jimmyd1953

Looking to buy a C4 Corvette. Found a 1989 C4 convertible with 43K miles. Interior and exterior is in excellent condition. What can I expect for annual maintenace costs? Would I be better off with a 1992-1996 C4 LT1 or an early C5? How dependible is the L98 in early C4's? I am not looking to race. Just looking for weekend fun touring in a Corvette convertible and getting active in a club.

Thoughts?

Thanks,

Jimmy

hcbph

I can't speak to annual maintenance as I just bought a 86 convertible in August. I can speak a little on the L98 engine though as that's what's in mine. It has plenty of power for cruising and a side effect is it will run on 87 octane fuel without a problem. No need for higher octane gas, along with the cost of that. Because it typically wouldn't be pushed as hard, I'd expect a longer life out of it and the drive train than some of the higher output drive trains.

My 2 cents

Paul

rhinoevans

And no Optispark!

C4in mesa

You found a low milage car !!! Worth its weight in gold when it comes to the time you would spend fixing everything that could be wrong. Take it from me. A few modifications could be done. New exhaust system might be enough to make you happy. Over all finding a car with less than 50K miles forget it. A 92-96 is a much better car. With the same miles $14K or more.

Silver96ce

Annual maintenance costs will vary depending on prior maintenance. If it was very well maintained, for example, regular every two year flushing of the brake fluid and regular cooling system servicing along with regular oil changes, then probably low. If not, then initial costs to maintain it may be higher but then followed by lower annual costs after the required work is put in to it.

It sounds like a good car to get. The L98 is a good solid engine and by 1989 most of the changes and upgrades to it had been made. It should be powerful enough and dependable.

The good paint and interior are a plus. If the price is right, go for it.

dukeallen

Once you get past the water pump and heater core, annual maintenance won't be any worse than any other used car, assuming it was already well maintained. And you found the best year
BTDT

1bdvet

Here is my 89, had it for 17 years, and just had normal MX over the years, and weekend getaway.

Y-ME

Just stop it already, It is far easier to replace the water pump, fuel injectors, Fuel pressure reg, valve covers, intake gasket etc on an LT1. There is always a trade off. You can pop the fuel rail off the LT motors in 10 minutes, takes 2 hours and a gasket set to do it on an L98

don hall

Informative post.......thank you....

desertmike1

And... if you play your cards right, you can get a later Model with R134 A/C.. just saying!

Y-ME

Where you get them Stingray III lookin wheels?

1bdvet

Those wheels, believe it or not are limit editions of Callaway wheels. They are made to take run flat tires, and was option on the C4 at Callaway.
They really make the car, look sharp.
Thank you

Y-ME

Oh that's right, my friends Supernatural has those.

H P Bushrod

The people spouting crap about the Opti have never owned a C4 with one. I've had my '93 for almost 6 years and it's still got the Opti I bought it with. Drive the car, don't soak it with water, and you won't have any problems with it.

jimmyd1953

Thanks to all that answered my question

Y-ME

The opti also is a maintenence item, You don't expect a cap and rotor to last the life of an older car, same thing only harder to get to and pricier.

Y-ME

I'd do an LT1 car as they are later and have more refinements and improvements.