MrJay

A coworker of mine is thinking about getting a 96 Corvette with 35miles on it what sute he look for.
He found a 98 that he is thinking about too but it cost a little more I told him to get the 98 what do you guys think?

Keep them smoking :D
Jay

MrJay

TTT :confused:

Hawaii89vette

It all depends on what style of corvette he is looking for. The 1996 is a C4 and the 1998 is a C5 (has a big & low butt/rear-bumper). I like the C4 better than the C5 as far as appearance goes. If he want performance (horse power and better suspension), then go for the C5. Make sure your friend takes the used car to a mechanic to get it checked out mechanically.

-Tim (mariah@hawaii.rr.com)

bac22

See http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=227823

vader86

well is it a stick or auto, if its a stick tell him to buy it cuz it might beat the 98 in a race

jpee

Here is what I did when I bought my 96...It was in Aug. of 1997

The dealer had 2, 96's an LT1 Automatic, with 2,800 miles on it.. & right next to it was a 96 Convertible LT4 with 40,000 miles ..

I took the following into consideration..I WANT TO DRAG RACE, that was #1, & we all know an auto is easier to launch than a 6 speed, & more consistent..

Now the LT1 was like it had never been driven, still had plastic wrapper on the sun visor, ...I got the full story on it, & spoke with the original owner..

It was set up as I wanted ...NO Bose, standard seats, NO special suspension (FX)... the ONLY option it had was the Perf rear 3.07..

Now about the 96 LT4 Convertible.. the rims were all beat up, looked like it had scraped the curb many times, it had a cigarette burn in the passenger seat, The original radio was removed, & a poor fitting aftermarket radio was in it..

The tires were well worn (they offered to replace the tires) I found several other problems that they said they would fix.. (non working lumbar in driver seat) one fog light out...

All in all, it looked VERY used & Abused... & they wanted $1500 more for it because it was a convertible & an LT4.

I took the LT1 & have never been sorry...


Oh.. check your original post, did you say it has 35miles on it.. or 35k on it..

Even if its 35,000 that is low for a 96 thats almost 7 yrs old. Mine now has 38,000

But then I only put a 1/4 mile on at a time :D


[Modified by Red96Coupe, 5:21 PM 1/28/2002]

FrankLT4CE

I would get the 98. Reason: I wouldn't want to pay the premium on a 35 mile 6 year old car, especially when I like to put lots of miles on. I've owned 4 C4s and driven a few C5's. The C5 is superior in almost every way, other than not being as depreciated (not the case in your coworkers 96), and for a few design touches on the C4 which make it seem (on the surface) more exotic than the C5. These exotic touches are: clamshell hood, about 1.3 inches less height, and higher door sills which make it seem more like you are entering a race car. Other than these the C5 is better all around. FrankLT4CE

MrJay

What to look for on 96 Corvette pros and cons?

Jay

FrankLT4CE

My rear spring cracked or delaminated. Also the glass top cracked. Water pump leaked. A/c only blows thru defroster (common problem on 96). Check for rocker arm recall being performed by the VIN if its an LT4. Make sure check engine light only comes on with ignition on, not while running. Thats it. FrankLT4CE

Colorado Chuck

I have a white/black '96 coupe (auto- LT1) with just 42K for sale at $17,950. It needs nothing. I did replace the water pump after seeing a single drop under it, but there were no other problems.

mackeyred96

Just get the best car you can afford.

Buck96LT4

MrJay,

Mackeyered96 has it right. Buy the newest Corvette you can afford.

Buck.

Buck96LT4

MrJay,

The 96's had tons of options and most of the bugs worked out of the C4's. The Optispark at its best and the suspension geometry worked out pretty well. On the down side it's one of the heaviest C4's along with some of the softest spring rates.

Mackeyered96 has it right. Buy the newest Corvette you can afford.

To put that into perspective I bought a no option 96 LT4 with some miles on it. I bought it to autocross in the SCCA stock classes. I'm hanging on to it until I can afford a Z06 or doing some major mods and go to BSP

The next guy may want a mint condition automatic with full options for a weekend get a way car.

Buck.

kingvet

What causes the air conditioning to blow through the defrost vents how much to fix? :confused:

Ed Ut

Make sure its an LT4! :yesnod:

MrJay

Thanks for all the help guys I think he is going to do what you told him and buy what he can afford so now I think he is looking in to getting a 98 C5 one day I will get me one like that :U

Jay

BlackRocket

On either car, aside from the obvious, check the weatherstripping. It seems to crack early on these cars and is a big $$$ to replace and a lot of hassale.