CD Article: 1984-96 Chevrolet Corvette

[CD_Editor]

Used Car Review:

The 'C4' Corvette was "thoroughly modern-looking for its time, eschewing any stylistic relationship with any previous version," says Chris Chase. "With many used examples in good condition selling for well under $20,000, the C4 is a great choice for a true car enthusiast looking for a fun car on a finite budget."    More...

[Benhaze]

The ZR-1 is definitely the ultimate 'Vette for this period. I really wonder how come the red book prices are so disconnected from the "reality".

I think the body style improved considerably when the design cues from the convertible were passed on the coupe around 1990. Wouldn't go older than that. My big dislike is with the instrument cluster that is a typical GM "faux-pas" and doesn't do justice to the rest of the car. And the C5 really helped the C4 to get old quickly.

[Demosthenes X]

A buddy of my dad's just sold his 94 ZR1.  Not sure on what he got for it in the end, but his asking price was $30 000.  Nice car, and I'm not even a Corvette fan.

Still, for $30k, I'd be hard-pressed to justify spending it on a 12 year old car...

[ovr50]

I like the 92-96 MY of the Vette as they have the LT-1 engine. I would avoid the early 80s MYs, eg. the 1st year, 1984, was very troubled and it took several years to sort stuff out. A 92-96 at the right price would be fun. 

[Howswedeitis]

If you can get by the squeeks and rattles and general quality of the Corvette (or lack thereof) then
for sure for your dollar it does offer quite the bang for the buck!

[safristi]

Ya can't hear the SQUEAKS,,,,,RATTLES....not sure about the ROLLS...IF YA BOOT IT......

[footlong58]

I would avoid the early 80s MYs, eg. the 1st year, 1984, was very troubled and it took several years to sort stuff out

Ahhh, the good ol' Cross Fire Injection 350...

[84im]

A buddy of my dad's just sold his 94 ZR1.  Not sure on what he got for it in the end, but his asking price was $30 000.  Nice car, and I'm not even a Corvette fan.

Still, for $30k, I'd be hard-pressed to justify spending it on a 12 year old car...

Before I bought the monster I went looking for an Sunbeam Alpine Tiger.  Ones in very good condition run over $40,000 

[johngenx]

The 92- cars are WAY better, of course they cost more than an earlier version.  A 1984 can be a fun toy if you get one for super-cheap and then go to town on it.  But, a 1981 car would be more fun methinks.  70's Porn-Star looks (retro cool?) and you just stuff a 500hp engine in 'er, and off you go...

[Benhaze]

Saw a 1995 today going for $25,000 on a Volvo dealer lot today. More than what this car worth is IMO.

[Arthur Dent]

Ahhh, the good ol' Cross Fire Injection 350...

well earned nickname of Cease Fire Injection

[Duellist]

I bought my 1989 C4 Vette back in 1996 for $20K so in 10 years it depreciated about $800 a year.
If you ever rode in a Ferarri Modena then ride a L98 c4Vette you would think it was the same, especially the acceleration from the 350lbs of torque.

Major Repairs too look out for cars with over 100K kms are new fuel injectors ($2000), computer ($2000) and frequent replacement of rear tires ($500 each) for those who like burnouts.

If you find a L98 C4 that had its Injectors and computer changed then it is worth it because it runs better than NEW due to the new parts and software in the computer.  Insurance is cheap also.

For the chap who had a friend with a ZR-1 that sold for $30K it was a good price. Unique vette which had 400hp.  It is not until now GM reached that benchmark.  Trivia note it also has a valet switch to shut 4 cyclnders off, something that GM put in the current V8s.

[Giant Dwarf]

Before I bought the monster I went looking for an Sunbeam Alpine Tiger.  Ones in very good condition run over $40,000 

Well which one was it?  I thought the Sunbeam Alpine was the 4 cyl and the Tiger was the 8 cyl version? 

[AVToller]

Well which one was it?  I thought the Sunbeam Alpine was the 4 cyl and the Tiger was the 8 cyl version? 

That's certainly the way I remember it!!