Worth it? 1993 Ruby Red

[bluetail47]

We currently own a 2003 50th Anniversary Edition C5. We just came across a 1993 Ruby Red 40th Anniversary Edition we are thinking of buying. The car has only 9,600 miles on her and has been garaged. Body and interior are perfect. We can buy her for $18,000. We know the owner, who purchased it from the original owner a year ago. The current, as well as the original owner, became ill and had to sell.

It would be nice to go into the garage and see two beautiful Red corvettes waiting to go. The Ruby will be our daily driver.

What do you think about the price, too high, too low, just right? Also, what are the main concerns for the C4s?

 

[GS Diva]

First of all, welcome! Secondly, I think that is a great price for a Ruby, especially with one with such few miles. You don't mention whether it's automatic or stick, coupe or convertible, but I still think $18K is a very good price.

I've had 3 C4's and currently have a '96 Grand Sport convertible. I love them but, like you, also have a 2002 convertible so have the comfort and space of a C5. They're two totally different animals! I think you'll like the Ruby!

Let us know how you make out.

Elaine

 

[bluetail47]

The Ruby is a coupe with automatic, same as our C5. Wifee does not like convertibles, so had to settle for removable tops.

 

[vee93]

BUUUUUUUY IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT!!!!

 

[o2bnkc]

I had a 93 but not a ruby red anniversary. I paid 15k for mine 2 years ago and it was in perfect condition with 38k miles. I think you have a hecku'va deal. There's quite a bit of difference in the overall ride and feel, though. You have probably heard it all, but the 93 always felt "heavier" in the front end. Not as nimble and light. If I could afford it, though I would love to have a 40th anniversary corvette!

 

[markone]

I think the price is very good, especially with the miles. One thing to consider though, you said it will be your daily driver, as you drive it, depending on how many miles you put on it annually the value will decrease substantially. The only reason it is worth $18K or possibly more is the very low miles and I assume immaculate condition. As you drive the car daily, those two assets will quickly fade.

 

[Vettelt193]

the price is right, but if you are going to put miles on it you will see it go down in value real quick... a 93 coupe with say, 80+k would probably sell for under 10k. So, just keep in mind that C4 and up (and even some C3's) values are mainly based on mileage, and every mile means it is worth less.

 

[B17Crew]

$18,000 for the 40th you described sounds like an honest price. The ’93 40th is drop dead gorgeous! Go for it!!!!!

B17Crew

 

[bluetail47]

Got It

Thanks for the feedback and giving me the support I needed to know this is a good buy. We now own it, and did not get it as an investment or to re-sell later. The car is great looking and a fun ride, so we will drive it.

The ride is definitely different than our C5. As GS Diva says, they are totally different animals. C4 harder to get into, but seats feel better. C5 faster, but C4 has a sportier feel. C5 much lower to ground. I am sure we will see more differences as we drive more.

 

[B17Crew]

CONGRATULATIONS!

B17Crew

 

[GS Diva]

We now own it,

Great choice! Congratulations!!!

Elaine

 

[hooks]

1993 concerns

Bought my ruby red about 4 years ago with 7000 miles on it. Now has 68,000 miles. You could say it is a daily driver. As to concerns--keep the opti-spark dry. The cd player (if you have one) will probably give you trouble after a while--mine did--have heard of many others also. Not too pricy to fix however. Only other thing to watch out for is the drivers side seat bolster. The constant getting in & out will start to show on the leather. My seats are perfect except for that one spot. Anytime you look at pictures of used c4s, you will see this wear on the bolster. I think you will enjoy this car.

 

[Vettelt193]

Bought my ruby red about 4 years ago with 7000 miles on it. Now has 68,000 miles. You could say it is a daily driver. As to concerns--keep the opti-spark dry. The cd player (if you have one) will probably give you trouble after a while--mine did--have heard of many others also. Not too pricy to fix however. Only other thing to watch out for is the drivers side seat bolster. The constant getting in & out will start to show on the leather. My seats are perfect except for that one spot. Anytime you look at pictures of used c4s, you will see this wear on the bolster. I think you will enjoy this car.

you can swap your seats from side to side (drivers to passenger) to help the wear balance.

 

[bluetail47]

Bought my ruby red about 4 years ago with 7000 miles on it. Now has 68,000 miles. You could say it is a daily driver. As to concerns--keep the opti-spark dry. The cd player (if you have one) will probably give you trouble after a while--mine did--have heard of many others also. Not too pricy to fix however. Only other thing to watch out for is the drivers side seat bolster. The constant getting in & out will start to show on the leather. My seats are perfect except for that one spot. Anytime you look at pictures of used c4s, you will see this wear on the bolster. I think you will enjoy this car.

Already found out the CD player does not work. It almost ate a good Eagles CD. You are right about enjoying the car. My wife and I ride to work together and we are now fighting over who drives. Thanks for the input.

 

[bluetail47]

you can swap your seats from side to side (drivers to passenger) to help the wear balance.

I don't think we can swap them because the seats have the bladder thing that also does not work. The switch and buttons are on the side of the seats nearest the console. I have read here that the bladders need a new diaphram to work properly. Is it really worth the effort?

 

[DanC]

I don't think we can swap them because the seats have the bladder thing that also does not work. The switch and buttons are on the side of the seats nearest the console. I have read here that the bladders need a new diaphram to work properly. Is it really worth the effort?

If the motors run you will likely only need to replace the diaphragms. I had the same problem with my Ruby when I bought it 2 years ago.

See
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/kb/question.php?qstId=163

I fixed mine with the instructions from this great site. I didn't have the latex gloves but did have an old bicycle inner tube that was light enough.

Still working 2 years later.

If you ever need to replace the opti, I highly recommend the Dynaspark by http://www.dynotech-eng.com/. No personal interest, just a satisfied customer. High quality replacement with a corresponding price that corrects the problems with the original.

Have fun with your Ruby, we love ours.

 

[HPG]

Here is the Ruby registery page. http://www.40thregistry.com/

 

[JJS]

My wife and I ride to work together and we are now fighting over who drives. Thanks for the input.

OUCH! I can't even imagine! I bought my LT-1 because it was a beautiful car, and I also had to have a 4-speed. The fact that my wife can't drive a standard isn't a problem for me at all!

Congrats on a beautiful car that you purchased at a fantstic price!

-John

 

[Mad-Mic]

nice find!

 

[Vettelt193]

I don't think we can swap them because the seats have the bladder thing that also does not work. The switch and buttons are on the side of the seats nearest the console. I have read here that the bladders need a new diaphram to work properly. Is it really worth the effort?

sorry, thinking of '94 + seats which are easy to swap... forgot about the earlier lumbar controls there:confused