Two years ago, my dad bought an absolutely immaculate 1996 C4 on EBay. We flew out to the guy's house, paid him, and drove it back (11 hour drive). Before that, I never really considered owning an sports car. After driving that C4 about 500 miles, I knew I was going to have a sports car, and it *had* to be a Corvette.

A potential problem is that I have a pretty good commute - my office is 35 miles away. My average yearly driving miles comes out to be about 24k miles. Ideally, I'd just buy the Vette and continue to drive my faithful little Nissan to and from work, but the insurance company isgoing to is going to want me to sign over my soul in blood to insure both vehicles.

I've considered finding a C4, probably a 94 or 95 model with a manual, and not many options and just drive it daily. My only concern is how well the car will hold up undera lot of mileage. Granted, it's like 95% highway miles, but 24k a year is a lot. I know that the 350 engine is really strong too, but I wanted to get some opinions on this forum frompeople who know.

Then there's also what I call 'anti-zen' of usinga Corvette as a daily driver. Doing that almost seems like going mudding in an AWD Cadillac Escalade - it will work just fine, but it just don't make sense on some level.

 

Well,....It depends on the car you buy. If it was well maintained and you take good care of it IE: regular maintenance, You should not have any problems. The mpg should rival that of your Nissan. and driving a vette to work every day is way more cool. Cheers

 

Sounds good. I'm very good about maintenance of all my equipment, cars included. That's why my Nissan, with 180k miles, still runs nearly as well as it did the day I bought it. I'dhope to get that many miles, oreven a few more,out of an LT1 with appropriate maintenance. It seems at least plausbile to me; the 350 is a stout engine.

And yes, it's also way more cool. I'm single; the only person I need to haul is me, so it seems to be a good choice.

The only design flaws I know in the LT1 is the water pump / opti spark unpleasantness.Anyone wouldn't happen to know if there is a way to head that problem off before it becomes a problem? After market parts, perhaps?

 

Well, I look at it like this.......
Why was theVette built in the first place?
To rest in a garage and collect dust?
To haul around on a trailer?
If these are the cases, why even have and engine and "Drive" train?
Why not just buy a shell, prop up some tires under it, and call it done?
The key word in myquestions is "Drive". That's right, they were built to "Drive".
So "Drive" that baby, and enjoy the heck out ot it. If you're not goin' to do that, take a picture of one ya like and hang it on your wall.

( ....and why not take a Caddy Escalade mudding? Heck, it's got four wheel drive, don't it? )

 

hi James
Starship in my opinion is right about driving the corvette and this would go for any automobile you own. I feel cars that are driven daily are much more reliable. The opti really isn't a big deal you deal with it win the time comes just like any repair on any car.The 94 and later have a little better opti in them but you will pay more for them. The 92 and later have a good transmission in them. I think the 35 miles to your office is a perfect combination for keeping your corvette running for a long time.Keep up withproblems and keep up with the maintaining as needed and a high mileage corvette will be no problem. I think a LT1 would make a great daily driver.
Good Luck with your decision
Ric W.

 

I appreciate everyone's input on the matter.

I've been car shopping for over a year now, and you wouldn't believe how much test driving and researching I've done. Getting some wisdom from folks that know has made this a lot easier on me.

 

How old are you? I have 3 vehicles insured, a 2002 Z71 4WD Silverado, a 2005 Z71 4Wd Tahoe, and a 1992 Corvette. All full coverage and it runs around$1800 a year for all 3 with 2 drivers listed on each vehicle. You can find some cheap insurance out there especially if the Vette isn't driven all that much and you have a nice driving record. Haggerty, to name one, is very reasonable if not a bargain.

 

Yep...ur rich.

 

I have a 94 with 130,000 runs and drives great i drive it almost every day even if im going to the corner store or to visit my mom 500 miles away so drive drive drive

 

My friend James....if you do get an LT-1 Vette,I say,DRIVE IT!!! As long as it's properly maintained and cared for,you will have no problems.Considering how many miles you have to drive,you might be surprised at the gas mileage you'll get with it.I'd say 25mpg,if not more,depending on how you drive.Besides,Corvettes are here with us to be driven and enjoyed,as often as possible.I myself have a '96 LT-1.I drive it at least six days a week and in all kinds of weather....yes,even in light snow.It has almost 114,000 miles on it and apart from a few cosmetic details,it still runs strong and has been the most reliable car I've ever owned.So my humble point is,get out there,get your Vette,and drive!!! A small economy car is great,but nothing beats driving a Vette!!! Your friend,Joe.