rda2w

I've just started searching for a good used C4 with less than 70k mi. I'm not familiar with the C4s so I'm looking for advise on things to watch out for or things I should be checking carefully. Any help would be greatly appreciated. BA

Shawn_65

Hi there, I have a '90 L98 so im not too sure about this but...
if you get an LT1(not LT-1) watch out for the spark plug, if it gets wet its quite pricey. Also I recently had to replace my ECM on my '90 and i hear thats quite normal for 1990's. That was $300.00 not bad.
im pretty sure the L98's excel faster and the LT1's have a better top speed. both being stock. I'd go for the LT1 with 50 more hp and I hear it's easier to mod. try to get good milage on what you perchase as well, mine had 28k when i got it(33k now) but it was sitting for 5 years. Ive had to do some repairs and i think everything is pretty much "unstuck". If you perchase a C4 and you have any problems, the veterans on this site know everything and they can surely help you out. All my problems have been little, so dont fret or get frustrated when your baby isn't working right.

sry for the long reply heh. just my take on some stuff, "I'm not an expert". Good luck to you

okies93

things to watch out for. scammers and scams. take your time, have fun in the search and post pic when you finally find one.

my 93 is sooooo sweet, you can even get the plugs wet and it still runs perfect. the lt1 has a opti and there are rumors that they don't handle direct pressure washing. don't let this discourage you. there are plenty out there and running just fine. i have started a thread about miles on your c4. read this one and you will see some with 2000 miles on them and you you see some that have over 200000.

if a deal sounds too good then run the other way. if you have one spotted, then post a new thread here and give specifics and pic if possible. there are some very nice folks here and we all have an opinion and we will help you out. remember 2 million eyes are better then 2.
goodluck and have fun

rda2w

Thanks for the feedback guys. There are a lot to choose from and I realize a 15 year old car isn't going to look like new. I want to make sure I don't overlook something that may be a known problem but isn't obvious. BA

okies93

you'll be downright surprised at how good a 15 yr vette will look and drive. the owners of these cars or at least 90%, take very good care of them. hand wash and wax, garaged, covered, all maint done on a regular schedule, leather pampered and the list goes on. the vettes i have seen to include mine is like new. kinda a different breed of car owners.
the best i think is to put your hands on one and get a feel for this model. first thing you can do is get a carfax report, money well spent. it won't tell you everything but it sure does help.
if you are mechanical inclined then you know what to look for as far as eng and tranny goes. i would check obvious stuff, headlights flip up without a bunch of noise, pwr windows work, brakes stop car straight and doesn't pull to oneside. make sure power seats work in all positions. tires can also get expensive. this stuff here can get expensive if needs to be replaced. but then again most things for these cars can get expensive.
do you want one to work on or do you want one that you can get in and drive? body panels and paint jobs run very high. the c4's are made out of smc material and it doesn't crack like the original fiberglassed vettes do. but one still needs to check for spider cracks. make sure all body pieces line up, if there off vette could have been in wreck (carfax will also tell you).
each member here has had a problem or two, but none really stand out too me that would have me worried. factory stereo's also can be high to replace.
there will be more members chiming in to give there .02, and i think you will find the info very helpful.

Mr Mojo

It's the little things you need to look for.

For instance, the CD player probably won't work, the high beam/turn signal stalk will probably be almost broken and the air bladders in the seats may not work.

Strick

Take a look at the "sticky" at the top of this forum and read over the FAQs about C4s. I wish I had this info before I bought my Vette. I just lucked out and got a goooood one, but I looked for a long time. My advice is as follows:
1) make sure you pick one that is the right color and the paint is in good condition (smooth).
2) Decide if you want a 6 speed or auto.
3) In 92, Vettes came out with the next generation of small block engines (LT1s). They run just great and the gas mileage is unbelievable (25-30 mpg). Lots of improvements in the engine, the list is long.
4) Do you want to race it? Verts have their limitations as far as roll bar requirements. But there is nothing like cruising topless.
5) Don't worry too much about the wheels as most guys upgrade to the wheels they like (ZR-1 5 spoke seems to be very popular). Do look at the tires for abnormal wear patterns.
6) LT1s have an Opti-spark distributor mounted on the front of the engine and it has improved the spark delievery by producing much better accuracy. But it does have it's problems. They are not water proof and if the water pump starts leaking guess where it leaks on.....you got it , the opti. We can help you get over this problem so don't make it a deal breaker. Just try and find out if it was ever replaced.
7) If possible, put it up on a lift and look for oil leaks or evidence of one. Also, it is easier to checkout the real condition of the Vette from the underside.
8) Drive it. If it feels good it probably is good. Just drive it enough to make sure she reaches normal operating as if there is a problem it might show up then. Also feel for vibrations.
9) Make it fun, that's what Vette'n is all about.

jrzvette

With the 90-93 you're looking at two different body styles (1990 vs 1991-93) and two different engines (L98 in the 90 & 91, LT1 in the 92 & 93). Both engines and body styles are nice but you might want to narrow your search to one of each or you could go crazy.

Mr Mojo

Also, all these years have Speed Density rather than MAF.

92ZR1WANNABE

Holy $&#^ you described my car to a T!!

But you forgot to add that the air damn will most likely be thrashed also.


I bought my 92 about 3-4 weeks ago. It had 110k on the clock and drives like its new. It just needs some TLC and some minor fixing.

You will love the car when you get it. Don't let some small problems discourage you from getting a sweet deal on the car.

bdvdvh7

i just believe in buying the newest car for what you want to spend. all years have their issues and you'll go nuts trying to figure it out.... have fun

Mr Mojo

I must also note that what I described was from my '93 with 36,000 miles.

rda2w

Thanks for the advice everyone. I have a couple on the sort list but am still looking. I haven't found the "perfect" one yet. Each one I look at seems to have some issue. I'm capable of doing the work needed on them but I don't want to buy one that is going to be a constant headache or it will take the fun out of it. Being new to vettes I appreciate the feedback. I now have a few more things to check a little closer while inspecting a car. BA

okies93

that'll be 10 bucks please!! j/k
have fun and don't let the idiot drivers provoke a heavy foot

rda2w

Well, you guys helped convice me to look for an LT1. I'm going to look at a 96 Sat with 72k on it. BA

Knooger

I have a 90, but I like the bumpers on the 91 and newer better.

Getzen88

when my brother was looking to buy his (now my) vette, he told him 'the deal will come to you'. and man did it ever.

we were at bloomington gold and looked thru the used car lot at least three times durring the day inbetween other things. just as we were about to leave, my brother really upset that he didn't find 'his' car, we were walking out and the car was pulling in. fifteen minuties later, the car was his. the moral of the story is, look around for YOUR car and you'll know when the car is right.

JCD

come'on now, you know you want a 6-spd!

redwing76

If I was looking for a C-4 I'd look for a 89-91 with an auto.
In the long run the later L-98's are cheaper to own and less problematic.
Any stick Corvette is problematic. The hydralics are weak and the LT-1 clutches are a big expense. The 4+3 is a joke as is the "Atari" dash.

Any repair on a later model C-4 is pricey.
The 85 is a good car, so is the 87.
Try to buy a car that won't bury you in repairs. Expect to pay somewhere between $5,000.00 to $10,000.00
Good luck with the hunt.

capkarl

He Mojo you're right about the CD player. I bought my 93 and the CD player didn't work.
Also older Corvettes with low milage should look like new. If you are an enthusiast your Corvette WILL look like new.