C4 Corvettes 1984 vs later

[Theodore K.]

A good friend of mine was asking my opinion about which would be a better buy, a 1984 with 16K original miles or 1995 with 100K miles. They are about the same price. I have always heard that the 1984 was rough riding and had some other problems, but I have never heard such from a first hand source. He is new to Corvettes and I think driveability, serviceability and amenities mean more than original condition. I think he intends to drive it in normal use.

I would appreaciate comments from you out there that have or had a 1984 and what was good vs. bad, etc. Also later year corvettes.

Thanks in advance,
Ted von Kampen

[Art B.]

Re: C4 Corvettes 1984 vs later

Ted:
I have an '86 Coupe. Considering the mileage, I think the '84 may be the better choice of the two, other things being equal. Keep in mind that the engine in the '85 is a Tuned Port vs. the Cross Fire in the '84. And, as you said, the ride on the '84 will be rougher. I recently judged a pristine '84 and noticed how much it was like my '86, except, of course, for the engine.

[Art B.]

Re: C4 Corvettes 1984 vs later

Ted:
Sorry, I just noticed that you were compairing the '84 with a '95, not an '85.
If the rest of the '95 is in good condition, I wouldn't be too afraid of the mileage. The later C4s were such a refinement from the earlier ones that I would tend to lean toward the '95.

[Mike Yager]

Re: C4 Corvettes 1984 vs later

I myself would never purchase an automobile with 100K miles for normal use unless perhaps its has been well cared for and had extensive maintenance. The suspension on the '95 is quite improved over the '84 as well as the performance. They are like night and day.

In my opinion, the only possible reason to buy the '84 is if you think they will be collectable one day. I certainly would not consider a car with this mileage for a daily driver. It would probably begin to fall apart from the use and it certainlt would be a shame to use a car that is 20 years old and has been preserved in such a manner.

[Terry M.]

Re: C4 Corvettes 1984 vs later *TL*

The 1995 would have the Gen II LT1. While that is an excellent motor, and with reasonable care will exceed 200K miles with no sign of wear, it is a high maintenance motor. Distributors are $200 (best available price), water pumps are $150, plug wires are close to $100, and plugs run $6 each. If you don't have GM parts discount connections you can double those prices. All of those parts will require replacement, if they have not already been, at around 100K in most cases - probably why it is for sale. Changing the distributor cap and rotor is $160, so most of us replace the whole distributor for a little more.
All that said, it has a bunch of torque, and would make a great driver for someone with average to above average mechanical skills.
The 1984, being more than a decade older might be the same from a maintenance point of view, especially given that there will be fewer parts available from Chevrolet for it.
The 1995 will have a much improved chassis, as others have noted. If it was me, I would go for the 1995 in a heartbeat - but then I love all the LT1s or LT-1s, either of them.

[Joe C.]

Re: C4 Corvettes 1984 vs later

I agree with everything that Mike said above. Here are a couple more things to consider:

1. Look at the sticker underneath the drivers' side storage compartment lid. If the car has Z51 suspension, then it will ride like a buckboard. They took some of the harshness out of the Z51 for 1985 (trust me), but the '85 Z51 car will still loosen your fillings.

2. If that 1984 is all original, and in cherry condition (it should be, with only 16,000 miles- that is, if the clock is telling the truth), then I would absolutely not use it as a daily driver. A car that old, and that well preserved would entitle you to bragging rights at many a Corvette show.

Joe

[Loren L.]

What's the price? I ask, because I think

I can put him touch with an original owner, 20K mileage 1984 that is Red/Red.

[Chas Kingston]

Re: but then I love all the LT1s or LT-1s, either

You're not prejudiced, are you?

Geezer

BTW, I have that same LT-1 in my '95 Roadmonster Wagon, and I appreciate the info on costs. That wagon is starting to run roughly, and I'll take it to my Corvette wrench in Naperville for tuning.

Geezer

[Terry M.]

That should be obvious Geezer *TL*

I don't hide my prejudices.

[Michael S.]

Re: C4 Corvettes 1984 vs later

I, personally, would not consider a C4 at all in the near future. Particularly when the C6 hits the street. C4's are going to "drop like a rock" in value. It is starting now, because it's fall and that's what usually happens but will continue in the spring. I believe it will really get bad when the C6 hits. The C5's are such wonderful cars that buyers settle for C4's because "maybe" they cannot yet afford a C5. The C4's, while revolutionary at their introduction are now usually tired old cars that are CHEAP at the auction, need expensive repairs when things break and have all the problems not present in the C5. Don't get me wrong, I hope I am wrong but I see most Corvette dealers bailing on C4's NOW!

Here I am telling you not to buy a C4 when I bought one 6 weeks ago. Of course it was a red/red one lady owner car with 176K miles. Everything works, full maintainance, cold air ect. At $2,500 you have to buy the car. That's damn near parts car money. Buy the way, the best offer the lady had from the dealers on trade in was $1,700. If one or two things break on this car, I could easily spend a $1,000 on repair!

If I had a C4, including ZR-1, with any serious money invested, I would sell the car now. That's how much "I" think the value of these cars is going to TANK. ZR-1's in particular may be tought value wise in the future. Several around here for $12,000 with no takers. Parts are high and/or unavailable. Guy here in town is spending $13,000 with Ligenfelter to have his engine rebuilt. Car has 189K miles. Yes, he drives the car. New crate motors were an option however they were all $12,000. At least he gets a 2 years warranty with Ligenfelter.

I understand I may "ruffle the feathers" of some C4 fans however that's what this forum is all about, OPINIONS!!!

Mike Strinich
#11202

[Art B.]

Re: C4 Corvettes 1984 vs later

Mike:
I think you may be a little too harsh on C4s. I am the original owner of an '86 Coupe with 71,000 miles on it now. It has taken me to the West Coast three times and the East Coast once, and the trips were a pleasure. Yes, I have had to replace some components. Yes the ECM went out and I had to replace it (diagnosed it myself). The car handles great and is fun to take through the curves. The overall workmanship is better than my newer Olds. Will the market price drop next year? Perhaps, but I don't care. Besides, I can now take it to an NCRS judging meet and perhaps get a Top or Second flight. It's all part of the hobby of owning a Corvette.