C4 Questions (Newbie to Vettes)

[ELTGuy]

Hey all... been lurking for a bit and figured I'd ask a few newbie questions.

Been looking at C4 Corvettes for a weekend, fun car. I have this thing for automobiles and think a Vette might be right for me.

What issues are common to the C4 series? Specifically I'm looking into a 92+ (like the body and new interior) and would really love to get a LT4 or LT5. But in my price range, thinking a LT1 would be more realistic.

I understand that they get louder as the miles pile on and so forth.

Are there any critical areas that have been known issues for you all?

I am no stranger to automotive mechanics, however, I own a Triumph Sports Car, and that's plenty of automechanics for me.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Vettelt193]

convertible or coupe, auto or manual? what is your price range, how many miles do you plan on driving it each year? how do you usually drive your car (fast + quick, cruising, autocross, drag race etc.?)

 

[dburgjohn]

Car Shopping

A LT5 is awsome, but lots of $$$ to buy and upkeep. The LT4 is close for much less cash. Even the LT1 is 300 hp. Any Corvette will be 10 years ahead of standard cars.

Check out the knowledge base here for info on the various problems you may run into. The biggest thing I would warn about is don't hose the engine down. The Opti Spark will die (LT1).

Good luck with the search.

 

[ELTGuy]

convertible or coupe, auto or manual? what is your price range, how many miles do you plan on driving it each year? how do you usually drive your car (fast + quick, cruising, autocross, drag race etc.?)

Should have mentioned that.. thanks!

Looking for something sub 20k

Stick

Driving... somewhere between 5K and 10K per year. Weekend blasts in the mountains and maybe the occassional road trip.

I've never been much of a Drag Racing man... and do plan to get into auto-x (when I have time.. ahhh ha ha ha ha ha ha ha)

And I'm a vert guy with the Stang and Triumph.. so I think a coupe (removable roof - not sure if they all have this) is what I would like.

Thanks again!

 

[Vettelt193]

First off, Corvette value is mileage based... the more miles, the less the car is worth. The difference between 5 and 10k per year is actually quite a lot. I will assume the mid-way point, and say 7.5k average. With this in mind, steer clear of anything with less than 40k, and over 90k miles. The cars in the sub 40k range won't give you good value, because the miles are too low, above 90, not a good value, because you won't drive it enough. (the mile rules can be bent for great deals of course!) For less than 20k, you can get a good '96 LT4 coupe (which is an AWESOME engine, and great car) This will have the removable roof. I would look for one in the 50k mile range... depending on color, options, miles, you should be in the 17-19k range (this doesn't include grand sport, and collector edition will pull a slight premium). Some people will still ask way more for their cars, just don't buy them. I would love it if my car was still worth 25 grand, but I know it isn't anymore. I would be happy to sell my car for $20k, and it is a collector LT4, with all the desirable options, with 40k on the clock.

I hope this all helps, feel free to ask more!

 

[sumoboy]

:eyerole Oh....I see, got the stang beat by a vette last WEEKEND:booty




92s aren't bad at all. Lots of things to look at before you buy. Just check out some of the posts on this forum and you'll learn.

 

[ELTGuy]

:eyerole Oh....I see, got the stang beat by a vette last WEEKEND:booty

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:t

Well if I were to race the Stang against a vette, loosing would be a forgone conclusion.

Thanks for the tips and info guys.. this is by nomeans an impulse buy and I will definitly shop around for the best value.

As far as mileage goes.. I don't want a higher one simply because it may have more problems. I've been intrigued by 'Vetts for the last decade or so... and would like to have something different to drive on the weekends.

 

[92ghost]

I'll chime in and throw in some food for thought. I have a 92 coupe with the LT1. I've had it for 2 years but it still shows only 56K. I think the price of the early LT1's are extreamely reasonable at this time even those with low miles. For the price range you have mentioned there is a lot that can be done with a low mile LT1 engine vette. Example: The LT4 is an awsome engine from the get-go and it is based off the LT1 design. Take an LT1 and add LT4 heads, intake and the GM hot cam and you have 400 plus HP and have a couple grand left over. Just another opinion....

 

[tyrel]

The rule of thumb for Corvettes, or indeed with any other car for that matter, is to buy the newest one you can afford. Here is an excellent site that runs through a pre-purchase checklist for Corvettes.


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

 

[Chris N]

If you can afford a little extra, the Grand Sport would be my vote. The LT4 is a great package, no atuo trans, and there are even some convertibles. I love my rig but wish I had known more about the GS; I would have bought one of them. Good luck! Chris :cool

 

[ELTGuy]

The rule of thumb for Corvettes, or indeed with any other car for that matter, is to buy the newest one you can afford. Here is an excellent site that runs through a pre-purchase checklist for Corvettes.


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

Good reading, thank you

Yes, as always, purchase the best I can is the rule. There is a dealer near my house (Corvette Specialist) that has a nice 93 Red Coupe.. 6-speed.... $13K (116K on the clock) that has my interest.

But there will be other 'vettes to be sure... so I'll definitely take my time.