving & polishing my Vettes but working on them as well.
Before I made my recent of a sweet '89, ZF6 vert I had no qualms about buying one with ~50k miles on the clock. But then I enjoy not only driving & polishing my Vettes but working on them as well.
#8
Melting Slicks
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Newer can also mean even higher maintenance costs..
For example: Transmission failure in a 6L80 equipped Tahoe is 3500 bucks. The Vette is even higher.
About double what the C4 costs to repair.
That would pay for a bunch of hoses and fluids, and a new transmission to boot.
For example: Transmission failure in a 6L80 equipped Tahoe is 3500 bucks. The Vette is even higher.
About double what the C4 costs to repair.
That would pay for a bunch of hoses and fluids, and a new transmission to boot.
Last edited by confab; 03-20-2019 at 07:30 PM.
#9
Age is just a NUMBER my 89’ has LOW miles on it and it’s in just as good condition mechanically or cosmetically as any NEW car on the road with similar mileage actually probably BETTER than most who have been rode hard and put away wet....stick to low mileage well cared for cars and you won’t think the car is “old” but a “CLASSIC”
#10
Race Director
If you don't think a "newer" car is a money-pit, consider the value drop of a new car over just the first year of ownership.
Before I made my recent of a sweet '89, ZF6 vert I had no qualms about buying one with ~50k miles on the clock. But then I enjoy not only driving & polishing my Vettes but working on them as well.
Before I made my recent of a sweet '89, ZF6 vert I had no qualms about buying one with ~50k miles on the clock. But then I enjoy not only driving & polishing my Vettes but working on them as well.
Super intuitive way to answer the OP’s question
#11
Race Director
To maintain my 93 and keep it interesting....
I mod it tastefully to defeat the newer corvettes (at least the base model)
When i got in there to mod, I replaced fluids, wear items.
the stuff that didnt need mod’d that wears out (like weatherstrip), I replaced it after i had all the mods working great.
so yeah, theres always an item im working on.
next up is the vert top ! But then i can replace rear plastic window with glass and TINT the windows for once !
I mod it tastefully to defeat the newer corvettes (at least the base model)
When i got in there to mod, I replaced fluids, wear items.
the stuff that didnt need mod’d that wears out (like weatherstrip), I replaced it after i had all the mods working great.
so yeah, theres always an item im working on.
next up is the vert top ! But then i can replace rear plastic window with glass and TINT the windows for once !
#12
I have an 85 with about 147000 miles on it had it for about 6 and a half years not had to replace to many parts on it wouldn’t bother me a bit to get in it and go anywhere. I was a gm tech for 18 years so i work on my own it’s a lot newer than my 65 impala or my 61 chevy pickup im rebuilding i like the older cars
#13
Race Director
If you like working on your cars yourself - then no.
I've had mine and it has less $ in it than my wife's 2005 Subaru...
It's an 85, now 383 with 6 speed, carb - computer is gone.. runs great and is lots of fun ………… I have to do a tune up this year - so there goes another $18.00.
I've had mine and it has less $ in it than my wife's 2005 Subaru...
It's an 85, now 383 with 6 speed, carb - computer is gone.. runs great and is lots of fun ………… I have to do a tune up this year - so there goes another $18.00.
#14
Pro
Like most, it depends on what you are buying it for. I bought mine as a running, rolling project that I could is to teach my son about cars and spend time with him. I will likely spend more than the car is worth over time, but the fun my son and I have already had in this car is priceless.
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#15
Drifting
Thread Starter
No, the c4 isnt some magical machine that runs on baby seal oil and unicorn tears. Fluids get old on all cars, you replace them.
If you can afford a new car, then sure. But dont kid yourself, even newer cars need this stuff. Lots of crappy c5s and c6s out there that are money pits. A good number of c7 that have the defective 8 speed auto that are money pits.
If you can afford to buy new and under warranty then go for it. But i suspect that someone complaining about the car being a money pit isnt in the boat to spend 70k on a c7.
If you can afford a new car, then sure. But dont kid yourself, even newer cars need this stuff. Lots of crappy c5s and c6s out there that are money pits. A good number of c7 that have the defective 8 speed auto that are money pits.
If you can afford to buy new and under warranty then go for it. But i suspect that someone complaining about the car being a money pit isnt in the boat to spend 70k on a c7.
#16
Drifting
Thread Starter
So true that first statement. I too enjoy working on cars. I haven't been able to since I sold my last home but in the process of purchasing another that is why I am inquiring.
#17
Drifting
Thread Starter
If you like working on your cars yourself - then no.
I've had mine and it has less $ in it than my wife's 2005 Subaru...
It's an 85, now 383 with 6 speed, carb - computer is gone.. runs great and is lots of fun ………… I have to do a tune up this year - so there goes another $18.00.
I've had mine and it has less $ in it than my wife's 2005 Subaru...
It's an 85, now 383 with 6 speed, carb - computer is gone.. runs great and is lots of fun ………… I have to do a tune up this year - so there goes another $18.00.
#18
Le Mans Master
yes, its old, The only time I really feel that way is when I race it at the drag strip. which I sometimes do. The newer cars outrun me or give me a great race. Yep. small things go wrong as they are old. Buy a newer one in good shape. Part are expensive.
#20
Race Director
Any car can be a money pit. My c6 GS had tires that last maybe 10k miles and were 2 grand a set. It's tough to get tires on it for under a grand. A friend with a bmw spends probably 2500 every 4 to 6 months on dealership repairs, on a 328i no less.