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looking to purchase a C4. I test drove a ZR1 1990. has about 50K miles on it. Looks to be in good shape, but the tires are shot. The ride reflected that. otherwise I liked it. I liked it even more when later that same day I test drove a 2001 Z06. Wanted to see the difference between a C5. Depsite the ease of getting in and out of the C5, I was dissapointed with the ride. I am setting up more test drives hopefully this week with more C4's. 1996 LT4 collecors edition, and LT4's besides.
My main question is, if one had a chance to buy a ZR1, would you take it? the seller was asking $24K, I offered $22K and he said no. The LT4's I'm looking at range from $19-$27K(asking price).
Should I buck up on the ZR1?
Thanks for the reply. what's your opinion on that price?
It depends on a number of variables If you don't know enough about a specific car, then you should have it inspected by someone who does. Persons/shops who really do have experience can be difficult to find, depending on your location. Beware of a shop that simply says something like "We can do it, it's just a Corvette isn't it?"
I suggest you make the same post in the zr1net forum and ask if anyone local to you can check it out. You should also do all that is possible to contact the former owner(s) & find out maintenance history.
The LT5 is a very good engine and can do 200,000 miles if properly cared for. Tires, injectors, clutch and transmission can be big ticket items if needed. Again, inspection by a knowledgeable entity is a valuable tool.
is $24K a good number with 50K miles?
As mentioned above, there is more to know than mileage. Likewise, when researching comparable cars, make sure you are comparing "apples to apples," i.e. current condition of all components.
Are repairs costly?
Another question with no simple answer, but of course, it depends on the repair.
If you are looking for a quick answer based on only your description, then expect a very wide range that won't be of much use to you.
Summary: No substitute for knowledge. Educate yourself and seek knowledge of others for assistance. The ZR-1 community is noted for its incredible willingness to assist.
Cliffy, I currently own both a 91 ZR1 and a 04 Z06 Commemorative. Both different cars with different missions.
If you send me your number in a PM I'll be happy to speak with you and give you some ideas on what to look for in both cars. As A26B says, there is no substitution for knowledge.
Where are you located? If it’s near a knowledgeable member, perhaps they could check it out and give you some more pointed advice. In the slim chance you’re around west Houston, I’d be happy to look.
I have owned a 96 LT-4 and now own a 90 ZR-1. The ZR-1 is worth the extra $. That price is not out of the range if it is in good shape other than tires. Have the injectors been replaced? If you are in an area with ethanol gas then they will need to be replaced. Don’t rush and buy one that checks all the boxes. Have fun and we are here to help.
As far as problems with these cars, you should be able to tell that just about anything can be addressed here. And if you have a decent ability to work on cars, advice here can help you with problems. Most issues with these ZR-1’s have been posted before and are available to read.
Thanks. I can tinker around a bit, but I am lucky enough to have a friend that is a mechanic that I rely on for more intricate projects. I haven't asked him his opinion yet on the ZR1. I'm trying to have fun shopping for another car and I'm chosing a Vette. Which one is the big question for me. Thanks to all for the replies. Great advice.
great idea, I'm in the Northeast, New England. Thanks
Go to the ZR-1 Net Registry and post up there, several of our members are in NH and surrounding area. Our Wazoo group is in Maryland with members in VA, DE, DC and PA. Good luck and we will walk you through this. It is a great brotherhood!
just spoke to another memeber about it. The engine is intimidating at first look. I see $$ to repair. I'm getting over that now with the more conversations I have.
Not many ZR1's around the New England area. Learning process for me. The ZR1 I looked at wasn't my first choice of color scheme. Thanks
I'm a shade tree mechanic at best....I bought my 91 ZR-1 in 2016, and it's been rock solid bullet-proof. The biggest issue I've had is the battery, gone through about 3 since 2016. I replaced all the door seals, injectors, and radio and did those all by myself. Don't let that beautiful LT5 intimidate you......As mentioned, I joined the ZR-1 NET REGISRTY, and those guys on that site are a God send for these cars. There is no issue they can't help you out with, and are always eager to help a ZR-1 newbie They are amazing cars that turn heads everywhere still. Everytime I have mine out, someone always says they have never seen a C4 ZR-1 in person before.
I will log on to ZR-1 Registry. I've the same thing about it. I'm kind of anxious to buy one. I amlmost did and I probably still can make a deal. But I really like the color black on these or a darker color anyways. Maybe I'm a little picky.
Cliffy, Is it by chance the red ‘90 in Connecticut? If so, I found a video from the owner last year where it show stickers for the Haibeck 450hp package. Looks like they we removed afterwards. If that’s the one, then it looks to be in pretty
good shape, and could be a steal even at $24K
I will log on to ZR-1 Registry. I've the same thing about it. I'm kind of anxious to buy one. I amlmost did and I probably still can make a deal. But I really like the color black on these or a darker color anyways. Maybe I'm a little picky.
I have tried numerous times to sign up up for ZR-1 registry but never got an email back on logging in.
01-23-2023, 10:06 AM
ZR-1 Shoud I buy it?
They are amazing cars that turn heads everywhere still. Everytime I have mine out, someone always says they have never seen a C4 ZR-1 in person before.
