need advice

Don Meyer · 04-14-2007, 07:18 PM

This is my first post.......I sold my Zo6 before retirement & miss it. I am not able to lay out that kind of money anymore , but would like to buy another Vette. I need to buy something that will not be a money pit and need advice on wheather to look at C-3's or C-4's. I would like to find one in the $6 to range $10 k range.

Any discussion would be greatly appreciated.

Don Meyer-St Cloud,Fl

85vette · 04-14-2007, 08:55 PM

Hi Don, welcome to the site. I'm partial to C4's as I was working for a Chevy dealer when those models were hitting the show rooms. They made a lot of them back then (most model years were 30K+ production figures) and they're still pretty easy to find. I've seen prices from $3500.00 and up. Take your time and look around, Ebay is a good source and you can find some low mileage cars on there. I would recommend a thorough inspection if you're paying top dollar, but you probably already know that. C3's are a little harder to find in pristine condition and those cars can be a little pricey, but they're still some good cars to be had. It's your choice, but it really doesn't matter, after all, a Vette's a Vette! Have fun!

navy2kcoupe · 04-14-2007, 09:11 PM

Don, welcome to "THE" forum. I bought my C5 off of the internet. Search around using key words like "corvette" "sale" "C4" and see what you find. Don't quit or get discouraged........it took me 2 years to find mine but I got one that I really like. Do your homework, look at the C4 forums, and ask for advice on specifics. Find other C4 owners and get to know what some of the problem areas are for that generation. Also check out some of the posts on www.corvetteactioncenter.com. Maybe between there and Corvetteflorida you'll find the answers to a bunch of your questions. Hope you find one that meets your requirements real quick!
Andy

larrybroga · 04-15-2007, 05:24 AM

Don

I prefer '74 and earlier Vettes only because they are pre electronics and all the other gadgetry. I do most all my own work and don't have the equipment necessary to work on newer ones. This is something you need to take into consideration when buying an older and/or lower priced Vette. Any car you find in the 6-10k range will probably need some type of work and unless you can do some of it yourself, you are going to shell out a lot of $ to the local Vette mechanic, which I have found to be few and far between and very expensive. Some very nice "driver" C-3s & 4s are available in the 12-16k range and may be worth the extra $ unless you can work on them like I do. Just a thought. Once again

Don Meyer · 04-15-2007, 07:03 AM

Some good advice....I like the looks of the C4, but heard the electronic gauges are troublesome. Is this an expensive item to repair?

Is the ride of the C4 greatly improved over the C3?

Is there a comparison of the 2 models on the web?

vett boy · 04-15-2007, 07:28 AM

Welcome ,I understand your position and i'm sure you'll be able to find something decent.Hopefully some of these nice people will keep their eyes open for you. Good luck and keep us posted.

Rich427 · 04-15-2007, 08:51 AM

Welcome to our site!

Since your funds are limited any C3 that you find in your range will require more work and dollars. I think you have a better chance of finding a C4 that will fit your price limitations. But, be careful, there is a lot of junk out there. Don't jump at the very first thing you see.

Good luck with your search!

BTW, since you are a new member, go up to the Welcome Room and sign in. You will find a great bunch of people ready to welcome you to our internet playground.

Rich

Don Meyer · 04-15-2007, 10:05 AM

Thank Rich....I'll do that.

larrybroga · 04-15-2007, 10:11 AM

Comparing C3s to C4s is like apples and potatoes. They are almost like two different cars. The C3 still rides somewhat like a true "sports car" while the C4 has a much improved suspension and there is no comparison to the handling. One of the biggest differences is in the electronics, much more sophisticated (and troublesome) in the later C3s and C4s. My advice would be to take your time and focus on a private sale with a pre-inspection by a knowelgeble Vette person before you purchase.

85vette · 04-15-2007, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don Meyer

Some good advice....I like the looks of the C4, but heard the electronic gauges are troublesome. Is this an expensive item to repair?

Is the ride of the C4 greatly improved over the C3?

Is there a comparison of the 2 models on the web?

Hi Don, I too have problems with my electronic LED dash display. It all works but the LED lighting is not working. I'm told this may be due to a grounding problem in the steering column (my turn signal and high beam indicator stay lit). I've seen rebuilt units on Ebay for $250.00-$300.00. I haven't ruled out pulling all that out and replacing that part of the dash with an aluminum billet plate and just installing gauges, but I would like to keep it original. I have a friend who is up on all that electronic stuff, he installs all the elctronics in our patrol cars, so I let him have the Vette yesterday. I'll keep you posted. I would not let this discourage you though.