1984 Corvette opinions

Hello All:

I have the oppurtunity to buy from the original owner a 1984 Corvette.
She has all the history and documents on the car, the original paint is
beautiful, the interior is pristine, everything works including the AC
and DELCO tape deck. She has the glass top and body color top. The car
just turned over 61K miles. Her husband joked that it has never been
driven in the rain, nor ran through a car wash. Color is light blue;
paint and body is pristine without a crack, chip, or blemish. It has
been driven by a mature women only. Never been in an accident.

My brother, who has owned a 1972, 1979, 1984, and 1989 Corvettes does
not have much good to say about the 1984, and does not like the Cross
Fire V8 at all. He claims that I would be better off with a high
mileage 1989 that needs work than a low mileage cream puff 1984 that
needs nothing for about the same price.

So, I am looking for a few opinions.

What is a realistic offering price for this car? I have been told
anywhere from $1400 to $5000 from the local Corvette club president
(who also believes that the 1984 is not a good car).

I have alwyas wanted a Corvette, and value this particuliar car due to
it's one owner, low mileage, and well cared for history. My wife has
been friends with this women for several years, so we trust what she is
telling us about the car. Most C4 Corvettes I have looked at are at
100K miles, or more, and need TLC and comestic repairs, and run in the
$6000 to $14000 range depending on the year.

Thanks for any inputs! Take care, and have anice day,

Johnny

billccm wrote:
> Hello All:
>
> I have the oppurtunity to buy from the original owner a 1984 Corvette.
> She has all the history and documents on the car, the original paint is
> beautiful, the interior is pristine, everything works including the AC
> and DELCO tape deck. She has the glass top and body color top. The car
> just turned over 61K miles. Her husband joked that it has never been
> driven in the rain, nor ran through a car wash. Color is light blue;
> paint and body is pristine without a crack, chip, or blemish. It has
> been driven by a mature women only. Never been in an accident.
>
> My brother, who has owned a 1972, 1979, 1984, and 1989 Corvettes does
> not have much good to say about the 1984, and does not like the Cross
> Fire V8 at all. He claims that I would be better off with a high
> mileage 1989 that needs work than a low mileage cream puff 1984 that
> needs nothing for about the same price.
>
> So, I am looking for a few opinions.
>
> What is a realistic offering price for this car? I have been told
> anywhere from $1400 to $5000 from the local Corvette club president
> (who also believes that the 1984 is not a good car).
>
> I have alwyas wanted a Corvette, and value this particuliar car due to
> it's one owner, low mileage, and well cared for history. My wife has
> been friends with this women for several years, so we trust what she is
> telling us about the car. Most C4 Corvettes I have looked at are at
> 100K miles, or more, and need TLC and comestic repairs, and run in the
> $6000 to $14000 range depending on the year.
>
> Thanks for any inputs! Take care, and have anice day,
>
> Johnny
>
Chevy sold a ton of these in 84, and I don't recall them all being denounced
as lousy cars at the time. Yes, the later models have a better fuel
injection and
a stronger transmission, and you may encounter difficulty finding someone
who can work on the crossfire (should that misbehave), but I don't think
there's
anything inherently wrong with an 84 as a boulevard driver. price guides
say the
car is probably in the $7k to $10k range...
http://www.manheimgold.com/car_lo.html

I'd suggest you buy it.

>>Hello All:
>>
>>I have the oppurtunity to buy from the original owner a 1984 Corvette.
>>She has all the history and documents on the car, the original paint is
>>beautiful, the interior is pristine, everything works including the AC
>>and DELCO tape deck. She has the glass top and body color top. The car
>>just turned over 61K miles. Her husband joked that it has never been
>>driven in the rain, nor ran through a car wash. Color is light blue;
>>paint and body is pristine without a crack, chip, or blemish. It has
>>been driven by a mature women only. Never been in an accident.
>>
>>My brother, who has owned a 1972, 1979, 1984, and 1989 Corvettes does
>>not have much good to say about the 1984, and does not like the Cross
>>Fire V8 at all. He claims that I would be better off with a high
>>mileage 1989 that needs work than a low mileage cream puff 1984 that
>>needs nothing for about the same price.
>>
>>So, I am looking for a few opinions.
>>
>>What is a realistic offering price for this car? I have been told
>>anywhere from $1400 to $5000 from the local Corvette club president
>>(who also believes that the 1984 is not a good car).
>>
>>I have alwyas wanted a Corvette, and value this particuliar car due to
>>it's one owner, low mileage, and well cared for history. My wife has
>>been friends with this women for several years, so we trust what she is
>>telling us about the car. Most C4 Corvettes I have looked at are at
>>100K miles, or more, and need TLC and comestic repairs, and run in the
>>$6000 to $14000 range depending on the year.
>>
>>Thanks for any inputs! Take care, and have anice day,
>>
>>Johnny
>>
> Listen to your brother or you may end up never listening to your wife
> again. Which I guess could have its upsides.
> --
>
> You can run, but you'll only die tired.
>
> ZombyWoof

Hi.... As an original owner of a 1984 vette.....I have kept the car
pristine also....mine is a 4 plus 3 tranny with only 22,000 original miles
on it.. .every thing works also and it has every option available at the
time I ordered it.... my opinion?? well it rides really rough.... you feel
every bump....it rides like a truck.... the good thing about it is the
stereo.... cept it doesnt have a cd player... just the cassette... lol...
remember those?? I ve got tons of cassettes....never had really any
problems with it, although I did have it repainted due to an accident.
Paint is not original, but repainted original color (2 tone
charcoal/grey).... Would I sell it? not right now...but yes probably within
the next 8-10 yrs....oh .. i do drive it too...even has the orginal tires on
it... ugh...
So.. I prefer to drive my caravan than the vette....its a more
comfortable ride... on the other hand.. a buddy of mine gets a new one every
two years... and yes the newer ones are much better than the older ones....
they are kinda getting out of the price range though...but better on
maintenance and the ride are greatly improved....

Fwed

"billccm" > wrote in message
oups.com...
>---snip---

NADA
http://tinyurl.com/s9f8j
but
listen to your brother.

I also have an 84...
--
"Key"
=====

I had an 84 before my 93, I enjoyed it, would own another if I found the
right one. It's a rougher ride, but handled magnificently. Never had
problems with the cross-fire, but will admit that the TPI is better. I'd
suggest you get it, you won't find many in that shape again.

"billccm" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> Hello All:
>
> I have the oppurtunity to buy from the original owner a 1984 Corvette.
> She has all the history and documents on the car, the original paint is
> beautiful, the interior is pristine, everything works including the AC
> and DELCO tape deck. She has the glass top and body color top. The car
> just turned over 61K miles. Her husband joked that it has never been
> driven in the rain, nor ran through a car wash. Color is light blue;
> paint and body is pristine without a crack, chip, or blemish. It has
> been driven by a mature women only. Never been in an accident.
>
> My brother, who has owned a 1972, 1979, 1984, and 1989 Corvettes does
> not have much good to say about the 1984, and does not like the Cross
> Fire V8 at all. He claims that I would be better off with a high
> mileage 1989 that needs work than a low mileage cream puff 1984 that
> needs nothing for about the same price.
>
> So, I am looking for a few opinions.
>
> What is a realistic offering price for this car? I have been told
> anywhere from $1400 to $5000 from the local Corvette club president
> (who also believes that the 1984 is not a good car).
>
> I have alwyas wanted a Corvette, and value this particuliar car due to
> it's one owner, low mileage, and well cared for history. My wife has
> been friends with this women for several years, so we trust what she is
> telling us about the car. Most C4 Corvettes I have looked at are at
> 100K miles, or more, and need TLC and comestic repairs, and run in the
> $6000 to $14000 range depending on the year.
>
> Thanks for any inputs! Take care, and have anice day,
>
> Johnny
>

"WayneC" > wrote in message
newsBhUg.6643$vT1.2365@trndny03...
> billccm wrote:
>> Hello All:
>>
>> I have the oppurtunity to buy from the original owner a
>> 1984 Corvette.
>> She has all the history and documents on the car, the
>> original paint is
>> beautiful, the interior is pristine, everything works
>> including the AC
>> and DELCO tape deck. She has the glass top and body color
>> top. The car
>> just turned over 61K miles. Her husband joked that it has
>> never been
>> driven in the rain, nor ran through a car wash. Color is
>> light blue;
>> paint and body is pristine without a crack, chip, or
>> blemish. It has
>> been driven by a mature women only. Never been in an
>> accident.
>>
>> My brother, who has owned a 1972, 1979, 1984, and 1989
>> Corvettes does
>> not have much good to say about the 1984, and does not
>> like the Cross
>> Fire V8 at all. He claims that I would be better off with
>> a high
>> mileage 1989 that needs work than a low mileage cream
>> puff 1984 that
>> needs nothing for about the same price.
>>
>> So, I am looking for a few opinions.
>>
>> What is a realistic offering price for this car? I have
>> been told
>> anywhere from $1400 to $5000 from the local Corvette club
>> president
>> (who also believes that the 1984 is not a good car).
>>
>> I have alwyas wanted a Corvette, and value this
>> particuliar car due to
>> it's one owner, low mileage, and well cared for history.
>> My wife has
>> been friends with this women for several years, so we
>> trust what she is
>> telling us about the car. Most C4 Corvettes I have looked
>> at are at
>> 100K miles, or more, and need TLC and comestic repairs,
>> and run in the
>> $6000 to $14000 range depending on the year.
>>
>> Thanks for any inputs! Take care, and have anice day,
>>
>> Johnny
>>
> Chevy sold a ton of these in 84, and I don't recall them
> all being denounced
> as lousy cars at the time. Yes, the later models have a
> better fuel injection and
> a stronger transmission, and you may encounter difficulty
> finding someone
> who can work on the crossfire (should that misbehave), but
> I don't think there's
> anything inherently wrong with an 84 as a boulevard
> driver. price guides say the
> car is probably in the $7k to $10k range...
> http://www.manheimgold.com/car_lo.html
>
> I'd suggest you buy it.

Price Line is sure different than NADA
http://tinyurl.com/s9f8j

my2¢
--
"Key"
=====

billccm wrote:
> Hello All:
>
> I have the oppurtunity to buy from the original owner a 1984 Corvette.
> She has all the history and documents on the car, the original paint is
> beautiful, the interior is pristine, everything works including the AC
> and DELCO tape deck. She has the glass top and body color top. The car
> just turned over 61K miles. Her husband joked that it has never been
> driven in the rain, nor ran through a car wash. Color is light blue;
> paint and body is pristine without a crack, chip, or blemish. It has
> been driven by a mature women only. Never been in an accident.
>
> My brother, who has owned a 1972, 1979, 1984, and 1989 Corvettes does
> not have much good to say about the 1984, and does not like the Cross
> Fire V8 at all. He claims that I would be better off with a high
> mileage 1989 that needs work than a low mileage cream puff 1984 that
> needs nothing for about the same price.
<snip>

Johnny:

Deciding to buy a Corvette is not something that you do with your mind
as much as you do with your heart.
If this car speaks to you, buy it.

Yes, it'll cost you more for upkeep than a Toyota or a Honda, but at the
end of the day, you'll be driving a Corvette, YOUR Corvette.
It probably won't be your last Corvette, but it will be your first, always.
Buy it and don't look back.
Don't expect to make a dime on it when and if you ever sell it.
This way you won't be disappointed if it is worth less when you pass it
along to the next owner, and pleasantly surprised if it's worth more.
At any rate, a Corvette IS NOT a wise investment financially speaking.
(unless you had a time machine and could go back to 1969 and buy one of
the only 2 Corvette ZL1's made, but I digress).

As that it's the first year for the C4 design, there were still bugs to
be worked out, and the design improved a great deal until '95 when it
was replaced with the C5.

The L83 350 engine was not a world class performer, HP was rated at
205hp @ 4300rpm with 290lb-ft torque. That can be improved somewhat with
bolt-ons, but to significantly improve performance requires heart and
lung transplant surgery. Not trivial (or cheap), but certainly a handy,
mechanical kinda guy with lots of tools wouldn't find it too much of a
challenge.
The Doug Nash 4+3 transmission was not the greatest design, a lot of
people had problems with them while others did not. If it's never been
repaired or replaced then you may be one of the lucky ones.
The Crossfire fuel injection system was another problematic item, a lot
of people replaced them with newer FI systems or carburetor systems. If
you do take it off, box it up and store it away in a dark corner of your
garage. You'll want to keep it for the next owner, he may want to put it
back on. I've always liked the air cover lid, I think it looks really cool.

Good luck!
Welcome aboard.

TomC
'90ZR1 #792

Thanks for the replies and advice.

I am not looking for an 'investment', but rather a daily driver to
enjoy. I do not expect Honda reliability, but also cannot afford a car
that is constantly in the shop, either. I am pretty handy with my cars
such as belts, hoses, brakes, and maintenance, but high tech electronic
glitches do stump me (and many mechanics for that matter).

My idea was to get the car at a price that I could afford, and enjoy
it. If I bought a newer Corvette, for more money, I would constantly be
babying the car and probably would not enjoy it as much.

This car is an auto trans, so I need not worry about the 4+3 issues.

I just looked at eBay for completed listings on 1984 Corvettes with
less than 70K miles; most did not sell, or meet reserve even in the
$8,000 to $9,000 range. Then I see a few here and there that sold on
the $5,000 range I was thinking about $7,000, but now I am really not
sure what it is worth?

I am still thinking about the car; my brother is adamant that I run
away as fast as I can, and see some of you agree.

Thanks again for your time in your replies! Have a nice day,

Johnny

Crabs wrote:
> billccm wrote:
> > Hello All:
> >
> > I have the oppurtunity to buy from the original owner a 1984 Corvette.
> > She has all the history and documents on the car, the original paint is
> > beautiful, the interior is pristine, everything works including the AC
> > and DELCO tape deck. She has the glass top and body color top. The car
> > just turned over 61K miles. Her husband joked that it has never been
> > driven in the rain, nor ran through a car wash. Color is light blue;
> > paint and body is pristine without a crack, chip, or blemish. It has
> > been driven by a mature women only. Never been in an accident.
> >
> > My brother, who has owned a 1972, 1979, 1984, and 1989 Corvettes does
> > not have much good to say about the 1984, and does not like the Cross
> > Fire V8 at all. He claims that I would be better off with a high
> > mileage 1989 that needs work than a low mileage cream puff 1984 that
> > needs nothing for about the same price.
> <snip>
>
> Johnny:
>
> Deciding to buy a Corvette is not something that you do with your mind
> as much as you do with your heart.
> If this car speaks to you, buy it.
>
> Yes, it'll cost you more for upkeep than a Toyota or a Honda, but at the
> end of the day, you'll be driving a Corvette, YOUR Corvette.
> It probably won't be your last Corvette, but it will be your first, always.
> Buy it and don't look back.
> Don't expect to make a dime on it when and if you ever sell it.
> This way you won't be disappointed if it is worth less when you pass it
> along to the next owner, and pleasantly surprised if it's worth more.
> At any rate, a Corvette IS NOT a wise investment financially speaking.
> (unless you had a time machine and could go back to 1969 and buy one of
> the only 2 Corvette ZL1's made, but I digress).
>
> As that it's the first year for the C4 design, there were still bugs to
> be worked out, and the design improved a great deal until '95 when it
> was replaced with the C5.
>
> The L83 350 engine was not a world class performer, HP was rated at
> 205hp @ 4300rpm with 290lb-ft torque. That can be improved somewhat with
> bolt-ons, but to significantly improve performance requires heart and
> lung transplant surgery. Not trivial (or cheap), but certainly a handy,
> mechanical kinda guy with lots of tools wouldn't find it too much of a
> challenge.
> The Doug Nash 4+3 transmission was not the greatest design, a lot of
> people had problems with them while others did not. If it's never been
> repaired or replaced then you may be one of the lucky ones.
> The Crossfire fuel injection system was another problematic item, a lot
> of people replaced them with newer FI systems or carburetor systems. If
> you do take it off, box it up and store it away in a dark corner of your
> garage. You'll want to keep it for the next owner, he may want to put it
> back on. I've always liked the air cover lid, I think it looks really cool.
>
> Good luck!
> Welcome aboard.
>
> TomC
> '90ZR1 #792

"billccm" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> Hello All:
>
> I have the oppurtunity to buy from the original owner a 1984 Corvette.
> She has all the history and documents on the car, the original paint is
> beautiful, the interior is pristine, everything works including the AC
> and DELCO tape deck. She has the glass top and body color top. The car
> just turned over 61K miles. Her husband joked that it has never been
> driven in the rain, nor ran through a car wash. Color is light blue;
> paint and body is pristine without a crack, chip, or blemish. It has
> been driven by a mature women only. Never been in an accident.
>
> My brother, who has owned a 1972, 1979, 1984, and 1989 Corvettes does
> not have much good to say about the 1984, and does not like the Cross
> Fire V8 at all. He claims that I would be better off with a high
> mileage 1989 that needs work than a low mileage cream puff 1984 that
> needs nothing for about the same price.
>
> So, I am looking for a few opinions.
>
> What is a realistic offering price for this car? I have been told
> anywhere from $1400 to $5000 from the local Corvette club president
> (who also believes that the 1984 is not a good car).
>
> I have alwyas wanted a Corvette, and value this particuliar car due to
> it's one owner, low mileage, and well cared for history. My wife has
> been friends with this women for several years, so we trust what she is
> telling us about the car. Most C4 Corvettes I have looked at are at
> 100K miles, or more, and need TLC and comestic repairs, and run in the
> $6000 to $14000 range depending on the year.
>
> Thanks for any inputs! Take care, and have anice day,
>
> Johnny
>
You and your wife should take it for a drive and if she likes it and you're
still interested then only the price should make up your minds. What other
people think will have nothing to do with how the car will treat you and yours.

Sure, there is always things that are changed to make a new model better and
that happened in '84 as well as any other year, first year or not. Yes, it is a
stiff ride and it has a unique injection system that has been pulling that car
around for 22 years, no reason it can't do it another 30 years.

If the cars turns the two of you on and you can do it without a high price it
can be a great pleasure car. Don't forget that it will need a garage to stay in
and lots of loving care.

--
Dad
05 C6 Silver/Red 6spd Z51
72 Shark Black/Black/4spd

Many will denounce the '84 simply because it is the '68 Corvette of the C4.

A car in the condition you describe is always an intriguing buy. But I take
exception to the "buy with your heart" comment someone made. That is the
fastest way to get in trouble.

Arrange for you and your wife to drive it some day. Since they are friends,
maybe they would turn you loose with it for a few hours so both of you can
see just what you are getting into. It will be stiff. However, either most
who describe the ride are real pansies or they have never driven an older
Corvette. My first drive in an '84 reminded me of a big block '67 or '68.
Not the power, the ride, the feel-every-pebble ride. It really isn't much
different than most C2s and early C3s in ride. But it may not be what you
or your wife want.

At the same time, arrange to drive some others within a few days for
comparison.

The Cross Fire is cursed by many, but really, there is nothing wrong with
it. It just is not a performance injection system. It is basically the same
parts as most Chevy vehicles from the same time period up into the '90s with
the TBI, except there are two TBIs on a cross ram manifold that has poor
flow.

Most problems with the '84 are possible in most of the C4s - LCD display,
4+3, Bose, and so on. So buying an '85 or 88 won't automatically protect
you.

And you know the history. It is in great shape. That is better than most
of what you find.

That said, the value on '84 is basically very low. I don't know if they
will ever increase. After all, they are 22 years old now, so it isn't like
we have to wait until they are old. Hopefully your friend isn't expecting a
huge price. It would have to be something like less than 5,000 miles or
still on the MSO for that.

I also agree that a daily driver is not what this car should be. Of course,
that depends on what you define as a daily driver. A friend had a '72
convertible as a daily driver up until 4 years ago. But he worked across
the street from his house. Now he works 8 miles from home, and a '68 Chevy
pickup is his daily driver. The Corvette is the evening and weekend car.

I wouldn't suggest a 20 mile one-way commute each day in rush hour traffic.
For one, those 61,000 miles will rapidly become 100,000.

I also wouldn't suggest modifying it. While most do to make the '84 perform,
the value of this car will be its present condition. Any changes, excessive
miles, body changes, engine changes, etc, will just drop the value unless
you do something like drop $20,000 into creating a Pro Street or some such
out of it.

Good luck.

"billccm" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> Hello All:
>
> I have the oppurtunity to buy from the original owner a 1984 Corvette.
> She has all the history and documents on the car, the original paint is
> beautiful, the interior is pristine, everything works including the AC
> and DELCO tape deck. She has the glass top and body color top. The car
> just turned over 61K miles. Her husband joked that it has never been
> driven in the rain, nor ran through a car wash. Color is light blue;
> paint and body is pristine without a crack, chip, or blemish. It has
> been driven by a mature women only. Never been in an accident.
>
> My brother, who has owned a 1972, 1979, 1984, and 1989 Corvettes does
> not have much good to say about the 1984, and does not like the Cross
> Fire V8 at all. He claims that I would be better off with a high
> mileage 1989 that needs work than a low mileage cream puff 1984 that
> needs nothing for about the same price.
>
> So, I am looking for a few opinions.
>
> What is a realistic offering price for this car? I have been told
> anywhere from $1400 to $5000 from the local Corvette club president
> (who also believes that the 1984 is not a good car).
>
> I have alwyas wanted a Corvette, and value this particuliar car due to
> it's one owner, low mileage, and well cared for history. My wife has
> been friends with this women for several years, so we trust what she is
> telling us about the car. Most C4 Corvettes I have looked at are at
> 100K miles, or more, and need TLC and comestic repairs, and run in the
> $6000 to $14000 range depending on the year.
>
> Thanks for any inputs! Take care, and have anice day,
>
> Johnny
>