"Low Maintenance" Vette?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles CA
"Low Maintenance" Vette?
HA! but this is actually a serious question... A friend of mine wants to get herself a fun car, and she mentioned to me that she loves 70s vettes. I told her straightaway to expect to pay a lot in upkeep, and she bowed a little, but she definitely wants something fun and with style... So my question to you all is, what (if any) gen vettes are a little easier on the wallet? Are the rumors about late 70s/early 80s vettes falling apart true? I was thinking c4, but not sure they're sexy enough for her.
Caveat: I'd love to see her in one, but to be honest she is not tied to the vette. She likes classic cars, and will probably like any "fun" looking car, so suggestions welcome.
Caveat: I'd love to see her in one, but to be honest she is not tied to the vette. She likes classic cars, and will probably like any "fun" looking car, so suggestions welcome.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,606
Likes: 355
From: Rochester New York
Gotta remember, an old car is an old car... Even completely restored, it's old technology, and probably a lot of old parts. Maintenance on old cars is different than today's stuff. Lubricating suspension components and hinges, regular tune-ups, carb. adjustments depending on climate, clean and pack wheel bearings, etc... Not something for somebody who wants a car that they can hop in and drive around comfortably and worry free.
Now, C4s, I can't stand. Don't get me wrong, for the time they were great cars. But if you work on them for a living (like me) you will learn to hate them. Parts are becoming more difficult to find, and they are literally falling apart. The plastics of the interiors are cracking, warping etc... If she does buy one, tell her to get AAA and expect to use it. Injectors, MAF relays, MAF sensors, 02 sensors, coolant temp sensors, EGR solenoids, opti-spark distributors, intake manifold gaskets, oil leaks, squeals, rattles, blah, blah, blah... stay away.
C5 or C6 is your best bet. We all know them very well and know all about their little quirks. But they are fantastic all the way around for what they are. Still, I would not tell her that she wont have any problems because she can, and they can be very expensive. But as far as maintaining a C5 or C6 they are just as simple as any other car. Keep up on the fluids, tires, alignment, brakes, etc...
Edit: My suggestion for a non Corvette
If she loves cars and anything "fun" and "classic" looking then you should sway her into looking at either street rods or Cobra (replicas).
Parts for street rods are all over the place and cheap. Very simple, usually a Chevy 350 on a frame, a body, wheels and tires. The best thing is you can pick up some extremely nice street rods under $20k.
Cobra replicas are kind of in the same boat. Some guy or shop buys the kit, buys a motor and puts it together. Costs him $30-$50k, he sells it for $25-$30K. Again, they are simple and parts are all over the place.
Now, C4s, I can't stand. Don't get me wrong, for the time they were great cars. But if you work on them for a living (like me) you will learn to hate them. Parts are becoming more difficult to find, and they are literally falling apart. The plastics of the interiors are cracking, warping etc... If she does buy one, tell her to get AAA and expect to use it. Injectors, MAF relays, MAF sensors, 02 sensors, coolant temp sensors, EGR solenoids, opti-spark distributors, intake manifold gaskets, oil leaks, squeals, rattles, blah, blah, blah... stay away.
C5 or C6 is your best bet. We all know them very well and know all about their little quirks. But they are fantastic all the way around for what they are. Still, I would not tell her that she wont have any problems because she can, and they can be very expensive. But as far as maintaining a C5 or C6 they are just as simple as any other car. Keep up on the fluids, tires, alignment, brakes, etc...
Edit: My suggestion for a non Corvette
If she loves cars and anything "fun" and "classic" looking then you should sway her into looking at either street rods or Cobra (replicas).
Parts for street rods are all over the place and cheap. Very simple, usually a Chevy 350 on a frame, a body, wheels and tires. The best thing is you can pick up some extremely nice street rods under $20k.
Cobra replicas are kind of in the same boat. Some guy or shop buys the kit, buys a motor and puts it together. Costs him $30-$50k, he sells it for $25-$30K. Again, they are simple and parts are all over the place.
Last edited by n8dogg; Jul 18, 2012 at 06:50 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,682
Likes: 144
From: Memphis Tennessee
Old cars become "parts magnets." End of discussion.
That said, the Corvette is unique in that it IS a special car, designed, engineered and built from the ground up to be what it is. Many "special" parts no doubt, but at the end of the day, it is a Chevrolet and can be serviced and repaired at most any Chevy dealership nation-wide.
C5 and C6 Corvettes have proven to be bullet-proof and amazingly defect free. Given normal care, it will last longer than you will probably want to drive it.
What a car !!
That said, the Corvette is unique in that it IS a special car, designed, engineered and built from the ground up to be what it is. Many "special" parts no doubt, but at the end of the day, it is a Chevrolet and can be serviced and repaired at most any Chevy dealership nation-wide.
C5 and C6 Corvettes have proven to be bullet-proof and amazingly defect free. Given normal care, it will last longer than you will probably want to drive it.
What a car !!
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I had very good luck with all four of my C4s and have also been pretty much repair free on my three C5s. No experience with a C6 yet. If she wants a fun car that can be bought pretty reasonable, then a C5 or C4 would be my recommendation. As with any used car though, checking it out thoroughly is the key.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 801
Likes: 1
From: Orland Park IL
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I had a '96 C4 for two years and never had one problem with it. Finding a low mile, well maintained one should reduce (not eliminate) the risk of it needing repairs. If you can afford a C5 like that, even better. Good luck!
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,271
Likes: 1
From: PA
I always recommend to the women in my life to buy the latest model car they can afford with the best safety features and reliability. It really depends on how much she can afford, what she likes, and what tolerance she has for repairs. I would never recommend a C3 unless she was an 'ol hot rodder'....if she has money to spend get a nice late model C5 with an aftermarket warranty and triple AAA...JMO
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,606
Likes: 355
From: Rochester New York
I've had every bit as much trouble with my C5 as I had with my C4. Actually the only thing I ever did to my C4 was typical maintenance you would do on about any car. I wish I could say the same about my C5 but I cannot.
If she wants a fun cool car to drive as a play toy I wouldn't recommend a vette at all for someone unless they have deep pockets they can pay to have it fixed.
The best advice I ever received from a vette owner prior to me becoming one is this
"They are great cars if you can turn a wrench or have deep pockets to pay for repairs." It's not a matter of if they will need repairs it's a matter of when.
The C4 didn't have anymore problems than any vette did or does. That's a myth perpetuated by people who have never had one, had an old beater POS, or think they own the best car ever produced, or quite frankly by people who walk around with their nose in the air. They certainly don't make those comments anywhere but here on this forum either.
I don't know your friend or how much money she has to spend or if she would mind paying for maintenance when it came up. That would be info I would need.
As far as a late model C3 goes? It depends entirely on the car and how it was maintained. I would ask this question in C3 Gen. Some of them would and could be totally trouble free as many out there have been well cared for and need nothing at this point in their life cycle.
If she wants a fun cool car to drive as a play toy I wouldn't recommend a vette at all for someone unless they have deep pockets they can pay to have it fixed.
The best advice I ever received from a vette owner prior to me becoming one is this
"They are great cars if you can turn a wrench or have deep pockets to pay for repairs." It's not a matter of if they will need repairs it's a matter of when.
The C4 didn't have anymore problems than any vette did or does. That's a myth perpetuated by people who have never had one, had an old beater POS, or think they own the best car ever produced, or quite frankly by people who walk around with their nose in the air. They certainly don't make those comments anywhere but here on this forum either.
I don't know your friend or how much money she has to spend or if she would mind paying for maintenance when it came up. That would be info I would need.
As far as a late model C3 goes? It depends entirely on the car and how it was maintained. I would ask this question in C3 Gen. Some of them would and could be totally trouble free as many out there have been well cared for and need nothing at this point in their life cycle.
I had very good luck with all four of my C4s and have also been pretty much repair free on my three C5s. No experience with a C6 yet. If she wants a fun car that can be bought pretty reasonable, then a C5 or C4 would be my recommendation. As with any used car though, checking it out thoroughly is the key.
Guys,
The reason why I ask how long ago did you own your C4s is because if it was years ago, then you most likely did not see the problems that are coming about today. Maybe there was not E10 in the fuel which is no causing some serious drive-ability issues in early C4s. Or maybe it was prior to when the plastics and interiors started to deteriorate.
You can't really compare a C5 to a C4 because well, look at the two... it's night and day difference between which one MOST people would choose to go home with. It's like choosing between a hot blonde and a fat brunette. Sure maybe there is one or two of you that like fat girls because of some weird, disturbing fetish, but the grain flows to the C5.
Now, if someone did have their heart set on a C4, I would highly recommend 1995 or 1996. Those cars are the nicest C4s, they finally had some power and they are a bit more refined than the 1984-1991 crap. But still, no C5
Here is a list of C4 common problems that I am literally coming up with based on my experience being a Corvette mechanic.
- Headlight motors and gears
- MAF sensors and MAF burn off relays
- IAC valves
- EGR solenoids
- Catalytic Converters breaking apart inside
- ECUs, PCMs
- Broken leaf springs
- Coolant temp sensors
- INJECTORS (multec injectors are crap, replace ASAP)
- Oil Leaks (out of every gasket you can think of)
- Doug Nash 4+3 trannies (crap crap crap)
- Squeaks and rattles (get used to it, you will never stop it)
- Speaker amps (they are time bombs)
- Instrument Clusters (time bombs again)
- Seat motors
- Lumbar
- Cruise control
- 3rd brake lights
- Window regulator ribbons
- Wiper switches
- opti-spark distributor failures
- HVAC control failures
- Removable transparent top cracking
- Door seals
- Crap leather
- Weatherstrip leaks
- Dash cracking
- Heater cores are a huge PITA to replace
OK I'm done... I hate C4s.
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POSSE SENIOR RIDER
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,193
Likes: 695
From: Suffield, CT
I had a 1975 for about 8-9 years. It was in poor shape when I bought it and poured a lot of $ into it and sold it at a huge loss (first Vette nievity). It was also very uncomfortable after a couple hours driving. I still love the 'shark' style, though. Parts are still available.
I then picked up a pristine 1994. Never had a problem with it over 8 years of use. Comfortable to drive, too (from MA to the Vette museum and back).The earlier C-4's I hear have some issues.
My current C-5 is the best yet.
Tell her to get what she likes, but do lot's of research first. Good luck.
I then picked up a pristine 1994. Never had a problem with it over 8 years of use. Comfortable to drive, too (from MA to the Vette museum and back).The earlier C-4's I hear have some issues.
My current C-5 is the best yet.
Tell her to get what she likes, but do lot's of research first. Good luck.
Advanced
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
If you want low maintenance than go get a brand new Scion FR-S. Those are pretty nice.
If you want a Corvette than either get a new C6 or be prepared to do some work. It comes with the territory.
Me, I do all my own work so it does not faze me. I won't pay Corvette tax changing a clutch for example b/c I'll do it myself.
If you want a Corvette than either get a new C6 or be prepared to do some work. It comes with the territory.
Me, I do all my own work so it does not faze me. I won't pay Corvette tax changing a clutch for example b/c I'll do it myself.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 73,568
Likes: 33
From: Somewhere in Mo
St. Jude Donor '09-'10, '14
If you want low maintenance than go get a brand new Scion FR-S. Those are pretty nice.
If you want a Corvette than either get a new C6 or be prepared to do some work. It comes with the territory.
Me, I do all my own work so it does not faze me. I won't pay Corvette tax changing a clutch for example b/c I'll do it myself.
If you want a Corvette than either get a new C6 or be prepared to do some work. It comes with the territory.
Me, I do all my own work so it does not faze me. I won't pay Corvette tax changing a clutch for example b/c I'll do it myself.
I deleted my posts because frankly any performance car is going to need repairs. It comes with the territory. After having Camaros, Roadrunners, Chevelles, etc I never had one of them that I wasn't working on, to include my vettes.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,163
Likes: 6
From: Oceanside California
Ive always had great luck with third gen f-bodys. Ive had a 84 trans am for 11 years now that has always been my most dependable car, and two others from 96 and 97. The amount of 80's and 90's f-bodys on the road are a testament to their longevity. I do think the old gen-one Chevy small blocks are more dependable than the Lt1 engines.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,962
Likes: 254
From: Richmond, Ky
Ive always had great luck with third gen f-bodys. Ive had a 84 trans am for 11 years now that has always been my most dependable car, and two others from 96 and 97. The amount of 80's and 90's f-bodys on the road are a testament to their longevity. I do think the old gen-one Chevy small blocks are more dependable than the Lt1 engines.
Depends on what you mean by dependable. The Lt1 engines with their front mount distributor was prone to failure when the water pump started leaking onto the distributor but if you are paying attention you can catch this early and avoid it all together. My one owner 95 Impala has 182,000 miles on the long block and still runs great and returns 23-24 mpg on the road in a 4200 lb car. Costs so far, 3 water pumps, 1 Opti-spark, 2 sets of plugs, one set of wires, 2 serp belts and it is ready for an oil pressure sending unit. I never has a gen one give me the performance a durability of this car.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 671
Likes: 10
From: Tulsa OK
My wife drove our '89 coupe (C4) as a DD for several years and we had very few problems. A leaking intake manifold at 73k miles and two alternators, one around 35k and the second at 70k, but that was in the mid nineties. I couldn't suggest any car be used as a daily driver by anyone who isn't prepared to for some DIY opertunities, if it is more than 10 years old.
The Honda S2000 would be my suggestion. I have a friend that has had her's for over three years and loves it. They hold their value better than most cars and don't require a "specialist" for repairs or service. I don't believe you can say that about Corvettes, even C5's or C6's. Just mho.
Okie
The Honda S2000 would be my suggestion. I have a friend that has had her's for over three years and loves it. They hold their value better than most cars and don't require a "specialist" for repairs or service. I don't believe you can say that about Corvettes, even C5's or C6's. Just mho.
Okie
Racer
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 339
Likes: 6
From: Lompoc California
My vote is for a C5, they are all over the place for decent prices and after market is still wide open. And after she puts her foot in it the first time she will know why she bought it. As for maintenance anything fun or performance is going to cost. I have had 2 oil changes about 70 a piece(dealer) temp sensor replaced 700, going to get new tires in a couple months, will probably be around 1200. Then there are mods to just do mods. flush mount tail light kit, smooth air connector, self painted fuel rail covers. window tint. moral of the story is it is all going to cost no matter what car it is.
Pro
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 578
Likes: 1
From: Boiling Springs Pennsylvania
Oldtimer
Your friend who is a female asked you about which fun car to get 
Seriously? Are you a couple? just friends? Want to lose that female as a partner or friend; recommend a car! She goes and buys it and it sucks for whatever reason. Who does she blame? See where I'm going? Step back and out. Let her decide on her own. Just MHO.
Seriously? Are you a couple? just friends? Want to lose that female as a partner or friend; recommend a car! She goes and buys it and it sucks for whatever reason. Who does she blame? See where I'm going? Step back and out. Let her decide on her own. Just MHO.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,027
Likes: 170
From: oregon
Here is a list of C4 common problems that I am literally coming up with based on my experience being a Corvette mechanic.
- Headlight motors and gears
- MAF sensors and MAF burn off relays
- IAC valves
- EGR solenoids
- Catalytic Converters breaking apart inside
- ECUs, PCMs
- Broken leaf springs
- Coolant temp sensors
- INJECTORS (multec injectors are crap, replace ASAP)
- Oil Leaks (out of every gasket you can think of)
- Doug Nash 4+3 trannies (crap crap crap)
- Squeaks and rattles (get used to it, you will never stop it)
- Speaker amps (they are time bombs)
- Instrument Clusters (time bombs again)
- Seat motors
- Lumbar
- Cruise control
- 3rd brake lights
- Window regulator ribbons
- Wiper switches
- opti-spark distributor failures
- HVAC control failures
- Removable transparent top cracking
- Door seals
- Crap leather
- Weatherstrip leaks
- Dash cracking
- Heater cores are a huge PITA to replace
OK I'm done... I hate C4s.
- Headlight motors and gears
- MAF sensors and MAF burn off relays
- IAC valves
- EGR solenoids
- Catalytic Converters breaking apart inside
- ECUs, PCMs
- Broken leaf springs
- Coolant temp sensors
- INJECTORS (multec injectors are crap, replace ASAP)
- Oil Leaks (out of every gasket you can think of)
- Doug Nash 4+3 trannies (crap crap crap)
- Squeaks and rattles (get used to it, you will never stop it)
- Speaker amps (they are time bombs)
- Instrument Clusters (time bombs again)
- Seat motors
- Lumbar
- Cruise control
- 3rd brake lights
- Window regulator ribbons
- Wiper switches
- opti-spark distributor failures
- HVAC control failures
- Removable transparent top cracking
- Door seals
- Crap leather
- Weatherstrip leaks
- Dash cracking
- Heater cores are a huge PITA to replace
OK I'm done... I hate C4s.
on the bright side the ZF6 is a nice transmission
c4's are almost give aways these days. this one just popped up in my area
http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/cto/3146527886.html
guy had it at 2300 earlier today, has some nice parts on it too. body work is a simple fix, throw in another engine and be in the car less than 4k
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
Likes: 298
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
Gotta remember, an old car is an old car... Even completely restored, it's old technology, and probably a lot of old parts. Maintenance on old cars is different than today's stuff. Lubricating suspension components and hinges, regular tune-ups, carb. adjustments depending on climate, clean and pack wheel bearings, etc... Not something for somebody who wants a car that they can hop in and drive around comfortably and worry free.
Now, C4s, I can't stand. Don't get me wrong, for the time they were great cars. But if you work on them for a living (like me) you will learn to hate them. Parts are becoming more difficult to find, and they are literally falling apart. The plastics of the interiors are cracking, warping etc... If she does buy one, tell her to get AAA and expect to use it. Injectors, MAF relays, MAF sensors, 02 sensors, coolant temp sensors, EGR solenoids, opti-spark distributors, intake manifold gaskets, oil leaks, squeals, rattles, blah, blah, blah... stay away.
C5 or C6 is your best bet. We all know them very well and know all about their little quirks. But they are fantastic all the way around for what they are. Still, I would not tell her that she wont have any problems because she can, and they can be very expensive. But as far as maintaining a C5 or C6 they are just as simple as any other car. Keep up on the fluids, tires, alignment, brakes, etc...
Edit: My suggestion for a non Corvette
If she loves cars and anything "fun" and "classic" looking then you should sway her into looking at either street rods or Cobra (replicas).
Parts for street rods are all over the place and cheap. Very simple, usually a Chevy 350 on a frame, a body, wheels and tires. The best thing is you can pick up some extremely nice street rods under $20k.
Cobra replicas are kind of in the same boat. Some guy or shop buys the kit, buys a motor and puts it together. Costs him $30-$50k, he sells it for $25-$30K. Again, they are simple and parts are all over the place.
Now, C4s, I can't stand. Don't get me wrong, for the time they were great cars. But if you work on them for a living (like me) you will learn to hate them. Parts are becoming more difficult to find, and they are literally falling apart. The plastics of the interiors are cracking, warping etc... If she does buy one, tell her to get AAA and expect to use it. Injectors, MAF relays, MAF sensors, 02 sensors, coolant temp sensors, EGR solenoids, opti-spark distributors, intake manifold gaskets, oil leaks, squeals, rattles, blah, blah, blah... stay away.
C5 or C6 is your best bet. We all know them very well and know all about their little quirks. But they are fantastic all the way around for what they are. Still, I would not tell her that she wont have any problems because she can, and they can be very expensive. But as far as maintaining a C5 or C6 they are just as simple as any other car. Keep up on the fluids, tires, alignment, brakes, etc...
Edit: My suggestion for a non Corvette
If she loves cars and anything "fun" and "classic" looking then you should sway her into looking at either street rods or Cobra (replicas).
Parts for street rods are all over the place and cheap. Very simple, usually a Chevy 350 on a frame, a body, wheels and tires. The best thing is you can pick up some extremely nice street rods under $20k.
Cobra replicas are kind of in the same boat. Some guy or shop buys the kit, buys a motor and puts it together. Costs him $30-$50k, he sells it for $25-$30K. Again, they are simple and parts are all over the place.
