C4 buying advice
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 9
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C4 buying advice
I’m looking at a C4 manual. There are a couple of issues.
First, the cluster light comes on and off every once in a while. Current owner got quoted $180 to get fixed. Could this be a sign of other electrical issues ?
Second, the reverse linkage on shifter was taken off due to rod getting bent. Owner says this car can still go in reverse. Is this an expensive repair?
Thank you in advance.
First, the cluster light comes on and off every once in a while. Current owner got quoted $180 to get fixed. Could this be a sign of other electrical issues ?
Second, the reverse linkage on shifter was taken off due to rod getting bent. Owner says this car can still go in reverse. Is this an expensive repair?
Thank you in advance.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 3,978
Likes: 1,289
From: Plano, Texas
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
+1, yes definitely try asking on the c4 sub forum.
Well, it is an older vehicle so it's to be expected that you will have to put in some TLC as far as time and cost. I don't think it should be too expensive but the parts may possibly be hard to find and you will have to substitute aftermarket parts and other options to make things work with the vehicle. The vehicle is going to require a lot of your time and attention quite possibly for the most part. The car is going to be a bit sensitive and fragile due to its age as well, I am assuming. If you have the passion, then keep at it.
Well, it is an older vehicle so it's to be expected that you will have to put in some TLC as far as time and cost. I don't think it should be too expensive but the parts may possibly be hard to find and you will have to substitute aftermarket parts and other options to make things work with the vehicle. The vehicle is going to require a lot of your time and attention quite possibly for the most part. The car is going to be a bit sensitive and fragile due to its age as well, I am assuming. If you have the passion, then keep at it.
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Welcome and moved to C4 Tech for some assistance.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Chapel Hill NC
2025 c3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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First- if repair was only $180 why didn't the owner have it done?
Second- I do not understand how the transmission can be shifted into reverse without the linkage.
What year? All vehicles 30-40 years old may experience electrical problems.
Second- I do not understand how the transmission can be shifted into reverse without the linkage.
What year? All vehicles 30-40 years old may experience electrical problems.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,043
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2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I would carefully inspect for evidence of DIY work arounds, jumpering, not factory wiring, etc.
Also consider your own mechanical capability.
If you see or discover something that you don’t feel confident you can fix yourself, consider how much are you willing to pay someone to fix it for you
Also consider your own mechanical capability.
If you see or discover something that you don’t feel confident you can fix yourself, consider how much are you willing to pay someone to fix it for you
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2016
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From: So Cal
2023 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
C4 buying advice
There are 13 model years of "C4". Each year has nuances, content, and issues associated with that year. Do your research as to which model years have the features and character you desire, then look at and drive as many as you can. As you gain experience as to what you are looking for and at, when the Right One shows up, you will realize "this is the one."
Oil Producer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 9,364
Likes: 2,734
Don't buy any 1992 LT1. Probably no 93 LT1 either.
There are 13 model years of "C4". Each year has nuances, content, and issues associated with that year. Do your research as to which model years have the features and character you desire, then look at and drive as many as you can. As you gain experience as to what you are looking for and at, when the Right One shows up, you will realize "this is the one."
There are 13 model years of "C4". Each year has nuances, content, and issues associated with that year. Do your research as to which model years have the features and character you desire, then look at and drive as many as you can. As you gain experience as to what you are looking for and at, when the Right One shows up, you will realize "this is the one."
you seriously don't like the 92 and 93 lol. I think even i would pass on one as a result hahahaha.
Pro
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 589
Likes: 137
From: OK
Having recently bought one of these my best advice is no matter how badly you won't one, don't over-pay for a car that isn't up to snuff. If you want to tinker buy a cheap one,
if you want something specific wait for the right one, or travel for it.
That whole $180 to fix the thing electrical thing is a red flag imo like the poster above said, why didn't they just fix it? Why isn't reverse working?
Nobody has a car they give a crap about without reverse.
What else isn't working or they have ignored
or half-*** repaired?
If it's cheap and as presented that's cool but a lot of people selling these things are out of their bloody minds and have no idea what they are doing
with a car like this. Don't buy those, unless it's cheap and you want to fix a ton of stuff.
if you want something specific wait for the right one, or travel for it.
That whole $180 to fix the thing electrical thing is a red flag imo like the poster above said, why didn't they just fix it? Why isn't reverse working?
Nobody has a car they give a crap about without reverse.
What else isn't working or they have ignored
or half-*** repaired?
If it's cheap and as presented that's cool but a lot of people selling these things are out of their bloody minds and have no idea what they are doing
with a car like this. Don't buy those, unless it's cheap and you want to fix a ton of stuff.
1994 LT1 1996 LT4
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 762
Likes: 710
From: East Front Range Colorado
@Cain-25 Welcome. Be prepared to roll up your shirt sleeves or be able to afford someone else working on the car. I bought my '94 LT1 last September, almost on a whim, but fortunately i had enough experience to do some intensive research and learned to go with a 94-96. And i'm lucky having reasonable mechanical abilities from a lifetime of working on motorcycles, but without this forum, knowing nothing about cars and less about Corvettes, i'd be screwed. Haven't crawled nor stood upside down working on a car for about 47 years now (i'm 73), but i'm loving doing all of that and more because i never imagined how intoxicating my car could be. I love taking 15 hours installing new plugs and wires. I know for a damn sight i could not afford to pay anyone to do the work that's typical of what i've done on this well cared for 31 year old car with 85k miles since i took over stewardship. New Dewitts radiator, all fluid flushes, changed plugs, wires frame stiffener, and LOTS of other details to help the car stay healthy. You're in the right place with the amazing well of knowledge and experience. Try to think things through, get the FSM's, read, learn and ask questions. Guys here have been really patient with me.
Oil Producer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 9,364
Likes: 2,734
@Cain-25 Welcome. Be prepared to roll up your shirt sleeves or be able to afford someone else working on the car. I bought my '94 LT1 last September, almost on a whim, but fortunately i had enough experience to do some intensive research and learned to go with a 94-96. And i'm lucky having reasonable mechanical abilities from a lifetime of working on motorcycles, but without this forum, knowing nothing about cars and less about Corvettes, i'd be screwed. Haven't crawled nor stood upside down working on a car for about 47 years now (i'm 73), but i'm loving doing all of that and more because i never imagined how intoxicating my car could be. I love taking 15 hours installing new plugs and wires. I know for a damn sight i could not afford to pay anyone to do the work that's typical of what i've done on this well cared for 31 year old car with 85k miles since i took over stewardship. New Dewitts radiator, all fluid flushes, changed plugs, wires frame stiffener, and LOTS of other details to help the car stay healthy. You're in the right place with the amazing well of knowledge and experience. Try to think things through, get the FSM's, read, learn and ask questions. Guys here have been really patient with me.