That was so nice, you posted twice. Ha, now I am poetic!

 

Sami, ALL vettes have issues, I dont car what generation it is, they are finicky American cars. THe more expensive the car, the more "issues", at least it seems like it. You could get a C5 tomorrow, but they have their problems, too, even the C6. Some worse than others, but still. Imagine troubleshooting all the onboard computers on those..

Its not the cars fault for the problems you are having, maybe either parts or the people that have worked on it. I swore off vettes after having a C3, still get pizzed at these C4's sometime, but they are old cars. Yours ispractically brand new, keep at it. Looks good, it will haul **** and you have no payments! Besides, you dont see many clean C4's cruising around no more, keep it.
And let me know when we both go get FRC's

 

From spending time on this forum and hearing the same complaints over and over, and all the posts about tracking down puzzling glitches (electrical or otherwise), I cannot defend the C4 platform and would have to call it just another mediocre attempt by GM to make an overpriced sportscar appeal to those who wanted a tame, everyday driveable car. Lately I have become increasingly frustrated with GM and the decisions they have been making the past 10 years. However, I believe the C5 is a much better car than the C4, and the C6 is a step forward again, though still maybe a little overpriced. I have spent time underneath a C2 and a few C3s, and am totally unimpressed and find it hard to believe they were ever 'cutting edge' Corvettes.
I still think for what you get in the C4 chassis/suspension/brakes for the price of a good, used car, it is a better 'starting point' for a 'built up' street machine. I would recommend building a C4 over any old Camaro, Firebird, Mustang, Chrysler, or previous generation 'Vette. But if you don't want to be constantly wrenching on your car, or buying thousands of dollars worth of aftermarket parts to improve performance (power, handling, etc.) than you should buy a C5 and do your best to just leave it alone.

 

I'm 18 and I love my Vette. The thing is, I can repair anything other than the body. I couldn't afford **** when I didn't work on my own stuff, so the reliability of the Vette is irrelevant. If it breaks, I can and will fix it, like I do everything else.

GT6

 

Thanks for the words guys. Im debating on to keep it now because as mentioned ITS VERY ADDICTIVE. The motor was rebuilt to original L-98. The transmission looks new from what i can see of it and looks VERY clean. Nothing wrong with it the bolts are tightened with a torque wrench so it would not be to tight new gasket, fluid, ect. followed instructions. Ive got new tires and shocks. Its a auto tranny so I dont have a clutch. Interior was completly redone so its good. Everything under the hood is basically new. All new brake componets and fluids changed regularly and a whole new cooling system end to end. Its just like when i think nothing else can go wrong something does. Ive talked to family, friends and local mechancics and they say get rid of it. My brother in law is a mechanic and hes looked over it and says its a new car inside but he doesnt know why odd stuff breaks??? Ive even replaced stuff that was close to breaking but not yet like vacum lines ect. just because i was near it. I run 93 Octane every time and it does not go below half a tank and I use chevron techron every other fill up. Replaced fuel filter and pump and the injectors were replaced by previous owner. I dont throw money at it just to be wasting. I get the best of everything when i fix/change/replace it. I follow all guidelines from GM specs. Check and recheck everything constantly. It seems the harder I try to keep things running right the worse it goes. Also as some of you on here are quite familiar with....People have told me to run it easier that I push it to hard. WHAT??? PUSH A CORVETTE TOO HARD. well ok I tryed that adn it did not like that, drove it normal stayed moderatley ok and then drove it hard as hell spinnning and speeding ect. Nothing happened there either With that being said its not me the driver causing these problems. So maybe its a lemon of a car and should just be gotten rid of. Im trying to get in touch with the previous two owners of the car to see what they have to say about it. I know the dealership owner and all of his salesman personally and they are very close to my family and they have been very helpful thru my problemms and gave me the motor for free as it was only 15 days after i bought it that it blew.(bearings broke and tore the block to hell). They have offered to give me a even switch and continue to work with me but Ive grown close to the vette and its like a family member to me that you dont wanna give up. If theres anyway to save it I hope to find it. Its not that I cant afford to mess with it or that im being lazy. I love working on my car. I spend almost every weekend working on it. And I know what im doing so its not my handywork that F***s it up. No matter how bad things go with a corvette I love it. With that being said i will just wait till tomorrow and see what comes I am def. getting another corvette even though ive gotten a few comments on a mustang. and as always my response......****ed On Race Day!!!

 

heh Sorry to hear all the troubles... I can totally relate. Ive had my 89 for 6+ years now and have loved it and hated it equally every single day. I love to hate it and I hate to love it.

I am on engine 2, clutch 4, almost finished off Tranny 1, have dumped $1000's into it over the years... You have to love to car to want to drive it, you can't just own it because "its cool" or "fast" etc... you have to really love a Corvette to own one.

Just do like I did...once it becomes unreliable, park it (hopefully its paid off by then) and get another daily driver. Then you can hate it all you want as you admire it sitting there and still be able to get to work ontime with your other car heh.

I am SOOO close to selling both my cars for a C5...but as much as I would LOVE to do this, I just can't part with my C4

 

I've had my 95 C4 for 11 years and my 02 Z06 for 3.5 years. My C4 has had about the same number of problems (right O2 sensor fails periodically and bad rubber seals around hatch glass and side glass) in 11 years as my C5 (broken right window, screwed-up gas gauge, screw-up oil temp gauge) has had in 3.5 years. I would not consider either car to be troublesome. My wife's 2 BMWs have been far more unreliable than my Vettes with multiple waterpump failures, lower control arm defects, thermostat problems, electric window problems, broken heater fan blower switches, loosening suspension bolts, rear parcel shelf rattles, and marshmellow alloy wheels that bend going over even the shallowest of potholes (they still drive nice). The very early Vettes were generally troublesome, although I'm sure there were exceptions. Best bet is to get a well cared for 94-96 C4 or a C5 and enjoy. If you want close to zero problems, and car about as exciting as a Frig or washer, buy a Toyota Camry or Honda Accord.

 

So true. I sold my 94 last Aug. partly because I wanted a manual tranny and also because it was broken more then working. And my 85 before that wasn't a problem free, hell it burst into flame April fools 2004. Regardless I'm hooked and looking for another Corvette.

 

Sorry to hear. I was frustrated with all shops I had taken mine to. I am more of a weekend mechanic but this forum has been such a wealth of knowledge there is nothing on the vette I won't tackle myself. I know that when I hit a roadblock I can post here and these wonderful people come back with advice, and are usually dead on. Chances are if you're having a problem, someone else has had the same problem and can offer the solution. This winter I have been rebuilding my 93 LT1 up with ported LT4 heads and a forged bottom end. My best advice is get a factory repair manual (check eBay) and grab your tools. If you have to pay someone else to fix everything it's gonna get expensive quick.

 

I love the car its just I am so sick of seeing it sit and sit. Its fast, loud, pretty, and my favorite car in the world LOL and gets me alot of attention(good and bad) but this has gone on a bit far. Im still undecided I just went outside and looked at it for 10 minutes today cursing it and thinking damn Ive wanted you and now that i got you i hate you LOL. Amazing how that works out.

 

Sorry to step off topic, but you can get a tranny for $500?!? Are they rebuilt, new, what? I am going to need one eventually for my '84.




Back on topic, I feel your pain, I'm a college student and bought an '84 and it seems like problem after problem.


Current to do list...

replace black glass struts.
fix window button that snapped off.
replace caliper that is sticking.
replace power steering pump.
replace head gasket.

haha, everytime I take something off the list, two things are added!!

 

I've had that same tantrum attack! I know how you feel. Just chill and take it little by little. These are NOT the best engineered cars. There is alot of room for improvement. That's where the fun is too.

 

These things are expensive pieces of garbage when they're not running right. You have to fix all of it then stay on top of it, or it'll turn to **** faster than you can fix it.

 

so your engine blew. the block was damaged too and they gave you a new L-98 ?

are you on crack? do you really think they built you a perfect by-the-book all new parts l-98 just like it was when new? Sorry to say but i sure as hell dont think so unless you were there the entire time watching and torque speccing everything yourself. if i was in your shoes i'd take another car right away.. sell it.. then look for a decent c4.

 

Finially someone sees my point of view.

 

I don't know how old you are, and it really isn't important, but if you drive it like you stole it, from the time you get in it, till the time you get out of it, something is going to break. Just because it's a Corvette doesn't mean it was built to be abused, although it should take more abuse than a Chevette. True enough, a Corvette is a performance car, but it is NOT a race car, and there is a drastic difference between the two. GM built the Corvette for "spirited" driving, not to be bumped up against the rev limiter, and slammed this way and that way, everywhere it goes. There probably isn't one of us on this forum that hasn't gotten crazy with our Vettes from time to time, but those of us that really "care" about our cars, don't make a habit of it.

You "tried" to drive it normally, but "didn't like it".....
Maybe the problems with your car ARE the driver. Judging from your own post, I really don't think it matters what kind of Corvette you get, because your driving habits are going to be the same, regardless of what kind of car you own.

It doesn't matter if it's a $500 Vega or a $500,000 Maclaren...
You CAN push it too hard.

Get the stuff fixed on it, and take it easy on it. Play when it's time to play, and drive it SENSIBLY when it's not.

 

It's going to be tough to get alot of people in a c4 enthusiast forum to agree with a "I hate c4's" thread. Although most of us can relate and have all done alot of work on our cars. It's to be expected to a degree with 10-22 year old cars. For the most part I have found the c4 to be a good car. My 90 is more dependable than my 2000 chev. pick up. I had my 84 for 7 years when I was younger and despite all the crossfire hate in here it was a great car. I drove it like I stole it and never had one engine problem. I've had the 90 since 2003 and have left it basically in stock form with headers and nitrous and other than the usual little probs they all have at age 16 or so, it has been a great car and the ol l98 is still rock solid.
Every time I drive it I get a lasting smile. Nothing compares to the raw sports car feel of a well maintained c4.

I'm sorry you have had such bad luck with yours. Sounds like you need to trade it in for another. That being said, I also have to say, I LOVE MY C4! Maybe a different one could change your outlook. Good luck.

 

I have had C4s since 1987, when I bought an '85. I still own the '87 roadster that I have had since '89, plus have picked up and sold a few more along the way.

I do drive my '87 at the extreme, but I also take good care of it. I have recently begun looking for a C5 or C6, but the C5s seem to lack the "raw" personality and interior fit of the C4s.

I will probably wind up going with a C6, but the C4s will stay as well.

Aaron

 

84's are the best. 167,000 miles and strong, like bull!

 

Well put, i like the way u think and actually thats reality, Corvette is a perf car not a race car, but its easy to convert it to race whenver ur pocket is big enough.