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Topic: c4 not worth anything

in Forum: C4 General Discussion


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c4 not worth anything (1/105)
 6/21/12 9:31am
jonneyone
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galion, OH - USA

Vette(s):
1984 base coupe 17,000 miles all original. very low production number.red on red 3853. pro num.


Joined: 5/31/2012
Posts: 413

GENTLEMAN, i was talking to a vendor in dave county fl . called corvette generation looking for ome parts , the person wouldn't even help me out. he said the c4s are not worth anything and the buy them all day long for 500.00 to 2,000 he told me to get rid of it because the value will never come up not in 20 years from now. what the hellllllllllll.........so i got pissed and looked on hagerty car value chart. the c4 hit an all time high in 2010 since then it has dropped and still declining. a no1 car only is selling for 13,000 a 2 car is selling for 8,000 to 11,000.....they just go down from there. well i don't agree with any of this , why you may ask becaues the c4 will come on there own in 5 years from now...its like buying gold and silver it goes up and down all the time. gold right now is on a decline.... the colecter car market is on a downward slump .... so saying this i think i will keep my 84 and i know it will be worth more than now in 5 years or so...what are your opinions about this ...this is very inportant to us c4 owners....just a foot note mopars are on a verry fast decline this year hell they where on top of the food chain a couple of years ago....

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Re: c4 not worth anything (2/105)
 6/21/12 10:11am
pski88
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Buffalo, NY - USA

Vette(s):
1988 coupe all original 21,000 miles


Joined: 6/25/2010
Posts: 125

I can give you a person's name and number if you want good OEM parts for c4's...that is all he deals in......I use him lots and he is outstanding.

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....Jeff
Re: c4 not worth anything (3/105)
 6/21/12 5:22pm
Trooper
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Hermitage, TN - USA

Vette(s):
1990 C-4 Coupe Polo Green Saddle Interior L-98


Joined: 8/8/2010
Posts: 280

I own my 90 model for the pure joy of the car itself. if it goes up in value that is great, but if it doesn't ... well that is ok too. cause it drives the same no matter what the value...

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Allan Brenneis Nashville Tn. 1990 Polo Green Coupe Saddle Interior Chrome ZR-1 Rims https://www.c4vetteregistry.com/member_uploads/14501_14600/14572/image2014329104347r.jpg

Re: c4 not worth anything (4/105)
 6/21/12 10:41pm
396c4
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Posts: 219

I'm watching program about whether the New York Times will fail. Not whether it's good or not but whether it is valued in the age of twitter. From Enron to banks, they can all fail. A C4 is a "has been" and now all the tech that was cutting edge is now just a problem to try to fix. The entire drive train is unique and obsolete. 9" Ford rears have been around forever for a reason. Dana 36's and 44's don't have any such reason. LS is the motor of choice in everything and C4's don't have one. I work on my C4 all the time and I like it the better than any other but I absolutely know most car people including other Vette guys won't give it a second look. Any piece of junk mid year will turn more heads than mine even though I know there's no comparison. If a C4 turns your crank, then the cheapness is an opportunity because they are really still very close in performance to the very latest if you work on them a little. The only delusion is to think you're ever going to have a collector piece. Even the old time classics came back to reality when the guys that "had to have them" all died. Same with any car. Get over it!

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Re: c4 not worth anything (5/105)
 6/22/12 2:59am
codeblue
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Castro Valley, CA - USA

Vette(s):
94 C4 roadster LT1 Automatic triple black. My first Corvette


Joined: 3/1/2012
Posts: 10

Who cares what its worth? Just drive the wheels off it and and like the zig zag man  tells us (ENJOY). Thats what Iam doing with my black 94 ragtop, When I do part with it it will be worth what ever the new proud owner will be willing to pay at that time. Just enjoy your C4.

Re: c4 not worth anything (6/105)
 6/22/12 10:19am
jonneyone
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galion, OH - USA

Vette(s):
1984 base coupe 17,000 miles all original. very low production number.red on red 3853. pro num.


Joined: 5/31/2012
Posts: 413

perhaps you took this all wrong.   i thought is was a insault to all of us that own a c4.  also why is this co. buying up c4s  if there not worth anything go figgure.......

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Re: c4 not worth anything (7/105)
 6/22/12 10:20am
jonneyone
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galion, OH - USA

Vette(s):
1984 base coupe 17,000 miles all original. very low production number.red on red 3853. pro num.


Joined: 5/31/2012
Posts: 413

I, do agree with you however someone telling me c4s arn't worth anything come on

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Re: c4 not worth anything (8/105)
 6/22/12 3:47pm
jimmymack
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West Chester, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1995 Torch Red Coupe


Joined: 3/20/2009
Posts: 702

I wouldn't get too bent out of shape by some D-bag  Wacko  making a negative comment.  I like my car, on the road or strip, and it'll be worth whatever somebody pays for it when I sell it.  In the meantime, I enjoy my ride, as you should.
Re: c4 not worth anything (9/105)
 6/22/12 8:30pm
Big Mike 49
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San Jose, CA - USA

Vette(s):
1988 Corvette / Blue Pearl


Joined: 5/10/2012
Posts: 81

It's a Corvette .....It's always going to be worth something  Classic  American  and a Thrill to Drive  

|UPDATED|6/22/2012 5:30:18 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


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Re: c4 not worth anything (10/105)
 6/23/12 8:25am
396c4
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Posts: 219

I don't think anyone is saying they will loose their entire value, they just aren't going to increase as a "collector" like 65-67's. I expect them to a flat line between $5K & $10K and there's lots of reasonable cars there now. Seems like all new Vettes are devalued at $5K per year until they hit bottom. ZR-1's went the same way, so you got to wonder where the new ZL-1's will be in 10 years. I'll bet nobody will be spending $50K for one by then. You have to figure if there are new Vettes, hybrid is in their future. Won't that be a kick where it hurts.

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Re: c4 not worth anything (11/105)
 6/23/12 1:39pm
RitaJean
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Mesa, AZ - USA

Vette(s):
1995 Coupe Red, automatic, all original, haven't changed a thing -- except the tires, battery, stuff like that. You know what I mean!


Joined: 4/26/2011
Posts: 64

If our C4's aren't worth anything then why are people - yeah, other Corvette owners too - always complimenting me on my Vette.  I have been offered $10000 for mine and it isn't as nice as some of the other C4 Registry members. 

I love my C4.  The smooth body style, the cockpit feel when I get in, the drive, the attention I get... 

The guy who told you this probably has never owned or driven one. 



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Love my C4!

 

Re: c4 not worth anything (12/105)
 6/23/12 5:00pm
Trooper
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Hermitage, TN - USA

Vette(s):
1990 C-4 Coupe Polo Green Saddle Interior L-98


Joined: 8/8/2010
Posts: 280

I may be thinking differently but in my mind if you are looking at $$ value to legitimize your investment, then you own a Vette for the wrong reason. Vettes, all Vettes, should be owned by people that appreciate the car for the ride, the response, the ability, and the pure styling of a one of a kind American Sports Car. The only dollar value I put to my car is the one it took me to buy it and own if for myself. I am not a great mechanic, hell i'm not even a good mechanic, I generally have to pay for my repairs to get done right, but I simply love the way this car owns the road and it's worth it to me to own one. I may never get my money back, but I will always be able to say "I own and drive a Corvette"....... Nuff said.

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Allan Brenneis Nashville Tn. 1990 Polo Green Coupe Saddle Interior Chrome ZR-1 Rims https://www.c4vetteregistry.com/member_uploads/14501_14600/14572/image2014329104347r.jpg

Re: c4 not worth anything (13/105)
 6/23/12 5:08pm
carlc1ny
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Rome, NY - USA

Vette(s):
1995 coupe


Joined: 2/25/2012
Posts: 76

I fully dissagree that the C4 isn't worh anything. Prior to purchasing mine I conducted a lot of research and discovered articles from its the sexiest body style yet of the Corvettes to America's last real muscle car. Its the corvette the average person can buy, drive and enjoy without  taking out a second morgage on their home. The C4 will always have personnel value in " that's my vette that everyone is looking at". So to me the C4 will always have value in years to come as an afforadable corvette and to me that makes it "priceless". I have a couple friends that own and operate C3's and they admire my C4 and are looking at purchasing one for themselves. So enjoy that C4 believe me its worth a lot and will remain valuable.
Re: c4 not worth anything (14/105)
 6/23/12 10:29pm
eddie20890
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lanoka harbor, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1990 L-98 white/ red/black leather interior targa top auto 1975 L48 blue/black leather interior t tops auto


Joined: 3/22/2009
Posts: 1363

the only way to say it is this way.... the value of ANY corvette (or any car for that matter) is the value it's owner puts on it. what may not be worth anything to someone may be worth a lot to the owner. my two corvettes are priceless to me. someone else may see them and say they are worth nothing. all i know is i love them and that what matters. just a footnote here...there are very few people around that have not like either of mine and most have told me they would love to have them. just my opinion.

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Re: c4 not worth anything (15/105)
 6/25/12 2:12pm
djsroknrol
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Guthrie, OK - USA

Vette(s):
1984 L83/MD8 coupe


Joined: 2/7/2011
Posts: 124

The value of my vette is irrelevant...I don't plan on selling her anytime soon and all vettes appreciate in value over time, so I'm good with it all....
 
Knowing that I own her is PRICELESS!


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Re: c4 not worth anything (16/105)
 6/29/12 8:27am
jonneyone
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galion, OH - USA

Vette(s):
1984 base coupe 17,000 miles all original. very low production number.red on red 3853. pro num.


Joined: 5/31/2012
Posts: 413

my 84 is the frist corvette i ever had . love it . it's like having an affair on your wife or girl friend. it just takes over your hole person.  just can;t get off your mind.  weard. i never had a car or truck or a harley do that..i think i might need professal help. see just thinking of my vette i cant even spell corectly...my girl friend told me i should leave her and marry the car.. just kidding about that.. well when someone tells me my c4 isn;t worth anything .... well its worth alot to me .  well i have to run  my girl friend is comming saying are you talking about that dam car agin   good bye....

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Re: c4 not worth anything (17/105)
 7/3/12 9:38pm
the_mad_american
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Las Vegas, NV - USA

Vette(s):
88 Corvette, white, w/removable steel roof


Joined: 11/22/2011
Posts: 1

i have to agree with som many of the others here about the value of a car. my 88 is also my first Vette. all i can say is a LOVE this car! and since i paid absolutely nothing for it (won it in a raffle) anything i've put into it so far has been affordable.

i think the word value is the wrong one here. people should be talking about the worth of the car. value is a subjective thing, according to who is looking at the car. i could have sold it for $6000 the day i won it. i didn't. the car had much more value to me then that, regardless of what its worth.

its pure pleasure to drive. and its a work in progress.
Re: c4 not worth anything (18/105)
 7/4/12 12:06pm
Donald
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Indianapolis, IN - USA

Vette(s):
1988 Corvette convertable


Joined: 3/25/2012
Posts: 13

When I got mine lots of people said the same thing but they also add it sure is beautiful, nice car and it's a Corvette. My friend has a SL 550 2009 new it was $98,000.00 Today it's worth 25-30 but he loves it. I can work on my "88. He can't work on his or find any affordable parts but I can! Give it a few years. I thought I stole mine at $5,000.00 but would not sell it for 10K. You just fall in love. Same thing happened to the C3 20 years ago and you can find them fairly priced if you look. If you let price bother you go spend a lot of money and be happy. But make sure you buy a CORVETTE, true American sports car no matter what year!!
Re: c4 not worth anything (19/105)
 7/4/12 12:51pm
myspot
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Posts: 5

When I first got into the car hobby 30 years ago starting with a 48 chevy coupe, I did not do it because I thought I could make money at it. Anyone that might think this way is in for a surprise. As with many things it is not the buying it, it is the owning it that is costly. I had a buddy that owned a 1947 Luscomb two place airplane. He paid $8,000 for it but in a few years he had to sell it because of the upkeep costs were more than he could handle. He sold it for $10,000 5 years later. If he made money on it is questionable. You own a corvette because you enjoy it. What concerns me more is the age of the car people. Around here most of them are over 45 and counting. I am not seeing the interest for collector cars in the kids under 35 for instance.
Re: c4 not worth anything (20/105)
 7/4/12 2:49pm
vajetvette
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Hampton, VA - USA

Vette(s):
1995 Coupe, 6Spd, Polo Green


Joined: 4/24/2011
Posts: 11

The C4 is a great car and they are a tremendous sports car value right now to buy. The values are not there right now, but they will come back in time. I recently traded my 95 for an 08 and took a nice big loss on a perfect C4, but I had to have this newer one I guess.   I love the C6, but there is something about the C4 I miss.  It's more of a classic muscle car.   For all it's quirks, squeaks, rattles, I miss it.  I wish I could have kept it and had both.
Re: c4 not worth anything (21/105)
 7/4/12 4:02pm
Bob M
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Fillmore, IN - USA

Vette(s):
'84 Crossfire catback exhaust and drop-in K&N two-tone grey


Joined: 4/24/2010
Posts: 50

Shoot, I was even insulted at the NCM about my '84. I told a guy working there that I had an '84 and he said,"Oh, I don't like those." After I posted the exchange on the NCM website, I was offered a guided tour of the Museum and an opology.
But what these people don't understand is that we '84 lovers and C4 owners in general own the cars because we like them. I'm geting a little thicker skin nowadays and just laugh at the negative views and exhalt in the good comments.
 


|UPDATED|7/4/2012 1:02:32 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


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Re: c4 not worth anything (22/105)
 7/4/12 3:45pm
TVaitonis
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Rochester, NY - USA

Vette(s):
1987 Coupe Red and red, Z52


Joined: 8/20/2011
Posts: 60

I don't even worry about the current value. I'm having way too much fun with mine and don't have the need to analyze the economics. I know that buying a C4 is not a money making investment but an enjoyment investment. I just got back from a drive and I'm all grins. All that matters.

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Re: c4 not worth anything (23/105)
 7/4/12 10:54pm
barryww
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Broken Arrow, OK - USA

Vette(s):
1996 Collector's Edition. 6 speed, LT4 engine.


Joined: 8/18/2011
Posts: 16

My '96 C.E. is my first and only Vette.  I never think about "what it's worth".  All I know is that when I walk by her in my garage, I always tell her "I'm so glad you're here!"  I'm getting sentimental.  I have to go buy her something now.......
Re: c4 not worth anything (24/105)
 7/4/12 11:06pm
Bob M
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Fillmore, IN - USA

Vette(s):
'84 Crossfire catback exhaust and drop-in K&N two-tone grey


Joined: 4/24/2010
Posts: 50

barryww said: My '96 C.E. is my first and only Vette.  I never think about "what it's worth".  All I know is that when I walk by her in my garage, I always tell her "I'm so glad you're here!"  I'm getting sentimental.  I have to go buy her something now.......



Yeah, I know what you mean. For our first vette we bought a theft-recovery '79 and we were putting a TPI engine and a 700R4 tranny innit. Just about the time we were ready to fire her up my wife and I both lost our jobs and about $16,000 in income. So bye-bye vette.
This time we bought a vette we could drive. We haven't regretted that decision at all. But right now we are working 7 days a week and some 12 hour days. WE just don't have any time to enjoy our baby. Cry


|UPDATED|7/4/2012 8:06:59 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


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Re: c4 not worth anything (25/105)
 7/5/12 9:46am
91corvette
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Warsaw, IN - USA

Vette(s):
1991 Coupe ACI ground effects,billet specialties wheel,flowmaster,k&n.


Joined: 12/4/2009
Posts: 17

Was offered 15K for mine.

Re: c4 not worth anything (26/105)
 7/5/12 12:31pm
jonneyone
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galion, OH - USA

Vette(s):
1984 base coupe 17,000 miles all original. very low production number.red on red 3853. pro num.


Joined: 5/31/2012
Posts: 413

nice car wow............i couldn't read what you said in your reply because the picture is to big.

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Re: c4 not worth anything (27/105)
 7/5/12 6:36pm
91corvette
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Warsaw, IN - USA

Vette(s):
1991 Coupe ACI ground effects,billet specialties wheel,flowmaster,k&n.


Joined: 12/4/2009
Posts: 17

Offered 15k for my car a few weeks ago,but she is not for sale.
Re: c4 not worth anything (28/105)
 7/5/12 11:55pm
ANNICORVETTE
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BILOXI, MS - USA

Vette(s):
1990


Joined: 3/19/2009
Posts: 27

vajetvette said: The C4 is a great car and they are a tremendous sports car value right now to buy. The values are not there right now, but they will come back in time. I recently traded my 95 for an 08 and took a nice big loss on a perfect C4, but I had to have this newer one I guess.   I love the C6, but there is something about the C4 I miss.  It's more of a classic muscle car.   For all it's quirks, squeaks, rattles, I miss it.  I wish I could have kept it and had both.

Im not much of a chater but couldn't resist this thread. I own 3 Corvettes a 1969--a 1978--and a 1990. I personally prefer the C3's for their body lines the 90 just caught my eye it rides better and the air cond works better. but i bought the vettes because i like vettes (and my wife would kill me if i sold the 90). if i considered the parts cost and my labor on these cars in the selling price it would be a money looser; but since i like my vettes who cares what the selling price would be (except at insurance time). certainly my vettes wpuld have been a bad investment if i only looked at the money issue.
Re: c4 not worth anything (29/105)
 7/6/12 12:20am
Binkybubba
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, - Canada

Vette(s):
1996, Arctic White on Red/Black Interior, Coupe, LT4 ZF 6 Speed, w/full load including handling package


Joined: 6/27/2012
Posts: 2

1996 LT4.......9800.00

Tank of Premium fuel.......65.00

Mustang in rearview mirror.......Priceless!



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Re: c4 not worth anything (30/105)
 7/8/12 1:30pm
LT4CE
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Northern California, CA - USA

Vette(s):
1996 LT4 CE


Joined: 3/17/2010
Posts: 55

I'm not worried about this.  My LT4 can keep up with most C5's; even the C5 Z06 didn't feel that much more powerful (I know, cuz I drove a few C5's to see if one was worth trading for.)  If the C6's are that much better, so be it.  The last C4 rolled off the assembly line in '96, so I would hope the C6's can perform better!
 
That takes care of the performance issue.  The rest is just subjective.  I've always liked the lines on the C4.  I find it hard to believe that the average person would find the C5 to be more attractive than the C4, but that's just my opinion.  Besides, nobody ever mistook a C4 coming at them for a Firebird!!!   Wink
 
As far as the "investment" angle, don't worry about it.  These cars are meant to be driven!  How many C5's or C6's are really considered good investments?  Used C5's are a super bargain right now, so if you bought one  hoping to resell it for a profit, forget about it.  Not for quite some time.
 
It all takes time anyway... the later C3's probably weren't considered that good of an investment until recently, which imo, is due to their 'emissions controls' forced reduction in HP and also the pending debut of the C7.  The C4 will have its day as a collector/investment car.  Maybe not right away, but its time will come.
 
In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy driving mine and knowing that when I give the wave to a C5 or C6 and get ignored, it's probalby because they didn't see me or don't do the wave.  It's probably not a dis to the C4 and certainly nothing personal.


______________
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1996 LT4 Collector Edition
Re: c4 not worth anything (31/105)
 7/8/12 7:21pm
LostnFoundC4
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Sykesville, MD - USA

Vette(s):
'86L Coupe Factory ordered 1/86 Sold 11/88 Found 12/07! 2016 Z51 Coupe Night Race Blue


Joined: 3/20/2009
Posts: 8

What was the reason for buying your vette in the first place? Was it to drive or did you buy it as an investment? Over time as the C4s get parted out, wrecked, or modded to the point of no return, they will appreciate in value. They will never reach the value of C1s or mid year cars, but as numbers dwindle they will rise.
I enjoy mine for the shear pleasure of driving it and after 5 years of having it back I still get a kick out of seeing it sitting in my garage. I paid just under $30,000 for it new and traded it in for $20,000 two years later with 17,000 miles on her. I gladly paid $9,800 to buy it back with 48,000 on her. It was still in great condition! Although see is a garage queen, I'm happy to report I just clicked over 60,000 miles last weekend. I drive this car year round on the weekends in nice weather.
 
My son in law just picked up an '01 roadster in great shape with 78,000 mile from an original owner for $15,700. C5 guys are in denial as to the value of there cars too.
 
Drive it and enjoy it cuz like everything else in life, you never know what life might throw at you!
 
 
Re: c4 not worth anything (32/105)
 7/8/12 7:41pm
jonneyone
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galion, OH - USA

Vette(s):
1984 base coupe 17,000 miles all original. very low production number.red on red 3853. pro num.


Joined: 5/31/2012
Posts: 413

well i bought my vette to enjoy i like working on her and take it for a drive every once in a while.  i also own a lot of harleys witch i ride just about everyday.  it;s in my blood. i have to say this vette is getting in my blood.  i think i'll go start it up.  if it goes up in value. that would be great. 

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Re: c4 not worth anything (33/105)
 7/8/12 8:06pm
Bob M
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Fillmore, IN - USA

Vette(s):
'84 Crossfire catback exhaust and drop-in K&N two-tone grey


Joined: 4/24/2010
Posts: 50

My '84 is one of the lowest powered vettes. But I still like to drive her. Got her for a sweet price, but the smile is what it is all about!Big smile

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Re: c4 not worth anything (34/105)
 10/22/14 7:26pm
knnhon
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new poret richey, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1991 Coupe-L-98-auto, 1994 White Conv., l-98 6 spd.


Joined: 10/21/2014
Posts: 13

Technology is killing ALL newspapers.  TV, and the INTERNET beats them to the 'punch'. So, they'll hafta adapt. C-3's weren't worth 'diddly'. Now, looks like, at least the conv.'s are increasing in value.So......?
Re: c4 not worth anything (35/105)
 10/28/14 1:45am
johnrich
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Pocatello, ID - USA

Vette(s):
1990 Red Convertible 6 speed


Joined: 10/27/2014
Posts: 1

I just joined the C4 registry, and looking forward to learning with all of you. I find the discussions very interesting about Vettes. They are sort of like which color is best? Is it Red, Yellow, or Black, or? We each perhaps chose a vette for various reasons. So often, I go to "third party" sources to get their take on occasion, not owners of vettes who  inject their biases into reasoning. I find an Edmunds writing interesting that declares  a listing of the "10 Best Corvettes of all time". Number 10 is a 70 vette LT1. Number 1 is, of course the 63 fuel injected split rear window vette. Now for C4 owners, sandwiched in between is number 7 the CR4 vette introduced in 1984 and number 2, the 1990 ZR1 vette! NO OTHER GENERATION HAS TWO ENTRIES! I too own a supercharged 3800 Fiero that is much faster than a good hunk of the vettes out there. Each car is fun and a hoot to drive for what it is! I have 60's GTO's convertibles and hard tops and love them too. I have learned a long time ago that the speed of your car is really directly proportional to the size of your pocket book, so who really cares! As many have said lets have fun!
BTW I to have worn out various Harleys and have found that as they get to a certain age they seem to  hold their value and interest. They seem to drop to about $10,000 to $12,000 no matter what the year from about 2005 and back. I think the C4's are demonstrating a similar pattern. I just purchased a convertible, 6 speed 1990 "cherry" with 50,000 miles and well under $10,000-what a buy! Thanks for inviting me into the group! Sure is fun rounding the Tetons with the top down!!!! SMILE!
Re: c4 not worth anything (36/105)
 11/2/14 3:15pm
LT4CE
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Northern California, CA - USA

Vette(s):
1996 LT4 CE


Joined: 3/17/2010
Posts: 55

Since my reply from over two years ago, the market seems to have bottomed out for C4's.  It wasn't good before, but it's certainly way worse now.  The only impact this has one me would be in terms of value for selling mine or trading it in for a C7.  In terms of how much I love mine, it matters not!
 
Just two years ago, the KBB value (for whatever KBB values are worth) on my Vette was around $20K for a private party sale, and now it's around $12K.  I'm not sure I could even get that!  I paid $17K for mine (probably over-paid, but I really wanted it... because I love C4's) back in January of 2010, so assuming its value holds for the next three months, I'm looking at $1k in deprecated value for each year of ownership.  That's about $83 a month, and I think it's worth it!
 
I guess I should have sold mine a couple of years ago, but then I'd sitting around without a Vette, because I'm not planning on getting a new one for a couple of years.  What kind of life would that be, without a Vette for four years?!?!???  Cry
 
I think of Corvette values as a wave, passing through the generations from left to right.  The shape of the wave in my visual imagery is like an inverted bell curve.  The crests are at the left end and right end of the spectrum, with the trough roughly somewhere in the middle.  The most valuable Vettes are the older ones (on the left) and the newer ones (on the right.)
 
With this imaginary (and unverifiable, as it's just my impression of Vette values) wave moving left to right, a few years ago the late C3's (78 - 82) were at the bottom of the trough.  It's moved to the right, into the early C4's, which are now at the bottom.  This means that all C4's are bottoming out; a trend that I fear will continue for a number of years.  Those C3's I mentioned seem to be gaining in value.  Maybe not a lot, but they seem to be going up. 
 
Plus, a Corvette is not a Porsche or Ferrari, which are over-priced to start with.  We buy new Vettes because they are great "bang for the buck" cars in terms of performance for cost.  Want Porsche performance for 1/3 to 1/2 the cost?  Then buy a Vette.  Fit and finish are not important to me, performance is!  We buy them used for that same reason.  To expect to be able to sell them used for inflated values is not being objective.
 
With the introduction of the C7, the C5's have been "C4'd", meaning their values are dropping to shockingly low levels.  You can get a good C5 on the cheap, and have a helluva Vette on your hands.  Even low mileage early C6's (2005 - 2007) are advertised at mid $20K, so I would imagine they can be had (around here at least) for the low $20K range.  Check out this 2006 black vert with 29K miles, at an asking price of $26,450: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/4738883704.html  I bet you could get that for $23 - $25K all day long.
 
So to sum up this long-winded post, I agree with what everyone else is saying.  Drive it, enjoy it, and don't count on it being a collector Vette.  There were just too many C4's made for that.  Maybe as time passes and there are fewer on the road... who knows? 


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1996 LT4 Collector Edition
Re: c4 not worth anything (37/105)
 11/3/14 12:33pm
ctipresident
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Vette(s):
1994 C4 Std. Coupe


Joined: 7/4/2014
Posts: 2

Each of us bought our Corvette(s) for different reasons. I bought my C4 (84') because I wanted a Corvette since I was in high school in the early sixties. I feel in love with the 63' Vette but when I retired I decided that the 100K plus for one was an investment which would be stored rather than driven and I preferred to be able to drive mine every day. 

For me it was worth every penny I spent. It had the "look" I wanted and after an initial 5k in replacing tires and parts, I could take a break and just enjoy it.

I still have some major items to replace with OEM or OEM improved parts, leather seat covers, new amps and speakers, etc. but right now everything works. The rest of the replacements can be done one at a time.

For me, the joy is driving my Vette. I do not care if the car appreciates in value. For those that do, there are C1 and C2 models that you can purchase, put in a garage and wait till you get your price...to each his own. You should know which option (for value appreciation or because you want one) before you purchase and that way you may find the same sense of "feeling great" that I do.
Re: c4 not worth anything (38/105)
 11/5/14 12:36pm
kjcoff
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Prospect, TN - USA

Vette(s):
94 LT-1


Joined: 9/6/2013
Posts: 12

For the most part, I agree with what's been said. My '94 is nothing special but it's mine and I love it. It makes me smile whenever I look at it and it makes a whole bunch of other people smile too. I drove it to a Titans game a few weeks ago and after the game a group of younger men, maybe in their 20's walked by and one kid said, "Man, that's a nice car." Folks, to me that's worth the price of admission EVERYTIME! I've had people try to buy it. I've gotten compliments on it. So, maybe it's not the fastest or the newest but it's damn sure mine and it's not going anywhere! And for what it's worth, it's THE American sports car as far as I'm concerned.
Re: c4 not worth anything (39/105)
 11/5/14 3:29pm
Fred in Alabama
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Montgomery, AL - USA

Vette(s):
1986 Gray/Blue Z-51 Coupe & 1998 Pewter Coupe


Joined: 4/19/2012
Posts: 47


A C-4 may never go up in value, but I bought it for my driving enjoyment, not to impress anyone else or make a profit. 

She has some quirks, but I certainly love her as is. 


Fred
Re: c4 not worth anything (40/105)
 11/5/14 10:42pm
TwoCorvettes
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Garland, TX - USA

Vette(s):
I have a 1991 Artic White, Red Interior convertible, 30,000 miles on it, & a 1993 40th Anniversary with 50,000 miles on it


Joined: 1/1/2013
Posts: 37


    I own two, a '91 white convertible with torch red interior..........take it to car shows only. My daily driver is a 40th Anniversary Edition. She only has 65,000 miles on her. There is hardly a day go by that I don't get complimented on it. Absolutely driving either one of my C4's and doubt that I would be any happier with anything else  A CORVETTE is a CORVETTE, regardless of the year ot rolled off the production line. It's all about the ride.............

Re: c4 not worth anything (41/105)
 11/29/14 2:36pm
hcbph
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Minneapolis, MN - USA

Vette(s):
Purchased a 1986 Convert August 2013, Bright Red color with a black top, it'd already received a Tremec 5 speed upgrade along with a disc upgrade prior to purchase.


Joined: 8/16/2013
Posts: 53

I bought my 86 convertible a year ago, not as an investment.  Rather as something I've wanted for almost 60 years.  Obviously my 1st pick would have been a 63 SWC as I had a coworker that had one back in the late 60's, loved riding in that one.  I got mine for a price I could live with and plan to enjoy it as long as I can. 

It's a car, a fun one but still a car.  Enjoy it and don't worry about the value on it, just use it as it was designed - to drive.

Re: c4 not worth anything (42/105)
 11/30/14 2:23pm
The Car Whisperer
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Andover, MA - USA

Vette(s):
1986 Coupe


Joined: 3/22/2009
Posts: 50

Enjoy the ride.  I also did not buy mine as an investment, I bought it as something to enjoy.  I only drive it in the summer to car shows.  But that's what I like to do.  Others drive them more intensely, that's ok too.  You won it, you can do whatever you like.  As far as investments, I bought mine 20 years ago, it's probably worth about what I paid for it then.  But, I will never sell it.  It's part of the family now!

______________
1986 "Bright Red" COUPE - Aluminum Heads,
Sport Seats, Bose, Ultra-Flo Exhaust,

Automatic, Bilsteins - "Mostly Original" otherwise.

Re: c4 not worth anything (43/105)
 7/16/17 10:47am
Porterjh
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Plant City, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1994 Black Rose Coup.


Joined: 7/20/2014
Posts: 14

I get parts from the Corvette Shop in Tampa (www.corvetteshoptampa.com)for my C4. They have been a lot of help and are really good to work with. As to the value of the C4 going up or down it really doesn't matter to me, I like my car and enjoy driving it. The C4 will be the next American Hot Rod, it is a high preformance car that you can afford to buy and work on. Bottom line is the C4 is just fun to drive!

My Corvette

(large image modified to link-aapple)


|UPDATED|7/16/2017 7:47:30 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
Re: c4 not worth anything (44/105)
 12/4/14 1:39pm
Taps
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Lebanon, OR - USA

Vette(s):
1988 C4, Black / Black


Joined: 10/20/2014
Posts: 22

I might be interested in buying your worthless C-4 ! What would you sell it for? I have cash ....

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Re: c4 not worth anything (45/105)
 12/4/14 1:41pm
Taps
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Lebanon, OR - USA

Vette(s):
1988 C4, Black / Black


Joined: 10/20/2014
Posts: 22

Well said John!!Embarrassed

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Re: c4 not worth anything (46/105)
 12/8/14 12:04am
onthecoast92054
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carlsbad, CA - USA

Vette(s):
1990 L98 completely rebuild from the ground up with all the good stuff including 250mm nitrous Fully built 350 displacing 600 HP at 900 PSI on the bottle, 700 HP. at 1200 PSI. Please visit timsvette.com to see the complete list of the rebuild.


Joined: 11/25/2014
Posts: 2

I would like that number
I can not seem to find a OEM PVC molded hose.   I have the vent hose but can not find a good PCV hose


Thanks

STJ


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http://timsvette.com/

 

Re: c4 not worth anything (47/105)
 12/11/14 12:56pm
manchestershark
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equinunk, PA - USA

Vette(s):
72 convertable 75 t-top 03 frc


Joined: 12/9/2014
Posts: 11

Big smile  Wow! Is this thread wide, or are my eyes crossed?  It is my desire to own a 93'. I have one in mind, LT-1 auto, triple black, vert,low miles, but at the moment his son thinks I should look for another one. I'm patient, and he is willing to part with it, but not just yet. My "ULTIMATE" desire would have been to go to Minnesotta with "NORSKY" and bring his home, BUT, I think Mike Yeagers son knows that is a coveted unbeatable race car! Cool
Re: c4 not worth anything (48/105)
 12/15/14 1:21am
Big68Mac
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, - Canada

Vette(s):
1996 Collector Edition Convertible LT4, F45 suspension, Black Interior, 57,000 KM or 36,000 miles, Original BC Canadian Car.


Joined: 8/9/2014
Posts: 16

I agree. I love my 96 CE LT4 convert.

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Russell https://www.c4vetteregistry.com/member_uploads/28801_28900/28812/CE8201522110442r.jpg
Re: c4 not worth anything (49/105)
 12/15/14 6:13pm
Cbarison
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Eastchester, NY - USA

Vette(s):
1987 c4


Joined: 6/25/2014
Posts: 31

I think the time might be coming for the '80's & '90s cars, kids who grew up with them will want them when they're older & can afford them. Even if they don't become 'collector cars', they're a lot of fun!




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Re: c4 not worth anything (50/105)
 5/20/15 9:48am
pmanobianco
Former Member

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tampa, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1996 collectors edition lt4 convertible 10,000 miles, silver exterior, black interior. purchased 4/20/12


Joined: 4/21/2012
Posts: 29

jan.2015 a '96 grand sport sold at Kissimmee mecum auction for $70k. That's something. While most clean c4's go on auction in the Teens, ZR1 go up to the mid thirties. It's the only clam shell hood corvette. It will rise at some point. If you join NCRS and top flight your car it will bring more $'s. I have a 96 CE LT4 with 12,000 miles . This July it is going to the ncrs nationals in Denver for the very coverted David Hill Award only 24 corvettes ever received this. Then it will be retired. 2 Top Flights, 1PV, and the Hill award. This car has been well documented. That's howC4'4 will bring good money to a collector. That being said, it's way more about how it makes you feel when you drive it. They are the best value in a sports car money can buy and won't brake the bank to keep them. For all you people who want to get involved with your car join NCRS and go to a Chapter event in your area. If you want to learn your car join and meet great people, and see some of the best in the world!!!!
Re: c4 not worth anything (51/105)
 7/14/15 2:19pm
merlin
Standard Member
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Vette(s):
19984 bright red standard corvette


Joined: 7/13/2015
Posts: 1

I am kinda new here. last fall I bought a 1984 bright red vette. In really good shape, not a show car but it was was very well taken care of with only a few minor cosmetic things to replace, weatherstripping and the like. the car has 90K  one owner miles and was sold by his estate. They couldn't get $6000 for it, after a few months I heard about it and got it for $5500.00. Cleaned it up fixed the minor stuff and last night at a gas station where they have a hot rod show each week, one of the guys that had a very nice street rod walks over and says "what year?" I tell him 84, he says give you 11k a $250 deposit tonight and pick it up tomorrow. My wife very politely but sternly says no thank you.
 So I guess they are worth something to somebody.
 Personally I really like the car, because its my first one, sounds bad ass and its a really cool looking car; it still turns heads when we drive by.
Thanks, great forum.


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