I want to buy a C4 Corvette with less than 80k miles and an automatic transmission to drive on weekends. There are many available for under $10k in decent shape. I know there are many parts available, but do they require a lot of expensive maintenance? Are there years that they were built better than others?
Thanks for your time.
Try to get as new of a model as possible and stay away from anything that has the Crossfire Fuel Injection system. Those things were absolute nightmares to fix.
You aren't crazy. The LT1 V8 was a good motor and can go hundreds of thousands of miles with good maintenance.
A couple of things I would look out for:
1. Weatherstripping - Those cars are subject to all sorts of leaks as the weatherstripping starts to rot out. Replacing it is cheap, but look out for rust or any internal water damage in the interior.
2. Headlights - Make sure the popup headlamps work correctly and don't grind when opened or closed.
3. ELECTRONICS - All caps because yes, it does need to be screamed. The C4 had a digital dash and it was prone to failing. Repairs are very hard to come by and expensive. Be sure all the power items work as well. The absolute, number 1 issue with any year of Corvette from the first one off the assembly line to the one they'll make tomorrow morning is electrical problems. The wiring in those stupid things can drive a preacher to drinking. Parts are not extremely expensive for the most part, but they aren't cheap because it's a Corvette and GM overcharges accordingly.
A good C4 can make a good toy. Just know that when it breaks, and not if, you'll have to have a decent bit of money to repair it.
Interesting factoid: The clamshell hood on the C4 is an extremely expensive piece of kit. Unpainted, a like-OEM part will run $2000! So make sure that part is in good shape.
I say go for it, as long as you get it inspected, have a little money to throw into it, and will only be using it on the weekends. Those are pretty fun cars.
i would do it, sounds like fun
