81_vette!

I have a chance to pick one up... looks like it's in pretty good shape.
Anyway, I'm a C3 owner and my gal would like to get a C4.. so.... I really do not know what to anticipate.

If it's like my C3 was.... I know it will take some cash on hand to get it right.

But... what are the pitfalls?

What is the common knowledge I need to know before diving into this particular car? (Stock.. newly painted.. new top... was well kept.)

xCCTer

Good rule of thumb is to buy the newest model with the lowest miles.

That's ALOT of miles. Even in nice shape otherwise, you're talking about a $4k car that may be in need of many items.

'84 = Crossfire, people either love 'em or hate 'em. Read up on them.

Auto or manual? Pre '89 Doug Nash 4+3, same thing. Love/Hate. '89 and newer is a true 6 speed.

How much to spend? Do you want her to have an air bag? You can find a nice '90 or newer (no digi-dash among other things) with around 70k miles for $8k or less. This will NOT include ZR-1s, GS or LT-4s.

On the first link, poke around and read each year's specs.


http://www.web-cars.com/corvette/1984.php

http://www.corvettebuyers.com/c4vettes/prepurchase.htm

zr1fred

They're pretty good cars, better than most C3's for driving, handling, performance, economy, reliability. They are not worth much and have almost zero investment potential (actually negative). If it's cheap and you don't mind working on it why not? (you might want to see what repacement parts .. interior kits, etc. are compared to the C3).

juanway

When I was finally going to buy a Vette the C-3 felt closterfobic inside but I liked the way it looked.
Then I noticed the C-4 was roomier, then knowing the first of any new generation of any vettes have some problems the 1984 I was told had a very ruff ride and by 1989 they had worked out most all the problem areas so I've had my 1989 coupe for 10Yrs & it has 147k on it and still running strong as is an eye catcher.

cv67

All depends how it has been mainained.Most C4 will easily have crested the 100k mark (heck, most 5 yr old cars have)....Take your time and look t over. They ride a little firm but who cares..

ps374

My 84 has 148K on the clock. Original chain, and all internal engine parts. The key is what kind of maintenance did the car receive. My car has had Mobil one most of its life. This car does not burn oil, no smoking of any kind and was not pampered during its life. The crossfire system is very reliable but not the fastest. However it will beat most mid year C3s in stock form and can be made as fast as a TPI car with some small modifications as a ported manifold or a Xram set up. The crossfire just starves for air and fuel in its stock form. Interior parts are expensive so beware.Do not be afraid of the digital dash as rebuilds are affordable and once fixed usually lasts for years. Im even willing to bet the ride is no worse than most C3s.

Demonic85

Its just like any other older Chevy needing the occasional tune up and whatnot, but not as intensive as the TPI cars though. Later cars have too much wiring and sensors IMO cause when they start to fail it gets expensive.

ps374, you say yours has 148K on the original chain? It wont last much longer since it has the plastic teeth on the cam gear. The longest i've ever had one of those last was 160K miles.

Alan777

I have an 88 with 125k, and it still runs strong. I'd try to stay around thr 100k maerk, and get the newest Vette you can, better engines, softer suspension

stick105

If you like it, go for it. I have a 84 and love it to death. I wouldn't let the milage sway me either. For me, if my motor went I would rebuild/replace it without hasitation.

blackbear bob

I'm with you stick.
If you like it, buy it !

ccrazor

SurfnSun

Id pass...get an 88+ car.

Muffin

Two days ago I turned down one with 87k on the clock. Seller wanted $3,000. I didn't bother to look.

qws

I bought a second 84 with 220k on it for a parts car for mine. Once I got shipped from FL to NY and took a good look at it. It was in perfect shape ran great. Did a compression test and it was fine. nded up giving it to my wife to drive and she loves it. I've had it for two years and have made no major repairs. Outside and inside also ended up being in great shape. Its the red one in my pics.
Like others said it all depends on how it was kept.

nferr

Why?? That's low miles for an 84.

Frizlefrak

It all depends on...

1. What are they asking for it?
2. Condition...miles are basically irrelevant on a car this old unless they are ultra low.
3. What are your plans for it? If you plan to restore it, look elsewhere unless it's already very nice. If it's rough and cheap, you can always make a weekend drag car out of it.

I've owned my 84 for 11 years now and I love the car. Over the years, I've sunk way more money than it's worth into it, but I ran the numbers one time....It's cost me about $95 a month to own it. Cheap fun.

My car has 148K and I wouldn't hesitate to drive it to Los Angeles and back today. It all depends on how they've been cared for and maintained.

If the price is right and it fits your needs, go for it.

96polovette

I see no reason not to buy it, if you like it and the price is right go for it!

H P Bushrod

I would have given that one a second look. For a 24 year old car, I'd consider that low mileage. If it had been taken care of and properly maintained, that would be a good buy.

dlb435

I picked up an 85 with 145,000 on the clock. It turned out that it had a new engine (6,000 miles) and trany. Needed at little TLC but it was a great deal. Also had new AC and radiator. I repaced the interior, stereo, wheel bearings, shocks, injectors and presure regulator. If the car is less than $2500.00 you might do OK. You will only realy know AFTER you get it home. How lucky are you?

Lichen

I'll get some crap, but I wouldn't touch a high-mileage '84 with a 10 foot pole. Worst C4 ever made (flame suit on).