Don Meyer

This is my first post since selling my Zo6 less than a yr ago. I miss the Vette world & want to buy another one that is less expensive & need some advice. I am now living on a retirement income & can only afford $10K max.
Would the C3 or C4 be better for my circumstances? I can do fiberglass & paint work (I have a paint booth, hyd. lift , mig & tig welders etc.)so my main concern is the reliability & maintence. I need to buy a driveable car w/manual trans. Please advise.

Thanks Don

7T1vette

If you buy a C3 for less than $10K, you will likely have to put another $5-7k into it to get it in running shape (late '70s C3's can be purchased for around $7-8k). A late 80's C4 will probably cost no more and it will have less years on it. Conversely, if you have major components to buy, the C4 parts may cost more, but they might be easier to get to if you do the work. The C3 will hold its value better when you get it in running shape...the C4 will be more comfortable if you go on longer rides. Bottom line.... it all depends on what you want. Hope this is a "help" rather than more confusion. (P.S. I'm retired, too...and I have a C3.)

hotshot79

welcome back Don, I think this forum will be a little prejudiced in favor of a c-3. sounds like you can do some work and maybe you have the time now, I think a late c-3, then again I may be a little prejudiced.

JACKAL0PE

Given the information provided, I think I'd go with a C4. You can buy them cheaper right now and they have a greater potential to appreciate. While it's true that the major components would probably cost more in a C4, they are much more likely to still be in decent condition.

I'm close to retirement and I've been thinking about trying to find a ZR-1 for the very reasons I stated above.

SuprJames

Neither are very reliable or comfortable. The C3 is easier to work on, but probably has more issues due to 30 year old wiring and technology. A LT1 C4 would probably be a good choice for a fairly reliable driver. If you're not too worried about style and don't want a Vette for the nostalgic feel, then go with the C4.

JACKAL0PE

Hey, the first C4's are 23 years old. That's getting pretty nostalgic.

(Yes, that means you're getting old. Me too).

SuprJames

Speak for yourself! I'm only 27 and I still consider a car from the 80's to be newer LOL

wiseman79

I have a 71 convertible now, and had an 84 coupe previously. They each had their ups and down. The 84 was more comfortable, street mannered, had A/C, cruise, power everthing which is nice. The 71 is more fun for cruising, more power, better sound, gets more attention, and while not a fair comparison going top down is nicer than the targa top. The 71 is a breeze to work on, but the 84 wasn't that bad either, even muddled my way through some FI and electrical problems without too much frustration. Now the rub, I paid $6500 for the 84 in very good shape, and paid $20K for the 71 in a little better shape but same ballpark.

JungleCat

I would try and drive a late model C3 and a C4 to see which one suits you best. $10,000 should buy a decent car in either generation.

JACKAL0PE

27???

And they let you drive that car by yourself???

randommj

HARSH


c4 would be a better daily driver, c3 better looking and all arround more fun to drive (MY oppinoin)
Miles

gmg1977

Whats up with that? Is it a written rule that C3 owners have to be in their golden years? Just because not all of us were around when C2s were new doesn't mean we can't appreciate the C3. Just messing with ya. Someone has to stick up for the 20 somethings, and yes my C3 is older than me.

gkz

Go with a C3; you know you want it.

babylonvette

go with the chrome bumper ,cant beat it for looks and fun, if you have all the assetts you should be able to pick up a wrecked one for3/6 thou ,half the fun of the car is putting it back toghether ,parts are available and fairly cheap

I'm Batman

C4 = good engines, lots of electrical gremlins, crappy interiors (besides the seats), looks like an overgrown doorstop. The value bottom has not yet been located.

C3 = quirky, possibly unreliable, underpowered, good interiors (besides the seats), very sexy. All are headed back up in value.

wiseman79

I'm 28, got my first vette at 23!

gq82

$10K doesn't buy a lot of car C3 or C4 but based on your intended use I would look for a clean C4.

Jims79

but you will not find a ZR-1 for $10K, closer to $20K however there are a lot of 89 to 92 LT4 6sp coupes w/low miles in the $10K to $12K range . Nice vette's that make a good DD.

G/L enjoy your retirement years.

JACKAL0PE

I was just kidding you. Knew I should've used one of those thingys.

SIXFOOTER

you can get a driveable C3 for well under $5k and slowly do whatever you want to it