Hi everyone! I've been using the search function to try to get to relevant topics, but I couldn't seem to find the threads that I saw yesterday. Please feel free to point me in the right direction if what I ask is super repetitive.

I'm looking to get a C3 or a C4 as a gift to myself in the next few months. While I've seen checklists of things that one should check for before buying, I wanted to know more about the ownership experience of a C3/C4, so I'm posting in each generation's forum to get a feel.

Here's an example of something I'm looking at: https://www.carsforsale.com/vehicle/details/33351508

1. How reliable are C3s being driven 2-3 days a week? We do have a commuter car for longer trips, but I'd definitely want to use this "fun" car for when the wife and I go on dates, etc.

2. What are the maintenance costs like, for a decently-cared-for C3?

3. Is there any particular year range I should look into for the best possible quality? I know that for some cars, certain model years aren't as good as others.

4. How's the ride comfort?

5. What's a good price for a C3? And how many miles is "acceptable"?

 

I wouldnt worry at all what the odometer says....could have rolled over a few times, been turned back which was really popular yrs ago.
Overall condition, how it drives, stops etc electronics same as any other car
Could use an air dam underneath, appears to have been resprayed resale red. Decent driver
Your enemy is rust in the "birdcage", certain parts of the frame, suspension bushings etc. Looks like the AC may be throwing oil up on the hood or a belt is shredding

Those are 2 totally different cars drive a couple of each. The C4 will be more comfortable but both can ride a little stiff and it youre tall or big can be a litle cramped. Bring someone with you who knows cars.

C4...electronics, try and get it hot. Mid-late C3s and 4s are bargains right now. Take your time they made tons of each.

 

Your questions are very broad based,

A 1968, 427, no PS, no PB, no AC car is like driving a tractor compared to a 1996, LT4, PS, PB, AC car.

Properly maintained C3's or C4's are no more or no less reliable than the next.

I had a 91 Coupe as a daily driver/only car for about five years and 80k+ miles. It was just like an other Chevy cost and reliability wise, 20-25mpg.

I currently have a properly maintained 70 Coupe that I drive and take on long trips, but not every day. No AC and 13mpg.

Your choices may vary.

 

How's the ride comfort? This depends on what you are comparing it to. Generally speaking sports cars and ride comfort don't belong in the same sentence.

 

Totally agree...
I'd say it's possible that a later, lets,say 78-82 automatic car may have a touch more refinement than an earlier model, but compared to a c4 it's night and day.

Dollar for dollar you will get more car with a c3 or a (appropriately priced) c4, than just about any other corvette. Some c4s, especially later models are priced so that they are competing with c5s, and at that price point they just can't compete value/ packagewise.

Each car has a lot to offer and an assortment of problem areas, but I'd say a low mileage c4 would make for a better daily driver candidate than a c3.

The c3 is more like a traditional "old car", That has a few unique engineered parts compared to other old models. A c4 is quite sophisticated by comparison, whether it be 1986 or 1996.

 

I had a '87 or 3 years, and my '72 for 22 years, the '72 is now much of a C4, totally modified, nothing stock, stem/stern, wheels/roof......nothing....

see pix, PM for more info.....

 

I have both (both convertibles). I love driving the C3, its charm, personality, the generation of that era. I do have PS and PB. C4 is good too but I Love driving the C3.

For me, I bought cars to drive and enjoy them. However, having said that, I try to at least get even when I eventually sell it. C3s (not those super super rare ones) - if you get on from 68-72 (chrome bumpers) and keep it in good shape, you'll most likely get all your money back and who knows you might even make a little as it has more potential for upside vs other year C3s. C4s - it might be a while to actually increase value so buy the best one you can and buy it "right" to minimize losses.

My C3 is very reliable in general, but you have to understand the car and parts on those cars are like more than 40 years old so replacement is expected. Same is the C4, known issues will come up and replacement is expected.

 

I have a 75 that sat for 19 yrs, very reliable, drives great low maintenance, fun car to drive very respectable, we take it to parades with Corvette Club 37 K miles now, new everything. 12K invested not counting my labor.
Good luck


Restored 75 coupe FUN driver

 

A well sorted car will be very reliable. The issue is getting it sorted.

Once I buy a new home, I'll be driving mine once week to work.

BTW if your in the Bay Area SpecialtySales tends to be on the pricey side. Usually consignment deals.

 

BTW If you get a 75 or older you are smog exempt in California.

 

I love my 73. Fun to drive. For now it's close to original. I'll drive it locally and maybe put a hundred miles on it over a weekend taking it for a cruise to breakfast or lunch. After I purchased it Just over one year ago, I dropped about a grand into it to get everything right and haven't had to put a dime into it since then. I prefer the C3's over the C4 styling and I like it being smog exempt.

 

C6s are cheap now. Get a 10 year old vette. My boss just bought a ZR1 because they are not the top dog any more

The latest version are so much better

 

I'll take a C3 over an Optispark electronics everywhere C4....

Whats you budget? A C5 may be within reach.

 

Optispark was 92-96.

 

Based on your questions might I suggest a nice C5?

 

As a past owner of a '94 your are correct. I was making a tongue n cheeks reference to the nagging type of electronic issues one will run into with any C4...

C3's have their issues but we have about 10 miles fewer wires and about 200 fewer sensors.

 

They are dirt cheap now for the comfort, performance and reliability you get. I bought a new C5 Z06 for my wife in 2002 and owned it until 2014. Nothing ever went wrong with the car. Ever. I felt cheated that I never got to use the warranty but then had many more trouble free years with just regular preventive maintenance. I have a couple of C3's and a C6 Z06 now and have owned Corvettes continuously since 1970. I have to say that C5Z was the most reliable vehicle of any make or model of any vehicle I have ever owned and is a bargain at today's prices. Same as anything else. Find one that is as original as possible, hasn't been beat on and has a paper trail you can follow. You can get a really nice one for under 20 grand now.

 

For regular use and value, the C4/5's can't be beat. Less miles on C6's than c4/5's. Unless one was very knowledgeable about C3's and was comfortable making minor repairs (at least), I would not recommend owning one as a "daily driver". C4/5/6's would be a much better choice, IMO.

 

in my opinion C3 is way better than C4 specially in looks C4 at this time you don't feel that it looks classic and the same time it's not modern!
you can say C3 VS C2 and they are all loved.
If you are looking for a C3
1. Look for the chrome bumpers 68-72
if you can't pay for the price of 68-72 try to dont go above 76-77
the 78 and above have a different dash.
for the maintenance it's low if you find a good quality low cost labor
the price for a good matching chrome bumpers $16K + but there will be a crazy numbers for the collectors cars.
price for a good matching 73-77 $8000 +

Remember my words whatever the car you get even if it's clean it will break down now or later.But do you chose to fix it 1 peac a time or do it in one time.
If you are buying the C3 just to look at it and take the car ones a month maybe it will work but if you want to enjoy driving and having the experience put in mind you will pay at least $10K in good parts. especially if you are looking for new parts. It is almost 50 year old car there will be wear and tear.

I am a C3 owner for a more than year.
I will share my story with you
I bought a 1977 C3 all original engine and trany it had only 48000 mils on it.
The car was very clean. the price was less than $10K
first month was a fail on parts ther Radiator , power steering reservoir after that I changed cylinder , hoses , brakes , Tie Rod's. + Full Weatherstrip Seal Kit for the rain leak. The radiator upgraded to 3 cor all aluminium from champion
after all that because the engine was not used for a will and couple of years the engine started to had some clicking noise Ii found its the bearing the bearing it cost $100 but a good labor is $1000. The funny thing I got a good profitable offer But after remembering the great experience that I felt especially when the wind blows your hair when you take off the T Top I said NoOo. I bought a New Chevy GM 350/290 So I can ride it without worries + New AC and condenser about $700 classicautoair. Right now it's a restomod Project.

In my opinion you have to but at least $6000 in parts so you could ride the care whenever you want without worries.
one last thing Don't go to a bad mechanic.

 

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