newb questions!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 758
Likes: 1
From: Foley, AL
newb questions!
Hello all. I am a lurker on this site, just returned after a year and a half absence (according to my last log in date).
I last visited this site wanting to learn about C3's and have fought the urge to want a nice C4. I still have a thing for the '80 model vette, but for some reason, I can not look away from C4's.
I have a couple of newbie questions, as I am getting closer to buying my first 'Vette.
1. What about reliability? I mean, what kind of performance problems can I expect from a Vette that is 8-10 years old?
2. I know a lot of that would depend on the previous owner and how he or she took care of it, but are there any typical components that should be replaced?
3. I'm 35, are 'Vettes an insurance nightmare?
4. If purchased, this car would probably see the road a few times a week. Anyone here have a C4 as a "daily driver"?
5. A well took care of C4 is about the same price as a very well took care of C3, anyone else see this? Just an observation.
Thanks to all for looking. If you have any advice or input for purchasing a "first 'Vette" I would appreciate it.
colt
I last visited this site wanting to learn about C3's and have fought the urge to want a nice C4. I still have a thing for the '80 model vette, but for some reason, I can not look away from C4's.
I have a couple of newbie questions, as I am getting closer to buying my first 'Vette.
1. What about reliability? I mean, what kind of performance problems can I expect from a Vette that is 8-10 years old?
2. I know a lot of that would depend on the previous owner and how he or she took care of it, but are there any typical components that should be replaced?
3. I'm 35, are 'Vettes an insurance nightmare?
4. If purchased, this car would probably see the road a few times a week. Anyone here have a C4 as a "daily driver"?
5. A well took care of C4 is about the same price as a very well took care of C3, anyone else see this? Just an observation.
Thanks to all for looking. If you have any advice or input for purchasing a "first 'Vette" I would appreciate it.
colt
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
Likes: 298
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
No comments to your questions? I will
The C-4 is as reliable as the owner either maintained it well or not.
As far as performance, the C-4 is a great car for performance. Problems are the same as any car of the same age, no better no worse.
Insurance for the car is about the same as owning a Firebird. I use my Vette daily and drive it 50 miles a day seven days a week. Last but not least, I would rather have a C-4 than a 1980 or 1982. The newer car has better upgrades and better engineering from the general.
Hope this helps.
As far as performance, the C-4 is a great car for performance. Problems are the same as any car of the same age, no better no worse.
Insurance for the car is about the same as owning a Firebird. I use my Vette daily and drive it 50 miles a day seven days a week. Last but not least, I would rather have a C-4 than a 1980 or 1982. The newer car has better upgrades and better engineering from the general.
Hope this helps.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,629
Likes: 7
From: Lawrenceville PA
As a previous owner of a C3 (1972) and a current owner of a C4 (1986) I can give you my take on both generations. The C3 is going to appreciate in value, although I'm not sure about later models like the 1980 you covet, while MOST C4's will depreciate in value.
The C3 will be easier for the shade tree mechanic to work on, although the L98 isn't too bad. The C3 frame is extremely prone to RUST. I can speak with first hand knowledge on that as I spent a couple thousand replacing the rotten frame on my 72. The early C3 rode like a truck and and the later ones were underpowered. They are beautiful cars though and I can see the appeal.
Insurance for late model C4's can be pricey because there isn't specialty insurance available for the later years. I do have it on my 86 and it costs about $300/year with limitations like 2500 miles per year. As you said, you can get a terrific deal on C4's right now and there are several good deals offered here in the for sale section. Good luck either way.
The C3 will be easier for the shade tree mechanic to work on, although the L98 isn't too bad. The C3 frame is extremely prone to RUST. I can speak with first hand knowledge on that as I spent a couple thousand replacing the rotten frame on my 72. The early C3 rode like a truck and and the later ones were underpowered. They are beautiful cars though and I can see the appeal.
Insurance for late model C4's can be pricey because there isn't specialty insurance available for the later years. I do have it on my 86 and it costs about $300/year with limitations like 2500 miles per year. As you said, you can get a terrific deal on C4's right now and there are several good deals offered here in the for sale section. Good luck either way.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,348
Likes: 233
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
If you want an 'investment' get the C3.
If you want a driving Corvette, get a C4 (or a C5).
As far as problems go, the Corvette is a Chevy, no better no worse than any other Chevy with similar options (and it's usually the options that present the most problems).
If you want the decision to buy a Corvette validated...this is the place!
"If you want a Corvette, GET IT!"
Larry
If you want a driving Corvette, get a C4 (or a C5).
As far as problems go, the Corvette is a Chevy, no better no worse than any other Chevy with similar options (and it's usually the options that present the most problems).
If you want the decision to buy a Corvette validated...this is the place!
"If you want a Corvette, GET IT!"
Larry
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,475
Likes: 270
From: Kingman AZ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Cruise-In VIII
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Go to a dealer who specializes in Corvettes and drive a nice one of each model. You will pick the C4. It drives better, has more power, is quieter, has more creature comforts and handles better. You can carry more luggage/stuff and it is easier to get to. The C4s also get a heck of a lot better gas mileage.
I would actually like to have one of each but prefer the C4 hands down. Buy the best condition, lowest mileage one you can afford.
I would actually like to have one of each but prefer the C4 hands down. Buy the best condition, lowest mileage one you can afford.
