Could use some opinions

GentleBen · 10-02-2007, 12:16 PM

Hi all, new member here.

After 55 years I'm finally able to get that vette I've always wanted and am looking for some opinions. I have 20k to invest and am having a hard time deciding on a 94-96 C4 under 80,000 miles or a 97-99 C5, most in my price range have over 80,000 miles. I'm thinking the C4 would be the better investment but the C5 would have much better performance. I also worry about all those miles on a C5.

I also plan on roaming all over florida to find just the right vette. How the heck can I drive it home legally, I will have the plate off my old car, but of course it won't be registered yet. I can always bolt the plate on and cross my fingers until I get to the title office, but that wouldn't be my first choice!

Any and all opinions and thoughts would be appreciated.

thebeepster · 10-02-2007, 12:37 PM

You have a PM......

Pres712 · 10-02-2007, 12:38 PM

Welcome to the world of Corvettes. I have both an '86 and an '03. I love 'em both. If you are thinking of showing the car the C-5 is the better choice. The engine compartment is much easier to clean and keep clean. Of course performance is a bit better in the C-5 also. If you elect to get a C-5 they came with runflats (it's 50/50 as to whether or not they are good) and a digital readout on the DIC - Driver's Information Center. If you elect to go with an early C-4 you have to deal with the all digital dash. I've replaced components in mine about 4 times.

Look at all of them and ultimately the choice is yours. Either way it's a Corvette!!!

vett boy · 10-02-2007, 01:02 PM

Generally speaking a 95/96 is a little more problem free than a 97/98.I've had an 87 and an 03 moving to an 08. I'd look for a real nice late c-4 and you'll be able to find one (or many) for $20,000 or under.

You might pop in on line to www.frontiermotors.biz A lot of people on different forums in the south swear by him.

Shadow · 10-02-2007, 07:13 PM

You should be able to get into a late C4 with reasonable miles for well under that 20k

The market has tanked and they're just not selling like they used to

The C5 is a great car as well. The ride is going to be head and shoulders above the C4 and the performance will amaze you

As for driving it home, thats not a problem. If you get it from a dealer, you;ll get a dealer tag. If you have your bill of sale, you're good. You can get a temp tag from your local tag office until your new one comes in unless you're using the one off the other car?

**Rich Z** · 10-02-2007, 07:34 PM

Bear in mind that age is age. Older cars will just normally have more things that go wrong simply because the materials have aged. I think the best method of attack would be to set a limit on how much you can spend, and then find the newest car you can afford.

fdreano · 10-02-2007, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GentleBen

Hi all, new member here.

How the heck can I drive it home legally, I will have the plate off my old car, but of course it won't be registered yet. I can always bolt the plate on and cross my fingers until I get to the title office, but that wouldn't be my first choice!

Any and all opinions and thoughts would be appreciated.

You can get an interim temp tag based on the bill of sale/signed over title for $5 even before its registered or insured - I had to do it with my vette two months ago so I could drive it to the DMV so they could check the VIN as I bought it out of state.

fdreano · 10-02-2007, 07:48 PM

Age is age for you too! You need to decide how much you personally are willing to do. I'm 56 and have had my '61 for two months and have worked on it a LOT more than I intended. Tuning it up, adjusting solid lifters, touching up paint, replacing all the rubber connected to the gas tank, replacing interior trim, etc.

Also, don't forget good ole FLA sales tax; cost me $3K to get my car registered in the state.

98 softtail · 10-02-2007, 07:50 PM

You have a PM from me.

GentleBen · 10-02-2007, 08:18 PM

thanks for all the replies guys, very helpful.

Beautiful car fdreano, worth the work I'm sure. I'm not forgetting good old florida sales tax, and it has to stay at 20k out the door. That still gives me a lot of choices.

So far two have caught my eye, a 1996 collector edition LT4 with 50k and a 1999 with 95k and a few mods. Both silver convertibles.

Decisions, decisions (I've had worse)