My first post.

[jdog0411]

Hey all, this is my first post. I just discovered this site while searching the net for Corvette ads. It's wonderful! I have been in love with Corvettes since 1984 (I was 11 years old), and I have been following the progression of the Corvette through the years and wanting one for what seems like an eternity! I am one of those guys who buys Corvette trader magazine almost every month just to look at the latest prices on all the C4's out there.

I have been putting off buying a Vette for a long time now, but its almost time to go ahead and do it. I have a vast knowledge of the C4 Corvette, and I know that I want a '96 with ultra low miles. I didn't think I was going to spend the extra cash for the LT4, but after reading all of the posts here, I know an LT4 is the way to go! I have a couple of questions for you guys since I have never owned a Vette before:

1. I want an extra low mile car, so I am looking at buying from one of the large Corvette dealers like Rogers, Holt Auto Sales, Konkens, etc. Have any of you out there gone this route? I live in Kansas City and there doesn't seem to be ANY good used Vettes around here.

2. Does a Corvette make a good daily driver? I am hesitant to trade my current vehicle in (boring Toyota, but don't worry I am an American V-8 guy at heart ) and buy a Vette for fear it won't be a good year around car. Any suggestions?

3. Finally, after years of looking, I have found that Corvette interiors don't age well at all. After only 5 or 10K miles the leather seats looked very cracked, the carpet can be worn, and the door sills are just simply abused. This is one reason I want a very low mile Vette. What is your experience with this?

Sorry for the multiple questions. I look forward to being a regular contributor.

 

[69MyWay]

Jdog, Welcome to CAC. Although I don't moderate this part of the forum, I have some comments and a question for you.

First of all, what is the significance of you handle here (Jdog....) Just curious. Mine is obvious maybe. That is I built a custom 1969 My Way. I always like to hear the reasoning behind screen names.


Second, here is my .02 cents

**Are they good year around? Well, that is in the eye of the beholder. In your search I am sure you have seen plenty of C4 models with 100,000 plus, or even 150,000 plus miles for sale. those were most likely daily drivers. They are up to the task, but because they are a performance car they don't fair as well in the long haul for obvious reasons. For example, a more stiff suspension will have a tendancy to vibrate things loose earlier than would a Toyota Camry. The higher output engine (mostly due to the torque) will wear out bushings, bearings, springs, etc. faster than a Nissan Maxima. So, mile for mile, a Vette will cost more to own than virtually any V6 four door sedan. A 96 model will have traction control, auto climate control, keyless entry, etc. and that will make daily commutes nice and smooth.

**I have found that many vette owners just don't know how to take care of a car. The interiors go away on any car with that much glass around the interior when the windows are not tinted, sun shades are not used in parking lots, and many people are not aware you can get a dot matric static cling for the roof panel to cut down on heat entering the interior and ruining the seats.

Our 1990 model actually has a very decent interior considering the age and mileage. It is all how it was cared for that will net the best and longest lasting durability.

Remember, the whole top less the "roll bar" area of the C4 is usually glass. That is like a massive magnifier generating significant heat to the inside. That is in my opinion why you will see a 1994 Toyota Celica with better looking interior than a 1994 vette as the Celica does not have the magnifier burning the inside up.

Okay, I will conclude my book.


Hope you find a good one. We look forward to hearing more from you.


Chris

 

[P-ColaVette]

Hello and Welcome...

Jdog, about the only problem you would likely tire of when using your C4 as a daily driver is the climb in and out of. Then the issue of leaving your baby out in a public parking area where any A#$ H^&* can open a car door into will get old quick. That's my .02, and Once again, Welcome to the CAC...



Steve.

 

[Vettelt193]

I have had a few C4's, all have been daily drivers... my current one was until i got a good deal on a honda.... I would suggest keeping another car if you can, and drive the 'Vette when the weather is good... Also, keep in mind Corvette's values are mileage based... if you buy a low mile car, you will pay a fortune for it, and you will lose a huge portion of the value... you shouldn't buy a low mileage '96 to drive daily... you are better off with one that has 40-60k on it....

 

[78SilvAnniv]

Welcome Jdog!

You'll find CACC is a friendly and informative site, glad to have you here!
Heidi

 

[jdog0411]

Thanks for the responses..

Thanks for the welcome everyone, I appreciate the advice. Oh, my logon name came from a nickname that my friends used to call me back in college. I don't quite know where they came up with it, since I was fairly well behaved (most of the time ;0), but it kind of stuck. I use the same logon for all kinds of message boards covering my various interests. I thought about using a corvette related logon, but I went with the tried and true one instead. The 0411 portion is used because most of the time jdog is already taken.

Now, back to the Corvette search. A friend of mine back in 1997 owned a 40th anniversary edition vette and I had the pleasure of driving it on a few occasions, as well as riding in it everywhere we went. I know all about the "falling in" aspect of entry into the vette! I know that would probably get old after a while.

One question for you all: I know that the LT4 is supposedly much more potent than the standard LT1, but in your opinion is it worth it for me to seek one out over an LT1? The LT4's are harder to find in the condition I want, and I could also go back to 95 or 94 if I don't limit it to the LT4. What would you recommend I do?

 

[6 Shooter]

Re: Thanks for the responses..

One question for you all: I know that the LT4 is supposedly much more potent than the standard LT1, but in your opinion is it worth it for me to seek one out over an LT1?

Here's a thread probably worth a read . . .

LT1 vs. LT4

Take your time and Enjoy your Search.

 

[jim coulter]

concerning your question about daily driver, I drive mine over 100 miles a day(round trip) and love it. We dont get much snow here, and when it does I just roll back over and snuggle my wife Sherry. So it doesn't see snow. Getting in and out is fine except when getting out its discouraging( not driving for now) but getting in is great(wheeee..behind the wheel again) Get whatever year gets your heart pumping..they're all great. Mines the "dreaded 84" with the "dreaded" crossfire injection, but I love it. Wouldnt have another. And by the way, welcome to the corvette action center

 

[jdog0411]

Nothing wrong with 84's!

Hey Jim,

I know the 84 has gotten a lot of bad press, but it was an 84 that began my love for the Corvette when I was 11 years old back in 84. I will never forget the day I saw one up close. It was a red coupe with red interior, and I knew more about it then the owner did! My first ride in a Corvette was in an '84 and I will never forget it.

It was so far advanced over most anything else of the day that I was in awe of it. The 84 will always have a special place in my heart, no matter how long in the years it is getting these days.

Take a look at your 84 and be proud that it lit the spark in a kid for Corvettes that is still hot to this day!

 

[jdog0411]

6 Shooter, where are you located in MO?

Hey 6 Shooter, I noticed you list your residence as MO. Where are you located? I'm in Kansas City. If your close enough, I would love to check out that sweet LT4 of yours...

 

[6 Shooter]

Re: 6 Shooter, where are you located in MO?

Hey 6 Shooter, I noticed you list your residence as MO. Where are you located? I'm in Kansas City. If your close enough, I would love to check out that sweet LT4 of yours...

Lebanon, MO 65536