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What's a "good year" to buy?

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Old 08-05-2002, 09:38 PM
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jahart1
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Default What's a "good year" to buy?

I'm a new lover of Corvette's since I drove my ex-father 'n laws 1996. I'm currently researching through this forum and have learned lots from all! Thanks! I recently read someone post "good year" in response to the year of vehicle, not tires. I'm now wondering, are there any model years within the C4 range to stay away from? Can't wait to find my 1st Corvette.
Thanks for the help!
Old 08-05-2002, 09:40 PM
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carter200
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Default Re: What's a "good year" to buy? (jahart1)

Welcome :seeya The best year is the one you can afford and you like. :yesnod:
Old 08-05-2002, 09:43 PM
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dbwade36
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Default Re: What's a "good year" to buy? (jahart1)

I recently bough an 86 Vette and what did it for me was price. Of course, if money is no object that's a different story, but I only paid 6k for my Vette and put about 6k into it and now it is a very sweet car. Looks and drives like new.
Oh, sadly, I did end up w/early model 86, so cast iron. You want at least late model 86, and if your looking for more HP, don't go with 86. Only 230-235 base, pre-mods. :(
Old 08-05-2002, 10:24 PM
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tuajer
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Default Re: What's a "good year" to buy? (dbwade36)

The newest you can afford.

An Lt1 would be nice. or if you can get an lt4 even better. :yesnod:
Old 08-05-2002, 10:27 PM
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Wadoka
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Default Re: What's a "good year" to buy? (dbwade36)

There are none to stay away from, but the 1984-1996 Corvettes improved with every model year.

Our rule is to always suggest you buy the newest, lowest-mileage car you can afford.

That said, I own a '93 Coupe w/automatic. I am halfway looking for a 1989 Coupe with six-speed, or a '92 or '93 with six-speed, because I have decided on a specific path for my next few years of Corvette ownership.
Old 08-05-2002, 10:28 PM
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NoWorries
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Default Re: What's a "good year" to buy? (jahart1)

Wranger is a bad Good Year to get. This happened on Thursday.



I would start at 1987 for the very earliest year to get. You get a roller cam, better transmission, and lots of little things.

Welcome to the forum. :cheers:
Old 08-05-2002, 10:45 PM
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ZBRA
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Default Re: What's a "good year" to buy? (NoWorries)

'94-'96. :yesnod:
Old 08-05-2002, 10:59 PM
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LaVidaLoca
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Default Re: What's a "good year" to buy? (jahart1)

When I was searching for a vette I read an article that did it for me. The main point was "best for WHAT?". First spend some time reading, talking, and asking questions here and decide what YOUR objective is. Everyone will answer from the basis of their objective. So decide if you going to show, race, drive daily, restore, preserve, impress, enjoy, modify, tinker, or what? After some soul searching decide what you want to accomplish, what a realist budget would be to do that, then the choice is much easier.

Mine is a plain Jane 85 that needs TLC and would not suit everyone, but it was the best for ME!

Hope you find the one best for you.
Old 08-05-2002, 11:22 PM
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oneqwk
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Default Re: What's a "good year" to buy? (jahart1)

love my 86 coupe, not for everybody but i love it. runs great and believe it or not has great pick up for only 230 horse. thanks
Old 08-05-2002, 11:25 PM
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IMXCITD
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Default Re: What's a "good year" to buy? (jahart1)

Any year of the C4's are nice vettes. Each year they had some improvements in performance and comfort....so I would consider what you plan to use your vette for and what budget range you fall into and let that help guide you. Good luck and welcome to the forum!!! :)
Old 08-05-2002, 11:45 PM
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Default Re: What's a "good year" to buy? (jahart1)

My 94 was the first with dual airbags. Also, first year with a glass window on the vert. Influenced my decision.

Good luck! :yesnod:
Old 08-06-2002, 12:01 AM
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Rob 93ZR-1
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Default Re: What's a "good year" to buy? (jimb500)

They are all good. :yesnod: Nobody here will dog you if you are a true enthusiest. Good luck in your search, hope you find what you like and welcome to the forum.
Old 08-06-2002, 12:03 AM
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Default Re: What's a "good year" to buy? (Rob 91Z07)

If you can, score a ZR1 as prices are rock bottom right now. :yesnod:
Old 08-06-2002, 12:26 AM
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jaa1992
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Default Re: What's a "good year" to buy? (carter200)

Welcome :seeya The best year is the one you can afford and you like. :yesnod:


I'm partial to the 84 -90 body and interior style, but thats just me.
I'll never buy a C5 because I feverently dislike the rear, others love the car.
If someone handed me a wad of cash I'd probably look for one of the last ZR1's or any 96 LT4, I can live with the diferent interior and body :D :D :D
Old 08-06-2002, 12:33 AM
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Default Re: What's a "good year" to buy? (jaa1988)

The newest you can afford :seeya
Old 08-06-2002, 01:17 AM
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Default Re: What's a "good year" to buy? (jahart1)

If I were you jahart1, I'd try to find a low-mileage '83. They're pretty rare, a good investment. :yesnod: :jester

(Get the best condition, newest, lowest mileage you can afford.)
Old 08-06-2002, 02:09 AM
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Default Re: What's a "good year" to buy? (jahart1)

Good luck with your search, I believe that you'll be :D with any year vette that you decide on. For me it was the latest C4 that I could find with the lowest miles. Now if I can only squeeze a Z51 in the budget too :smash:

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Old 08-06-2002, 02:14 AM
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Stingray1967
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Default Re: What's a "good year" to buy? (Tx96LT1)

As new as you can stand it (financially). :yesnod:
Old 08-06-2002, 03:14 AM
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VetteNoob
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Default Re: What's a "good year" to buy? (jahart1)

Eventhough I have an 86, Id have to say 91. You get the torque of the L98, a nice 6 spd tranny (not the 4+3), no opti-spark, and the updated exterior and interior stylings. :cheers:
Old 08-06-2002, 07:59 AM
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Default Re: What's a "good year" to buy? (jahart1)

There are no 'bad' years. ...as you have already heard, it all depends on your pocket book and what you want to do with your car. The suspension on the earlier C4s is extremely stiff (great for autocrossing, lousey for cruising) even on the base suspension.

Where you think you want to go and what you want to do with your car detemines which one is best for you.


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