Greetings All,

Brand new member here seeking advice and opinions from Corvette enthusiasts (guys who really know Corvettes). The only Corvette I have ever owned was a 1970 convertible 350 back in 1980; powerhouse, head turner, and chick magnet! Now much older and more conservative (not too much, looking to purchase my second Corvette. LOL), my top priority is reliability and maintenance cost first, sex appeal second, and power/speed third. My price range is $15000-$20,000 so I'm looking at C4's and C5's (1995-1998). I've been able to locate numerous low milage cars (21,000-55,000 miles). For vehicles that are 8-11 years old all seem very reasonable.

I have read many reviews mostly good, some bad...Through my research I can't find any bad reviews on the 1995 with exception of "cheap" plastic interior. The next with the most positive reviews was the 1998 Corvette; with only a few bad reviews (electrical problems and "cheap" interiors).

Let me preface my question by saying I think all Corvettes are true works of art and muscle/sport cars extrordinair! Also, no offense intended to owners of other Corvette vintages.

I am looking at (3) 1995's; (2) coupes and (1) convertible. Wiht 23,000 miles, 30,650 miles, and 49,225 miles respectively. Next, (4) 1996's; (2) coupes and (2) convertibles. With 42,378 miles, 42,500 miles, 46,500 miles, and 46,700 miles respectively. Last but not least a 1998 coupe including both tops and automatic transmission with 55,450 miles.

With the 1996's the coupe with 42,500 miles has the LT4 with manual transmission; all other 1996's and 1995's have the smaller engine with automatic transmissions (except for the '95 with 30,650 miles has a manual transmission).

Once again keeping in mind that my top priority is dependability/reliability and low maintenance cost, if all are in excellent condition which should I purchase?

Or, if possible list them in order 1-8, 1 being the best choice in meeting my criteria.

Thanks in advance for any advice and/or suggestions (and I hope everyone doesn't discount the '98 because it is a C5),

Jay

 

We cant pick for you but HINT HINT C4=FUN. Ill be the first to say the C5 is a beautiful car. The C4 though yes is old, but the inside of it is designed to be like a cockpit. Once you step in it, you feel invisable, like superman. I love my C4 and I wouldnt turn down a C5 but the C4 is just more curvy and pertaining. And everyone doesnt think that it belongs to daddy becuz its old. Oh well JMO. Plus some C5 are snobs.

 

Are any of the 96's "Collector Editions"??? I bought a 93, 40th Anniversary, because I thought it would hold value a little better... Plus it's a damn fun car to drive....

 

i see c5s EVERYWHERE. I hardly ever see c4s anymore, especially the L98s. The Lt4 is quick! You wont be disappointed with that engine.

 

To be honest with you, i love my C4, but the C5's are newer and their engines produce more power with mod's. It would probably also be easier to find one for sale without a lot of problems. I wish i wouldve bought a C5

 

If you want an attractive, reliable, 'you're able to work on it yourself' Corvette - buy a C4 with the L98. You will never be disappointed.

 

All depends on what you really want. When I bought my C4, I could have had an early C5 (1999). After sitting in a new C5, it felt like a passenger car not a race car.

I didnt want a trunk to fit my golf clubs, I wanted a car that performed. Later the Z06 came, and restored my faith in the C5's. So much so, that now I'm selling the C4 to get a C5 Z06.

Jimmy

 

As long As its top comes down imo

 

If you want a powerful motor get the 96 wiht a L-T4 motor. It makes 375 horsepower? Something like that I know for a fact over 300. With some mods you would be running wiht the Ls Series motors BUT they wont be expecting a old C4 to be able to run with there new top of the line motors....JMO again whichh means nothing. As long as its a vette**vroom vroom** nothing else matters. No matter what year vette what motor or mods, your part of the family and we stick together and help each other out no matter what year or race or gender. That is one thing about us. **SAVE THE WAVE** I dont know of another car group as close as we are....ESPECIALLY on the road. Eithher way youll love the car. Hope you decide soon and love it like we all love ours. Best of luck with it!!!

 

A typical stock LT4 will put around 300Hp to the rear wheels. Assuming a 15% driveline loss your at 345Hp at the motor. Now with some mods, these numbers can go up quickly . I'm at 364hp to the rear wheels with mine.