I owned a 5.0 Mustang for 8 years because it was all I could afford at that time.
I finally moved up to a 93 Vette and it's great. I think it is very reliable and will hold its value much better.
As everyone says, get the newest one you can afford with the least mileage.
:chevy :cheers:

 

I'll echo what most people have already said, the C4 can actually be a very reliable car, but make sure to get one that has been taken care of. Also, the latest model year is not always better, I'd rather have a well maintained 92 than a 96 that was abused. In general though, get the latest well mainted car that has all the options you want. Also, wait for the right car, don't settle for something that doesn't have the major options you want, because you'll regret it later.

There are a few options I would recommend avoiding:
FX3 selective ride control / F45 ride control. As noted above these are very expensive to fix (shocks are $200 each, and there are lots of other parts to the sytems that can be expensive). Also, in my opinion these systems really don't provide much benefit. I had the FX3 and removed the system entirely to go with standard shocks. There was nothing wrong with it, but in my opinion the system doesn't ride as good as a base suspension car and handles nowhere close to a Z51 car. Decide which way you want to go: better ride or better handling, and pick the appropriate option. FE1 is base suspension (best ride), Z51 is the best handling suspension.

Another option to avoid depending on where you live, is the glass only top. In a southern state (anywhere the temperature hits over 100 during the summer) you will want both tops or just the solid top. Personally, I prefer the solid top myself and I've had both. Plus the solid top will make the car more stiff and cut down on squeks and rattles.

 

My suggestion would also be to get the newest one you can afford and get it checked out professionally. The 1985 Corvette I bought looked like new - perfect interior, clean engine, great body - but it has turned out to be a real money pit. In the last year, I've put on all new tires (OK any car will need tires) replaced the Bose sound system, replaced the heater core, replaced the heater control valve, had an electrical short which caused the dash not to work tracked and fixed - I was actually kind of glad to store it for the winter so that I can rebuild my checkbook balance. It still has a transmission leak, alternator problem and issue with the brakes to be resolved when it comes out of storage. I've always wanted a Corvette and I'm glad I finally got one, but this is the least reliable car I've ever owned (and I've owned quite a few used cars in the last 30 years). Be careful - be VERY careful! Good luck! :)

 

I've driven a 5.0 for 15 years and after one Corvette the 5.0's feel like they're tied to a tree. Theres no comparison to a 5.0.
Corvettes are much better cars. By the way ya caint go back.
A Corvette has a better trans than a 5.0 both auto and stick. More power.
Better brakes. As far as a reliable car, I've had to do more repairs to my Mercedes than my Corvette. If you think Corvette parts are expensive you'd hate a Lexus.
I'd give the C-4 an A+. I've owned 8 Corvettes, 4 5.0's, 4 Camaros, still I'd say the Corvette is the best of the group.
The only thing I don't like about C-4's is the resale.
Never owned a japo car in my life. :flag

 

I also totally agree with if you can do the work yourself theory, i've saved and will save ton in labor costs just from that.

 

Don't wait another day go right now and buy one. I waited too long (43) to get mine. You'll love it and they are great cars. Welcome aboard the forum. :seeya

 

I'm 58. I have a 92 LT1 auto w/107,000 on the clock. I have replaced the Opti and vented it at the same time so I don't expect any more problems. Mine is bone stock except open lid and TB bypass. VERY happy with the car. The owner I bought it from had changed the oil with Mobil 1 every 3000 miles like clockwork. Car doesn't leak a drop or burn a drop and runs very strong. I did go with elimators to enhance the sound.

Mine is a convertible with factory hardtop and I love the look. My only complaint is that I get a few rattles on rough roads, but otherwise the car is very tight. Do it! You'll never regret it. I agree with others though, if I could afford it I would pick up a 96 LT4.

 

That sounds right.

the dual mass is the part that quiets the tranny down...

 

I have the same situation. My mechanic said it sounded like my throwout bearing. I had my transmission replaced 2000 miles after I bought it at 81,000 miles due to a faulty ZF-6 replacement by the previous owner. A stud was not properly loc-tited, worked itself loose, and blew apart the entire clutch assembly. $2800 and a week later I was back on the road. Since the sound goes away when I press the clutch in, I would have to agree that it is the throwout bearing.

On the other hand, my flywheel was refinished and it works fine, but it does whine a decent amount more than usual. Especially around 3000rpm. Hope this helps.

 

Just my thoughts....I'm 59 years young...have had my vette for several years...just a lowly '84 crossfire....but damn have I ever enjoyed it....still doing upgrades to it...my kids even want it, and are fighting on who will get it when I go...What a thought....only our kids could think of this crap....anyway if you can't afford later years the early C4's offer a good value....and lot's of fun....again just my humble thoughts...

tony

:smash: :smash: :cheers: :smash: :smash:

 

You refinished a dual mass flywheel??? I thought that was a real no-no?

 

No such thing as a *lowly* vette dude...ITS A CORVETTE DAMNIT!!!

Its The King! Crossfires were *THE* engine of the day. Theres nothing bad about that same as my *lowly* L98 compared to LT1's or whatever....

Theyre ALL vettes Tony and that makes them *all* awesome :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :blueangel:

 

Bought my 89 coupe in August and had the same concerns you have. So far everything I redid was still in acceptable range. Comes with buying from a dealer and not getting service records.(at least I know what is in it now). BTW I was 66 when I bought it, have since turned 67. Always wanted one and time is definately not on my side. Been a lot of fun, all the kids want it when I am unable to handle it any more.