Need opinions
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Need opinions
Hi, guys. I had an 84 targa back in the day. Looking to get another C4 (cheap and a fun car). I found 2. Both red/black. One conv '90. One targa '93. Debating. Leaning the conv. It runs good, good maintenance records, garage kept, no moldy smell. Has recent brakes, radiator, fuel pump replaced, all by dealer. L98 engine. Dash is "new" style, with faded orange LCD panel. Faded rear bumper. Aftermarket kmart radio. LTPSW light is lit. The console switches (e.g. elec seat adjuster) are a bit wonky--not set in the console properly, though they work. Outside of these details, it is pretty kewl. Red paint except rear bumper is good. Tires tread good, though old. To get it perfect, would be $175 each for LTPSW tire sensors--no idea how many are bad, or ignore it. Probably $300 to paint rear bumper. Console switches may be trivial or impossible. Faded orange panel is probably $400 to recondition from battee.com. Either a decent aftermaket radio or try to find a stock radio. The 93 targa is also nice. LT1 engine, original optispark. The L98 engine has plenty of power for me. I'm old and all about the experience, not playing boy racer. Would prefer to be able to take a weekend trip to the beach, and conv barely has enough room to store one weekend bag.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Mileage is in the 80's for both. 83K conv, 87k targa. Conv price is right at book. Price is high for the targa, but he is still dreaming and will come down. I saw youtube about rear bumper and it seems like a tedious, PITA to remove and paint. Some options on radio are OEM refurbished for $600 or a 10" android tablet for $300 or $200 alpine/pioneer aftermarket. That's where I'm at right now.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
The LTPSW light is minor. Can barely see it in the Florida sun anyway. I actually never listen to the radio in the car. Just don't like the look of the k-mart aftermarket radio sitting in the dash. Looks installed by a 10 year old on crack....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,192
Likes: 381
From: Lunenburg MA
My 2c is that the convertible will always be worth more in the end (if you care about that). I just removed and painted the rear bumper on my '90. Not a bad job at all as long as the bumper is not physically damaged. '92+ even easier as the taillight fasteners are on the outside.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,295
Likes: 326
From: Central Pennsylvannia
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
Easy choice for me, i'm crazy for a convertible, and have had an 89 and a 96, the 90 is a sweet spot, newer interior, with the L-98 engine, but the LT engine runs just fine.
Personal preference is the convertible, but for a weekend cruiser, very limited space when the tops down. But i own a Lincoln MKX and a ford f150 hybrid, either of those works for a weekender. I just cruise my convertible.
Cheers
Personal preference is the convertible, but for a weekend cruiser, very limited space when the tops down. But i own a Lincoln MKX and a ford f150 hybrid, either of those works for a weekender. I just cruise my convertible.
Cheers
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Thanks, guys. The convertible vs coupe debate is raging in my mind. I have always liked convertibles, but not often had one. My 84 was a coupe red/tan. RX7 was moonroof. TR6 convertible. '01 BMW Z3 blue/ran. '08 Mustang convertible. And lots of motorcycles.... My daily driver is a crew cab RAM. Its awesome for a trip. Wouldn't put many miles on the vette. Just cruising around. Found a pretty white/red convertible 95, 80K miles. Radio replaced with pioneer 10" tablet. Would that detract from value? He did keep the old broken OEM radio.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,149
Likes: 284
From: cary Il
I don't think radios have any detract as long as they work, convertibles as said will most time be perferred and have more value
the 94s and up have nicer vert tops and glass rear window, being in florida I would make sure ac is working good
the 94s and up have nicer vert tops and glass rear window, being in florida I would make sure ac is working good
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 17,386
Likes: 6,527
From: Melbourne, FL
I'd do the 93 all day. Better interior, much better motor, and the coupes are tighter structures. More storage space too, and the Targa roof holds up better to FL sun (and rain) than a cloth top.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 396
From: Northwest Ohio
Not that I am biased.
