Thinking about buying a C4. Want advice.

[minifridge1138]

Hello everyone,

I currently own a 1982 C3 and I love driving it.
However I would like something more modern for a daily driver.
I'm thinking a C4 might be the best solution. I know it is a buyer's market right now.

Other than the generic car buying things, is there anything specific to C4 that I should look for/avoid?

Thanks everyone!

 

[tcxd40]

Depending on the year of C4 you are considering keep in mind the following.

Digital dash issues.
Proper function of the FX3 option if eqpt.
Sport seats, do they operate properly, bladders good?
Always check the drivers and passengers side floor pans for damage from improper jacking, both the metal and composite sections.

I personally would stay away from the early years 84-87, unless the car was exceptional and a very good price.


For what it's worth get a carfax report.

tcxd40

 

[johnm]

Hello everyone,

I currently own a 1982 C3 and I love driving it.
However I would like something more modern for a daily driver.
I'm thinking a C4 might be the best solution. I know it is a buyer's market right now.

Other than the generic car buying things, is there anything specific to C4 that I should look for/avoid?

Thanks everyone!

A friend of mine has a 1986 mint condition with 17000miles,was a show car with all kinds of chromed up goodies under the hood. $14000 OBO johnm

 

[nelson84]

I would personally stay away from the 92-96 unless it has the LT4 96 only. The LT1/4 has an optispark, they crap out and costs a bundle to fix and even more if you get a shop to do it. Late 86 to 91 are good cars and they have center bolt valve covers and don't leak like the 84-early 86. Daily driver might want an auto instead of the 4+3 manual in the early vettes. If you can find an 89-91 with a 6 speed would be great. Personally I think the 89 with a 6 speed is the best C4, cool digital dash, 6 speed, aluminum heads, and early body style.

 

[CTYANK2]

Things to look out for will vary depending on year/budget. How much are you looking to spend? Coupe or convertible? Lots of good deals out there but finding one close to home may take some patience. :cool

 

[CLABORN1960]

get the latest model year that fits your budget... I wouldn't worry too much about the opti if the car has been driven and maintained you'll be fine.... I have a 93 and the opti on my car lasted just about 200k...

 

[gmjunkie]

get the latest model year that fits your budget... I wouldn't worry too much about the opti if the car has been driven and maintained you'll be fine.... I have a 93 and the opti on my car lasted just about 200k...

Yep,Opti's got a Bad Rap,I'd be willing to bet that there has been more replaced that was good than ones that were bad!!First thing the Opti gets blamed and replaced,Only to find out that it still has a Problem!!!

 

[TedC]

I prefer C4s with the L98 engine and auto. The L98 low end power is awesome. Drove my 1988 all across the North East, and found it very responsive. Recently, I purchased an excellent condition stock 1989 auto with 56K miles for $7.5K. Lots of LT1s and L98s were up for sale last fall. Look for the optional 3.07 performance rear axle on the automatics. I've had no issue with the digital dash on either car. Watch out for leaking fuel injectors (hard start when hot) and engine oil leaks (rear intake). The Delco Bose stereos did not function properly in either vette, and so I replaced them with aftermarket. Enjoy the hunt, and keep us posted.

 

[jrzvette]

Because of the high side rails C4s are a little difficult to get into and out of, but once inside they are very comfortable (as long as you're not too big physically). If you're going to use the car as a daily driver then you, obviously, will be getting into and out of the car at least twice a day so make sure you can do this. Check the steering wheel. A lot of owners use the wheel to help themselves getting in and out and as a consquence the wheel is floppy because of the soft metal used insdie the tilt mechanism. Also check the seats, it's impossible to get in or out without rubbing against the outside bolster on the driver's seat. These can wear out very fast.

 

[B17Crew]

Nice to see the good feedback here.

I’ve owned 4 C4’s... an ’86, ’93, ’94, and a ’96 (my current car).

Since your intent is having a C4 as a daily driver, you may want to test drive FE1 suspensioned 95-’96 cars. In ’95 the spring rates were softened, that change carried over to the ’96s. Drive earlier C4 models to compare ride quality.

Out of the four C4’s I’ve owned, the smoothest riding has been my ’96, it’s an FE1 suspensioned six-speed. My ’86 auto coupe was a great car, it could corner just as well as my ’96, but the ’86’s ride was noticeably firmer; it transmitted more road irregularities throughout the car.

The L98 is a fun engine to let stretch its legs, as soon as you hit the pedal, the response is instant... I can also say the same for my ’96.

Just my humble opinion, but I think the Opti demon is blown way out of proportion.

Happy hunting!

B17Crew

 

[xfirez51]

Mini,

I have a friend with a great 88 L98. It is in great shape, white with black GS stripe. Has very good mods including MR and headers. Interior has been upgraded to 91 version. If interested, email me at surrexi2@comcast.net

 

[LT4man]

Yep,Opti's got a Bad Rap,I'd be willing to bet that there has been more replaced that was good than ones that were bad!!First thing the Opti gets blamed and replaced,Only to find out that it still has a Problem!!!

95,000 miles on my Opti and running BETTER than NEW!

I wish I had a buck for every good Opti which was replaced! And BTW, the job is labor intensive but at least you do not have to worry about oil leaks (see front cover on L98!) or water leaks or where #1 is!

SAVE THE

 

[XLR8]

Lots of good advice here!

When you start seriously looking, do yourself a BIG favor and print this to carry along:
Buying a Corvette Checklist

Good luck and don't forget to share photos!
Jane Ann

 

[minifridge1138]

A lot of great information. Definitely helps me a lot.
When did they stop using the digital gauges and return to analog?
When did they add Air Bags?

I am looking for a Coupe, preferably Black/Black.

As for budget, I want to spend as little as possible, but I want a reliable, non-project car.

Thanks for all of your help!

 

[jrzvette]

A lot of great information. Definitely helps me a lot.
When did they stop using the digital gauges and return to analog?
When did they add Air Bags?

I am looking for a Coupe, preferably Black/Black.

As for budget, I want to spend as little as possible, but I want a reliable, non-project car.

Thanks for all of your help!

1989 was the last year of the all digital dash, 91 - 96 has analog gauges for everything but the speedo.

1990 was also the first year for the driver's air bag, 1994 added the passenger side.

 

[CTYANK2]

I never had any problems with my digital dash and don't recall anyone I've met ever telling me they had issues with the digital dash. I like the 87-89 C4s but any 87+ are good cars. Lots of nice deals out there for just $7-10k.
:cool

 

[minifridge1138]

Here is one I found. Looking to get some second opinions.

1996
Automatic. What was the automatic transmission used? 700R4?
115,911 miles
Black/Black
Rear end and gears stock
New shocks, brakes, radiator, plugs, wiring (not sure which wires)
Power seats
A/C
CD Player
Glass top.

Seller wants $9,995.

Any input?

 

[o2bnkc]

Forget that and by a c5. Take it from somebody who has had both. The difference is like night and day.

 

[B17Crew]

Forget that and by a c5. Take it from somebody who has had both. The difference is like night and day.

The C5 is, as it should be, superior to the C4, but I have yet to see a C5 for $9,995 that isn’t sitting in a salvage yard or clapped out. The C5’s that are in that price range are probably in need of a priests blessing and several splashes of holy water before driving off a lot.

B17Crew

 

[Tuna]

Lot's of good advice here but I'll add my 2 cents anyway.

I just bought my original C4 (1992) back and I'm having fun with it. Compared to a C5 or C6, the C4 can be a bit of a beast but, for their day, they were and are great cars. I'm driving my '92 to work daily now and it's got 125K+ miles on it. It's not stock and it has custom paint.

Now on the general C4 comments:
The more options on the car, the more likely they are to cost you extra money in the future.

1989 was the first year for Low Tire Pressure Warning Systems (UJ6) and it was not a big selling option. The wheel sensors have been discontinued and are not available anymore except in junk yards and eBay. Most people seem to have removed or disabled them just to keep the dash light from setting. Probably not going to find too many of them still working anyway. My '92 has them and they still work but I have not idea how much longer they will.

1989 was also the first year for Selective Ride Control (FX3). Replacement shocks are $200 each but the actuators for them are very hard to find and cost twice as much at times. My FX3 system is still working but I have one 'slow' shock that causes the service light to stay on sometimes after start. I shut down and restart to force a second test cycle and everything is okay. In '91 it was married with the Z51 stuff and became Z07. So, getting the upgraded suspension between '91 and '95 required the FX3 as well.

My '92 has the OptiSpark. It was also an early production LT1 so it was one of the cars that had Opti problems early - replaced 2 in 6 months between Oct 91 and Mar 92. The third one went more 11 years and was still working when it was removed to upgrade the LT1 to LT4 specs. If you buy an LT1/LT4 car, don't hose down the motor. Opti's hate getting a bath.

Climatic control can be a ***** also when they fail.

All that said, my '92 has FX3, LTPWS and Climate Control and it all still works.

I like the way the C4 wraps around your butt when you get in. You feel like you're straping it on vice sitting in it.

Last, drive as many as you can. Each C4 seems to have a different personality depending on the motor, suspension options, seat options, etc. If you like the C4 in general, one will jump out at you and call your name.