Chevrolet Corvette C4 | Buyer's Guide
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- čas přidán 2. 06. 2015
- Have you always dreamed of owning a Corvette? As Hagerty Classic Cars magazine Executive Editor Stefan Lombard points out, you can get a heck of a lot of car for C4 Corvette money. He talks you through the ins and outs of these cars, including potential trouble spots and and specific things to look at before you make a purchase. (Special thanks to our studio location, www.Motoreum.com in Austin, Texas.)
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C4 is truly masterpiece design. Such an 80’s icon. My favorite Corvette . Dream car.
I'm glad there's others out there who appreciate these cars despite all myths, they are so genuinely gorgeous and stylish, you just don't get the same vibes from today's cars
Matt C Same. While the C5 may have been faster, I think the C4 was much better from a design standpoint, inside and out. I just don’t really like the bubbly exterior and rubbery interior of the C5.
Reuben Binyamin I have a rare LT1 1986 Coupe willing to sell. It was a special order from dealer. I am 2nd owner. It’s in NC. My number 813-299-0162
This buyers guide seems more general for any car rather than C4 specific.
Agreed
I had a '95 for almost 20 years and it was absolutely trouble free, though it only had 17,000 miles on it. Ran great, went great, looked great, but o'God the rattles! Hit the slightest bump and you thought the beast was going to come apart. My only complaint.
Corvet
I have a 1992 C-4 Corvette convertible just about like this one: same color, LT-1 engine. Mine has the standard 'sawtooth' wheels and all black interior and auto transmission. Purchased it used in 2017 with 47,000 miles on the odometer for a 'retirement toy'. Absolutely love it. Plenty of power, looks great, fun to drive, and best of all my lady loves it too. Only issues I've had with mine so far is I had to replace the horns, and the adjustable ride control system ceased working but that's OK with me since I leave it on the 'touring' setting anyway. All in all a very enjoyable car. No regrets about buying it. I've considered buying a new one but I like it so much I'll keep her and put the money into her to keep her beautiful.
I have a convertible 92 as well the same color.. black interior and with a luggage rack on the back
C1-C3 corvette lovers will probably be appalled but this is my favorite corvette. Havent driven one yet but on paper they are perfect. I want an 89' 6sp
+FlyingAero I have an '89 unfortunately it's automatic, only few of them were manuals.
I had a 78 that I got up to 300HP.
I have a 96 CE with a LT1, and it is head and shoulders a better driving car.
Wyvern yeah, C4s are pretty underpriced corvettes. Especially if it's with the LT1, just have to make sure all the hoses and rubber parts are still good for being about 25 years old.
FallenSlayer
Yeah, I forget these things are this old. I had to replace some rubber tubing, fortunately the control arm bushings and weather stripping are fairly good still.
If I didn't wrench I wouldn't own one.
It's a sin, but my CE has 65K on it and I drive it every day, to and from work, cars were meant to be driven, not just once or twice a month, cars will live forever if you repair what wears out.
+Wyvern yeah, I try and repair everything myself. kind of have to on any older car, plus there's a lot of crooked mechanics out there. but I got mine at 89k and it has about 112k on it now in about 3 years. I have a motorcycle I ride now too so less miles are being put on it but still drive it.
Great video. I had a '94 coupe with the LT-1 and a 6-speed manual. Mine only had about 50k miles on it so I can't speak much about long-term reliability.
It was fast, but these were always very noisy cars and the C4s were difficult to get in and out of. If they fit, though, they are a heck of a bargain for the performance. One add... if you get the coupe, make sure the little ratchet tool to undo the targa top is with the car. It's just a torx drive, I believe, and can be replaced, but the original is nice to have. All of the coupes had a removable targa top. So even if you don't get a convertible they can be driven as open cars. However, the top is bolted on with four heavy-duty bolts for a reason, that panel is structural and without it the whole car starts to feel shakey and wobbly.
Headlight failures are common on these. Chevy used a plastic gear to move the rotating headlights and they commonly strip and the headlights will not open or close all the way or will "jump" and skip when the teeth start to fail. Fortunately, there is a huge aftermarket for these and one can buy new plastic (or even improved copper) gears for about $20... no need to replace the whole motor assembly. Replacing the gear takes about an hour per side but isn't very complicated... even I could do it with basic hand tools.
Steve Haas check out Tim Mullins CZcams video - C4 Hard Top Bolts a slick idea!
Thanks for the information!
They were reliable many got 200k hard mis from them.
Love my Quasar Blue Metallic 93, turns heads still and gets compliments all the time. Fun to drive, and reliable.
I have owned a 1990 ZR-1 for many years now and it is very good value for the bucks. The LT 5 engine is a workhorse and valet switch on dash can change H/P from 375 to 250 when going a long distance which gives better gas mileage. Only draw back I have found with car is getting in and out, floor pan dropped and sill built up to give rigidity for Targa Roof. GM Made nice changes to suspension which gives the Vette a better and much more comfortable drive. If you can find one with low mileage they make a nice summer ride for the bucks. The LT 5 engine cost as much as the car in 1990, but it's what makes the car enjoyable to drive.
I just bought mine last Saturday and it’s has been very rewarding
Good video. Note at 1:30 or so, 6 speed ZF trans began in 1989 model year, not 1988,
I am partial and like the 95 corvettes, I bought a coupe new in 1995, 20 years ago and recently bought a 95 convertible, as long as the car runs good and the Bose radio plays my favorite cd's loud I am a happy camper.
Not a fan of the convertible more a fan of hard top
C4 is the best buy in a corvette at this time. It wont stay that way.
Tom Morgan that a fact.
5 years later and nothing has changed
C5 to be honest. The C4 is cool but will always be the least desired. Unless a ZR1 or GS.
@@johnwilkins6871 Agree C5 Z06 is definitely the best bang for your buck...Coming from a previous C4/current C7 owner.
@@alex_p90 yeah I mean a clean example isn’t much more than a c4 that’s a clean example. The interior isn’t great but still a great car.
The 1996 Corvette is the last of the C4's and, due to apparent C5 delays, often referred to as a "hold over year". Rumor has it the engineers were instructed to produce a platform honoring the Corvette Grand Sport racing heritage. In 1996 the Corvette was awarded the "Best Overall American Sports Car" by several car magazines. It was produced in three appearance packages and two drive trains options. Appearance packages were Standard, Collector Edition and Grand Sport, and automatic trans LT1 and the six speed trans LT4 drive trains. The LT4 is pretty much the same across all the appearance packages making a Standard package LT4 the best Corvette value around. Enjoy the ride and "save the wave". November 8, 2015
+Dave Maruska
I bought a white LT4 - great car for the money.
Hopefully values will go up.
@@phantom5573 Me too. I think they made 504 white ones. Mine has grey guts,50k.miles
go for the 1996 LT4, grandsport, collectors edition or the regular 1996 with the LT4 option.
I just grabbed a 92. Outside looks like the one in the video. Mine only 29k miles. Right now it’s 2020. I feel like I got a brand new car
I own a 95 C4 red with red N black interior LT 1. 6 speed manual Most fun I ever had this car kicks ass in All. Respects... only 79k on OD. Acceleration will throw your Ass in the hatch.. came with 2 tops one is smoked glass better than a convertible solid tops don't go bad ....truly an American Sports car
I have a 1994 with the 6-speed, just 49K miles, in excellent condition. Great car, babied from the start. I love it!
Not much of a buyers guide, but I do like a good C4... probably because it's the only gen I can afford right now! Always wanted a Corvette, and I finally pulled the trigger on a '93 black coupe. I bought it kind of unseen (saw a bunch of pictures and it was from a dealer so there were inspection reports, etc. which turned out to be fairly accurate) which I wouldn't generally recommend, but they drove it down from out-of-state to me at no charge so I wasn't complaining too much. Anyway, it was pretty clean, just needed some TLC, but that's what I like to do so it turned out to be a good deal for me. Like the video mentioned, the Optispark was pretty bad. Got a new vented one, problem solved. Had an intermittent shut down issue, turned out the computer needed to be rebuilt. Window seals still need attention. Despite the issues it's had, I enjoy working on it and fixing things to bring it all back to its original state, and I enjoy driving it even more. These are great cars, with real soul, and even the C4s can still turn heads... It's gonna be a long time before these go back up in value, but who cares?? America's sports car for sure!
A video any prospective C4 buyer should watch.
1996 team here baby💪🏽
I have a 1992 convertible exactly like the one in the video..same color also. Bought it used last year as my retirement toy. Absolutely love the car. Not the easiest car to get in and out of, and the ride is definitely not like a regular cushy sedan (hey what is expected it is a sports car) but the fun factor is well worth it. Now lets see, check out the C8 when it comes out?
Nice overview. Thanks!
Just picked up an 84 a couple days ago, really interesting car
I've recently become interested in getting a 96 LT4. I've watched many CZcams videos on them and learned all it's foibles. There are a few but nothing at all to discourage me. I'd recommend anyone thinking of one of these to watch as many as you can because not everyone catches all the problems in every video.
Excellent video. Accurate as well.
Have a 93 40th Anniversary Vette conv and I love it. Looks like the one in the video but much cleaner and nicer shape. Someone earlier mentioned it has a Ferrari looking shape to it. I'd have to agree. I have had other classic cars but love climbing into the cockpit and riding close to the ground taking curves. For the price they are selling for now they are a real bargain. For the know-it-alls criticizing the dash or other period details try coming up with something better you can drive now for $8k-12k with low mileage. This is a true sports car not a want-to-be. These cars are $80k-$110K now new. Just a matter of time before the C4s come into there own. They were dissing the C3 for a long time. Now they're popular. C2 are stupid expensive.
Same here, 93 conv with bright aqua metallic paint, white leather interior and a white top. Drives great w great gas mileage and you can smoke most from a stop light.
I love all Corvettes and the 1969 C3 Corvette Stingray Coupe comes out as my favourite. Along with the 1967 Coupe and 1963 they are awesome, but although the C3 coke bottle design was brilliant i now have great admiration for the C4 ..i use to think it was too plain and not curvy enough but the 1980's were all about sleek clean straight lines. In retrospect the C4 looks great and if you look at say the latter C4 's..take the 1996 Coupe with the targa top taken off... a side profile ..it looks like a ferrari 308...both great cars in my opinion.
Love that color
IN 96 THEY SEALED UP THE OPTI-SPARK AND PUT A VENT TUBE IN. OBD2 AS WELL. GO FOR A 96
I have a pristine example of the c4 convertible, metallic purple with a tan top, 19675 miles. looks like new, inside and out
I love my 53 thousand mile 84 four speed. C2 s are my favorite Vette and c4s are next
The greatness of the C4 will always be the handling and the gear ratio available in the 6 speed cars and even in the 4+3 85-87 C4. The problems will be the damned computer controlled spark timing and the fuel injection being tied to that. Eventually it just cannot be repaired any longer. The 85-87 computer will only allow a limited amount of engine modification and the L98 2bolt block and the cast iron open chamber heads only produced 230 HP and will not spin over 5K RPM which sucks. So you are forced to dump the tuned port injection and 30mpg if you want to have a contemporary amount of power. Even a 1970 Camaro could spin to 6500 rpm. So you dump the tuned port.
There WAS a Corvette in ‘83! And if you think I’m lying, go to Bowling Green and see it yourself
Four engines? Six is more accurate. The L83 (crossfire) was exclusive to 1984. The L98 was available from 1985-1991. The LT1 ran from 1992-1996. And the LT4 was available only in 1996. Apparently the 405HP twin-cam LT5 and the 382HP Callaway Twin Turbo (B2K) engines are not important. GM backed both these engines with warrantees, and they are the most powerful engines available in the 4th generation Corvette.
82 also had crossfire
There was also a few variants of Callaway Supernaturals. Not factory, but noteworthy. This guy is no expert and that is pretty obvious to any of us that know the C4 Corvette.
had a '94.....the optispark was a nightmare to change ...and the headlight mechanism the same.....otherwise.... I loved it....lost a ton of money trying to sell it though...
Don't forget to look out for up and down steering wheel movement, and make sure the turn signal stick works properly and isn't flimsy, these two things I just listed were commonly used by owners to get in and out of the C4 and over time messed them up
Love the C4, inside, and out. My only complaint is the optispark, it is almost sure to fail due to the water pump drain being right on top of it. I don't know what GM engineers where thinking when they designed that. You can find online a company that sells a sealed rebuilt version that's trouble free. I've been through two so far.
Yes! I recently got a new water pump and the guy that did the fix also has a c4 and told me sooner or later it's gonna happen.
+EdwardDG2 lol, man... that's crazy.
+35823582 i have the lesser brother lol. i have a 1996 camaro Z28 with that LT1. its a strong, reliable engine.... really a decent engine in car that i bought cheap $3k. i had to replace that opti, i bought a brand new delphi the damn thing was $350 BUT the car does run the way it should. i put 15k miles on this extended driving season..... our roads are still salt free. gotta love el-nino. nice part about the F body, the live rear axle is less trouble prone then the corvette's independent rear suspsion. camaros offer the performance but are cheaper to own and repair..... and they have a backseat which believe it or not i do use the backseat. i have a 5 year old son who sits back there frequently.
you could get a new 82 in1983 , but there was no actual 1983 model year of the corvette.
is that quasar blue or aqua on that 92? both colors were available and Im curious which one that is? Thanks
I have a 1996 C4 LT-1
Automatic with a glass top in excellent condition. Millage 53,000 Red /on Red
C4 is a beautiful car
I bought an 85 about 5 years ago for $2,600..pal t was a little oxcidzed, tires where dry cracked, but over all not bad automatic chirps 2nds, but an 85 I a one off, I mean releys,sensors are not all In terchangable so be aware of that but over all fun as hell
Although the FRP bodies don't rust, what about the steel frames?
even though they may be a horrible investment, i love the c5's and would love to see what would happen if you stuck 10k or so in mods into one.
Love my c5 triple black 6 spd convertible.
C4 is a great way to get an affordable corvette! They were ahead of their time in style and still turn heads on the street today. However if you want some of the famous corvette performance be sure to get the LT1 or the LT4 (92-96)
The c4 is the last generation of vette that I comfortably fit in. I’m 6’4” with long legs and big feet.
shoe size?
Your so good thanks you I've just saw a 1987 Corvette convertible I'd may like it maybe gone.
Actually there were FIVE engines offered in the C4, not four: L83, L98, LT5 (ZR-1), LT1, and the LT4 in the Grand Sport.
Also, 1986 was the first model year for Corvette convertibles, not just after. Also 1986 was the first year for ABS, and technically, all '86 convertibles were Indy Pace Car replicas. The decals were a dealer installed option.
What about the LT5...or the Callaway motor
I wanted to buy a C4 Corvette, got here, and all I can think of is... Kermit? Goddamn.
Last ZR1 was made in 1996, which had the fifth engine for the C4 designed by Lotus used from 1990-1996.
Incorrect. The last model year for a ZR-1 was 1995. O.B.D. 2 began in 1996 so GM chose not to certify that engine for emissions. The LT1 engine was used in 1996 and 1997 Camaros/Firebirds.
This guy reminds me of Dale from Step-Brothers
hahahahahah DALE DOBACK! HAHAHA
The only way you could get a LT4 car was with the 6 speed.
Actually 5 different motors made it's way in the C4.... he missed the most important motor ever put in the C4... the LT5 DOHC V8
No he didn't, he said it wouldn't be covered in this video...
Convertible was available in 1985. I had one. I hated the 4+3 manual. I would have kept it if it had had the 6 speed.
They really did make a 1983 Corvette but it was never released to the public. Essentially, the 1983 Corvette was a concept and because production for the C4 was delayed, it was never released.
There were 1983 Corvettes but not released to the public. The only remaining 1983 is at the National Corvette Museum.
The commentator states that the Corvette convertible was available after 1986. Technically true, but he fails to mention that the Corvette convertible was available FOR the 1986 model year itself. In fact, the C4 Corvette convertible paced the 1986 Indy 500, and all 1986 C4 Corvette convertibles were considered pace car replicas. However not all owners elected to apply the door decals. Also 1986 was also the model year that antilock brakes became available. This is useful safety information and could qualify you for insurance discounts. Also the center high mounted stop light became standard equipment. This appeared on the tail panel on convertibles and at the top of the rear hatch on coupes until the 1992 year refresh when it was moved to the upper tail panel for coupes as well. Don't leave 1986 models out in the cold!
PS The ZR1 kept its brake light at the top of the hatch for all model years.
When I'm 16 gonna sell my mom's Pilot she's gonna give me and get myself a '92 Corvette.
You won’t be able to afford the car insurance!
Matt Damon did a good job
Corvettes were made in 83 but weren't sold until the next year when emissions changed
Buy the newest one you can afford because they got better every year
You missed an engine, the LT5 engine in the ZR-1.
Dang I want one so bad
👍
When the Corvette sopped being an Muscle Car and started being an Supercar
try a c5, they are nice looking and great performers
I'm looking to get a used c4 corvette or a 'new frontier' mustang. my budget is around 3 grand, so would u say both are feasible?
idk about the mustang but if you get a corvette for that its prob gonna be a beater.
add 2k and then u would be feasible, what ever you can buy for 3k will eat a hole in your wallet for repairs, buy a better can to begin with.
GOOD LUCK ! !
CHECK THE AC!
True six speed transmission was 1989.
I know we're talking about base Vettes.... but you forgot the 375 hp LT5 which was bumped up to 405hp in '93...
He said he was skipping those. Pay attention.
385
Drivers side Fog light is out! 8-)
no fiberglass its Sheet Moulded Compound
Does not tell ya alot at all, and the l98 is a LS 6 litre which come out in 2007 upwards in Holden Commodres unless both motors named the same?
At 4:54 ...see the top of the steering-wheel?...see those cracks?, watch for the deterioration of these steering-wheels...a sure sign of a low, or high mileage car.
he looks like mark wahlberg
Good bang for the buck if you want to Drive a vette !! Video sucks though to buy a low mile c4 is going to cost $ just like any vette compared to new vette the small price to pay for a legendary car !!!!!
wait, what? You mean check all of the stuff I would check on EVERY SINGLE used car purchase? Cool, thanks for the heads up, very informative! C'mon. dare to be better.
Excellent Video. Even though (I've owned 2 C4s 85 and 87) I wouldn't ever want a C4. Corvette died after 82 in my humble opinion. It's all purely subjective isn't it people.
What's that color your driving here???
Yellow
bright aqua metalic
turn on the lights and make sure they work... driver fog lamp is not working. lmao
Not a buyers guide, it is a model overview. Watch the corvette ben for a real buyers guide
I'm 6'3 think I could fit?
I'm 6'2 and with the electric seats, I fit fine, though you might find that the glass topped models offer another .5 inch of headroom.
I'm 6'5" and I have a 96' LT4
owned an early 86 for awhile, rekt any 180sx, commodore or Skyline on the road.
if it didn't fall apart :P
All LT4 engined cars were 6-speed manuals.
1988 Vett had 4 + 3 manual. You are incorrect.
That is correct, not until 1989 did the 6 speed manual become available.
the brake booster broke once, couldn't find a replacement, had bad brakes ever since.
I will comment on an old video because it popped up. Just my little non-professional opinions. If you see "Doug Nash" transmission... run for your life. They required dealer service every 1000 miles... junk. I do not like the '80s vettes.... cheap interiors and only the L98 had any horsepower. Set aside a couple grand for service work before you buy the vette.... cooling flush, transmission oil and filter, brakes, and tires. Seems crazy but refreshing the maintenance will add considerable enjoyment. Last... just buy one and drive it.
Skipped the crossfire injection discussion completely...
this guy really needs to check his facts before he gives advice. No 6 speed in 88. The 4 speed had the OD unit on the back of the gearbox, not in the back of the car. This 92 is a fairly beaten up clapper, that is going to cost A LOT to bring it up nice.
He needs to really work on wht corvettes have motors etc not enough inf
Pretty Short...
Ummm...your driver's side lower "interval light" is out..although both headlights work you (of all people) should've checked that before making this video.
The real issues are behind the steering wheel
You were driving a junker! Everything under the hood was old looking and rusting. The steering wheel had gashes in it. The seats were in poor shape. Is that the only car you could get to demonstrate?
Planetary gears in the rear? No it wasn't
He looks like Matt Damon! ha!
And sounds like Ernie or Kermit the frog
@@umarkedreturn8776 😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
How awful does that dash look now? I use to think they were cool.
***** Some folks actually prefer the "video arcade" 80's display! My '92 has the later gauge/ lcd speedo hybrid, the lcd could have better contrast. What I don't like is the audio head unit that arrived with the new dash, the earlier C4 setup was simpler and more durable imv.
+Frozen Canuck Patrick James It looks fine and no worse than a dash from other sports cars at the time. Have you seen ferrari and porsches dash's from the 70's and 80's? Some are so average!!!
they go like stink...what a goober
I think that the 90s models are ugly even though they have more power. The 80s models were super sleek and looked like they were in motion even when standing still. For one the front bumper has a wedge shape that contributed to the cars overall sleek shape. The headlamps, when viewed from the front, conform to the edges of the hood. The back is indented as opposed to rounded, which also contributes to the cars sleekness. They have big round taillights instead of the ugly boxy ones on the 90s models. The black molding that wraps around the car made it look very sporty and when viewed from the side it is completely horizontal, it starts at the wedge shape of the bumper and ends in the center of the back indentation. The molding on the 90s models is the same color as the car, therefore it doesn't contribute anything to the design and in my opinion makes it worse. The 80s ones just had a perfect form. The 90s C4s were fugly.