"Bad Year"

[okie]

I am obviously the new guy on the block as I do not have a Corvette yet. My question is are there any particular years to avoid? We have a local dealer who has or can get just about any year I want, but even though I grew up in the 50s and 60s Corvettes were always way beyond my reach, therefore I do not know a great deal about them other than the 60s are classic and the 90s are pretty neat with a lot of bells and whistles....

Thanks,

bp

 

[Vettelt193]

the best rule of thumb (without getting into details).... the newer the better... get the newest car that fits the budget

 

[okie]

Ok, that makes sense, in this case the 94s seem to fit best. The late 70s, 80s and early 90s all seem to be priced within the same ball park. The early 60s are about twice or three time as much.

Thanks, I still have a lot to learn, but I am getting there....

bp

 

[warren s]

It also depends on what do you mean by bad? Some years had a gasping 160 HP engine, other years had much more powerfull engines but other problems.

 

[Alfonso Gomez]

OK, welcome to the club. DO NOT BUY THE FIRST CORVETTE YOU ARE OFFERED. If someone tries to sell you a 1983 Corvette, tell him to take a hike. No such thing exists. The 1984 model has a cross-fire fuel injection system that I have been told is a pain in the butt. I don't know if it can be upgraded to TPI (tuned port injection). I have not seen many performance items for this year. C4's (1984 - 1996) are very nice, except 1984 for the reasons explained above. Many performance items for these models. You can find one from 1985 on at reasonable prices, although probably with high milage. High milage SHOULD NOT be a problem if the car was properly mantained and not abused. Shop around, test drive them, and if possible, take a friend who knows Corvettes. Not all mechanics know these cars.:confused
These cars tend to be rough riding, so do not expect it to move like a Cadillac.
As for spare parts and accesories, get catalogs from: Mid America, Corvette Central and Ecklers. That way you will have an idea of how much you will have to invest in repairs and other items. You will find many items for 1984 to 1987 less expensive than the same item for 1988 to 1996. As for C5's (1997 till present) the prices for the car are a lot higher and the parts and accesories too. If money is no problem, buy a brand new Z06 and blow the doors aways from practically anything on the road.
Good luck and keep checking this website.

 

[Edmond]

I am obviously the new guy on the block as I do not have a Corvette yet. My question is are there any particular years to avoid? We have a local dealer who has or can get just about any year I want, but even though I grew up in the 50s and 60s Corvettes were always way beyond my reach, therefore I do not know a great deal about them other than the 60s are classic and the 90s are pretty neat with a lot of bells and whistles....

Thanks,

bp

It depends on what you want from the car. Do you want something to cruise around in or something for some occasional high rev romps?

 

[78SilvAnniv]

I wouldn't say...

...buy the newest, but I would recommend buying the best maintained vette you can!
Keep in mind also, your budget for repairs and what you wish to use the vehicle for. All cars are individual, you will find within makes and models of all years some that are trouble free and others that are nightmares!
We have a member here with a 1984 that has been a fabulously reliable vehicle for him!
Generally, the first year of a new style may have some 'bugs' or problems particular to that model, but with many people doing restorations, these problems may have already been adressed with the vehicle you are considering.
Buy the best vehicle you can afford. Shop wisely, not emotionally!
Heidi

btw, welcome "okie" to CACC!

 

[Eagle85C4]

I would have to agree with the Lady....she knows what she is doing...

 

[6 Shooter]

Be patient, watch out for the fever, Vette Fever . . .

Welcome to

Here's a few web links to flip through the years . . .

http://corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/index.html

http://www.vette-net.com/closeup.asp?year=1953

 

[CorvetteArchives]

Alot depends on personal preference as to body style. HMMM....if u want a Vette just to own a Vette.... buy the newest no matter how ugly it is

As 4 reliability they all have their inherent problems. Actually, the 82 + 84 cars are probably the most mechanicly reliable of the computer controlled cars..... Less complicated and easier to fix. The bad wrap of CFI is just BS since GM was cheap and stupid in putting a 305 F-body intake on the 350....thus performance is not easily enhanced......its actually super reliable.

 

[Zektor]

I AGREE with Corvette 1984.

The Crossfire Injection system is a reliable piece if kit. He's right in saying that if anything goes wrong it's cheap and easy to fix. The TPI setup is far more complicated, it maybe be a better/more fuel efficient system as far as performance is concerned. But a good crossfire can make good power numbers. I have an '82 Corvette and it's one of the most reliable cars I have ever owned... and it's 20 years old!!!!!!!

My car currently makes 226 Bhp with minor modifications. Roller Rockers and K&N filters are on the cards next and should take it up to around 240Bhp. Up to 250Bhp if I am lucky. And the sort of mods I have done do not cost big bucks.

Not bad, considering the standard car starts with 200Bhp!!!

If anything, the sort of things that go wrong are common with most other cars... things like fuel pumps, O2 sensors etc. These sort of problems can happen with the TPI cars as well.

What you must remember is the crossfire corvettes are 18 - 20 years old now. Any problems that they may encounter are more to do with age rather than a unreliable setup.

Like I said, mine's 20 years old and runs like clockwork. It's a good system for the home mechanic to work on and has great low end torque. Spend a bit of money making it breath better and it makes power throughout the rev range (rather than low down!).

If you ask me, an '82 Corvette is the best compromise between getting a third generation Corvette with a fairly modern induction system!!!

It's up to you...!!!

Cheers
Dazza

 

[RS84Syr]

I certainly agree w/ Heidi.
Maintenance is critical for any year or style.

I also agree w/ the other 2 CFI owners.
I have had zero probs w/ my 84 in that area... knock wood.
Extremely reliable. However, Alfonso has a point about
mods being less common. The CFI site addresses a lot
of these issues however, and with the "proper" manifold,
the CFI engine can really rock.
http://www.crossfire.homeip.net:81/cftest/default.asp

Another thing about the 84 is that the suspension is really
tight. They loosened it up each year after that.

Good luck in your search.

Rick

 

[jeepie]

My advise would be to get the newest one with the lowest miles you can afford, because vette parts are expensive. When I was looking in 1999 I wanted a newer one with a lot of bell and whistles. You need to get a corvette black book and you can see what features were added in what year, from 84 they started adding things like antilock brakes, multi port fuel injection, ect.
I personally like the 91 to 96 body style better than the 84 to 90 so that is what I looked at.
If I were looking now I would look at a C5, the prices are down now. I love my C4 but they do not ride good and there is not a lot of room inside, if these thing are important to you then look at the C5, they ride better and have more room. The C4's are more of a sports car, and drive
as such. I would take a C4 and a C5 for a ride and see what you like better.
Also make sure you look at a bunch, do not buy the first one you see.
Good luck

 

[TONY TAT2]

Buy 2 or 3!!!Keep the neighbors wondering!!!

 

[Piet]

What do you want it for?

Daily Ride? Go for the C4-C5

Head Turning Cruiser? Go for the C3

The C4-C5's have a lot of the modern technology. So your maintenence will probably be easier. However, whenever I think of Corvette.... I think Shark. But that's just me.

Good Luck on your search, wish I was at that point. (Baby due today)

 

[okie]

On the Prowl?

Good luck with the baby!! For me it is grandbabies now. Guess that is part of the corvette thing, kind of denying the march of time. If you are still looking for an 81, the one I passed up with probably be a good choice, 29K miles and all that. I still hope I did the right thing with the 96......Guess life is like that.

bp

 

[Piet]

Just saw your other post... Congrats!

On the prowl.....
Yah, I am not actively looking, but if I bump into the right car for the right price.....I am looking for a project for me and the boys.

 

[vette-dude]

Well, here's my $.02 worth. I looked for over 6 months for a 74 thru 81 vette. Went to Carlilse with money in pocket but didn't see but one decent 81 vette priced right. The lady sold it before I made up my mind. Came home and decided to look at C-4 style vette. Bought one on E-bay (a 91 Convt.) went to KY to get it and the guy couldn't get a clear title on it even though he said he had one (e-bay sometimes sucks). Just about Vetted out by this time and lo and behold found a 94 coupe 3 blocks from the house. 52K miles and almost perfect interior and paint. New tires and super clean. Paid about $4K less than average book as the guy was desperate. Everything works and it is one fast vette. I think the earlier models (74 thru 81) are overpriced at this time and your best buy is the C-4 models. I agree with all the above threads and you need to buy the most you can afford but be picky. When I was looking and the price was unreasonable (and the seller was too), no matter how much I wanted the car I would think to myself that this is not the only Vette they ever made so move on. The right one will come along!! By the way,Welcome to the crowd.

 

[DkBG]

I'd steer clear of 74 and 75 . Smog reulations made them run poor . Low horsepower and bad fuel economy . Cliff

 

[JohnnyD]

What year to buy

I must say...I was in the same boat you are in a few months back. I took the advice from several good buddies and they say the same thing....get what you want...don't buy the ist one you see...i shopped around for 7 mos....finally settled on a 88 Black Coupe TPI 4+3...it was the best value for the price... It was beautifully maintained....I use mine for weekends out to Seattle..to wine and dine my girl....I dreamed of one since I was a child...now the dream has come true...(want to give a quick plug to CNV vettes in Tempe AZ....Thanks Mike..."you the man" Good luck!!!!!!:cool :cool