C4 Reliability
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 223
Likes: 15
C4 Reliability
Hey guys!
So I live in LA and I've been a C3 owner for 3 years now. Took a 1969 from storage and put a lot of work into making it a daily driver. As much as I love it, it's too stressful to continue to use as my daily.
I'm going to put my c3 in storage in favor of a new ride. One of my top candidates is a late model C4 - somewhere between 92 and 96.
It looks as though I can find some 94s, under 50k miles, with no accidents, for around 14k. Seems like a great deal to me. Maybe it's because people don't like the C4 look, or is it because it isn't reliable?
I wanted to get the board's review. How reliable is a C4 (under the conditions listed above) as a daily driver? Is it fun? Is it high-maintenance? Is it durable?
Love to hear what you think! Again, I'd like to make this a daily driver in LA.
So I live in LA and I've been a C3 owner for 3 years now. Took a 1969 from storage and put a lot of work into making it a daily driver. As much as I love it, it's too stressful to continue to use as my daily.
I'm going to put my c3 in storage in favor of a new ride. One of my top candidates is a late model C4 - somewhere between 92 and 96.
It looks as though I can find some 94s, under 50k miles, with no accidents, for around 14k. Seems like a great deal to me. Maybe it's because people don't like the C4 look, or is it because it isn't reliable?
I wanted to get the board's review. How reliable is a C4 (under the conditions listed above) as a daily driver? Is it fun? Is it high-maintenance? Is it durable?
Love to hear what you think! Again, I'd like to make this a daily driver in LA.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,325
Likes: 2,247
From: Central Maryland
I'd say the answer depends on three things:
1. How well preserved and maintained the car is when you acquire it.
2. How much of the maintenance and repair you'll do yourself.
3. Will it be a big problem for you if the car isn't as reliable as a late-model Honda?
If the answers are:
1. It's in superb condition, and needs little to be made ready for frequent use.
2. You can do all but major repairs yourself, or better yet, anything and everything.
3. Having the car go down for repairs occasionally won't ruin your life, or cost you your job.
Then it's probably not an insane proposition. I've logged somewhere around 75K miles on C4s (one 1994, one 1996, both six-speeds), and never had to call for a tow home.
When new, most C4s were far more reliable than any C3 that was ever built. The C4 had a 13 year production run. Near the end of that run, they had been extremely well sorted out by Chevrolet engineering and manufacturing.
Live well,
SJW
1. How well preserved and maintained the car is when you acquire it.
2. How much of the maintenance and repair you'll do yourself.
3. Will it be a big problem for you if the car isn't as reliable as a late-model Honda?
If the answers are:
1. It's in superb condition, and needs little to be made ready for frequent use.
2. You can do all but major repairs yourself, or better yet, anything and everything.
3. Having the car go down for repairs occasionally won't ruin your life, or cost you your job.
Then it's probably not an insane proposition. I've logged somewhere around 75K miles on C4s (one 1994, one 1996, both six-speeds), and never had to call for a tow home.
When new, most C4s were far more reliable than any C3 that was ever built. The C4 had a 13 year production run. Near the end of that run, they had been extremely well sorted out by Chevrolet engineering and manufacturing.
Live well,
SJW
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,295
Likes: 326
From: Central Pennsylvannia
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
Actually there's a lot of guys that use these cars daily, for the most part the car you buy in any condition with low miles is probably not ready for daily use. I'm afraid there's going to be a lot of maintenance needed to get a car in a condition to be driven daily, and it will continue to be costly to maintain it for daily driving. As was mentioned, the newest C4 car is now 25 yrs old, this doesn't make for dependable daily driving without some maintenance. The C-4 is reaching the point that C-3 cars, reached 10 years ago, few people drive it to work every single day. If you think about it? what other 25 year old car do you think you can depend on for daily use? not to mention this design was on the drawing board, 40 years ago! The oldest C4 car is turning 37 yrs old this year.
Chris
Chris
Racer
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 418
Likes: 96
From: NE FL
Hey guys!
So I live in LA and I've been a C3 owner for 3 years now. Took a 1969 from storage and put a lot of work into making it a daily driver. As much as I love it, it's too stressful to continue to use as my daily.
I'm going to put my c3 in storage in favor of a new ride. One of my top candidates is a late model C4 - somewhere between 92 and 96.
It looks as though I can find some 94s, under 50k miles, with no accidents, for around 14k. Seems like a great deal to me. Maybe it's because people don't like the C4 look, or is it because it isn't reliable?
I wanted to get the board's review. How reliable is a C4 (under the conditions listed above) as a daily driver? Is it fun? Is it high-maintenance? Is it durable?
Love to hear what you think! Again, I'd like to make this a daily driver in LA.
So I live in LA and I've been a C3 owner for 3 years now. Took a 1969 from storage and put a lot of work into making it a daily driver. As much as I love it, it's too stressful to continue to use as my daily.
I'm going to put my c3 in storage in favor of a new ride. One of my top candidates is a late model C4 - somewhere between 92 and 96.
It looks as though I can find some 94s, under 50k miles, with no accidents, for around 14k. Seems like a great deal to me. Maybe it's because people don't like the C4 look, or is it because it isn't reliable?
I wanted to get the board's review. How reliable is a C4 (under the conditions listed above) as a daily driver? Is it fun? Is it high-maintenance? Is it durable?
Love to hear what you think! Again, I'd like to make this a daily driver in LA.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 223
Likes: 15
I have replaced a lot on the C3, piece by piece, and I'll continue to bring it all the way back to glory someday, but the motor itself is tired, and right right now I need something I don't have to worry about stranding me, or being ridiculously hard to find parts/repairs for.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 1,781
Likes: 576
From: Mays Landing, NJ
I drove my 95 with 83K on it to work 3 times this week. Work is a 34 mile round trip plus I drove it to a few locations my office deals with for at least an additional 100 miles. Of course as keeps coming up we are talking about vehicles that are pretty old, but this is the same issue any make and model car still in service would have. From a engine standpoint the 350 has proven to be a great motor, just keep it maintained. Parts wear out, just be ready to put some money into it from time to time.
If you want a C4 as a daily driver because it will give you pleasure I vote go for it!!
If you want a C4 as a daily driver because it will give you pleasure I vote go for it!!
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Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,358
Likes: 3,253
From: Hartford WI
I have had shops, even performance shops that tell me they would work on it but prefer not to. The motor itself, transmission has parts. Other parts you might have to wait for. How tolerant are you when things are not all working? If you are like me, well..... It took a lot of work to undo the PO's handywork and make all the systems work. Brakes work but the ABS system sometimes doesn't work like I think it should and has an ABS fault and I don't have the scan tools not does anyone else, it seems. Are you a fan of dumpster diving where you have to wait on a part from eBay? If you are willing to work with that are are less picky, sure. If that annoys you that the car drives but this is not working or that is broken, it can be difficult. I had replaced all my power steering hoses. I had to get them from 2 different vendors and they were unsure about fit. More importantly, they weren't sure when a new batch will be made so the car sat in the shop's yard after the tow truck brought it in, thankfully, within an hour of my home. Shop owner was NOT happy for 3 months.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,181
Likes: 380
From: Lunenburg MA
I have an '87 and a '90 both with ~60K. I regularly take them on my 70 mile round trip commute and several 200+ mile trips. Never had a problem. If you wrenched on your C3, you can wrench on a C4. More electronics and an overdrive trans, otherwise it's just another Chevy with a small block.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 17,267
Likes: 6,463
From: Melbourne, FL
It's a 25 year old car, so you won't have great luck with parts swappers at the dealership. Specialists are out there, but IMO it really helps to be a DIY type.
Parts availability is typically not an issue, it's cost, and it's from the vintage where some parts you have to make. Or you know, pay out the *** for, or buy used, or both.
I daily drove my 92bquite a bit, it's a very fun daily driver, it's not an awesome highway cruiser, but that's partly due to how stiff my car is by design of the build.
A c5 is going to have the same potential issues with parts, breakdowns, etc. The perk the c5 has is cheaper mods and more available monkeys with hptuners for tuning.
If you've got another car, and have space to work on it if need be, I think it's a great daily. I think with any used car that's not like a barely used car, it takes a bit to get the vehicle to a happy place. Even my new to me low mile trailblazer ss needs some love here and there, it's just the nature of used cars.
Parts availability is typically not an issue, it's cost, and it's from the vintage where some parts you have to make. Or you know, pay out the *** for, or buy used, or both.
I daily drove my 92bquite a bit, it's a very fun daily driver, it's not an awesome highway cruiser, but that's partly due to how stiff my car is by design of the build.
A c5 is going to have the same potential issues with parts, breakdowns, etc. The perk the c5 has is cheaper mods and more available monkeys with hptuners for tuning.
If you've got another car, and have space to work on it if need be, I think it's a great daily. I think with any used car that's not like a barely used car, it takes a bit to get the vehicle to a happy place. Even my new to me low mile trailblazer ss needs some love here and there, it's just the nature of used cars.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 1,925
Likes: 610
From: Orange, CA
Agreed with FAUEE--if you have another car just in case, it makes a fine daily. That's how my '95 is.
Now, this is entirely personal opinion here, but if you're looking at automatics, go for a '94. If you're looking at manuals, a '96 is the best (because of the LT4) and a '95 is second-best. The reason for this is entirely technical. 94-95 have excellent aftermarket support for the engine and transmission control systems. The '94 automatic has a more reliable torque converter clutch hydraulic system than the 95-96 automatic. The 95 came with a superior ABS and some nice minor tweaks to the engine, including a better optispark design. So since you're already looking at the 92-96, that's where I'd shoot for.
Good luck!
Now, this is entirely personal opinion here, but if you're looking at automatics, go for a '94. If you're looking at manuals, a '96 is the best (because of the LT4) and a '95 is second-best. The reason for this is entirely technical. 94-95 have excellent aftermarket support for the engine and transmission control systems. The '94 automatic has a more reliable torque converter clutch hydraulic system than the 95-96 automatic. The 95 came with a superior ABS and some nice minor tweaks to the engine, including a better optispark design. So since you're already looking at the 92-96, that's where I'd shoot for.
Good luck!
Racer
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 274
Likes: 121
From: shirley ny
My '96 has been extremely reliable, never left me stranded... But I do agree with 99% of the wisdom and experience stated above. REALLY helps if you can work on your C4 yourself, as you will be wayy more knowledgeable than most mechanics/ shops in reference to a 25-35 yr. old corvette! And, many shops don't want to work on C4's, as they aren't cars that lead to simple, profitable repairs! I even bought and installed a "max jax " 2 post mid rise lift for my garage to facilitate working on my beloved '96 LT4 ( lift is awesome, and makes working on the vette much easier! ) As stated above, C4 on the highway is a little stiff to say the least, I think it's fine for occasional daily driving.... but everyday?? Hope your back and neck are unencumbered! C 5's ( I've owed a few ) suffer from some of these issues, but are way more comfortable overall, and would make a better daily driver if that's what you really need.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2020
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From: north of Chicago
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In the 20 years of owning our '84 it has never left us stranded, (once had to limp home on a failing fuel pump) been on a couple of cross country vacations. It would get old getting in and out of it twice a day each working day or 4 times a day when you stop for groceries after work. My '
In conclusion very fun car, we try to drive it every nice day (even for groceries) but It would be hard to make it our primary driver.
In conclusion very fun car, we try to drive it every nice day (even for groceries) but It would be hard to make it our primary driver.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,358
Likes: 3,253
From: Hartford WI
My '96 has been extremely reliable, never left me stranded... But I do agree with 99% of the wisdom and experience stated above. REALLY helps if you can work on your C4 yourself, as you will be wayy more knowledgeable than most mechanics/ shops in reference to a 25-35 yr. old corvette! And, many shops don't want to work on C4's, as they aren't cars that lead to simple, profitable repairs! I even bought and installed a "max jax " 2 post mid rise lift for my garage to facilitate working on my beloved '96 LT4 ( lift is awesome, and makes working on the vette much easier! )
As stated above, C4 on the highway is a little stiff to say the least, I think it's fine for occasional daily driving.... but everyday?? Hope your back and neck are unencumbered! C 5's ( I've owed a few ) suffer from some of these issues, but are way more comfortable overall, and would make a better daily driver if that's what you really need.
As stated above, C4 on the highway is a little stiff to say the least, I think it's fine for occasional daily driving.... but everyday?? Hope your back and neck are unencumbered! C 5's ( I've owed a few ) suffer from some of these issues, but are way more comfortable overall, and would make a better daily driver if that's what you really need.
I thought people said that the C5 was way better in that department? What neck and back issues did you notice?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
I have a '92, it has just under 200,000 miles on it. I daily drive it to work from ~May until ~November. On really lean snow years, I've even driven it though the winter. My commute is 33 miles each way, up and down two canyons w/3-4000' vert gain/loss. I drive it hard, track it occasionally, drag track it and auto-x it. It has been a very reliable car, very economical to own and maintain. We love it. A few years ago, my MIL got sick fast (terminal) and my wife had to go see here in Michigan (we live in UT). She couldn't get a flight quick/direct and the whole flight thing was looking to be a 3-day affair. I told her to jump in the 'Vette and blast to MI -a ~24 drive. She did. I wouldn't have recommended that nor would she have done it if reliability were questionable.
It's a great car, but as has been stated, it has EVERYTHING to do with how it's been maintained.
It's a great car, but as has been stated, it has EVERYTHING to do with how it's been maintained.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 986
Likes: 487
Honestly... Have a beater.
Can you daily drive one?
Sure.
If you're worried about reliability should you?
No.
Chevy will sell you a new Trax for $14,500 right now. Make THAT the daily driver and buy a C4 to spoil. Now is the time, prices are starting to rise.
That way you can have dead reliable transportation AND another car to cherish...
WARNING: If a C3 is too much work for you to handle yourself a C4 takes a fair amount more technical skill and a C5 takes MUCH MORE.
Can you daily drive one?
Sure.
If you're worried about reliability should you?
No.
Chevy will sell you a new Trax for $14,500 right now. Make THAT the daily driver and buy a C4 to spoil. Now is the time, prices are starting to rise.
That way you can have dead reliable transportation AND another car to cherish...
WARNING: If a C3 is too much work for you to handle yourself a C4 takes a fair amount more technical skill and a C5 takes MUCH MORE.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 1,925
Likes: 610
From: Orange, CA
Hard disagree with this overgeneralized statement. There are a few parts off the top of my head I can think of that do suck (for example, throwout bearing for the ZF 6-speed), but such a blanket statement is total nonsense and not a reason to avoid a Corvette of any generation, let alone the C4. If you wanna get specific, though, I'm sure that would probably help prospective owners make informed decisions. 
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 53,959
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From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
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Hard disagree with this overgeneralized statement. There are a few parts off the top of my head I can think of that do suck (for example, throwout bearing for the ZF 6-speed), but such a blanket statement is total nonsense and not a reason to avoid a Corvette of any generation, let alone the C4. If you wanna get specific, though, I'm sure that would probably help prospective owners make informed decisions.