Help! Decisions decisions

[photopod]

Ok...so I have made the first decision to become a Vette owner...now the problem. I must say that reading posts on forums always seems to be a little discouraging--i.e., problems with this and that--no matter what the subject. Somebody always seems to really hate whatever the subject is and cannot say enough bad about it; likewise, there is always a contingent of supporters. With that said, and to rephrase, I know there are problems...with all the generations of Corvettes.

BUT here is the situation...I have a budget--approx $10k. This will be my daily driver. I do have a little Honda CRV for foul weather and hauling etc. I live in southern Illinois--rare snow and ice. Winters are shorter. I am not a small person nor young--6'2", 265#, 49 YO. Getting in and out of any car close to the ground is different for me--my current daily driver is a Honda Pilot (which I will be trading for the Vette). SUV--twist in the front seat and stand up to get out.

So...C3's just seem old inside. I actually sat in a '78 w/and 8 track player still in dash. C5 + are just not in the budget so that leaves (logically) C4's which is great because I really like the body style. So here is where I need help; I have read all the info on the C4s and it seems like '94-'96 have some significant problems addressed--ride, safety. I have read on this forum that '84s are the best. Does it really matter? Am I just being an old fool and I should stick with my loungey SUV or should I follow my...heart?

Thanks ahead of time; I appreciate all the input.

 

[gmjunkie]

Ok...so I have made the first decision to become a Vette owner...now the problem. I must say that reading posts on forums always seems to be a little discouraging--i.e., problems with this and that--no matter what the subject. Somebody always seems to really hate whatever the subject is and cannot say enough bad about it; likewise, there is always a contingent of supporters. With that said, and to rephrase, I know there are problems...with all the generations of Corvettes.

BUT here is the situation...I have a budget--approx $10k. This will be my daily driver. I do have a little Honda CRV for foul weather and hauling etc. I live in southern Illinois--rare snow and ice. Winters are shorter. I am not a small person nor young--6'2", 265#, 49 YO. Getting in and out of any car close to the ground is different for me--my current daily driver is a Honda Pilot (which I will be trading for the Vette). SUV--twist in the front seat and stand up to get out.

So...C3's just seem old inside. I actually sat in a '78 w/and 8 track player still in dash. C5 + are just not in the budget so that leaves (logically) C4's which is great because I really like the body style. So here is where I need help; I have read all the info on the C4s and it seems like '94-'96 have some significant problems addressed--ride, safety. I have read on this forum that '84s are the best. Does it really matter? Am I just being an old fool and I should stick with my loungey SUV or should I follow my...heart?

Thanks ahead of time; I appreciate all the input.

Actually,94-96 are the best cars and most dependable of the C4 run!!Just more electronics that most DIYer's don't understand how it works!!:L:L:L

 

[photopod]

Actually,94-96 are the best cars and most dependable of the C4 run!!Just more electronics that most DIYer's don't understand how it works!!:L:L:L

Thanks for the encouragement. I am not really a DIYer when it comes to cars--home repair maybe but not cars. I honestly would let the experts handle that. There are actually two smaller dealers locally that sell/repair nothing but Corvettes. I know that is a more expensive way to go, but time and space (mostly time) just don't allow for home repair.

 

[kim]

You have to remember that you are getting comments from all over the world about these cars, if you could do the same on all other cars you would get a lot of complaining also, these are great cars all and all. Kim.

 

[XLR8]

Welcome to the CAC, photopod, and congrats on your decision to buy your first Corvette!

My first Vette was a '94 convertible. After owning it for 3 years, I upgraded to a '98. I'd suggest getting in and out of a few C4s before you make your final decision... that was the deciding factor when I upgraded. Well, that and repair costs. I'd bought a '94 that had not been well maintained and I'd never heard of the Corvette Action Center at the time. ;squint:

The C4 has more of a cockpit feel to it. Though it's a great feeling when driving, it's a nuisance for some during entering and exiting the car.

The C5 is much easier in that respect... I twist and stand as you described. And C5s are much more reasonable now than when I purchased mine in 2004.

Anyway... you've come to the best place possible to ask questions, get reasonable and informed answers and receive more tips and suggestions than you'd ever imagined from genuine enthusiasts who love Corvettes and love to share their knowledge of them.

Good luck with your search and keep us in the loop!
Jane Ann

 

[KANE]

Winters are shorter. I am not a small person nor young--6'2", 265#, 49 YO. Getting in and out of any car close to the ground is different for me--my current daily driver is a Honda Pilot (which I will be trading for the Vette). SUV--twist in the front seat and stand up to get out.

So...C3's just seem old inside. I actually sat in a '78 w/and 8 track player still in dash. C5 + are just not in the budget so that leaves (logically) C4's which is great because I really like the body style. So here is where I need help; I have read all the info on the C4s and it seems like '94-'96 have some significant problems addressed--ride, safety. I have read on this forum that '84s are the best. Does it really matter? Am I just being an old fool and I should stick with my loungey SUV or should I follow my...heart?

You only live once...

C5s are easier to live with when it comes to ingress and egress. I test drove a couple C4s and a couple C5s before I moved to Germany. I was going to have one or the other for a daily driver. I settled upon the C5.

With that said, the C5 appears out of reach for you at this time. The late C4s are the easiest to live with- just like Junkie said. They will take a bit of wrangling to get in and out of.

As for C3s... I wouldn't recommend one as a DD unless you live in a part of the tropics where it doesn't rain much. :L Having owned a couple- I've always found myself dropping C4-ish components in them (TPI, 700R4, carbon fiber monosprings, 17" wheels, etc).

 

[vett boy]

C4's are wonderful .If I we're to buy a second vett I'd pick up one in a flash .Good luck.

 

[LittleRedFlatBack]

Welcome

Welcome to CAC. As a former owner of an 84' and a 90' and a fairly big guy as well (6' - 270lbs), I'd suggest you stay with the later C4's. I believe the 95's and 96's seats seem to accommodate "wider" rearends a little better. I had the sport seats in both of mine and these were narrow. I hope this helps.

Dennis

 

[gmjunkie]

Welcome to CAC. As a former owner of an 84' and a 90' and a fairly big guy as well (6' - 270lbs), I'd suggest you stay with the later C4's. I believe the 95's and 96's seats seem to accommodate "wider" rearends a little better. I had the sport seats in both of mine and these were narrow. I hope this helps.

Dennis

94,95 and 96's all use the same seats!!

 

[photopod]

Welcome to CAC. As a former owner of an 84' and a 90' and a fairly big guy as well (6' - 270lbs), I'd suggest you stay with the later C4's. I believe the 95's and 96's seats seem to accommodate "wider" rearends a little better. I had the sport seats in both of mine and these were narrow. I hope this helps.

Dennis

Dennis, I appreciate the comment on the "wider" rearends. Still some comfort w/cool. Thanks to you all for your encouragement.

 

[Rogue]

The C5 is a better Daily Driver because it is roomier, easier to get into and out of, and is more modern. GM also significantly improved the interior layout and most of all, interior quality when they went to the C5. But C5's are in the $20k range so that way out of budget.

Having said that, I really like the C4's looks. Also, the C4 does not give up much in terms of performance. With just a few mods, the later C4's can easily match the performance of the C5's.

Be warned: C4 interiors do NOT age well. GM did not figure out how to build long lasting, high quality interiors until the late 1990's. Even then, they are suspect. Even a low mileage C4 will have squeaks and rattles due to age. Typical issues you may face with age is weather stripping, door panels, carpet, seat leather and power seat motors, the shriveling center console lid, gas struts for the rear hatch and clamshell hood, the dead (or dying) Delco-GM/Bose stereo, the stuck rear antenna, and the headlight door mechanism. A C4 that has been daily driven and has high mileage is going to be a rattle trap!

If I had to start over again, with the knowledge and experience of C4 Ownership that I have today, I would begin by getting a C4 Corvette from 1992-1996, with special consideration made to the 1991's. The '91's were transitionary models so they have most of the '92-'96 improvements and updates except it still uses the 250 bhp L98 small block Chevy V8. The L98's are very reliable and simple to maintain and modify. You will give up 50 bhp. It's performance is pretty close to the LT1 C4's. I would also get the absolute lowest mileage C4 I could get for my budget. I would be willing to pay extra for clean, reliable, low mileage examples, say up to $15k. Or, I would put aside $5k for unexpected fixes. Ideally for me, I would put aside enough $$ (say double my purchase price) to replace most of the interior pieces, modify my existing motor, shocks, tires, brakes, major tune up, and maybe upgrade the stereo if it is not working. Paint job not included!

Edited to add, if you end up with your Corvette, ALWAYS come in here and ask the collective knowledge of this group BEFORE you take your Corvette to the dealership to get fixed. Always and before....remember that. I learned my lesson. Good luck. You will love the car!

 

[photopod]

Thanks for the info. I just drove a 93. Suprising there were no rattles but the seats didn't work. Otherwise, I was pleasantly suprised--86K miles. This weekend will be driving 94, 95, 96. I'll let you know.

 

[Rogue]

That is a very good thing. Did you hit any bumps or potholes? :L

My '91 is relatively low miles too for its year. It has very few rattles. But when I hit sharp bumps the car reverberates from it! I've driven GM cars of this vintage before and they are all the same. On smooth roads though it is a serene and smooth with just the tires and the powertrain making noise.

There is no doubt about the performance though. It's there!

 

[PAULIE B]

The C5 is a better Daily Driver because it is roomier, easier to get into and out of, and is more modern. GM also significantly improved the interior layout and most of all, interior quality when they went to the C5. But C5's are in the $20k range so that way out of budget.

Having said that, I really like the C4's looks. Also, the C4 does not give up much in terms of performance. With just a few mods, the later C4's can easily match the performance of the C5's.

Be warned: C4 interiors do NOT age well. GM did not figure out how to build long lasting, high quality interiors until the late 1990's. Even then, they are suspect. Even a low mileage C4 will have squeaks and rattles due to age. Typical issues you may face with age is weather stripping, door panels, carpet, seat leather and power seat motors, the shriveling center console lid, gas struts for the rear hatch and clamshell hood, the dead (or dying) Delco-GM/Bose stereo, the stuck rear antenna, and the headlight door mechanism. A C4 that has been daily driven and has high mileage is going to be a rattle trap!

If I had to start over again, with the knowledge and experience of C4 Ownership that I have today, I would begin by getting a C4 Corvette from 1992-1996, with special consideration made to the 1991's. The '91's were transitionary models so they have most of the '92-'96 improvements and updates except it still uses the 250 bhp L98 small block Chevy V8. The L98's are very reliable and simple to maintain and modify. You will give up 50 bhp. It's performance is pretty close to the LT1 C4's. I would also get the absolute lowest mileage C4 I could get for my budget. I would be willing to pay extra for clean, reliable, low mileage examples, say up to $15k. Or, I would put aside $5k for unexpected fixes. Ideally for me, I would put aside enough $$ (say double my purchase price) to replace most of the interior pieces, modify my existing motor, shocks, tires, brakes, major tune up, and maybe upgrade the stereo if it is not working. Paint job not included!

Edited to add, if you end up with your Corvette, ALWAYS come in here and ask the collective knowledge of this group BEFORE you take your Corvette to the dealership to get fixed. Always and before....remember that. I learned my lesson. Good luck. You will love the car!

I have to agree with everything about the C4! I am in to my '87 for more than l really wanted and still could use a paint job. With all said...try to go for later models or stretch your dollar to get the C5. knowing what i know now, i would have waited for a C5 '97 or newer!!! Again do what you feel comfortable. GET THE NEWEST MODEL WITH THE LOWEST MILEAGE FOR THE BEST PRICE! WELCOME TO CAC! GOOD LUCK PAUL

 

[Florida Guy]

One tip, especially for big guys: Do NOT use the steering wheel for leverage to get in and out of the car.

 

[Rex S]

Well at 59 with 3 C4s and a C3 I don't think you are being an "old fool". I had a C5 and found it to be the easiest Vette I ever had to get in and out of but, to me, the car had no soul. Once again, to me part of the Vette experiance is dropping down into it and becoming part of the car (I know I'm weird) and C5s just don't offer that to me. As a daily driver the C5 is a great chioce espically for a first time owner. Prices between the two styles aren't that far apart. Boards like this one tend to atract problems due to the amount of experiance the members have so don't judge the cars by the problems listed.

 

[photopod]

Rex,

Thanks for the input! Totally understand about the soul of the car. Actually I have the same problem getting out of my daughter's Mercury Cougar. A little diet and exercise will probably help the situation...and reconditioning of the mind--cool is a great motivator!

 

[Rogue]

I personally lost weight recently (especially around the belly). Trust me when I say, being in shape and not having a belly makes EVERYTHING easier, including getting in and out of ANY vehicle! LOL!

 

[charleshwhite]

Welcome to the CAC. As others have noted there are many things to be concerned about with these vehicles. Each generation is different and manifests their own unique quirks. I am not an expert nor am I technologically enabled. But I am able to offer some observations which may be helpful. First please note that "most all" corvette owners are romantics. The subliminal messsage that I think I see is a visceral love affair with an engineering marvel. Second remember that that is exactly what it is an engineered, technology rich product that as always in engineering is a sum of comprises. Third that said the observations regarding the fucntionality of the C5 is corrrect. Also the "soul thingy" is also correct (It just may be that I am not able to adapt to the dramatic improvement in sophistication of the C5 & C6). Still they are Corvettes and are marvelous automobiles. In the end my C4 "feels" more like a Sports/Grand Touring automobile (reminds me of the cockpit of my old A-4M, a different time and a different place) and that is exactly what I wanted.

I do not work on the car myself. I am fortunate to have a local mechanic that takes his time, does the research, and really tries to fix any problems that I may have instead of just changing parts. To that end I find this forum and its members, moderators, and adminstrator to be world class communicators with an astounding wealth of information and advice. Please heed the suggestion to come here 'FIRST" before launching on a project. Reading the current posts as well as researching and following old posts willdo more to put your mind at ease than anything.

Finally, realize that there are a "LOT" of corvettes outthere being subject to all kinds of treatment. The cars do not need to be pampered, but they do need regular maintenance. They will run forever. ALWAYS, study the Junksters comments and replies. Drive your Corvette, what ever you choose, and enjoy it, savor the esperience, marvel at what the engineers accomplished, and know that you are one of the very few priviliged to be in this community. Life is very short, your ride is much different in a Corvette. Long discourse I hope this helps.

c
:

 

[five-oh]

I've got to agree that these cars don't have to be pampered- I've had an '84 that was subjected to more abuse than should be legal by a previous owner and found the car responded well to being taken care of. While it was underpowered compared to other 'vettes, it handled great (Z51 car) and after some slight maitanance and replacing a weak tranny, ran great. My current project is a '93 that has over 176k miles on it, and again after having some TLC, it runs perfectly and I would not have an issue with driving it across the country.It also had not been treated well and had been a daily driver for a young man that wasn't real concerned with keeping it nice. The c4 is a great car that feels like a sports car, more so to me than my friend's very nice c5. I'd also agree with the advice to buy the newest, best C4 you can afford. Myself, I'm plotting how I can afford an Lt4/ manual '96 model. That'll please the wife,lol.