1986 or 1989

[rmtsteve]

Sorry All, I posted this on the wrong forum:ugh . I put it over on the C3 Forum to begin with.

 

[rmtsteve]

I am still in search of that first Vette and I have came across a couple different ones with the same Price which is 7000.00. One is a 1986 auto with 71000 miles and the other is a 1989 auto with 98000 miles. My question is did the 89 model have enough upgrades to make up for the milage difference? And is this a reasonable price for either of these cars. They both look good and run good. Any thoughts and info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Vettefan87]

It depends on options really. The 89 did have different seats, and the FX3 suspension was available I think... It also had bigger rims, with a little bit bigger brakes. First year of the 6 speed, but you said they were auto's. The engines are the same. I am not sure if there were other options difference or not. The price difference I am not sure about. What one do you like the best?

 

[MARLTON LT-4]

I am still in search of that first Vette and I have came across a couple different ones with the same Price which is 7000.00. One is a 1986 auto with 71000 miles and the other is a 1989 auto with 98000 miles. My question is did the 89 model have enough upgrades to make up for the milage difference? And is this a reasonable price for either of these cars. They both look good and run good. Any thoughts and info would be greatly appreciated.

Personally, I think that they both have some serious miles. I always look at it like this, pay now or pay later. Most of the time the lower mile car is the best choice. You might be a mechanic that enjoys fixing the car and replacing parts. Even then, a C3 might be a better idea because you will get more car for your money and they are a much more simple car to work on. I have owned both a '86 and a '89 and a few c3's for that fact. My advice is to go to shows and find out what you really love (somewhat within your $$) and pursue that year/model. Remember, the hunt for the right vette is half the fun and you will never regret spending a little more for the right car!! CP

 

[Aurora40]

The 1989 model would have had bigger brakes, 17" wheels, aluminum heads, a roller cam, more power, and probably some other small updates. I wouldn't be that afraid of miles on an L98 if the car runs well. They always seemed pretty bulletproof to me. How it was cared for matters, though. Both cars are 15+ years old, so how are the things besides miles? How's the paint fairing? Is there wear on the interior? All things being equal, I'd probably go with the 1989, but of course things will not be equal.

And as said, you might see how much more you have to spend for a lower mileage car. It may not be that you have to spend that much at all.

In either case, the price seems somewhat high to me, but I'm no C4 expert. And I have no idea what condition they are in, I always assume a car is less nice than how I'd keep it. Someone bought my 85k mile 1987 Z51 4+3 about 3 years ago for $5700. It ran great, the flame red paint was in nice shape, new tires, brakes, weatherstripping, the grey leather interior was pretty good, the leather was a little cracked on the steering wheel. The car was nothing special but was fun to drive.

 

[rrubel]

There are lots of little differences between the years. If I were going to be doing engine work and upgrades, I'd buy the 89 for sure - it's got a roller-cam block (more stuff available) and a better hood support (the 86 one used to fail and drop the hood on me!). The 89 also has a small bit more power (15 hp, I think). The stock wheels and brakes are bigger and the parking brake is a better design. There's more carpeting on the interior. It's also a bit heavier.

If you're planning on using it as a daily (or near-daily) driver, I'd get the 86. Lower mileage, cheaper to insure because it's older.

Are the colors the same? That'd help sway me - I got a red 86 over a white later model.
[RICHR]

 

[Edmond]

I'd go for the '89 if it's been taken care of. The little things like bigger brakes, tires and suspension things do it for me.

What else is with the cars? By that, I mean stereo's, tire condition, weatherstrip, paint, interior, etc...

How are the engine and tranny's?

100,000 taken care of miles is better than 10,000 beat to heck miles.

 

[c4cruiser]

As long as the 89 appears to have been well-maintained, the mileage should not be a big issue. If they are in good condition mechanically, the $7K price is not bad but you always offer a lesser amount as a start to the price negotiations. Try $6500 and go from there.

The 89 would be the better of the deal for all of the reasons mentioned. Each year, the C4 got better and better in terms of engineering improvements.

Repair costs (parts and labor) are going to be about the same for either car so that should not be a big deal. With the 89 having the 17" wheels, you will find a bigger selection of high-performance tires compared to the 86's 16" wheels. Fuel mileage (if you are going to care about that!) may be a bit better with the 89.

 

[Daryllawman]

I would go for the 89 over the 86......but I would really keep my eye out for that right C-3......Good luck

 

[I_R_DA_ONE]

It took me about eight months of looking before I bought my '86....It was a one owner car with a clear CarFax record...It did need paint because back in 1986 some idiot thought they should clear coat everything,,,, and it had started to shed it's clear coat like a snake.... It's a convertible and I paid less than $6,000.00 for it.... I now have about $11,000.00 in it and it is a sweet ride.... I could sell it and get my money back but I have a tendicity to hold onto my cars...Whatever you buy ,,, just make sure you know what you are getting ....get a carfax report and if the car has gone thru a lot of owners ,,,,,BUYER BEWARE"....for that is a sure sign that the car has been a problem child....Mike R

 

[rmtsteve]

The Search Continues

I came across another 86 vette and this one is an auto with 98000 miles on it and needs the weather strip that goes across the back of the targa top, But It has been repainted and the interior is in good shape. It seems to be in good mechanical condition engine and transmission wise. The sale price is 5000.00 which I thought is reasonable, but I would like some opinions of you guys that actually own a vette. How much would a weather strip cost for the top?

 

[Vettefan87]

http://www.madvet.com/shop?frame=3.883 That link has about all you will need for weatherstripping. Does it have centerbolt valve covers? If so then it has aluminum heads which is a plus in my book.

 

[*89x2*]

I would buy the 1989, hands down - then again, I may be partial

1989's had more than enough improvements to justify spending -

a: a little more
b: more miles for the same $$

I hope this helps, as all the above answers are steering you right

 

[vetteboy86]

Goes back to what everyone likes to say, "buy the newest you can afford". Lets face it, you could pick up 85's and 86's dirt cheap all day long. The newer you go, the more you will get, almost. With a newer car, comes more headache working on it. But three years difference shoudn't be that much. The 86's are not bad cars, they are corvette's. I think these early to mid C4's are the most bang for the buck car out there. Sure a C3 is nice, but as far as a daily driver goes, the C4 is way more refined. Go with your heart, and make sure you drive them all.

 

[tdr1919]

I bought my 86 over a year ago and paid 5500 for a coupe with 92k, the engine is solid and the paint is good but as I got into working on the car it needs about everything, including a transmission overhaul (4+3) the weather stripping ($425) needs to be replaced, check the suspensions (check the boots), I bet they are original and that will need to be done. The motors in the windows, the Bose system, there is a lot of nit picking things that all add up (windshield washer) and usually a car wlike an 86 will need all this, so you could be looking at dumping more than the 7K into the car! oh by the way definately check carfax first, it is worth the money I think for thiry five dollars you can check out multiple cars - dont get me wrong, I love messing with my car with my kid, he really gets into it, but remember, they are older cars!
Tom

 

[rmtsteve]

Thanks everyone for their input. I think I will pass on these for now and try to find something with a little less miles on it, but it is hard to do. I've got the bug bad and the way its going I probaly won't find one until winter. O'well heres to the search and next spring.

 

[WhalePirot]

In the 70k mileage range, things start to go, like alternators, water pumps and such. I'd look for a cherry car of either year; hopefully one that the owner (preferably one) has kept the receipts and has done much of this (unless the car has been garaged a lot).

Waiting and continuing to look will deliver a great deal; whuile 'the bug' will bite you.

 

[rmtsteve]

87 For 7000

I came across a 1987 for 7000 and the previous owner is the 2nd owner. he states that he has put on new alternator,brakes and a fuel pump, but when he put the fuel pump on the gauge stuck on full? The car A/C blows hot and the hatch weather stripping needs replace and drivers seat has a small rip in it. The car has 52,000 miles on it. Is this a good price?

 

[Vettefan87]

I take it that it is a coupe right? Automatic or stick? The options on these cars really matter. The optioned cars like the Z51 suspension cars will retain and hold there value more so then just base Corvettes. If it has been maintained, and depending on the options, I would say that is a deacent price. All that other stuff is cosmetic's that can easily be fixed. But just remember neglect is far worse then abuse.

 

[rmtsteve]

yes it is a coupe that is maroon w/ black leather interior and has both tops.