Low Price on Early C4's
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 63
Likes: 1
Low Price on Early C4's
I have noticed that there are some fantastic buys on the 1985-1989 C4 Corvettes. Many will less than 50,000 miles are selling for below $10,000. Is there a problem with these cars?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,888
Likes: 3,324
From: NYC NY
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 321
Likes: 2
From: Auburndale FL
I agree there are some great buys out there for this era. Remeber this car has independent suspension, that alone is huge for performance then it is a fuel injected gen 1 motor, tons of parts reasonably priced and lots of performance potential.
Down side though, it isnt a c5 or c6 which are technology giants compared to the c4. But I personally like rolling in an 80s era car with 21st century performance.
Down side though, it isnt a c5 or c6 which are technology giants compared to the c4. But I personally like rolling in an 80s era car with 21st century performance.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,032
Likes: 196
From: Atoka, TN
Hands down the C4's, especially the early ones, are the best bang for the buck. Compare them against any other sports car from that era (hell, even economy cars from this one) and they can't be beat!
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 204
Likes: 3
From: Bristol Rhode Island
No more than any other 25 - 30 year old car.
I "inherited" an 89/w barely 60k miles for $6500...So far my total investment is at over $22k.........and counting.My rebuilt engine and 700r4 are basically stock but totally NEW.I have many boxes of exact replacement nuts and bolts.Too much to list.I will have more into my basically stock 89 than my brother just paid for his 22k mile '08 and HE has 400hp....This is MY 89.I am building it and know every last nut and bolt.
And i am NUTZ for building it.Merry Christmas
Racer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 495
Likes: 23
From: Killeen, Texas
That's a fact.
I "inherited" an 89/w barely 60k miles for $6500...So far my total investment is at over $22k.........and counting.My rebuilt engine and 700r4 are basically stock but totally NEW.I have many boxes of exact replacement nuts and bolts.Too much to list.I will have more into my basically stock 89 than my brother just paid for his 22k mile '08 and HE has 400hp....This is MY 89.I am building it and know every last nut and bolt.
And i am NUTZ for building it.Merry Christmas
I "inherited" an 89/w barely 60k miles for $6500...So far my total investment is at over $22k.........and counting.My rebuilt engine and 700r4 are basically stock but totally NEW.I have many boxes of exact replacement nuts and bolts.Too much to list.I will have more into my basically stock 89 than my brother just paid for his 22k mile '08 and HE has 400hp....This is MY 89.I am building it and know every last nut and bolt.
And i am NUTZ for building it.Merry Christmas
Nothing wrong with that in my book and I think most of us get it. That's what makes you (and the rest of us) an enthusiast. If you didn't spend it on the car you love, you'd spend on something else anyway, right?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,708
Likes: 266
From: indy indiana
as been said..alot of corvette for the money. C-5 vettes start at about 10k now so many c-4s are gonna be under that. So many c-4s need tlc, not big work, just "stuff", that's its hard to ask big bucks for. The c-4 has also passed thru several generations of buyers. Those who want the latest, greatest, most expensive. Then those who want one that looks like the newest, greatest, but don't have the extra bucks.ANd it filtered on down to the point where we are today. Corvette purest/ enthusieast, and those that want a great history with muscle to back it up. Really nice, new looking c-4s continue to get a premium price and special models continue to be well worth over 15k.My running driving project 86 cost me only 2,300..but I/me am building THE Vette I WANT.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,489
Likes: 473
From: New Jersey
I see no $10k C5s in my area that I would want. By contrast, $6000 will buy a very decent early C4. They are a great Corvette in many respects and the acceleration is really very good for my purposes. The brakes, handling, and amenities compare very well with my newer cars.
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Drifting
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 23
From: mesa az
I agree there are some great buys out there for this era. Remeber this car has independent suspension, that alone is huge for performance then it is a fuel injected gen 1 motor, tons of parts reasonably priced and lots of performance potential.
Down side though, it isnt a c5 or c6 which are technology giants compared to the c4. But I personally like rolling in an 80s era car with 21st century performance.
Down side though, it isnt a c5 or c6 which are technology giants compared to the c4. But I personally like rolling in an 80s era car with 21st century performance.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: NE
Affordable way to get into a fun ride
I recently got a '90 convertible. Overall condition is good with 73,000 miles on it for mid $6's after new tires were put on. I don't think you can find a better value to get into a high performance car especially a convertible sports car. It corners on a dime and the low end torque makes it fun for around town driving. Plus the car is really easy to work on and parts are easy to find. 
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
I paid $2500 for an 87 Z52 in good condition with 92K miles and just paid $1900 for an 84 Z51 thats damn near pristine both inside and out and 189K
if you watch out for deals, you can get some great ones
I originally got my 87 (which has a 93 body, camaro wheels and 2008 seats) as an alternative to a foxbody mustang, but i must say since then, theyve really grown on me and in my opinion the early C4s are the best deal on the market for cheap sports cars.
if you watch out for deals, you can get some great ones
I originally got my 87 (which has a 93 body, camaro wheels and 2008 seats) as an alternative to a foxbody mustang, but i must say since then, theyve really grown on me and in my opinion the early C4s are the best deal on the market for cheap sports cars.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 112
From: Michigan
You shop around and you can find a good deal for a fun car. Just got a c4 myself and plan to slap a few upgrades on it quick this spring for a mild racer while I redo the suspension on my c3.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Fredonia WI
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Instructor
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: NE
Nice
I paid $2500 for an 87 Z52 in good condition with 92K miles and just paid $1900 for an 84 Z51 thats damn near pristine both inside and out and 189K
if you watch out for deals, you can get some great ones
I originally got my 87 (which has a 93 body, camaro wheels and 2008 seats) as an alternative to a foxbody mustang, but i must say since then, theyve really grown on me and in my opinion the early C4s are the best deal on the market for cheap sports cars.
if you watch out for deals, you can get some great ones
I originally got my 87 (which has a 93 body, camaro wheels and 2008 seats) as an alternative to a foxbody mustang, but i must say since then, theyve really grown on me and in my opinion the early C4s are the best deal on the market for cheap sports cars.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,426
Likes: 229
From: Pennsylvania
[QUOTE=Phosgene;1585758219] paid $1900 for an 84 Z51 thats damn near pristine both inside and out and 189K
if you watch out for deals, you can get some great ones
How did you come across such a nice car for so little money?
if you watch out for deals, you can get some great ones
How did you come across such a nice car for so little money?
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 23
From: mesa az
My .2 cents on the answer to this question is to wait and wait ! Also be on top of your search. When a smokin deal does surface it sells quickly. So check craigslist or whatever avenue you choose to find used cars everyday. Private sale only. The chances of finding a nice deal like that 1984 C4 for under 2K at a used car lot probably impossible. I have tried that route and the cars are always way over priced. Typically in poor condition and you have no idea of the cars history.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
[QUOTE=FOURSPEEDVETTE;1585761294]
I look at craigslist each day for good deals and when one comes up i get on it as fast as i can, it helps that im usually free for most hours of the day as i buy, fix and sell cars for money along with a few other jobs and i end up spending a lot of time on craigslist
the key is just to be the first person there with money in hand
the key is just to be the first person there with money in hand
