Buying Vette

[Minnesota Fats]

I'm buying my first vette and need help!!!!!!!!!!!
choices are
1) 1986 coupe auto 47,000 miles and clean $10,000
2)1986 conv 79,000 miles but not as clean $9000
3) 1993 coupe 85,000 miles and clean $11,000
Don't know what to do? help Also conv is 4 speed with a clutch that you need to really push.

 

[Minnesota Fats]

I understand that there are a lot of inprovements over the cars but I don't know what actually has been added .

 

[Minnesota Fats]

How come no one is willing to give anyadvice or suggestion or help?

 

[kenwa]

The later the model, the more refined it will be. I could not afford a C5, so I looked at older models and found I liked the LT1 engine. I bought mine in early May and I love it.

The 93 you are looking at has way more power than the 86's and 7 fewer years. $11,000 sounds like a pretty good deal on it. I also found as I was looking around early this year that Corvettes seem to depreciate down to around $10,000 and then hold their value. The prices you are seeing seems to back this up.

Welcome to CAC!

Ken

 

[Likecars]

Been the proud owner of a '91 and for the last 9 years a '93. Just picked up my 2000 two weeks ago. The 47K is a big draw on the '86, but like kenwa said they get better and better as they come out. I'd say continue looking for at least a '93 with lower miles(mine had 34k). They are out there and it would be worth the wait.

I gotta say it, the C5 is so sweet!

 

[BigRed]

Theres flaws with all cars....

If your after a newer looking car go for the 93.

They have fixed a whack of troubles with the car by then and the only thing I (and I mean I ) don't like is the LT1

they are a trick to work on and I don't like the optispark system they have.

But again thats my opinon and thats the ONLY negative about the car.

Theres lots of negatives about the earlier C4's


So on a scale and convertable doesn't matter to you grab the 93 hands down.

 

[Likecars]

Ha, right after the extended warranty ran out: water pump and opti-spark went too! What are you going to do, it happens.

 

[BigRed]

Im telling everyone and some think Im crazy but heres my theory.

Car companies and sticking microscopic charges of C4 in various parts on the cars now. Every car has them in different areas.

Now heres the catch!

they are set to explode 1000 miles after warranty.

If you bought extened warranty, while the car is getting "cleaned" for pickup they are actually setting the detonator or "odometer" further ahead! and then they give it a quick wipe and vaccuming.....

What do you guys think?

 

[kenwa]

Likecars, my cousin's water pump sprung a leak and took out the optispark on his '94. So, maybe the water pump should be considered a maintenance item. How many miles, though? I dunno.

The opti on 95 and 96 has a vacuum hose to keep moisture sucked out, but I don't know if it could cope with a water pump failure.

MF, how are the tires on all 3 cars? A set of 4 is going to be $1000.

Ken

 

[Minnesota Fats]

Thanks for the input. I'm leaning toward the 93 and do agree that they seem to stay around $9 to $11 thousand unless they are worn out. Any sidea on cd player incert to add as that is about all it needs. Also before buying I'm taking it to the Grossman Chev to have it checked out. I think it might be worth the money unless somebody has a better place in Minn.

 

[Tuna]

If the 93 does not have the CD player, you might want to check out a recycle place and pick up the Bose Gold CD control head out of a wrecked 92-93 (same dash colors, although a head from 94-96 will fit - the color is different).

It's a direct swap out and you gain the CD player and the speed sensitive volume.

 

[Minnesota Fats]

Thanks for the help everybody but ended up with a clean well kept 1994 with most options. Drove it home and love it all ready.

Happy vet owner finally

 

[Minnesota Fats]

Forgot
Black on Black,auto,coupe

 

[SPANISHVETTS]

Welcome to the family.:bar

Black on black would be my pick if I had the chance.

Remember the LT1 is dryclean only.

When the Opti goes south do not panic. Do not pay GM lots of money. It is not a very hard job and the folks here atwill walk you through it.

Enjoy, no other ride will ever be the same.

 

[Minnesota Fats]

I'll remember that as right now i'm in shock with dream come true.

Any suggestions on how to keep clean.

 

[madstacker]

I remember people telling me how much of nitemare the optichange was and found that it was a easy job and not worth the 800$ the dealer wanted.

 

[bladesC4]

MN Fats.....Con grads :J I actually just joined this forum as well and just got my Vette. Also a Minnesotan. Welcome to the club. I had owned an 80 way back and it took me this long to get another. I will never be without one again.

 

[jester]

Congratulations MN Fats. I'll watch for you on the road. Don't forget to wave.

 

[vettenick]

Decisions! Decisions! The '93 is probably a better car if it was well kept. Keep this in mind...with 85k I'll guarantee the water pump and distributor are close to the end of their life. Also, the intake gasket will probably need to be replaced. They seep oil out the front and the back. If these items haven't been replaced, be prepared. Out side of that, you'll probably be happier with this car.