84 purchase decision...

[ScubaCowboy]

Hi all,
I am going to look at an 84 tonight, and wondered if anyone could give me tips on what to look for... I hate to admit, but I am a Ford man, making the switch from my Rustang GT to a Vette, and came across this deal... $6500 for an 84; high milage (149,000) but promised to be in execllant shape... I go to look at it tonight, and if there are certain things I should look for, please let me know... ( Are there any problem areas with this year I should address/look for) I am relativly new to the Corvette scene, so I am not sure if there is anything special to look for on these crossfire engines, or the cars themselves, so any help would be appreciated !!

Thanks again!
Don

 

[JonM]

84 is a pretty good car ...maybe not worth exactly 6500 with 149 K miles (I would say around 5K) Is it an "Auto" or "4+3" <---(important)? There arn't very many mods you can do to an 84, but if you just want to cruse its ok. Pay attention to the Rack and Pinion when you drive it, make sure it doesn't have morning sickness. When you open the hood take off the air cover cleaner...start the car and observe the two injectors...they should be spraying equally. See if the guy has any records of any repairs. If you can Jack it up and check all the wheel bearings. Remember, you are buying a 19 year old car, so you will be putting in a few hundred bucks every year (mimimum). Check the seats...they will cost you 1000 bucks to replace, rugs about 650, check the radio and all the speakers that could be a 1500 dollar upgrade. This is just a few I can think of for now. When I did mine it ended up costing about 20 K for everything, but I love the car.

Here is a site for the 84 crossfire, you need to join (free)

http://www.crossfire.webhop.net/

 

[sumoboy]

If spending that much I'd start looking for a TPI 85 on up. Not much out there for the Crossfire. Had one. That is kinda steep for a 149K Xfire . :eyerole
You should shop around a little more. They're out there.

 

[ScubaCowboy]

Thanks!!

Thanks for the input... And I will join the crossfire site, thanks Jon... I am looking at this car because my finacing options are very limited, and this guy is willing to finance me... Otherwise I would look into other cars. I'll check everything you suggested, and let you know how it looks !

Thanks again !

 

[ScubaCowboy]

Forgot to say, its an Automatic, Power seats/doors/windows, A/C, etc.

:duh

 

[kingman]

Stop and think!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You must make sure the digital display works or it will cost a bundle to fix.

lf l was limited to the good old dollar, l would start with the 85, nothing wrong with an 84 if you have deep pockets.

And yes it only has 205 horsepower. Most imports will blow you away.

 

[ScubaCowboy]

Mabe I will pass on the 84 !

Thanks guys... After doing alot of research, and listening to all of your suggestions, I think I will pass on this 84, and try to find some place that has an 85 or so, that will finance me! (I was out of work most of last year, which makes me "credit challenged" now!!)
Thanks again to all of you !
:cry

 

[vigman]

PASS on THIS

Get your credit back up to shape.
IF you REALLY want this car.. 4000.00 that's IT.

Or an 86 on up.. ( 85 had no ABS )

Take your time, do not jump.

YOU WILL BE BUCKS AHEAD!

Vig~

 

[Sibexpress]

If spending that much I'd start looking for a TPI 85 on up. Not much out there for the Crossfire. Had one. That is kinda steep for a 149K Xfire . :eyerole
You should shop around a little more. They're out there.

Oh no not more of that 84s Suck stuff.(don't start Ken )

You'd be surprised what you can do with an 84 once you rip of the crossfire. And I eat imports. LOL

 

[ScubaCowboy]

AAAHHH !!!

i'm so confused !! I am really interested in getting out of my rustang, and into another Vette ( I used to have a 79 ) but I want the 84 or up body style... as I have said, my financing options are limited, so if this guy will take the $4000 offer, I will get it, otherwise, I think I will continue to look around... It just gets so damn depressing knowing what you want and not being able to find it !!

 

[Sibexpress]

I will admit I've spent more on this car than its worth. Most being in the paint job. But I've driven this car since 85 and it has alot of sentimental value.
I had a machanic tell me you can add at least 60 HP just by taking off the crossfire and replacing it with a carb.

If you like to tinker and don't mind a rough ride. It's not a bad car.
And I've had alot of fun with it over the years. 15 years and not one problem with the crossfire. Only reason I got rid of it was the engine was getting worn out (I drove it when I was 17) and I figured while I was doing a rebuild, I might has well go somewhat all out.



Having Chevys Bastard Child sitting in my garage suits me just fine.

 

[Daryllawman]

Keep looking you will find that right one. It will just jump out at you when the right one comes along.... I don't blame you for getting rid of the Stang....been there done that and forgot about it...There is something about the Stangs and the Wing Hauler Honda's that don't impress me much. Corvette is in a diff. class than the Wana Bee's........:eek

 

[kmcewan]

84??

I've already been down this road.

Bought an 84 that had a carbureted motor.

Spent lots of dollars on books, and ebay parts and time on CAC to return this to a stock condition.

Yes I had a lot more power with the carburetor & edlebrock intake, but it wouldn't pass inspection. My friends at the inspection station tried every cheat in the book, but it wouldn't pass.

I agree with the deep pockets comments. Bought the car for 3500, and spent another 3k+ on parts.

The crossfire system has lots of possiblities as others have suggested. Check with the crossfire injection vault, you'll find there are a lot of options.


I've enjoyed driving and working on my 84 and have few regrets.


I agree with the 4k price someone mentioned.

 

[silver84]

I bought my '84 last July and paid $7000 for it. Car had 56,000 miles on it. All original. Even though it was in "excellent shape", I have to this date invested about $1500.00 in it. It's a fun car to drive, but unfortunately I have been beat in it!

 

[Sibexpress]

emm
Never had a problem with echeck
And as for putting money in it......lets remember its going on 20 years old.

As for HP....Lets look at the 79s thru 82s first before we put down the lack of HP in the 84.

I'll admit 149k is too much for any used car and I'd pass. But there's alot of good 84s out there.

 

[oldace84]

If I knew then (1990) when I bought my '84, I would have looked for a later model.....'90s maybe.....
But since I've owned this vette for awhile now....I'm happy....would't trade it for any other...except to buy a new ZO6...
tony