Looking at a '96 LT4
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 40
Likes: 6
From: Canada
Looking at a '96 LT4
Hi All,
I'm going to be taking a look at a '96 LT4 and was hoping to get some advise/clarity on the following:
1. This car does not appear to have the LT4 plate (on the top of the center console beside the shifter with the HP info on it). Did some cars not come with this?
2. AC in the car is not working. How common is this issue with these cars? I know this can be caused by a number of different issues, but what might the cost to rectify this at the high end?
Any help you could provide would be much appreciated.
Thanks!
I'm going to be taking a look at a '96 LT4 and was hoping to get some advise/clarity on the following:
1. This car does not appear to have the LT4 plate (on the top of the center console beside the shifter with the HP info on it). Did some cars not come with this?
2. AC in the car is not working. How common is this issue with these cars? I know this can be caused by a number of different issues, but what might the cost to rectify this at the high end?
Any help you could provide would be much appreciated.
Thanks!
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,336
Likes: 287
From: Minnesota
check the RPO codes, if it has Z51 and its around or under $10k (and passes your eye and road test)...BUY IT
plates are optional, aftermarket...the a/c's rarely work.
plates are optional, aftermarket...the a/c's rarely work.
Last edited by mark970; May 29, 2021 at 01:11 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,336
Likes: 287
From: Minnesota
is it silver?
Last edited by mark970; May 29, 2021 at 01:17 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,713
Likes: 11
From: Virginia
I just bought a 96 and the air only needed a freon refill. Cost me about $40 at the auto parts store. But everything else was working. If your blower motor isn't working that can be expensive if its more than just a fuse. If you need a new compressor, condenser, air dryer the costs can mount up to the 2k range.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 40
Likes: 6
From: Canada
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Race Director
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 17,396
Likes: 6,536
From: Melbourne, FL
Yeah that's pretty in range for low mile lt4. Maybe a bit high, but hey, find another one right?
AC could be a 40ndollar freon fill, or could be a leaky seal, or a hole in something major. Good news is, ac work is common and relatively inexpensive. Bad news is, it could be between 40 bucks and 1000 bucks to fix.
AC could be a 40ndollar freon fill, or could be a leaky seal, or a hole in something major. Good news is, ac work is common and relatively inexpensive. Bad news is, it could be between 40 bucks and 1000 bucks to fix.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,274
Likes: 399
From: Tacoma WA
2024 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
That is at the top end in the Northwest for that car unless you are willing to wait a while for the right buyer. Also with those low miles check the date codes on the tires. If old (over 8 years for me) you should be able to negotiate a price $800-1000 lower considering also the A/C issue.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,295
Likes: 326
From: Central Pennsylvannia
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
These car have not come into their own quite yet, and the value has not reflected the cars performance for the era in which they were produced, But I have a strong feeling it will happen.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 109
From: Longmont Co
Hi All,
I'm going to be taking a look at a '96 LT4 and was hoping to get some advise/clarity on the following:
1. This car does not appear to have the LT4 plate (on the top of the center console beside the shifter with the HP info on it). Did some cars not come with this?
2. AC in the car is not working. How common is this issue with these cars? I know this can be caused by a number of different issues, but what might the cost to rectify this at the high end?
Any help you could provide would be much appreciated.
Thanks!
I'm going to be taking a look at a '96 LT4 and was hoping to get some advise/clarity on the following:
1. This car does not appear to have the LT4 plate (on the top of the center console beside the shifter with the HP info on it). Did some cars not come with this?
2. AC in the car is not working. How common is this issue with these cars? I know this can be caused by a number of different issues, but what might the cost to rectify this at the high end?
Any help you could provide would be much appreciated.
Thanks!
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,348
Likes: 233
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
$18K sounds reasonable, providing the interior and paint are in 97% condition and the AC is the only issue mechanically. I would not place too much emphasis on the Z51 option unless your plan is to use the car for track days and/or autocross. For a street car, the base suspension is stiff enough and more than capable. The Z51 makes for an unpleasant ride on the street.
As far as the max cost of fixing the AC; you've already gotten good advice. I'd budget about $500 for fixing it. That should be a good average. Chances are it will be significantly less.
Also, don't base the price of the car on the tires that are on it. Tires, and brakes, and batteries are consumable items, and easily replaced. An $18K car is an $18K car, no matter if the tires are brand new premium or worn-out Wal-Mart sale items. Having the new tires just makes the car more appealing to the potential buyer....a sales aid.
As far as the max cost of fixing the AC; you've already gotten good advice. I'd budget about $500 for fixing it. That should be a good average. Chances are it will be significantly less.
Also, don't base the price of the car on the tires that are on it. Tires, and brakes, and batteries are consumable items, and easily replaced. An $18K car is an $18K car, no matter if the tires are brand new premium or worn-out Wal-Mart sale items. Having the new tires just makes the car more appealing to the potential buyer....a sales aid.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 25
Likes: 4
I got mine 6 months ago but it needed all new front end complete rebuild, 90 miles, new clutch, new coolant hoses and new tires and a couple other things i paid 10500, So basically I'm at 14K to 15k so yes 18 for one in really good shape is ok, look at the ball joints if they have rivets and not bolts they are original and will probably need to be replaced its an excellent check to see if someone cared about a 25 year old car. Remember Rubber goes bad just from Ozone(air) and sitting!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 6,125
Likes: 2,000
From: St. Charles MO
If it's really a 96 and it's an original manual transmission, then it's an LT4. No other years came with them, and the 96 automatics also didn't come with them. All manuals did, though. Period. If you want to verify, check the VIN as someone else mentioned and also check the engine for an EGR valve: the LT4 doesn't have one.