1996suzuki

Hello all,
I will be a vette owner this year and after months of personal research I still need input from the pros. Based on what I can afford and needing the least maintenance I seem to be in a direction towards an 87, 88, 89 or 90. I dont need speed, I like a manual transmission, want a convertable or t top or removable, I have to have AC, full power everything and hatchback if possible. What do you, the pros, think or suggest for the first timer. I would greatly appreciate input.
Dave, age 51

ETM

Well they didnt have T tops. You can get the coupe which has the targa top.

All those years you mentioned are good. The C4 got more refined as the generation went on. The L98 is a good street engine. Lots of torque. It got slightly more powerful as the decade went on.

I believe they changed to the 6 speed manual in `89 where the previous years had the 4+3 transmission. I never drove a 4+3 some have said it was awkward. It depends on the person.

I think in `90 they revised the interior.

Go for the one in the best condition you can afford.

TP98

I think 1989 is the best year. It's the first year for the ZF 6 speed trans, it has the early look (which I like better, your opinion may differ...) and the digital dash. Winning combo, IMO.

aklim

IIRC, 90 and 91 were Speed Density and previously it was MAF

JohnC485

I'd say 87 or 88.

88s were a little rarer, right?

87s have the single flywheel, probably easier to source parts, etc etc.

Leftoverture

Well, any really good C4 will be fun. I've owned a 93, an 88, and currently have an 89. The 93 was great fun but had an automatic. I decided I wanted to shift for myself so I sold it and bought the 88 with the 4+3. The 4+3 is pretty fun and if properly maintained, it's tough as nails for street driving. The 89 has the 6 speed. Mine is a convertible and it's highly modified. It is an absolute blast to drive and very fast. Best advice is to look at a lot of them in your price range and buy the best one you can find that is equipped the way you want it. There are plenty to choose from if you are patient enough to take your time looking.

DDP

A 90 works for me. new dash, new wheels, upgraded seats and a little more power than the older models.

Allentown Ernie

I have a 90, The best of both worlds. New interior, old body style. The L98 is a blast to drive. Its your money do whatever floats your boat.

c4cruiser

"Maintenance" can be an issue with any car, not just Corvettes. It will depend on how well a previous owner maintained his car. Mileage can be another factor, if the car has very high mileage, you may have to expect repair costs may be higher given the type of work done.

As mentioned, the ZF 6-speed appeared in 1989 as is a good tranny. The chances of finding a 6-speed 'vert may be slightly less than a 'vert with an auto trans but they are out there.

All C4's had A/C as standard, and all had a power driver's seat. All coupes have a hatchback that opens for good storage access. Convertibles don't have a lot of storage space especially with the top down.

Take you time looking for a car. IF you find one you really like, take it to an independent auto repair shop for a Used Vehicle Inspection. That may cost about $150, but you will get a complete report on the car's condition.

AirForceOne!

QCVette

To me the big changes that matter are:

'88 is first year of revised suspension. It uses different offset wheels like all the later 17" ones. Finding the older offset wheels can be difficult or not many choices for upgrades.

'89 is first year of the 6 speed. I have had 4+3 and 6 speed cars and like the 6 speed better. Smoother shifting and I like the 0.50 6th gear for great highway mpg's.

'90 is first year of the revised interior and the analog gauges. The Atari dash from previous years I find to be difficult to use the tach for shifting since it is slow to respond and difficult to follow during WOT. The analog is much better for me.

I prefer each of these changes that I mentioned, so my choice would be the '90.

I still like all of them though and when looking for a used car it is often the condition and options that make up my mind. I have had an '87, '88 and still have an '85.

Good luck with your choice.

Aaron Keating

I'd go 88 and up personally.

87 had the old suspension, and older hubs for the wheels which can make getting aftermarket, or even late model vette wheels to work a royal pain.

88 on up, you can use any wheel from a Gen 3&4 F Body, Later model C4, C5, or C6 rims.

Keep in mind though buying even a good conditioned 80s Corvette is going to require maintenance. On things you would never think would break. Like tachs, hood releases, door panel tops, targa tops. And you'll be probably working on the usual suspects such as door seals, window seals, and the normal mechanical bits. Don't be shocked like I was and still am over the last year. Just when you think you're ready to start working on the things you -want- to do, something stupid, on the side breaks.

Churchkey

Have decided to sell my 90 m6 coupe this year. 2 owners, 46K miles.

JohnC485

Plenty of wheels for the 87s now, check tirerack. Not badly priced either!

89 Vett

Since you want manual I'd go with 1989 or newer. For base models I'd buy a 1989 I did it over again.

1996suzuki

Hi
All of you are so kind to respond. I appreciate your time and trouble. It seems based on response that I have narrowed my cyber search to 89 or 90. There are a half dozen in my general area with single owner status. I will be spending at least another 6 months before I buy. There is a sweet 90, single owner, 27000 miles that has kept all service records (like my dad) and is 70 years old. The common complaint among seniors is not an easy in or easy out. I have not seen it or driven it yet, just pictures and written info. I thank you again for the used vehicle inspection advice.....I will definitely invest since a Corvette is a different animal and outside of my experience. He wants $10500 for it but I am in no hurry. Again thank you for chiming in.
Dave

aklim

Are you insane? 27K and all service records? WTF are you waiting for? Buy that sucker before someone else does.

DinoBob

Yeah that.

1996suzuki

Well, its an automatic and I'm about $1500 short otherwise I would

PLRX

I would go with the 90 Vette, and a new username.