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New member considering a MINT C4 with 7K original miles
Considering joining the Vette family, this was part of an estate that the kids are selling, it was purchased brand new and driven very little, and been kept in a temperature-controlled warehouse with 20 other cars, it hasn't been started in over 20 years. It has 7,000 miles yes that's correct not 70,000 miles, all rubber and trim are just as soft as the day it was purchased. What are your thoughts and what do you estimate the value to be?
Looks great, but if it hasn't even been started once in 20 years that car will not be easy to get back to road worthy while retaining it's originality. Obviously all fluids would need changing. All the seals will most likely give out and leak with driving it. That car would be a good candidate to leave as is to retain it's originality and not be driven.
That would only qualify as a #2 condition car in it's current condition. If all the seals, gaskets, hoses, belts are replaced with nos parts it could be a #1 and get top value. I see people ask 15-20k for low mile original cars like that, but maintained ones.
I personally think you would be better off with a car that's been driven, Yes, 7000 miles but EVERY PART is 38 years old !! And I'm pretty sure the factory warranty is expired...
There are a few things I’d be worried about with a car that’s sat for a while. The car is in great shape for sure. No worries there. There’s something to be said about not having to paint or do an interior which can be costly, so you’re good there. One thing is, did it sit with gas in it? You’d be best served draining the gas, scoping the tank. If the tank is ok, put fresh gas in it and take the fuel line off at the throttle body. Cycle the pump and push any of the old gas into a bucket. Change the fuel filter reconnect the line and you should be ok. Also take a look at the rubber bushings in the suspension. Being that it was stored in a climate controlled environment you might be good there too. Another concern is seals. The fact that it’s not an LT engine car with extra couple front seals is a plus. But you might have some leakage. Again, climate controlled storage may have saved you there too. Those would be my concerns. Another thing to keep in mind is that the ‘84 cross fire cars are not quite the fire breathers that the later TPI and LT1/LT4 cars are. The handling and braking will rival even todays super cars but they’re not the most powerful. Overall that car is a beautiful example of a C4. Just don’t expect a 38 year old car to be turn key even with 7k on the odometer. It’s going to be small projects here and there. In all, get your hands on the keys and see what they are willing to let you do. Once running, go over EVERYTHING from the stereo and power antenna to the wipers to the HVAC system. See what works and what doesn’t and negotiate your price based on what you find out. Try to get a book value if you can but that car is going to be worth what people would be willing to pay, as others have said. I personally would not pay more than $12k for a crossfire car in that condition but that’s just me. They’re just not a high value car no matter the condition. On the other hand, that would be a terrific show car and a pleasure to own and drive. If you were looking for more performance and weren’t concerned about originality the options are unlimited and relatively easy because it’s all been done before. Keep us posted, I’m excited to hear how you make out. Best of luck.
Beautiful!!! I remember seeing a twin to this car when they first came out ( it was sitting outside of an auto parts store). As a car-crazed 16 year old, I was awe-struck. The car was so low and aggressive-looking with the incredibly wide tires. It definitely made an impression on me and I’m still attracted to the aggressive but clean, simple styling of the early C4s.
This car is the first year of the C4 and has a number of differences from later cars (such as the Crossfire injection) that make it not as appealing for many as the ‘85 plus cars. As others have pointed out, low-mileage cars that have been sitting without proper use or maintenance can present a lot of issues and cost quite a bit to put right if you’re not doing the work yourself. As an example, I recently picked up a very nice, garaged ‘89 with lowish (14K) miles on it. I’m slowly going through it and fixing little items that have deteriorated from age, not use. The suspension will be refreshed soon as many of the bushings are showing signs of dry-rot and the Bilstein shocks are leaking past their seals.
Never-the-less, the ‘84 you’re looking at looks incredible. Just be aware that there will most likely be issues that could be expensive to correct and plan/purchase accordingly. Here’s a list of ‘84s that have been auctioned on BaT for a point of reference:
These are heavy duty not wimpy rides ,I would change all the fluids prim the motor make sure brakes work and drive it fear not .I talked to a young guy just yesterday his grand farther 88 sat for 22 years in a garage changed the fluids made sure brakes worked and he was in it nice looking ride well the A/C craped out ,these old C-4s heavy duty for sure .. Drive it have fun ..
I think the big question is what do you want to do with it? If you want to keep it original and drive it only occasionally on the weekends to shows then this could be a great car with some reconditioning, as others have pointed out. Basically you would have a museum piece you could drive occasionally. But if you want to drive it daily, modify it, or race it, then this probably isn't the car. If you do those things to this car you're ruining what it is now. You would do better to find a later model car that has more performance and has been well maintained.
With this car, you're paying for the low mileage and pristine condition. Then you're going to have to put time and more money into getting it on the road. Or you could have a later car with more miles that's ready to go now, probably for less money. It just depends on what you want.
06-11-2022, 03:10 PM
New member considering a MINT C4 with 7K original miles
