Buying advice for first timer
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 447
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Buying advice for first timer
Guys,
I am in the market for my first vette. I think I have decided to stay away from the C5s as I think I like the earlier body styles better. I am currently leaning towards either a mid 90 C4 or even potentially a C3. I can't help but drool over the 68-72s but living in the south...I think a fuel injected and air conditioned C4 would better fit the bill but those chrome bumpers and a 4 speed small block call to me. C4 is in the lead right now though.
What are some of the keys to look for in a Vette that might make it hold value...ZR1 obviously but how about suspension package, options etc. What is the difference between a targa top and a glass top? Any help or advice is appreciated and I will be searching the archives for information.
I am in the market for my first vette. I think I have decided to stay away from the C5s as I think I like the earlier body styles better. I am currently leaning towards either a mid 90 C4 or even potentially a C3. I can't help but drool over the 68-72s but living in the south...I think a fuel injected and air conditioned C4 would better fit the bill but those chrome bumpers and a 4 speed small block call to me. C4 is in the lead right now though.
What are some of the keys to look for in a Vette that might make it hold value...ZR1 obviously but how about suspension package, options etc. What is the difference between a targa top and a glass top? Any help or advice is appreciated and I will be searching the archives for information.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,556
Likes: 0
From: Auburn Washington
St. Jude Donor '03-'05-'06
Check everything out to make sure it all works like it should and take your time doing it. Ask alot of questions. 
Just a little advice from me. Others will chime in...
Just a little advice from me. Others will chime in...
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Nearly 5yrs ago, when I was deciding on my first Vette, I too was torn between the C3 flair and the C4 tech.
I suggest you first pick up a copy of the "Corvette Black Book" so you can review the changes and features over the years.
The C4s came with either a targa (removable) top or a roadster (retractable top). The targa could be either metal or glass; come C4 came with the metal and the glass top.
I think you would be most interested in an '89 or newer C4 as that was the first year of the 6-speed manual transmission. The L98 was most advanced in '89-'91; the LT1 (and variations) ran from '92-'96.
You might try on the fit and feel of say a '89 as well as say a '96 to see which package most appeals to you.
In '89-'91 the Z51 and Z52 options carried a quicker ratio steering which I realy like. The later C4s had traction control as well as selective ride control as options.
Good luck with the search and whichever C you decide on you can't go wrong...it's still a Corvette.
I suggest you first pick up a copy of the "Corvette Black Book" so you can review the changes and features over the years.
The C4s came with either a targa (removable) top or a roadster (retractable top). The targa could be either metal or glass; come C4 came with the metal and the glass top.
I think you would be most interested in an '89 or newer C4 as that was the first year of the 6-speed manual transmission. The L98 was most advanced in '89-'91; the LT1 (and variations) ran from '92-'96.
You might try on the fit and feel of say a '89 as well as say a '96 to see which package most appeals to you.
In '89-'91 the Z51 and Z52 options carried a quicker ratio steering which I realy like. The later C4s had traction control as well as selective ride control as options.
Good luck with the search and whichever C you decide on you can't go wrong...it's still a Corvette.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,348
Likes: 233
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
You'd make a mistake buying a Corvette expecting it to hold its value....buy it because you want to drive it.
C3's are sexy, but the C4 is a much improved driving machine....so, what do you want? Eye candy or a thrill ride? Do you want to smile when you are on the outside or on the inside...?
As 65Z01 said "you can't go wrong".
Larry
C3's are sexy, but the C4 is a much improved driving machine....so, what do you want? Eye candy or a thrill ride? Do you want to smile when you are on the outside or on the inside...?
As 65Z01 said "you can't go wrong".
Larry
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 19,149
Likes: 2
From: First to Sign Grumpy's Hat Only 53 miles from Hell
St. Jude Donor '06-'09-'10-'11
I agreee with the guys above. The C3's have the sexy lines (especially the chrome bumper 68-72 verts), but if you want to drive it more than just the weekends I would lean towards a C4, much more refined. My father's 78 interior temp gets a lot warmer than my 93. Plus the C4's get better gas mileage! Now the only tuff part left is picking out your Vette's color. 
