Needed to learn more so I joined here. Seems like a really good forum.
My background: I've had two Corvettes way back in time. A '63 convert and a '71. The '63 I miss. The '71... hope it got in a fire somewhere. We won't get into that.
Now I'm retired and want a personal car to play with. Bad part is the fixed income thing.
So I started looking and came to the conclusion a C4 is the way to go for me.
In a few short months I have learned a lot to feel safe enough to (almost) buy one on my own. I still need more learning on what to avoid, though.
The big thing I'm lost on is, manual or auto? I know if I ask that question every answer will be your own personal thoughts. A mechanic friend of mine told me that he worked on a customer's (auto) Vette one time and came back with this story. Apparently he took the Bob Bondurant driving school. When he got back, he said the auto sucked so much fun out of the car, he sold it.
So I guess there are two ways to look at this. Buy the stick or get the auto and never go on the track.
Considering I'll have to buy in a little low and more than likely whatever car I wind up with will probably need a little help. So... which way is best to go, one that needs mechanical work or interior work?
All suggestions and help is much appreciated.

 

Those are both personal choices. Auto vs manual comes down to what you enjoy. I wouldn't buy a Corvette with a 4 speed auto, but lots of others find them to be great cruisers. Interior work vs mechanical work comes down to what you're good at. For me, I do a bit of everything, so it doesn't make a big difference to me. I would buy a car with a messed up interior and mechanical problems over a car with bad paint if I was doing it over again, just because paint takes up WA more room.

 

That's my thinking as well. You noticed I didn't mention body work/paint.
Mechanical is somewhat easy for me. Interior, a little harder but it pretty much would only be R&R anyways. Not much there.

 

So, what are you looking for?
What are your requirements?
Weekend toy, corner carver, drag racer...?
What end of the C4 spectrum?
Are you planning on going to the track?

 

Does that help?

 

some will say spend a little more money and find a vette that was well maintained (even with high miles)....a lot less aggravation

 

That is the ultimate goal.
I have been finding some of each in all conditions at all prices.
I'll have more fun trying to find the "right" one once I get serious about it.

Side note: Will it do any good to wait until fall as prices might drop?

 

Yes

 

It depends on where you live. In the south prices don't drop but inventory does. I can't speak to the north. One thing I can say is don't put off buying it. The time you could be spending driving it is worth way more than the couple hundred to single thousand you might save by waiting. It's not some huge price swing where nice cars go half price.

 

I've had my 96 only a year but it is incredibly fun to drive. My has about 42000 miles. Dont think miles are important compared to being maintained. My OPINION.....I hate shifting in traffic.....that's all I have to say about that. If you can tinker you got most problems licked.

 

OLD,
I notice you are also WA. There are a lot of C4s for sale in the area in various price ranges. However due the Covid thing there are a lot less on the market compared to what would normally be for sale at this time.

Check out the Northwest Section of this forum. There is a 1991 with a Supercharger for sale in Puyallup that if I did not already have two I would have purchased. Keith takes care of his cars and this is a good one. He is having some health issues so is downsizing his collection. If in your price range you should give him a call.

 

Nice of you to notice where I'm from.
Yeah, the bad beer bug is sure screwing things up. Since I haven't looked before I had no idea their would be more for sale. That sounds like a plus for me once things come back. Maybe even find one from someone that has to sell. (bad for them though)
I hadn't found the NW section yet but then again, I haven't completely gone through the entire forum.

 

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...northwest-127/

Another thing to think about: You can buy good used parts from several vendors. Such as www.vette2vette.com and new parts from vendors such as www.corvettecentral.com. You could also check for new parts at www.corvetteamerica.com as many vendors buy their parts and then mark them up to sell to us.
Check out the C4 Parts for Sale/Wanted section and the C4s For Sale/Wanted section.
Do a youtube search to find How to buy a used C4 too. Enjoy the hunt and do not be afraid to Fly and Buy after having a Forum member who is local to the car check it over for you.
There is an 87 coupe with 4+3 transmission for sale on Craigslist Vancouver that might fit the bill for you. Some do not like this transmission but there are lots of sites pertaining to servicing and repairing the Doug Nash Overdrive that is bolted to the rear of the 4 speed that is in the car.

 

That '87 in Vancouver is high on my list. One reason I haven't gone and picked it up yet is because... it's red. I don't want to settle and a month or two later the perfect color comes up at the same price or less. Thanks though.

 

To find the Northwest Forum click on Forums, then Upcoming Events and Regional Discussion, then Pacific Northwest.. You are welcome to come drive my 1991 supercharged 6 speed turquoise coupe even if you are not interested in buying it. I live in Puyallup. Keith 253-841-1126.

 

That's a great offer but if I drive yours it might kill my desire for a "normal" Vette. Everything else would be blah...
I will keep your phone number for future reference and help though.
Keep up your fight with the cancer. Been there, done that. I'm now stage 4 on immunotherapy and doing good.

 

Not to get in your wallet, but how much are you looking to spend ? There is a big difference in price between a 85 automatic and a 96 manual.

 

I'm in your position too. Like you I just joined the forum for info. My thoughts on auto or stick run this way. If you're looking for a daily/frequent driver an automatic might make more sense but, you said weekender. In that case a stick isn't a detraction in my mind. I'm looking for a stick because I'm old school and rowing through the gears is part of the fun for me. YMMV.

 

Even at the end of June, I've seen prices on '84's @ $2500 in decent shape and other years up to (my max) $4000. I know, the newer = $$$
But like someone said above, wait until fall. I'm really in no hurry.

 

When I find the car I like, I really won't be thinking... "damn, I wish it was an auto/stick". Either one is good.
ps. even on the weekends, shifting can get annoying.