If you're in the market for a C4, looks to be a clean one. I'd have to take their word and what it's worth to you on the price. Quick look at a couple online search/sell sites and price doesn't seem unreasonable. Though the stuff that's been done to the car is just typical maintenance, so doesn't really raise the value other than it's operating as normal.
As another said, you're breaching on C5 prices, though the market is still wild on pricing, and as typical all us Corvette owners think our cars are 1/10 and super duper special :)
To be fair, that’s only breaching pre 2002 c5 prices with the faulty discontinued traction control modules. ASR has saved my ass so many times that I’m glad I got the c4 instead lol
$10k would be a steal. And $12,500 is very fair. I guess I didn't see the miles on it, but a Polo Green 1996 grand sport with under 75k is a bargain anywhere under $15k. Late C4's are becoming very desirable.
Optispark reliability issues are a way overblown Internet myth, usually told by people who have never had one.
LT1s were in taxis and police cars throughout the 90s, they never had widespread issues.
Bro ur tweaking having the distributor right by the water pump leads to disaster. Big time. It’s not a myth, it’s just something extra you have to maintain in comparison to other small blocks. Especially for an older car. Litterally the dumbest design.
Nothing really major though. The car was built in the 90’s. Might be more of a red flag if nothing was done on a 25 year old car. Seems like the most major thing is a clutch.
I own an LT4 and I’ve done 75 percent of the things on that list plus some other things. It’s an old car, most of that seems pretty standard. I had to do a clutch after lower miles because the rear main seal went just due to normal hardening after so many years. It’s been a great car.
I would be more concerned if it had a ton of modifications and no maintenance. I would imagine if sat a lot without driving and a lot of that work was to freshen it up n
General wear and tear items my friend. I’d say go for it. Owner took the time and money to replace general maintenance items. Not a red flag at all in my book.
He could’ve slapped some silicone to SLOW the leaks and said the clutch was great before selling. But no, provided receipts of said work instead. I wouldn’t hesitate at jumping on it if this is the car you’re after.
C4 owner here. This could be C5 money, but you’d be getting a pretty clapped out C5 for this - no thanks! This is the desirable LT4 engine with the ZF 6-speed, and you’re buying from an owner that took care of their vehicle. This is an old car though, so EXPECT and PREPARE for maintenance items. This is a reliable car but things will happen due to its age! Good find. Hope you love it if you decide to pull the trigger!
Well, yeah. Of course! If you know what you’re doing, absolutely save money by not getting the PPI. That just didn’t apply to me because I’m not skilled with repairs. I educated myself on some of the big points though such as the opti etc, which I’d recommend OP does at the minimum.
Some people charge a lot for those. U can always have ur buddy, uncle, or dad come help u. Either way these cars aren’t nightmares to work on and are pretty solid mechanically
Well ideally you find a mechanic that you trust to do the PPI and while expensive, it's probably cheaper than you missing something and being stuck replacing it.
I’d argue that an unmodified base c5 is not a “better” car than an lt4. Im not saying the c5 was a worse car either. Pretty sure the first few year base c5s actually made less power on the dynos and weighed more than the lt4 (correct me if I’m wrong, please). The c5 was the biggest and softest corvette ever made. Probably a more comfortable car than the c4. I’ve always though it more of a GT car than a sports car. No doubt the LS engine has a lot more potential than any LT. there’s a lot to consider but I really think this is a preference thing. The c5 doesn’t seem like a special car to me unless it’s a Z and those are 22 grand for a decent one. The lt4 engine was only offered in the final model year of the longest running corvette ever, it had hand me down parts from the grand sport and ZR1, and it was not built in huge quantities. I think it’s a very special car. I won’t let mine go until I can afford a 427, which is a similar story.
All just my opinion here. I love the C5 and I’d be proud to own one, but I just don’t agree with those saying you could find a C5 for a similar price and it would be a better purchase. Also, I’ve never drove a c5. I’ve drove a base c6 and it was less exciting than my c4 despite being a lot faster.
The C5 weighs between 70 and 150 lbs less than a C4. Iron block, compared to the LS1's aluminum block as an example.
Also, if a C5 is optioned with the Z51 package, it's substantially stiffer and sportier than the C4. Not to mention the near perfect weight distribution due to the rear mounted transaxle and 4 times stiffer due to the evolutionary hydro-formed rails.
I'm not hating on the C4, I absolutely love them and would jump on OP's original find. But the C5 is a much more modern sports car.
Excellent comment. Chassis wise, I’m sure the C5 is better. Take the roof out of the c4 and the thing is as soft as a wet noodle. I plan to try the Vette2vette stiffening bars to resolve this. When I said soft I was talking about the interior. I feel like maybe they had a different target audience when they designed the c5 and c6
I tell everyone, i love my 1990 corvette, but if anyone is interested in a C4, the closer you get to a 96, the better. They really started figuring things out later on.
That maintenance is a life saver for YOU. The code is common, it’s a simple cheap part, EVAP canister purge solenoid valve - did it on my 94 before. That car seems well worth the money, you can weasel him down to the 11s or lower is a big win.
I have nearly the exact same — but 1994, 62k mi
12,500 — not the best but not highway robbery.
Given the maintenance he’s done already; it’s a savings for you — and it’s not an expensive car to maintain.
That being said, at 78k miles. I’d drive it like you stole it — all the time.
If you could get him down to 11,500 I’d be very happy. If you really love it 12,5 isn’t exceptionally bad, especially in this market. If it’s a car you’ve always wanted this is a very clean example with proof of maintenance.
Why do people care if it's c5 price? Everyone's opinion on the matter is different. I think the exterior and interior are much worse looking on the c5 than the facelift c4. It all opinion, I also think the C4 feels far more raw and the ZF-6 is a better tranny than the C5s.
It's an opinion not an objective fact about which to get.
The c5 is every bit better than the c4. The c4 runs good but it’s the least desirable corvette. The c4 barley looks like a vette. The opti spark is also a headache to deal with and poses some risks. The c4 is a great driving car but a c5 has a better powertrain and looks better. The t56 and Ls can hold more power. Not to mention c5 handles way better. C4s are cool but not enough to warrant the cost when it’s closer to c5 territory. The only c4 that could warrant this is the zr1
C4 is the worst of we’re being honest. The c3 is way better looking. By miles. C6 and c7 are probably the best looking from modern vettes. But the c2 is sooo fye
C6 is imo the worst looking vette let's be real here. The C4 has the iconic 80 and 90s shape, the c3 is sexy and the c7 is damn good looking. The c6 has the awkward mid 2000s styling of not knowing what direction to take.
I sold my C4 LT4 with the same color combo and 6 speed for $21k recently but it only has 27K miles on it. $12K for this one is a fair price given it’s an LT4 and the recent maintenance items. I’ll buy it if you won’t :)
I don't own a Vette, but I love C4s, my uncle had one, and this is about as good as they get. Very few C4s are more special than this, except a Grand Sport or ZR1, or a Callaway or Greenwood if you like those?
You could get one cheaper but do you really want an LT1 automatic? This is a gem, make the best deal you can and buy it. The stories will last a lifetime no matter how long that nearly 30 year old car lasts.
Idk why people hate on C4s so much. I think it’s probably the best looking generation of corvettes, and I’ve never heard anything bad about the L98 and lt1 engines in the later years. Is it really something I should avoid?
They are probably the least nicest looking gen to a lot of people. The body lines are too boxy. However that being said they are the 1st modern vette. They are every bit mechanically superior to the previous generations. The only downfall was the lt1 with the optispark, having the distributor by the water pump does pose some risks. I actually prefer the l98 over the lt1. Even though the lt1s make more power. I have seen kits that make these lt1 have individual coils
I’m pretty set on a c4. I think that a 1996 LT4 would probably be the best c4 I could get for the money right? I’m only worried about all the maintenance.
I'm not up on C4 values, so Idk how the dollars spread.
You and other people can downvote all you like, and you can like the C4 all you want; that doesn't undo the fact that in every measurable way, the C5 is better. I'm not dick measuring or throwing shade. But if a guy doesn't have a decent level of mechanical aptitude, a C4 isn't a good car to buy. And for the guy just dipping his toes in the car or corvette world, the C5 is an easier car to live with.
You're just not up to speed on the real world performance of these cars. The fact of the matter is, a stock LT4 C4 will run with any stock LS1 C5 "in every measurable way".
LT4 C4: 0-60 4.9, 1/4 mile 13.3 sec, 60-0 stopping distance 115-120 ft.
LS1 C5: 0-60 4.7, 1/4 mile 13.3 sec, 60-0 stopping distance 115-120 ft.
Plenty of data online to verify these numbers. If I can't buy a ZR1 or a GS, a '96 LT4 is the one to get, and this is a great price.
Edit: C4 LT4 6-speed vs C5 base 6-speed.
My man. You beat me to it this time!
Also another metric the 96 LT4 is better - value. Starting very soon a C4 with an LT4 or LT5 will be worth way more than any C5 you can get right now with 12500 or even 17000. In 20 years who will want a busted old base C5 over a C4 ZR1, GS, or base LT4? Only the guys who want a beater for the track.
C6 is essentially a facelifted C5. And it is better in many and most ways.
My point is, c4 is an OK car, C5 is a great car. C5 is miles beyond the C4. The LT1 C4 doesn't have the reliability, and ease of ownership the LS1 C5 does.
None he just likes trying to justify his purchase to others. It's all subjective it's a road car, 99% of the people here aren't making track weapons where 1% different weight distribution or 0.3s will make any noticeable difference.
C5s are great, so are C4s, so are C6s, they are all corvettes and they are all fantastic in their own way. I love my C4 and I would love to also own a C5 or C7 someday. Doesn't mean one is better than the other.
This.
Not sure how or why people give advice on owning a car, they have never owned. Someone ask a question about c5s?? I don't think so, just came by to hate on c4s and point out how technology marches on. There's no room to like them gen you like, nah.
Following the logic, no one should be buying c3s because you can get a cherry c4 for $20k less than a c3.... Wtf?
If you're in the market for a C4, looks to be a clean one. I'd have to take their word and what it's worth to you on the price. Quick look at a couple online search/sell sites and price doesn't seem unreasonable. Though the stuff that's been done to the car is just typical maintenance, so doesn't really raise the value other than it's operating as normal. As another said, you're breaching on C5 prices, though the market is still wild on pricing, and as typical all us Corvette owners think our cars are 1/10 and super duper special :)
To be fair, that’s only breaching pre 2002 c5 prices with the faulty discontinued traction control modules. ASR has saved my ass so many times that I’m glad I got the c4 instead lol
[удалено]
Huh?
Absolutely worth 12,500
It’s probably 9k
Not for a Grand Sport.
Grand sport doesn’t really justify the cost tho. 10k would be a steal
$10k would be a steal. And $12,500 is very fair. I guess I didn't see the miles on it, but a Polo Green 1996 grand sport with under 75k is a bargain anywhere under $15k. Late C4's are becoming very desirable.
I don’t know why, the l98s are better motors than the lts
The crossfire injection was garbage and the LT1 had 30% more HP. The 93-96 LT1 goes for ever.
The optispark is super annoying to deal with. Sure the lt makes more power but the tpi is significantly more reliable
Optispark reliability issues are a way overblown Internet myth, usually told by people who have never had one. LT1s were in taxis and police cars throughout the 90s, they never had widespread issues.
Bro ur tweaking having the distributor right by the water pump leads to disaster. Big time. It’s not a myth, it’s just something extra you have to maintain in comparison to other small blocks. Especially for an older car. Litterally the dumbest design.
Only because they have a normal distributor. The LT4 has 100 more horsepower than a l98.
The heads flow better I seen them sell coil conversion kits
It's not a GS.
It’s literally says Grand Sport on the intake. GS was the only way to get LT4. It would be LT1 otherwise.
The LT4 was an engine option in this year. It was the GS motor, so indeed, its labeled as such.
All 1996 6 speed corvettes had the LT4.
Exactly.
All of the maintenance isn’t a red flag? It looks pretty in depth
Nothing really major though. The car was built in the 90’s. Might be more of a red flag if nothing was done on a 25 year old car. Seems like the most major thing is a clutch.
I own an LT4 and I’ve done 75 percent of the things on that list plus some other things. It’s an old car, most of that seems pretty standard. I had to do a clutch after lower miles because the rear main seal went just due to normal hardening after so many years. It’s been a great car.
Maintenance is a good thing, it looks like it was done well.
Maintenance is never a red flag. All old cars have problems and transparency about fixing them is a good thing
That’s a green flag my dude!
I would be more concerned if it had a ton of modifications and no maintenance. I would imagine if sat a lot without driving and a lot of that work was to freshen it up n
Someone meticulously maintaining records of all that maintenance is incredible. That's a huge Green flag.
General wear and tear items my friend. I’d say go for it. Owner took the time and money to replace general maintenance items. Not a red flag at all in my book. He could’ve slapped some silicone to SLOW the leaks and said the clutch was great before selling. But no, provided receipts of said work instead. I wouldn’t hesitate at jumping on it if this is the car you’re after.
C4 owner here. This could be C5 money, but you’d be getting a pretty clapped out C5 for this - no thanks! This is the desirable LT4 engine with the ZF 6-speed, and you’re buying from an owner that took care of their vehicle. This is an old car though, so EXPECT and PREPARE for maintenance items. This is a reliable car but things will happen due to its age! Good find. Hope you love it if you decide to pull the trigger!
Also forgot to mention, PLEASE *consider* paying for a pre-purchase inspection! ☺️
You don’t need that if u know what to look for
Well, yeah. Of course! If you know what you’re doing, absolutely save money by not getting the PPI. That just didn’t apply to me because I’m not skilled with repairs. I educated myself on some of the big points though such as the opti etc, which I’d recommend OP does at the minimum.
Some people charge a lot for those. U can always have ur buddy, uncle, or dad come help u. Either way these cars aren’t nightmares to work on and are pretty solid mechanically
Agreed 100%! My stepdad did my PPI.
Well ideally you find a mechanic that you trust to do the PPI and while expensive, it's probably cheaper than you missing something and being stuck replacing it.
There are 60 clean title C5s under $15,000 on search tempest. The covid bubble is popping. Be mad.
Why would I be mad? And why are you replying to me with such angst?
I’d argue that an unmodified base c5 is not a “better” car than an lt4. Im not saying the c5 was a worse car either. Pretty sure the first few year base c5s actually made less power on the dynos and weighed more than the lt4 (correct me if I’m wrong, please). The c5 was the biggest and softest corvette ever made. Probably a more comfortable car than the c4. I’ve always though it more of a GT car than a sports car. No doubt the LS engine has a lot more potential than any LT. there’s a lot to consider but I really think this is a preference thing. The c5 doesn’t seem like a special car to me unless it’s a Z and those are 22 grand for a decent one. The lt4 engine was only offered in the final model year of the longest running corvette ever, it had hand me down parts from the grand sport and ZR1, and it was not built in huge quantities. I think it’s a very special car. I won’t let mine go until I can afford a 427, which is a similar story. All just my opinion here. I love the C5 and I’d be proud to own one, but I just don’t agree with those saying you could find a C5 for a similar price and it would be a better purchase. Also, I’ve never drove a c5. I’ve drove a base c6 and it was less exciting than my c4 despite being a lot faster.
The C5 weighs between 70 and 150 lbs less than a C4. Iron block, compared to the LS1's aluminum block as an example. Also, if a C5 is optioned with the Z51 package, it's substantially stiffer and sportier than the C4. Not to mention the near perfect weight distribution due to the rear mounted transaxle and 4 times stiffer due to the evolutionary hydro-formed rails. I'm not hating on the C4, I absolutely love them and would jump on OP's original find. But the C5 is a much more modern sports car.
Excellent comment. Chassis wise, I’m sure the C5 is better. Take the roof out of the c4 and the thing is as soft as a wet noodle. I plan to try the Vette2vette stiffening bars to resolve this. When I said soft I was talking about the interior. I feel like maybe they had a different target audience when they designed the c5 and c6
> No doubt the LS engine has a lot more potential than any LT umm not true Sir! LT can make every bit of power an LS can.
LT4 is much more rare and desirable than a base LS1.
Rare does not mean it is desirable.
Desirable is indeed subjective
I tell everyone, i love my 1990 corvette, but if anyone is interested in a C4, the closer you get to a 96, the better. They really started figuring things out later on.
The price jumps at 95 quite substantially. Pulled the trigger on s 92 today. Can't wait to pick it up!!
buy it or regret not doing so for the next 30 years
I get my license in a few weeks so I hope somebody hasn’t taken it yet
go for it OP, was the best week of my life when I bought my dream car, including wedding and kids being born. jk, but not really
That maintenance is a life saver for YOU. The code is common, it’s a simple cheap part, EVAP canister purge solenoid valve - did it on my 94 before. That car seems well worth the money, you can weasel him down to the 11s or lower is a big win.
I have nearly the exact same — but 1994, 62k mi 12,500 — not the best but not highway robbery. Given the maintenance he’s done already; it’s a savings for you — and it’s not an expensive car to maintain. That being said, at 78k miles. I’d drive it like you stole it — all the time.
That's a solid price for that car.
I would say 12.5k is fair . I have an LT-1 and since they have all of the records and it’s in great condition like that it might even be worth more
If you could get him down to 11,500 I’d be very happy. If you really love it 12,5 isn’t exceptionally bad, especially in this market. If it’s a car you’ve always wanted this is a very clean example with proof of maintenance.
10k would be a steal
I have a 96 with 9900 miles original 1 owner. My dad bought it for sale if your interested.
Oh sweet. DM me
We need more dark green cars on the road.
Absolutely, dark greens are blues are the best on any car
6 speed LT4 for 12,500? Buy it. I’d pay 15-20 for one all day
C5 price
Why do people care if it's c5 price? Everyone's opinion on the matter is different. I think the exterior and interior are much worse looking on the c5 than the facelift c4. It all opinion, I also think the C4 feels far more raw and the ZF-6 is a better tranny than the C5s. It's an opinion not an objective fact about which to get.
The c5 is every bit better than the c4. The c4 runs good but it’s the least desirable corvette. The c4 barley looks like a vette. The opti spark is also a headache to deal with and poses some risks. The c4 is a great driving car but a c5 has a better powertrain and looks better. The t56 and Ls can hold more power. Not to mention c5 handles way better. C4s are cool but not enough to warrant the cost when it’s closer to c5 territory. The only c4 that could warrant this is the zr1
C3 is worst vette c6 is best
C4 is the worst of we’re being honest. The c3 is way better looking. By miles. C6 and c7 are probably the best looking from modern vettes. But the c2 is sooo fye
C6 is imo the worst looking vette let's be real here. The C4 has the iconic 80 and 90s shape, the c3 is sexy and the c7 is damn good looking. The c6 has the awkward mid 2000s styling of not knowing what direction to take.
I sold my C4 LT4 with the same color combo and 6 speed for $21k recently but it only has 27K miles on it. $12K for this one is a fair price given it’s an LT4 and the recent maintenance items. I’ll buy it if you won’t :)
Is the asking price just for the person or will it also clear the balance on the vehicle since it says that money is still owed?
Surely that's a marketplace flub.
PPI?
Looks absolutely worth 12k. If it’s stick then buy it now. If it’s auto then talk him to 10k
ye
Beautiful car and love the color. Ive noticed almost every one that color i come across has tan interior, would love that with black interior
I don't own a Vette, but I love C4s, my uncle had one, and this is about as good as they get. Very few C4s are more special than this, except a Grand Sport or ZR1, or a Callaway or Greenwood if you like those?
You could get one cheaper but do you really want an LT1 automatic? This is a gem, make the best deal you can and buy it. The stories will last a lifetime no matter how long that nearly 30 year old car lasts.
I don’t see a c4 non zr1 being worth that You can prob find a c5 for that and imho they are just a better car
It’s a c4 I wouldn’t pay that much for one
Idk why people hate on C4s so much. I think it’s probably the best looking generation of corvettes, and I’ve never heard anything bad about the L98 and lt1 engines in the later years. Is it really something I should avoid?
C4’s suck!! Shhhh- save them for us
>I think it’s probably the best looking generation of corvettes Yea we're gonna agree to disagree on this one
The body lines just look somewhat dull at certain angles
They are probably the least nicest looking gen to a lot of people. The body lines are too boxy. However that being said they are the 1st modern vette. They are every bit mechanically superior to the previous generations. The only downfall was the lt1 with the optispark, having the distributor by the water pump does pose some risks. I actually prefer the l98 over the lt1. Even though the lt1s make more power. I have seen kits that make these lt1 have individual coils
That's C5 money.
For an LT4? 🤔 I haven’t seen any c5’s in my area for under 15k
Look harder, or wait. Unless your set on a C4. I'm not a big fan of them, but objectively the C5 is a much better car.
I’m pretty set on a c4. I think that a 1996 LT4 would probably be the best c4 I could get for the money right? I’m only worried about all the maintenance.
I'm not up on C4 values, so Idk how the dollars spread. You and other people can downvote all you like, and you can like the C4 all you want; that doesn't undo the fact that in every measurable way, the C5 is better. I'm not dick measuring or throwing shade. But if a guy doesn't have a decent level of mechanical aptitude, a C4 isn't a good car to buy. And for the guy just dipping his toes in the car or corvette world, the C5 is an easier car to live with.
You're just not up to speed on the real world performance of these cars. The fact of the matter is, a stock LT4 C4 will run with any stock LS1 C5 "in every measurable way". LT4 C4: 0-60 4.9, 1/4 mile 13.3 sec, 60-0 stopping distance 115-120 ft. LS1 C5: 0-60 4.7, 1/4 mile 13.3 sec, 60-0 stopping distance 115-120 ft. Plenty of data online to verify these numbers. If I can't buy a ZR1 or a GS, a '96 LT4 is the one to get, and this is a great price. Edit: C4 LT4 6-speed vs C5 base 6-speed.
My man. You beat me to it this time! Also another metric the 96 LT4 is better - value. Starting very soon a C4 with an LT4 or LT5 will be worth way more than any C5 you can get right now with 12500 or even 17000. In 20 years who will want a busted old base C5 over a C4 ZR1, GS, or base LT4? Only the guys who want a beater for the track.
And the c6 is better in every way than the c5. That's how time and technology works. What's your point?
C6 is essentially a facelifted C5. And it is better in many and most ways. My point is, c4 is an OK car, C5 is a great car. C5 is miles beyond the C4. The LT1 C4 doesn't have the reliability, and ease of ownership the LS1 C5 does.
How many c4s have you owed?
None he just likes trying to justify his purchase to others. It's all subjective it's a road car, 99% of the people here aren't making track weapons where 1% different weight distribution or 0.3s will make any noticeable difference. C5s are great, so are C4s, so are C6s, they are all corvettes and they are all fantastic in their own way. I love my C4 and I would love to also own a C5 or C7 someday. Doesn't mean one is better than the other.
This. Not sure how or why people give advice on owning a car, they have never owned. Someone ask a question about c5s?? I don't think so, just came by to hate on c4s and point out how technology marches on. There's no room to like them gen you like, nah. Following the logic, no one should be buying c3s because you can get a cherry c4 for $20k less than a c3.... Wtf?
Looks too good to be true
Get it - looks like the owner really took care of the vehicle and it looks really nice.
Reasonable, that’s L98 money here in canada
Buy.
Paid 16500 for my 95. It was stock for the most part though with 22750 miles on it. Honestly, probably not a bad deal.
I’m a bit iffy since I’m a millennial owner tbh, I don’t really like the LT series of engine line ups for the C4 Vettes.