C4 Purchase
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 138
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From: Seneca SC
C4 Purchase
I'm just beginning to look for a C4. I know that I should get the newest one that I can afford. I'm probably looking at a 1990 - 1995 (want to spend less thatn $15K). Is there one particular model or combination (Other than a ZR1) that is better for resale or collectability? I'm a newbie and any information would be appreciated!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,232
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From: Montrose Colorado
Re: C4 Purchase (wmrobert)
Other than the exotics such as a Calloway twin turbo, maybe a 93 40th anniversary edition, 96 Collectors edition w/LT-4 motor, 96 Grand Sport, and last but not least don't overlook the 90-95 ZR-1's some of them can be had at reasonable prices right now. Good luck in your search. 84 CF 91 ZR-1
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 43,370
Likes: 0
Re: C4 Purchase (wmrobert)
Resale and collectibility for under $15,000? Are you looking for something in great, unmolested condition, or do you just want an okay C4? A good combo would be a 1996 Collector's Edition convertible with a red interior and an LT4. Those are rare though, and the price being under $15,000 is really dependant on the condition of it, the mileage, and location. Corvette markets differ from state-to-state. For instance, some people could say I got royally screwed in the butt by paying as much as I did for my C4, because they might live in California or something where the prices are so cheap you can get a C5 for what I paid for my C4. But the Texas market demands a higher price for 'vettes for some strange reason. Anyyway, 1990 and 1991 are the L98, and the '91-'96 have the updated C4 body style. 1992-1996 had an LT1 (or LT4 in 1996) which has more power and is ultimately more desireable than the L98. I narrowed my search for a C4 down to '94-'96 because I wanted dual air bags. :cheers:
[Modified by GDP, 7:51 PM 11/7/2002]
[Modified by GDP, 7:51 PM 11/7/2002]
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
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Re: C4 Purchase (wmrobert)
Dont buy one for resale or collectability unless you are building a collection.
If you can get a 6-speed, thats preferable. Just get the newest one. Dont jump on one either, take your time and find one you like.
If you can get a 6-speed, thats preferable. Just get the newest one. Dont jump on one either, take your time and find one you like.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 312
From: P-town Baby! Virginia
Re: C4 Purchase (wmrobert)
Take your time and find the right vette for you. Find the color, options, etc that you want with low mileage and mint condition. For the money...I wouldn't worry about collectability...but options to make it a fun vette for enjoyment. I think you wil find what you want at a great price..especially with winter coming. :)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,858
Likes: 2
Re: C4 Purchase (wmrobert)
For under $15 or right at $15 you should be able to get a decent '92 coupe, maybe '93 with around 50,000 miles. Both have LT1 motor (300hp, 330tq), if it will be a daily driver and you have to negotiate a lot of stoplights an auto would probably be easier to live with day to day than a 6-speed, but a 6-speed would still be more fun for pleasure driving IMHO. The LT1 is a pretty bullet proof motor as far as major things breaking goes (there's always the possibility of having to replace some minor things like sensors etc) and 200,000 miles before needing a rebuild has been achieved. A guy on the forum has logged 221,000 and still purring without ever having had to crack open the engine, might have been an L98 (1986 - 1991) motor though. When you look at one for sale try to make sure it has always been on steady diet of Mobil 1 synthetic oil and not petroleum based oil, it will have less wear on it internally that way. Seems silly but some run petrol oil in theirs and to me that's just nuts.
Be sure to tell the forum about whatever one you're looking at so they (we) can try and help evaluate the deal for you :D
Be sure to tell the forum about whatever one you're looking at so they (we) can try and help evaluate the deal for you :D
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 138
Likes: 1
From: Seneca SC
Re: C4 Purchase (Lone Ranger)
Thanks for the information. I appreciate the offer for some advice when I get closer to a purchase. I'm up here in Northern Virginia (sniper territory) and the prices don't seem to be out of line. I am going to tke my time in order to get the right one.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 138
Likes: 1
From: Seneca SC
Re: C4 Purchase (GDP)
I'm not really looking for a collector car. I just don't want to get stuck with something nobody wants (bad engine/transmission combo), when it's time to upgrade. Thanks for the info.
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Pro
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From: HAMILTON OH
Re: C4 Purchase (wmrobert)
Some things that always help maintain the value are.......Convertible, 6-speed, Rare Colors(Comp Yellow, etc), and LT-1 and LT-4 engines. but you are going to have a harder time finding these options for 15000. As stated above....don't rush into anything. I searched for 8 months to find the one I wanted. Most of the 90-95 will re-sell if they are in good shape. They are all great cars. :yesnod:
Le Mans Master
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From: Life is just one big track event. Everything before and after is prep and warm-up and cool-down laps
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St. Jude Donor '12
Re: C4 Purchase (wmrobert)
I'm not really looking for a collector car. I just don't want to get stuck with something nobody wants (bad engine/transmission combo), when it's time to upgrade. Thanks for the info.
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Race Director
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: tucson AZ
St. Jude Donor '04 & '05
Re: C4 Purchase (wmrobert)
There are so many good deals out there.....
Try to buy from a private party...to get the best deal....get all extra parts...manuals....etc....
Along with work rec'pts of work done on vette...just take your time....
just my humble thoughts....
tony
Good luck and happy hunting.....should be fun...
:smash: :cheers: :smash: :crazy:
[Modified by oldace84, 3:44 PM 11/8/2002]
Try to buy from a private party...to get the best deal....get all extra parts...manuals....etc....
Along with work rec'pts of work done on vette...just take your time....
just my humble thoughts....
tony
Good luck and happy hunting.....should be fun...
:smash: :cheers: :smash: :crazy:
[Modified by oldace84, 3:44 PM 11/8/2002]