Hi, my name is Braydon and I am interested in buying a 1994 Corvette Hardtop 6 speed manual. I am getting the car for a good deal, but the seller says the car has some issues. The power windows don't work, he says that it could be the regulator or just a fuse. He says he recently changed the clutch and the throw out bearing didn't fit quite right so it makes some noise. These cars are known to have noisy transmissions according to Corvette forum members and many say that the throwout bearing is a common issue and that they have had the issue for years and the cars have done just fine and some even said they noticed the issue since the car was new. Also, he seems to think that the U joints are having some issues. because he hears a weird vibration at certain rpms that sounds like something is loose. Lastly since taking the car to the shop most recently, at low speeds the steering wheel shakes. My question is how much of this is something that I can deal with and not fix until later and for the stuff that I have to fix now, how much would it cost?
Do you plan to do needed repair work yourself? That's going to be a big factor in repair cost.
There is a lot that can go wrong with a car in 30 years. You had best let a good mechanic take a look at that thing before you buy it to have some assurance that you're not going to wind up with an endless money pit.
I can likely watch a youtube video for the window issue, and hopefully all the steering issue needs is for the tires to be rotated and balanced. The throw out bearing would be something I would have to take to a shop. U joints is a maybe, I have friends who know how to work on cars who could probably help me but if they can't then if that is a needed fix, then I would take it to a shop. I am likely going to have a trusted mechanic look over it before I pull the trigger. I am also looking at another C4 6 speed that has "Needs paint, tires, and brake work. Removable glass top is cracked." do you think that would be a better option for $300 less? Thank you for your help!
There's no way to tell from here if that other car is a better way to go. You can't believe anything a seller tells you. Even if they have the best intentions (and most do not), they may not even be aware of some issues.
The condition of any car you're considering can only be determined via a pre-purchase inspection by a good mechanic.
Yeah, unfortunately for me the buyers and I will have to meet in the middle because it is hard to find a C4 in budget around here so I have to drive about 1.5-2 hours to meet them so I want as much info going into the meet up as possible. Also how much should I expect to pay for the pre purchase inspection as well as the throw out bearing +u joint and is there any way to know if they really need to be replaced?
The vehicle is going on 30 years old, I think the issues you mentioned are the tip of the iceburg.
All of the rubber will be cracked, hoses worn out, the plastic connectors for sensors etc. will be fragile and will most likely break whenever they are serviced. The body bushings for the car will be heavily worn, dried out and cracking.
The plastic wiring for the computer and harness will most likely be hard and brittle as well.
Based on what you are saying, I'm guessing the car needs thousands of dollars of work that includes parts and mechanic labor to bring it up to a decent driving condition.
The guy said that it was his daily driver, so the car as of right now is in decent running shape if he is correct. I know I will probably have to put some money into it, but I was hoping to keep under $1k. Those old C4 corvettes were surprisingly reliable, simple, and durable cars. I do worry about it having those issues but I hope that I can get them sorted and have a nice car by the end.
As already suggested, I would take it to a mechanic and have him estimate the cost involved to make the repairs. Based on that, if you still want the car negotiate an even lower price.
That is a good idea, I will plan on doing that.
Whatever you doing make and darn sure you have a mechanic looking over first preferably a mechanic was familiar with these older cars
Yeah, unfortunately for me the buyers and I will have to meet in the middle because it is hard to find a C4 in budget around here so I have to drive about 1.5-2 hours to meet them so I want as much info going into the meet up as possible. Also how much should I expect to pay for the pre purchase inspection as well as the throw out bearing +u joint and is there any way to know if they really need to be replaced?
You'd have to check with mechanics in the area where the car is to see what they would charge. Figure at least an hour's labor and typically that would be about $150. You'd need a mechanic who is willing to work with pre-OBD2 vehicles. If looking at early 1990s vintage, if the mechanic has a Tech2 or equivalent available they'd be able to check out vehicle electronics.
Throw out bearings typically make noise when the clutch pedal is depressed if they need to be replaced. The transmission has to come out for replacement so it would be an expensive job if you're paying someone to do it. (The part is cheap, the labor to replace it is $$$$.)