What to look for when buying a used C4?``
07-21-2002, 03:42 PM
#1
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
Member Since: Nov 2001
Location: Rutherford NJ
Posts: 2,630
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What to look for when buying a used C4?``
My dad is getting to that age where he needs to feel young again and he wants a C4. He is a very serious buyer. My questions is: what should we look for in a car when we go look at one? Any specific would be greatly appriciated
07-21-2002, 06:00 PM
#3
Team Owner
Member Since: Sep 2001
Location: Athens AL
Posts: 59,663
Received 1,401 Likes
on
1,017 Posts
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Re: What to look for when buying a used C4?`` (LegendNH)
tell him to get the newest he can afford
low mileage, 6 speeds are preferable, if its a 92-96 make sure the engine is not missing on a test drive
most preferable would be the 95-96's with the updated optispark, or the ZR-1
low mileage, 6 speeds are preferable, if its a 92-96 make sure the engine is not missing on a test drive
most preferable would be the 95-96's with the updated optispark, or the ZR-1
07-21-2002, 06:34 PM
#4
Le Mans Master
Re: What to look for when buying a used C4?`` (LegendNH)
I just picked up the premier issue of Corvette Magazine. It has a buyers guide to C4s. What each year has different and price premiums for items. I bought it at Borders. Pick that issue up and pick up a Corvette black book. Between the two you will be set.
07-21-2002, 07:09 PM
#5
Team Owner
Re: What to look for when buying a used C4?`` (LegendNH)
Mileage of course, was it garage kept?
Check tire tread and when they were put on the car, that will give you an idea of how that car is driven. Relatively new tires with visibly warn treads will tell you the car is hot rodded.
Check if it has ever been wrecked or flooded. Be wary of non-stock paint jobs, although it doesn’t necessarily mean the car has been wrecked, it is however a characteristic of a previously wrecked car.
Look to see if it is leaking oil or any fluid anywhere.
Test drive it to make sure the engine is running properly, the tranny is shifting properly, the suspension feels solid and the alignment is correct.
Check to see if there is any white or black smoke coming from the exhaust.
However, before you do all that, the very first thing you should do is...
MAKE SURE THE NUMBERS MATCH! If they don’t then there is no need to look any further at that car. :nono:
Good luck! :seeya
Check tire tread and when they were put on the car, that will give you an idea of how that car is driven. Relatively new tires with visibly warn treads will tell you the car is hot rodded.
Check if it has ever been wrecked or flooded. Be wary of non-stock paint jobs, although it doesn’t necessarily mean the car has been wrecked, it is however a characteristic of a previously wrecked car.
Look to see if it is leaking oil or any fluid anywhere.
Test drive it to make sure the engine is running properly, the tranny is shifting properly, the suspension feels solid and the alignment is correct.
Check to see if there is any white or black smoke coming from the exhaust.
However, before you do all that, the very first thing you should do is...
MAKE SURE THE NUMBERS MATCH! If they don’t then there is no need to look any further at that car. :nono:
Good luck! :seeya
07-21-2002, 09:41 PM
#6
Race Director
Member Since: Jul 2001
Location: So Cal
Posts: 13,709
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: What to look for when buying a used C4?`` (rcolling)
I just picked up the premier issue of Corvette Magazine. It has a buyers guide to C4s. What each year has different and price premiums for items. I bought it at Borders. Pick that issue up and pick up a Corvette black book. Between the two you will be set.
07-22-2002, 04:59 AM
#7
Team Owner
Member Since: Apr 2002
Posts: 43,370
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: What to look for when buying a used C4?`` (LegendNH)
My questions is: what should we look for in a car when we go look at one? Any specific would be greatly appriciated
Good luck. :cheers:
[Modified by GDP, 3:00 AM 7/22/2002]
07-22-2002, 07:32 AM
#8
Drifting
Member Since: Mar 2002
Location: Waterford MI
Posts: 1,254
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: What to look for when buying a used C4?`` (GDP)
If you're looking at a 6spd.... look over the clutch hydralics closely... most need to be replaced. Also... take careful note of how it shifts at a wide range of RPMS in all gears. (syncros)
07-22-2002, 01:42 PM
#10
Melting Slicks
Re: What to look for when buying a used C4?`` (LegendNH)
If there is a reliable Corvette mechanic in town, I would pay him to look the car over and list what he finds wrong. I used this approach on a 72 and had a good idea of what to fix/replace when I bought it. All the books in the world won't be much help if you have never been around the cars and know what to look for.
07-23-2002, 01:09 AM
#11
Safety Car
Member Since: Feb 2002
Location: financial-freedom-for-all.com
Posts: 4,414
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Cruise-In V Veteran
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Re: What to look for when buying a used C4?`` (LegendNH)
Check for leaks, make sure A/C works, make sure headlights work, make sure wipers work, make sure windows work, make sure tires aren't bald! Basically check to see that all motors work big and small! :yesnod: I'd also run it at idle and see what temperature reads. :D
Personally mileage doesn't matter if the person selling the car has all the receipts.
[Modified by 9vette3, 12:11 AM 7/23/2002]
Personally mileage doesn't matter if the person selling the car has all the receipts.
[Modified by 9vette3, 12:11 AM 7/23/2002]
07-24-2002, 04:40 PM
#12
Burning Brakes
Member Since: Nov 2000
Posts: 855
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: What to look for when buying a used C4?`` (9vette3)
The obvious as all ready been mentioned, but don't over look the small things. Those items can be very expensive. If it has Bose does it still work? Seat covers can be expensive, outer window seals, faded carpet, any missing items like jack/spare tire, floor mats. Check antenna mast goes up/down. Check that both headlights flip up (motors or gears can get expensive). Sun visors can cost over $200.00 to replace. Here is an example: from Ecklers: 84-89Windshield wiper control $28.99; 90-93 windshield wiper control $144.99. So pay attention. Happy hunting :)
07-24-2002, 06:09 PM
#13
Racer
Member Since: Jun 2002
Location: Olathe Kansas
Posts: 260
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: What to look for when buying a used C4?`` (Rick86)
You might also steer clear of garage queens. The seals dry out on them which leads to leaks. Get one that has been a daily driver, and well taken care of. If your dad wants a C-4, I'd stick to the '95, or '96 vintages, and around 40 to 60k miles, but I am biased.
