C4 as a daily driver?
08-15-2005, 12:15 PM
#1
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
C4 as a daily driver?
I've been thinking about buying a used car to be my daily driver.
What I'm looking for is something that is reliable, fun to drive, has an automatic, can get at least 20mpg and costs less than $10k.
The C4 comes to mind, because it is fun to drive even with an automatic, and gets decent mileage. The late C4s are out of my price range, but early C4 models seem to be within reason.
If I were to get a C4, I'd probably buy something in the 87-90 range. With that in mind, how will it fare in regards to reliability? Also, do I have to use premium fuel? (Yes, I'll be driving the crap out of it
)
What problem areas do I need to watch for? Should I consider something else as a daily driver?
What I'm looking for is something that is reliable, fun to drive, has an automatic, can get at least 20mpg and costs less than $10k.
The C4 comes to mind, because it is fun to drive even with an automatic, and gets decent mileage. The late C4s are out of my price range, but early C4 models seem to be within reason.
If I were to get a C4, I'd probably buy something in the 87-90 range. With that in mind, how will it fare in regards to reliability? Also, do I have to use premium fuel? (Yes, I'll be driving the crap out of it
)What problem areas do I need to watch for? Should I consider something else as a daily driver?
08-15-2005, 12:29 PM
#2
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http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...86&forum_id=34
They are probably no more or no less reliable than any other 15-18 year old Chevy. No, you don't HAVE to use premium.
It will make the perfect daily driver if that's what you want. You don't know until you try....
Larry
code5coupe
They are probably no more or no less reliable than any other 15-18 year old Chevy. No, you don't HAVE to use premium.
It will make the perfect daily driver if that's what you want. You don't know until you try....
Larry
code5coupe
08-15-2005, 12:35 PM
#3
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C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
I drive mine daily, it would get close to 20 at home but it doesnt here in Baton Rouge with the city traffic.
You should get the newest you can afford, but expect to pay some money for repairs like wheel bearings, seats, etc.
You should get the newest you can afford, but expect to pay some money for repairs like wheel bearings, seats, etc.
08-15-2005, 12:42 PM
#4
Originally Posted by Shotgun
I've been thinking about buying a used car to be my daily driver.
What I'm looking for is something that is reliable, fun to drive, has an automatic, can get at least 20mpg and costs less than $10k.
The C4 comes to mind, because it is fun to drive even with an automatic, and gets decent mileage. The late C4s are out of my price range, but early C4 models seem to be within reason.
If I were to get a C4, I'd probably buy something in the 87-90 range. With that in mind, how will it fare in regards to reliability? Also, do I have to use premium fuel? (Yes, I'll be driving the crap out of it )
What problem areas do I need to watch for? Should I consider something else as a daily driver?
What I'm looking for is something that is reliable, fun to drive, has an automatic, can get at least 20mpg and costs less than $10k.
The C4 comes to mind, because it is fun to drive even with an automatic, and gets decent mileage. The late C4s are out of my price range, but early C4 models seem to be within reason.
If I were to get a C4, I'd probably buy something in the 87-90 range. With that in mind, how will it fare in regards to reliability? Also, do I have to use premium fuel? (Yes, I'll be driving the crap out of it
)What problem areas do I need to watch for? Should I consider something else as a daily driver?
08-15-2005, 12:50 PM
#6
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St. Jude Donor '06-'07
Mine has always been my daily driver. I've had some repairs like bearings and such, but not too bad. Never had a major problem.
And btw, I run regular (87 octane). I have experimented with higher grades, with no difference in milage or perfomance, so I just figure why spend more?
And btw, I run regular (87 octane). I have experimented with higher grades, with no difference in milage or perfomance, so I just figure why spend more?
08-15-2005, 12:56 PM
#7
Elite Torch Red Member
Mines been a daily driver since the day I bought it. Can't find a better car for daily driving unless you have a lot of kids.
08-15-2005, 12:59 PM
#8
Melting Slicks
My '92 is my daily driver, and my '94 is my fiance's daily driver.
That said, don't be afraid of shopping for newer cars. I only paid $9K for my '94, and it's been completely trouble free.
I would suggest you check out the C4 For Sale section of this site. The people here are true enthusiast and tend to take better care of their cars than the general population. And you can check out what they've done to their cars by their posts and replies.
Finally, don't be afraid to travel for your car. Even after travels costs, I paid below market for both of my cars, and I had to go to Baltimore for one, and San Diego for the other (I'm in Houston).
Best of luck to ya!!
That said, don't be afraid of shopping for newer cars. I only paid $9K for my '94, and it's been completely trouble free.
I would suggest you check out the C4 For Sale section of this site. The people here are true enthusiast and tend to take better care of their cars than the general population. And you can check out what they've done to their cars by their posts and replies.
Finally, don't be afraid to travel for your car. Even after travels costs, I paid below market for both of my cars, and I had to go to Baltimore for one, and San Diego for the other (I'm in Houston).
Best of luck to ya!!
08-15-2005, 01:04 PM
#9
Race Director
Cuisinartevette is selling his. That would work for you and he has maintained it well. Check out his post here.
08-15-2005, 01:28 PM
#10
Burning Brakes
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St. Jude Donor '05
Look for one that has been maintained well. That way you won't be playing catch up with neglected stuff. The steering rack comes to mind; as well as the valve seals. For an aging automatic, a history of regular ATF changes are a must. A good Vette owner will have a thick file on this stuff.
I use my 87 about 50% of the time from May to November. My commute is 130 mi per day. The car handles it fine, and it has 162K on the clock. Don't go for one with that kind of mileage, but realize that it is capable of that and more. Make sure you have some reserve $$, because something always goes wrong. If you buy carefully, though, you will probably be quite pleased with the results.
These cars Rock!
I use my 87 about 50% of the time from May to November. My commute is 130 mi per day. The car handles it fine, and it has 162K on the clock. Don't go for one with that kind of mileage, but realize that it is capable of that and more. Make sure you have some reserve $$, because something always goes wrong. If you buy carefully, though, you will probably be quite pleased with the results.
These cars Rock!
08-15-2005, 02:23 PM
#11
Melting Slicks
I bought my 86' last year to be my daily driver.
It was in decent condition, but I wanted something to tinker with, so I didn't really care if it wasn't perfect.
I get about 17MPG around town and an honest 29MPG on the highway during road trips.
It has been a good car so far.
The COOLEST thing about having any vette is that parts are easy to find when compared to any other car that is 15+ years old. Just about any part you need can be ordered from a catalog and show up at your door in under a week! I have an 83' Toyota Supra, finding parts for that isn't so easy! For that reason alone, I think C4's make decent drivers.
It was in decent condition, but I wanted something to tinker with, so I didn't really care if it wasn't perfect.
I get about 17MPG around town and an honest 29MPG on the highway during road trips.
It has been a good car so far.
The COOLEST thing about having any vette is that parts are easy to find when compared to any other car that is 15+ years old. Just about any part you need can be ordered from a catalog and show up at your door in under a week! I have an 83' Toyota Supra, finding parts for that isn't so easy! For that reason alone, I think C4's make decent drivers.
08-15-2005, 03:34 PM
#12
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Originally Posted by Rich Silvestris
Look for one that has been maintained well. That way you won't be playing catch up with neglected stuff. The steering rack comes to mind; as well as the valve seals.
Okay, I'm stupid; what does one do to maintain the steering rack and the valve seals?
I would like to avoid morning sickness on my own C4.
Larry
code5coupe
08-15-2005, 06:17 PM
#13
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Originally Posted by Shotgun
I've been thinking about buying a used car to be my daily driver.
What I'm looking for is something that is reliable, fun to drive, has an automatic, can get at least 20mpg and costs less than $10k.
The C4 comes to mind, because it is fun to drive even with an automatic, and gets decent mileage. The late C4s are out of my price range, but early C4 models seem to be within reason.
If I were to get a C4, I'd probably buy something in the 87-90 range. With that in mind, how will it fare in regards to reliability? Also, do I have to use premium fuel? (Yes, I'll be driving the crap out of it )
What problem areas do I need to watch for? Should I consider something else as a daily driver?
What I'm looking for is something that is reliable, fun to drive, has an automatic, can get at least 20mpg and costs less than $10k.
The C4 comes to mind, because it is fun to drive even with an automatic, and gets decent mileage. The late C4s are out of my price range, but early C4 models seem to be within reason.
If I were to get a C4, I'd probably buy something in the 87-90 range. With that in mind, how will it fare in regards to reliability? Also, do I have to use premium fuel? (Yes, I'll be driving the crap out of it
)What problem areas do I need to watch for? Should I consider something else as a daily driver?
My 85 averages 19.8 mpg's in town and has been very dependable.
It's not an 87 but I have it for sale on here and quiksilver458 has already looked at it. He left a pretty good post on his inspection of my car. Check it out if your interested.
85 A4 Coupe For sale
Jesse
08-15-2005, 06:37 PM
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Daily Driver
Hey Shotgun,
I just bought a 87 (3 weeks) ago for my daily driver. All I can say is WHAT A BLAST. mines a red coup 87 with only 36,000 miles. this thing is mint condition from paint to rubber. with no mods on it yet. the drivers seat shows a little were on the door side, "normal".
I have two problems I need to address:
-The first is that it sat too long unused and the valve seals dried out.
now it smokes a little at start-up. no problem, I'm pretty wrenchey...pull valve covers, remove rockers, r&r valve seals.
-The second one is a little more serious.....
Keeping the (melted)rubber from building-up on the paint behind the rear
wheel wells. Its a problem I found. anyone else have that problem?
Dan
I just bought a 87 (3 weeks) ago for my daily driver. All I can say is WHAT A BLAST. mines a red coup 87 with only 36,000 miles. this thing is mint condition from paint to rubber. with no mods on it yet. the drivers seat shows a little were on the door side, "normal".
I have two problems I need to address:
-The first is that it sat too long unused and the valve seals dried out.
now it smokes a little at start-up. no problem, I'm pretty wrenchey...pull valve covers, remove rockers, r&r valve seals.
-The second one is a little more serious.....
Keeping the (melted)rubber from building-up on the paint behind the rear
wheel wells. Its a problem I found. anyone else have that problem?
Dan
08-15-2005, 06:40 PM
#15
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Originally Posted by Dan Kelly
-The second one is a little more serious.....
Keeping the (melted)rubber from building-up on the paint behind the rear
wheel wells. Its a problem I found. anyone else have that problem?
Dan
Keeping the (melted)rubber from building-up on the paint behind the rear
wheel wells. Its a problem I found. anyone else have that problem?
Dan
My brother had this issue with his 97 WS6...it is a white car and the stuck rubber looked terrible but Pam stopped it from sticking.
08-15-2005, 06:47 PM
#16
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Originally Posted by Dan Kelly
Hey Shotgun,
I just bought a 87 (3 weeks) ago for my daily driver. All I can say is WHAT A BLAST. mines a red coup 87 with only 36,000 miles. this thing is mint condition from paint to rubber. with no mods on it yet. the drivers seat shows a little were on the door side, "normal".
I have two problems I need to address:
-The first is that it sat too long unused and the valve seals dried out.
now it smokes a little at start-up. no problem, I'm pretty wrenchey...pull valve covers, remove rockers, r&r valve seals.
-The second one is a little more serious.....
Keeping the (melted)rubber from building-up on the paint behind the rear
wheel wells. Its a problem I found. anyone else have that problem?
Dan
I just bought a 87 (3 weeks) ago for my daily driver. All I can say is WHAT A BLAST. mines a red coup 87 with only 36,000 miles. this thing is mint condition from paint to rubber. with no mods on it yet. the drivers seat shows a little were on the door side, "normal".
I have two problems I need to address:
-The first is that it sat too long unused and the valve seals dried out.
now it smokes a little at start-up. no problem, I'm pretty wrenchey...pull valve covers, remove rockers, r&r valve seals.
-The second one is a little more serious.....
Keeping the (melted)rubber from building-up on the paint behind the rear
wheel wells. Its a problem I found. anyone else have that problem?
Dan
try and get a import 20 years old this nice. good luck.
08-15-2005, 06:50 PM
#17
Burning Brakes
Go For It! - Corvettes Are Great Daily Drivers...
I belong to the largest Corvette club in my state; and at least a dozen people I know drive their Corvettes every day. That includes at least 4 or 5 C4s and the rest are C5s. One couple just bought a new C6 in May and already have 6,000 miles on the clock.
I don't drive my 1995 Coupe every day, but do put on at least 6-7,000 miles on it every year. (This being the Pacific Northwest where it rains at least 6 months of the year!)
I don't drive my 1995 Coupe every day, but do put on at least 6-7,000 miles on it every year. (This being the Pacific Northwest where it rains at least 6 months of the year!)
: Lucky me, I don't have to drive far to work (1.5mi).
08-15-2005, 10:08 PM
#20
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St. Jude Donor '05
Thanks for the plug, guys! Shotgun, if you are interested pm me and I'll shoot you my number; I'll go over the good and the bad w/ya. Good luck in your search.