buying a c-4 want your thoughts

[tlmarks]

I have narrowed it down to three cars, #1, a 1991 zr1 red with blk int, 105,000mi for $16,300. #2, a 1996 silver ce lt-4 102,000 mi for $14,500. #3 a 1992 aqua convert.w/opt. hard top lt-1 6sp, 47,000mi for $16,500. Looking for some opp. from people who have owned c-4 cars. I have never had one. cars #1 and 2 need tires and a little tlc car #3 is ready to go.

 

[Yarls24]

Check for a leaky intake manifold gasket, you will notice leaking down sides of the block. I would have the thing hooked up to a computer to see if any codes are being thrown. Do a car fax on it as well. There is a checklist on this site for new buyers like yourself. Very helpful and thorough.

 

[Green LT1]

I would definitely go for the 1992 convertible, mainly due to the much lower mileage. The convertibles are fun, too. I wouldn't touch an LT-5 car with that many miles - very tough to find repair parts, and they are very expensive. Just my .02 worth. Good luck!

 

[Tims93]

;stupid
I wish I could have found that car in that color when I was looking. Good luck, Tim

 

[Yarls24]

Hey Green, are you going to go to the Vette show at the airport this upcoming summer? Did you go to Leman's all Chevy show this year? I will probably run in to you sometime in Bloomington. Look for my Plate CMYC4.

 

[froggy47]

This is a tough one. I'll just list a few things to check on them all. You can see what I drive.

Radiator plastic side tank leaks,
Programmer on electronic hvac,
Reverse light sw on zf tran
All elec. controls on sport seats,
Bose,
Weather strips,
Clutch master/slave
Curb rash on rims,
Antenna up/down
Opti & water pump,
Plugs/wires
Carfax & dealer records(have dealer run the vin)

The last one will turn up the real deal breaker info. As for the others, the more that's been done & Check receipts - the better.

I love my LT4, but it's only got 50k on it. I also tend to lower mile cars. I tried a couple of zr1's but was put off by the thought of costly/hard to get parts/repairs.

It's almost impossibe to find a competent Corvette mechanic - if you turn your own wrench - so much the better. I do as much as I'm able on my own. Good luck!

Oh & drive the heck out of them all, as much as you are able. That'll settle it.

 

[warren s]

Check the fiberglass front and rear mono springs for delaminating, or peeling and cracking.

Make sure the hood and the panels with the gills line up pefectly.( like after an accident)

Check the rear strut rods are not bent (Such as when improperly towed)

Always start up the motor cold and check for smoke. Remember that LT1s often sound like a lifter is sticking, but its normal.

I would go for the lower miles car myself

 

[tlmarks]

what about future value of the three different cars I am looking at? say 5 years down the road if I trade up? Is the mileage the key factor? Or is it the options? Thanks for all the input from everyone, look forward for to some more. Want to buy something by end of weekend or first of next week.

 

[atmmac]

I would definetly go with the 92 convertible. The low mileage will make for better resale in the future. I try to stay away from cars with over 100,000 miles. The 92 sounds like your best bet.

-Andy

 

[Edmond]

what about future value of the three different cars I am looking at? say 5 years down the road if I trade up? Is the mileage the key factor? Or is it the options? Thanks for all the input from everyone, look forward for to some more. Want to buy something by end of weekend or first of next week.

The Z will definitely keep its value better than the other two. We'll probably never see another Corvette with a DOHC. I know that the cost of repair would be extremely expensive. How much are you planning on driving the car? ie. daily driver? I wouldn't necessarily be turned off by high mileage, as long as the car has been taken care of.

 

[Rain]

Car three sounds like the route to go, but does anyone else think the price is a bit high?

We all know deals are everywhere and most of us with 92-96 vettes got them for a steal.

How long have ya been shopping?

Rain

 

[tyrel]

I would stay away from the ZR1, the simple fact is it's a limited production car and I have no idea where you'd find engine parts, on top of that at over 100,000 miles you have no idea how hard it's been ridden. If it is in visible need of tlc, then what other parts of the car need attention, things you can't see until after you buy it and take it into the shop?

The other two sound okay, although it's easy to get sucked into the corvette mystique and forget about the reality of corvette ownership. The C4 is a beautiful car and handles extremely well, but some things are very expensive, like carpet, weatherstripping, tires, a/c system. If you don't have any mechanical knowledge, I suggest you prepare to learn some and buy either the service manual or the Haynes manual. Brake work on these cars is extremely simple. I'm practically an idiot and I just replaced all four shocks in less than two hours. When you own a corvette, you very quickly learn all about it. I know every inch of my car.

Here's a site that might help you, I've posted it here many times. Good luck.


http://www.c4vettes.com/prepurchase.htm

 

[tlmarks]

Rain, Car #3, the convertable is about $4,000 more then other 1992-1995 coupes that I have looked at in my area. but with both tops, the low mileage, good tires, 6sp trans, and fewer problems then most cars that I have looked at, (13 in three weeks) the extra price does not seem to bad. What does every body think the price range on 92 and newer cars should be? I have looked at nada, kelly bluebook, and edmunds.com, but there ranges sure vary.

 

[Minnesota Fats]

I bought a 94 coupe this last summer and I got fooled with the front end a little. Had a lot of chips that didn't show up when I looked at it that much I think. But the car was maintained like a baby over the last 5 years. Got all records and a good Vette GM mech checked it out also. Runs great so far. Did have the front end repainted to get the chips to go away. It looks like a brand new car. It just sucks that its stored now. And it does leak a little bit somewhere. But what car with 80,000 miles really doesn't. I will say this 1) coupe has room for 2 sets of golf clubs and a little baggage for two if the tops on or not with you. The convert has none. I enjoy that a lot. Great for road trips. Paid 12,500 and so far I have had to put in a rear bulb. Buy and enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[vettenick]

Regardless of which car, get them all on a lift. Check for underbody damage. With the higher mileage cars: suspension work is probably needed. Tires can also be expensive-check the prices. If you're a good technician and do your own work, the ZR1 is tough to pass up, especially if it was taken care of. If you don't do your own work, maybe you should pass.
Relatively speaking, even though the LT1 has less mileage, it'll probably still need work. My 94 had 30k and it needed a water pump, distributor, and the manifold sealed, as well as tires and shocks. If you're on a tight budget, get your numbers in line before you decide. There's plenty of C4's that the owners are just dying to sell.

Good luck!

 

[tlmarks]

I am getting the 1992 convertible. Thanks for your input and help every one.

 

[Green LT1]

Yarls24, I will be at the 2004 show at the airport. I hope it is a big success. I went to Bloomington Corvette Corral/Bloomington Gold from the mid 1970's up until it left Bloomington. I refuse to go to St. Charles to see the "Bloomington" Gold. I was at the Leman show last summer. I try not to miss anything like that. My 1996 polo green coupe is "SSBDRB 1". I will definitely deep an eye out for you. We Corvette nuts have to stick together!

 

[Minnesota Fats]

Good 4 u

A nice Christmas present enjoy and wave to all.

 

[kingman]

No Thought!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HI

You must go with #3, because at least you will enjoy having it and driving it.

With #1 & #2 every time you start it and drive it, you will be in for an adventure.


Listen to your brain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alan

 

[Gerry]

buying C-4

Everyone has to have at least one convertible. Congratulations and good luck and remember to DRIVE it. That's what it was made for!!

Best regards,
Gerry