Low end buyer advice

I am looking to buy my first Corvette. It's a toy, I'm in Ohio, so I can
only drive it about 1/2 of the year. I feel guilty spending money on a toy,
so I'm limiting myself to cars under $10k. I located a good candidate. A
1986. The owner wants $8500. It has some minor issues, but it's very strong.
The interior is almost perfect for a 20 year old car. On to my questions:

Is 1986 a decent year for Corvettes?
Are there characteristic problems with 1986 Corvettes I should watch for?
Is this car reasonably realiable?
I could buy now, or wait a year, save a few bucks and start looking at early
90's Corvettes, is that a better plan?

Thanks in advance for any input / advice.

"Dale DeRemer" > wrote in message
...
>I am looking to buy my first Corvette. It's a toy, I'm in
>Ohio, so I can only drive it about 1/2 of the year. I feel
>guilty spending money on a toy, so I'm limiting myself to
>cars under $10k. I located a good candidate. A 1986. The
>owner wants $8500. It has some minor issues, but it's very
>strong. The interior is almost perfect for a 20 year old
>car. On to my questions:
>
> Is 1986 a decent year for Corvettes?
> Are there characteristic problems with 1986 Corvettes I
> should watch for?
> Is this car reasonably realiable?
> I could buy now, or wait a year, save a few bucks and
> start looking at early 90's Corvettes, is that a better
> plan?
>
> Thanks in advance for any input / advice.


I have an 84/c4.
if I had it to do again?
I would have got a c-5...

my2¢
--
"Key"
========

"'Key" > wrote in message
...
> "Dale DeRemer" > wrote in message
> ...
>>I am looking to buy my first Corvette. It's a toy, I'm in Ohio, so I can only
>>drive it about 1/2 of the year. I feel guilty spending money on a toy, so I'm
>>limiting myself to cars under $10k. I located a good candidate. A 1986. The
>>owner wants $8500. It has some minor issues, but it's very strong. The
>>interior is almost perfect for a 20 year old car. On to my questions:
>>
>> Is 1986 a decent year for Corvettes?
>> Are there characteristic problems with 1986 Corvettes I should watch for?
>> Is this car reasonably realiable?
>> I could buy now, or wait a year, save a few bucks and start looking at early
>> 90's Corvettes, is that a better plan?
>>
>> Thanks in advance for any input / advice.
>
>
> I have an 84/c4.
> if I had it to do again?
> I would have got a c-5...
> my2¢
> --
> "Key"
> ========
Amen, but will be hard to find at his available dollars.

I think you will like the '90s better. However, that could be a year away
and some of them have just as much expense associated with fixing/keeping as
the '80s cars do.

The same rules apply to these as most Corvettes. Little problems can be very
expensive. So the sales pitch of "minor issues" can cost you big dollars,
making what seems like a deal to be a hole you throw money in.

Paint - clear coats often peel. Don't let the pitch "just needs paint" or
"just needs buffed or cleared" make you think it is a deal. You are into
several thousand dollars to fix. $4000 is the average Corvette paint job,
and depending on the mess you may have, it could be more.

Electronics - the C4 began the flirtation with electronics everywhere.
Fortunately, there is a cottage industry to support these 25 year old
electronic designs and components. However, it comes with a cost. Check
these prices for anything you can find wrong before. The LCD I believe is a
$300 issue for almost anything wrong.

I missed out on an '87 a month ago that looked great in pictures. It was
supposed to run good with an occasional miss. The guy had to sell, and it
was down to $4500. I didn't get to check it out, so all I have is what he
said. How does yours compare?

Oops, the pictures are gone for that one.

Try this '89 for $8900. How does it compare?
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1558081

This '86 for $5000
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1495778

This '88 for $5500
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1576860

There is no reason not to buy one from several hundred miles away if you can
save enough money. A C4 should be able to make a 500 or 1000 mile drive with
no problems, or else you don't want it. And it is the thing memories are
made of, a long road trip in a Corvette. Ask Dad, he crisscrosses the
country all the time in one.

With the overdrive, the gas expense will be less than you think, as you
should be cruising along at over 20 mpg easily with 25 mpg probable. So 20
or so gallons of gas for 500 miles is really a bargain if you can save $1000
or more.

Go check out this link and other places first. Don't buy the first you see,
because it is kind of like marrying the first girl that takes you to bed.
Some time later, you may discover all you had in common was that one wild
passion, and the rest is terrible.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=54

Try to stay under 100,000 miles, however, if you find one well-cared for at
110,000 or such, don't immediately dismiss it.


"Dale DeRemer" > wrote in message
...
>I am looking to buy my first Corvette. It's a toy, I'm in Ohio, so I can
>only drive it about 1/2 of the year. I feel guilty spending money on a toy,
>so I'm limiting myself to cars under $10k. I located a good candidate. A
>1986. The owner wants $8500. It has some minor issues, but it's very
>strong. The interior is almost perfect for a 20 year old car. On to my
>questions:
>
> Is 1986 a decent year for Corvettes?
> Are there characteristic problems with 1986 Corvettes I should watch for?
> Is this car reasonably realiable?
> I could buy now, or wait a year, save a few bucks and start looking at
> early 90's Corvettes, is that a better plan?
>
> Thanks in advance for any input / advice.
>

Dale DeRemer wrote:
> I am looking to buy my first Corvette. It's a toy, I'm in Ohio, so I can
> only drive it about 1/2 of the year. I feel guilty spending money on a toy,
> so I'm limiting myself to cars under $10k. I located a good candidate. A
> 1986. The owner wants $8500. It has some minor issues, but it's very strong.
> The interior is almost perfect for a 20 year old car. On to my questions:
>
> Is 1986 a decent year for Corvettes?
> Are there characteristic problems with 1986 Corvettes I should watch for?
> Is this car reasonably realiable?
> I could buy now, or wait a year, save a few bucks and start looking at early
> 90's Corvettes, is that a better plan?
>
> Thanks in advance for any input / advice.

Dale,

I was in the same position 2 years ago. I lucked out and found out my
wife's 1st cousin had a 92 C4 in 1- condx for sale for $10K. The
drawback was that it had 106K mi.

I bought it anyway and have been happy with it having to replace the
battery and water pump.

If you are used to driving a luxury car you are in for a shock. The C4
rides rough and is not particularly quiet. On the other hand its a good
freeway cruiser and I get about 28 mpg there. The standard seats have
excellent support as I have a bad back and can drive 8 hrs with no pain
!

The breakpoint for power seems to be 92 as it acquired the LT1 300hp
engine whereas the 91 model with the L98 had only 240hp.

The 80's C4's also had the all digital dash where I have analog and
digital. They had smaller wheels and tires. I think in 1989 they went
to the 9.5" wheels and 275/40-17's all around. Those big tires to make
it steer hard IMO, as they narrowed them for 1994 I think.

Also be aware that I believe the a/c wasn't fitted with R-134A until
1994. Mine was already converted.

The C4 is hard to get in and out of with the high sills. That makes the
C5 more attractive anong with the extra power of the LS4 is it ?

All I can say is to read, check auctions and be patient.

I once saw a book in B&N "101 projects for your C4 Corvette" I believe
it was called. It gave all the problems and their fixes with C4's and
strengths. I'm kicking myself for not buying it !

Good Luck !

~ Vern

Vern wrote:
> Dale DeRemer wrote:
>> I am looking to buy my first Corvette. It's a toy, I'm in Ohio, so I can
>> only drive it about 1/2 of the year. I feel guilty spending money on a toy,
>> so I'm limiting myself to cars under $10k. I located a good candidate. A
>> 1986. The owner wants $8500. It has some minor issues, but it's very strong.
>> The interior is almost perfect for a 20 year old car. On to my questions:
>>
>> Is 1986 a decent year for Corvettes?
>> Are there characteristic problems with 1986 Corvettes I should watch for?
>> Is this car reasonably realiable?
>> I could buy now, or wait a year, save a few bucks and start looking at early
>> 90's Corvettes, is that a better plan?
>>
>> Thanks in advance for any input / advice.
>
> Dale,
>
> I was in the same position 2 years ago. I lucked out and found out my
> wife's 1st cousin had a 92 C4 in 1- condx for sale for $10K. The
> drawback was that it had 106K mi.
>
> I bought it anyway and have been happy with it having to replace the
> battery and water pump.
>
> If you are used to driving a luxury car you are in for a shock. The C4
> rides rough and is not particularly quiet. On the other hand its a good
> freeway cruiser and I get about 28 mpg there. The standard seats have
> excellent support as I have a bad back and can drive 8 hrs with no pain
> !
>
> The breakpoint for power seems to be 92 as it acquired the LT1 300hp
> engine whereas the 91 model with the L98 had only 240hp.
>
> The 80's C4's also had the all digital dash where I have analog and
> digital. They had smaller wheels and tires. I think in 1989 they went
> to the 9.5" wheels and 275/40-17's all around. Those big tires to make
> it steer hard IMO, as they narrowed them for 1994 I think.
>
> Also be aware that I believe the a/c wasn't fitted with R-134A until
> 1994. Mine was already converted.
>
> The C4 is hard to get in and out of with the high sills. That makes the
> C5 more attractive anong with the extra power of the LS4 is it ?
>
> All I can say is to read, check auctions and be patient.
>
> I once saw a book in B&N "101 projects for your C4 Corvette" I believe
> it was called. It gave all the problems and their fixes with C4's and
> strengths. I'm kicking myself for not buying it !
>
> Good Luck !
>
> ~ Vern
>
Vern, you can get it he http://tinyurl.com/y3aol9

Look on ebay ..1984-87 Vette prices are pretty low..$8500 for a 1986 seems
on the hi side....but like everything else it depends on
mileage/condition...etc.etc.

I bought a beautiful 1993 Vette on ebay for $9500....perfect condition low
miles....so you 86 does NOT appear to be a bargain..I would shoot for at
least a 1990 because of the several updates that took effect that
year....1994-96 even better..

Oh I should say..with a Vette there are NO minor issues.....be careful
...!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WayneC wrote:
> Vern wrote:
> > Dale DeRemer wrote:
> >> I am looking to buy my first Corvette. It's a toy, I'm in Ohio, so I can
> >> only drive it about 1/2 of the year. I feel guilty spending money on a toy,
> >> so I'm limiting myself to cars under $10k. I located a good candidate. A
> >> 1986. The owner wants $8500. It has some minor issues, but it's very strong.
> >> The interior is almost perfect for a 20 year old car. On to my questions:
> >>
> >> Is 1986 a decent year for Corvettes?
> >> Are there characteristic problems with 1986 Corvettes I should watch for?
> >> Is this car reasonably realiable?
> >> I could buy now, or wait a year, save a few bucks and start looking at early
> >> 90's Corvettes, is that a better plan?
> >>
> >> Thanks in advance for any input / advice.
> >
> > Dale,
> >
> > I was in the same position 2 years ago. I lucked out and found out my
> > wife's 1st cousin had a 92 C4 in 1- condx for sale for $10K. The
> > drawback was that it had 106K mi.
> >
> > I bought it anyway and have been happy with it having to replace the
> > battery and water pump.
> >
> > If you are used to driving a luxury car you are in for a shock. The C4
> > rides rough and is not particularly quiet. On the other hand its a good
> > freeway cruiser and I get about 28 mpg there. The standard seats have
> > excellent support as I have a bad back and can drive 8 hrs with no pain
> > !
> >
> > The breakpoint for power seems to be 92 as it acquired the LT1 300hp
> > engine whereas the 91 model with the L98 had only 240hp.
> >
> > The 80's C4's also had the all digital dash where I have analog and
> > digital. They had smaller wheels and tires. I think in 1989 they went
> > to the 9.5" wheels and 275/40-17's all around. Those big tires to make
> > it steer hard IMO, as they narrowed them for 1994 I think.
> >
> > Also be aware that I believe the a/c wasn't fitted with R-134A until
> > 1994. Mine was already converted.
> >
> > The C4 is hard to get in and out of with the high sills. That makes the
> > C5 more attractive anong with the extra power of the LS4 is it ?
> >
> > All I can say is to read, check auctions and be patient.
> >
> > I once saw a book in B&N "101 projects for your C4 Corvette" I believe
> > it was called. It gave all the problems and their fixes with C4's and
> > strengths. I'm kicking myself for not buying it !
> >
> > Good Luck !
> >
> > ~ Vern
> >
> Vern, you can get it he http://tinyurl.com/y3aol9

Wayne....you be the man !

Thanks Tom.
This is not the first Corvette I've looked at. I've looked at 4, (3
seriously), driven 3.
I went to see an '85 that looked great in pictures, at a small dealer about
40 miles from
me. It was horrible. Didn't even drive it.
Saw an '88 at a "classic" dealer near me. 80k miles, interior was tired, but
it was nice
otherwise, or so I thought. I drove it, not much punch, and then, it stalled
out on me. I
ran from that one.
The current candidate is an '86 from a private owner. I can't get a read on
the guy. I don't
know for sure if he's the kind of guy you should buy a car from. But, the
minor issues:
Someone keyed the car. 2 scratches, one on the door, one on the front fender
area. Each
scratch about 6" long. Not terribly deep. But the paint is new within the
last 4 years.
Nice and shiny white. The antenna is stuck in the up position. The radio was
replaced with
an aftermarket. The radio part doesn't work, but the CD player part sounds
great. The
heater/ac fan doesn't work at "high". Works on medium and low settings. It
has a cracked
marker light, and the front trim, (nose), is a little high on the passenger
side. Finally, the
power windows go up and down VERY slowly.
The good: 74k miles. New carpet. Interior is very good, dash all works. It
does have the
CD player and good speakers. The paint is very good where not scratched. It
has '96 rims
with Z rated tires, tires have good tread. Newer exhaust, K&N intake, and
chip in the engine.
It's very strong, very responsive. It's a little creaky, even for a
Corvette, but seems to ride
as it should.
He wants 8500, I was thinking of offering 7k and seeing where it goes.


"Tom in Missouri" > wrote in message
ink.net...
>I think you will like the '90s better. However, that could be a year away
> and some of them have just as much expense associated with fixing/keeping
> as
> the '80s cars do.
>
> The same rules apply to these as most Corvettes. Little problems can be
> very
> expensive. So the sales pitch of "minor issues" can cost you big dollars,
> making what seems like a deal to be a hole you throw money in.
>
> Paint - clear coats often peel. Don't let the pitch "just needs paint" or
> "just needs buffed or cleared" make you think it is a deal. You are into
> several thousand dollars to fix. $4000 is the average Corvette paint job,
> and depending on the mess you may have, it could be more.
>
> Electronics - the C4 began the flirtation with electronics everywhere.
> Fortunately, there is a cottage industry to support these 25 year old
> electronic designs and components. However, it comes with a cost. Check
> these prices for anything you can find wrong before. The LCD I believe is
> a
> $300 issue for almost anything wrong.
>
> I missed out on an '87 a month ago that looked great in pictures. It was
> supposed to run good with an occasional miss. The guy had to sell, and it
> was down to $4500. I didn't get to check it out, so all I have is what he
> said. How does yours compare?
>
> Oops, the pictures are gone for that one.
>
> Try this '89 for $8900. How does it compare?
> http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1558081
>
> This '86 for $5000
> http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1495778
>
> This '88 for $5500
> http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1576860
>
> There is no reason not to buy one from several hundred miles away if you
> can
> save enough money. A C4 should be able to make a 500 or 1000 mile drive
> with
> no problems, or else you don't want it. And it is the thing memories are
> made of, a long road trip in a Corvette. Ask Dad, he crisscrosses the
> country all the time in one.
>
> With the overdrive, the gas expense will be less than you think, as you
> should be cruising along at over 20 mpg easily with 25 mpg probable. So 20
> or so gallons of gas for 500 miles is really a bargain if you can save
> $1000
> or more.
>
> Go check out this link and other places first. Don't buy the first you
> see,
> because it is kind of like marrying the first girl that takes you to bed.
> Some time later, you may discover all you had in common was that one wild
> passion, and the rest is terrible.
>
> http://forums.corvetteforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=54
>
> Try to stay under 100,000 miles, however, if you find one well-cared for
> at
> 110,000 or such, don't immediately dismiss it.
>
>
> "Dale DeRemer" > wrote in message
> ...
>>I am looking to buy my first Corvette. It's a toy, I'm in Ohio, so I can
>>only drive it about 1/2 of the year. I feel guilty spending money on a
>>toy,
>>so I'm limiting myself to cars under $10k. I located a good candidate. A
>>1986. The owner wants $8500. It has some minor issues, but it's very
>>strong. The interior is almost perfect for a 20 year old car. On to my
>>questions:
>>
>> Is 1986 a decent year for Corvettes?
>> Are there characteristic problems with 1986 Corvettes I should watch for?
>> Is this car reasonably realiable?
>> I could buy now, or wait a year, save a few bucks and start looking at
>> early 90's Corvettes, is that a better plan?
>>
>> Thanks in advance for any input / advice.
>>
>
>
>