When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I have a question on value here, now I know something is only worth what someone is willing to pay, and it seem to me like the C4 market is all over the place (right time, right buyer) so can I get some help on putting a price on mine and I am looking to move to a C6 in the future.
Details
1995 C4 base, 6M, 82K miles, convertible with a hard top, the car paint I would give a 8/10, the soft top 7/10 due to the seals around the windows, and the hard top a 10/10 (newly painted, perfect seals). The car has “A-mod” staggered (I believe that the name of them) aftermarket wheels with new tires and 1200 miles on them. The FX3 system works with new rear shocks, and rebuilt front shocks, both powers seats work as well as the bladders. New A/C compressor, all fluids changed (brake, clutch, trans, rear end, coolant, oil), new oil pan gasket (OEM), new valve cover gasket, new belt, tensioner, water temp sensor, brake rotor/ pads, 2 wheel bearings assemblies, and LED headlights (with the mod so everything still works as OEM), even the power antenna (was rebuilt) works.
Now the bad, the heater has been bypassed (previous owner), it was pressure tested with no leaks but never hooked back up as I live in AZ and don’t need it. The CD player is picky on what CD it will play, and the is a small nick in the driver window tint. It has the rear muffler delete (previous owner, sounds good), just never got around to putting muffler back on it.
I do have 2 keys and one working key FOB, and an indoor car cover. What should I be asking for this car? Thank you for all the input.
Last edited by dddonkey; Dec 27, 2025 at 07:04 PM.
As someone who has done the heater core job, your car is worth no more than $500.
It is likely worth much more than that to someone who has not done that job before and doesn't know how much of a PITA it is, lol. Nobody bypasses the heater core "just because". Your heater core leaks, and I don't care what the previous owner told you.
As someone who has done the heater core job, your car is worth no more than $500.
It is likely worth much more than that to someone who has not done that job before and doesn't know how much of a PITA it is, lol. Nobody bypasses the heater core "just because". Your heater core leaks, and I don't care what the previous owner told you.
Thank you for the info on the heater core, any idea on a value?
Thank you for the info on the heater core, any idea on a value?
It's not crazy low .miles, and sounds like it has some expected wear for a car of this age. 6 speed helps, very arguably hurts value. The big wildcard is the heater core. That's a $2-4k job paying someone to do it.
I'd say that's a ballpark 10-12k car if everything was good on it. Figure $4-5k for the heater core, as a buyer I'm expecting other upkeep to have been cut corners on and will become my problems... I'd call it a $5-6k car as a buyer. Maybe even less if I didn't get warm fuzzies about it from other things (old or cheap tires, bushings that are cracked, etc). As the seller, I'd probably list it at $7500 and hope someone is willing to take a chance on it being a nice car, and that the heater core thing is just a single issue to resolve.
Just my opinion. I wouldn't touch it with a 29 and 1/2 foot pole after having done that job before lol.
It's not crazy low .miles, and sounds like it has some expected wear for a car of this age. 6 speed helps, very arguably hurts value. The big wildcard is the heater core. That's a $2-4k job paying someone to do it.
I'd say that's a ballpark 10-12k car if everything was good on it. Figure $4-5k for the heater core, as a buyer I'm expecting other upkeep to have been cut corners on and will become my problems... I'd call it a $5-6k car as a buyer. Maybe even less if I didn't get warm fuzzies about it from other things (old or cheap tires, bushings that are cracked, etc). As the seller, I'd probably list it at $7500 and hope someone is willing to take a chance on it being a nice car, and that the heater core thing is just a single issue to resolve.
Just my opinion. I wouldn't touch it with a 25 and 1/2 foot pole after having done that job before lol.
You guys are really scaring me with my impending heater core job right now!
@OP - car market is pretty soft right now due to overall economy. Right now is a better time to be buying. Maybe get your C6 now and sell the C4 later after you have suffered through doing the heater core yourself? (that will ensure you don't get seller's remorse later)
2025 c3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C8 Stingray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
$12k. Id check the local FB market place and Ebay SOLD listings. Hagerty Evaluation has a #3 convertible with hard top at $13,900. Mileage is a little high, but 6 speed is a plus. Tires have 1200 miles but how old are they? Hopefully the potential buyer will be from AZ and won't be that concerned about the heater. I also share the belief that if it's disconnected it's leaking.
So many C4s still around and they dont bring big money. Like others have said check local listing and be prepared for the hit because if the car needs things like a heater repair and or seals? You're gonna get beat over the head. They're vultures out there. But those will buy vs the tire kickers.
$12k. Id check the local FB market place and Ebay SOLD listings. Hagerty Evaluation has a #3 convertible with hard top at $13,900. Mileage is a little high, but 6 speed is a plus. Tires have 1200 miles but how old are they? Hopefully the potential buyer will be from AZ and won't be that concerned about the heater. I also share the belief that if it's disconnected it's leaking.
Thank you for all the input from everyone, I ordered the heater core today and will get it installed this week. As for the tires they are all date coded early 2024 and no issues with the seals with the hard top on. I think I may wait to post it for sale until February when people start getting their tax returns in and see how it goes. Worst case scenario I keep it longer as I do love the look and driving it and just wait to get a C6 as I am in no hurry. Thank you again everyone who has chimed in.
Thank you for all the input from everyone, I ordered the heater core today and will get it installed this week. As for the tires they are all date coded early 2024 and no issues with the seals with the hard top on. I think I may wait to post it for sale until February when people start getting their tax returns in and see how it goes. Worst case scenario I keep it longer as I do love the look and driving it and just wait to get a C6 as I am in no hurry. Thank you again everyone who has chimed in.
It would not be hard to pressure test it. I agree with everyone else that it probably leaks. BUT, just in case it was a clogged cowl drain I would take time to pressure test it before starting this massive job. Dan
Well I took everyone's advice and replaced the heater core after I pressure tested the old one, it held 15psi but anything over it leaked so out with the old and in with the new. The replacement was $65 and only took 3 hr to install and another 30 min to bleed the cooling system so 3.5 hr total not really a bad job compared to others I have done. Thanks again for the advice from everyone and if you need to replace your heat core don't be scared it is not bad, I followed @mandingo214 write up, take your time as not to break the plastic pieces.
Well I took everyone's advice and replaced the heater core after I pressure tested the old one, it held 15psi but anything over it leaked so out with the old and in with the new. The replacement was $65 and only took 3 hr to install and another 30 min to bleed the cooling system so 3.5 hr total not really a bad job compared to others I have done. Thanks again for the advice from everyone and if you need to replace your heat core don't be scared it is not bad, I followed @mandingo214 write up, take your time as not to break the plastic pieces.
thanks for coming back to say this. the messages above regarding the devaluation due to the heatercore job are downright donkey manure. good job and a big bah humbug to the people who tried to scare the crud out of you.
admittedly, some body contortions are needed, but very far from a 2-4k job. As your Report demonstrates.
Absolutely not the crazy scary job people make it out to be…cut the one pipe and use the foil tape! with the respectful exception being for any of us that are perhaps graced with a long life or unfortunate ailments that would prevent a person from removing the seat and laying on your back……i mean that….there are some folks who wouldn’t be able to complete this job….and many others on this and other cars….but those are exceptions and hopefully those owners would have someone like yourself or myself willing to help them out.
Last heatercore job i heard of locally someone paid $1100 usd to get done.
great job and good luck with sale. where i live your car would sell for 10kusd
admittedly, some body contortions are needed, but very far from a 2-4k job. As your Report demonstrates.
….there are some folks who wouldn’t be able to complete this job….and many others on this and other cars….but those are exceptions and hopefully those owners would have someone like yourself or myself willing to help them out.
Unfortunately think I'd be one of those people so I may call you if I ever need to do it. Pulling the seat wouldn't be a problem, but arthritis in my hands (mainly Thumbs) working with tools in a tight space is a problem. Last time I laid on my back in a C4 was about 3 to 4 years ago under the passenger dash of the 91 I had to fix some wiring. It was tough then and can't imagine doing it now. I try to stick to easy things now like fuel pumps, certain sensers, Bose amps and such.
Unfortunately think I'd be one of those people so I may call you if I ever need to do it. Pulling the seat wouldn't be a problem, but arthritis in my hands (mainly Thumbs) working with tools in a tight space is a problem. Last time I laid on my back in a C4 was about 3 to 4 years ago under the passenger dash of the 91 I had to fix some wiring. It was tough then and can't imagine doing it now. I try to stick to easy things now like fuel pumps, certain sensers, Bose amps and such.
if you are Calgary Alberta Canada I am very happy to help you out! Not much on these cars I have not done.
if you are Calgary Alberta Canada I am very happy to help you out! Not much on these cars I have not done.
Cheers and happy driving.
Had an easy one today. Replaced the nozzle on drivers side windshield washer because hose connection on nozzle broke off. I have enjoyed all the posts you have made bringing C4's back to life.
Wishing you and your family a happy Corvette filled New Year.
Phoenix resident here. I've found that the $ value on the west coast is certainly stronger than anywhere up north (probably because we get to use it 12 months out of the year You don't mention the interior quality other than seats functioning and the CD player being finicky. How is the dash, carpets, door panels? Original speakers? Are they functional? Has the cooling system demonstrated it can keep up in the AZ summer? Hardtop is a huge plus but unless you're getting a repeat C4 buyer, I feel they go undervalued when included in a sale.
Interior is going to be the difference between 11K and 13K.
Since you're an expert now....do you want to complete the heater core job in my '89? haha
Value my car
Pulling the seat wouldn't be a problem, but arthritis in my hands (mainly Thumbs) working with tools in a tight space is a problem. Last time I laid on my back in a C4 was about 3 to 4 years ago under the passenger dash of the 91 I had to fix some wiring. It was tough then and can't imagine doing it now. I try to stick to easy things now like fuel pumps, certain sensers, Bose amps and such. 
You don't mention the interior quality other than seats functioning and the CD player being finicky. How is the dash, carpets, door panels? Original speakers? Are they functional? Has the cooling system demonstrated it can keep up in the AZ summer? Hardtop is a huge plus but unless you're getting a repeat C4 buyer, I feel they go undervalued when included in a sale.