Looking to buy a Corvette between the years of 1984-1989.

Florida would not be a great state to purchase from just because you are looking for minimal rust as it has a very wet climate and lots of shore line where salt spray wrecks havoc on any metal. One thing I look at when purchasing a car is the engine/ engine bay, if its really clean then you can almost bet that the car is well maintained if its real dirty and grimy then their is a good chance the maintenance was lacking in some way.

i could recommend staying away from any corvette with a crossfire fuel injection system (that may have only been the 84 in ur case)...(just stay away from 84's they had quite a few common issues) im gunna do a list 85: the engine had an issue of shutting off when it got to operating temp, making u buy better replacement parts, the idle air control valve was terrible 86 and up they finally got them running properly, and had any other natural chevy problem

Determine if the current owner is the original owner and ask the obvious questions. Then ask if any modifications were performed on the engine, and exhaust system. A friend of mine with your level of experience purchased a late 80's model corvette. The main problem was he could keep a starter in working order on the vehicle for any length of time. I finally grabbed a shop manuel and discovered the exhaust system had been modified. Not being bad enough, the heat shield around the starter had been removed and discarded. The result was the exhaust system was frying the starter. After making another heat shield and wrapping the starter with thermal material all was well, although rigged. The main problem with these vehicle is things are cramped enough. Major modifications by good intentioned people without the proper knowledge can cause headaches down the road. Make sure the vehicle has not been significantly modified.

try not to get somethhing that needs a lot of work , #1 its a corvette & things get expensive real fast with these cars. #2 it's a computer control vehicle which means there more to go wrong. #3 they don't offer much performace wise. If you want to build a musclecar go with something like a chevelle or nova, there's tons of parts availible for these cars & they're much cheaper. On the other hand if it has to be a vette go with a mid 80s- 89 , parts are plentiful but a lil pricey. I would price some wear & tear parts for this car before you buy it , like tires & brakes & compare that to other cars you might be interested in. either way, good luck !

The very first thing you want to ask yourself is, are you comfoftable with only haveing two seats. One common thing many Corvette owners do not think about before buying, is the fact that you will be stuck with that Chick magnet image of only a front seat. When you want to show of your creation you must drive more than one car to shows if you want to take some family along. If you want to take the Grandchildern, or freinds out to show off, you have to get them to follow you. Dont get me wrong, I wouldn't build a 4 door, or a van, but the lack of the back seat can be a missed advantage. Still the Corvette is the best project to build bar none, but look for a convertable as values are mutch better. Dont spend to little as you will end up with a pile of junk, but dont spend to much as you will end up discontent. If you just start with the years you have mention you will have the right value for your money, and the right car for the drive, or cruise. You are starting somthing you might not be able to ever get out of.

All the answers above have valid points. I bought a new 84. I was apparently lucky as I had no problems for 11 years. My suggestion though would be an 87. First year for the 17" wheels and other cosmetic upgrades. It'll have a bit more modern look with that alone. And other improvements. I also had a 92 which was the newer rounded out version of the C4 and the BIG jump in HP to 300. Good luck

Thank you to everyone who posted comments to my question. I will take everything that was said under consideration into furthering my process into buying one or not. It is nice to know that there are people who know a thing or two about purchasing a car.

Heck another thing you might want to consider is getting a c5 as they can be had for not too much more money and have one of the most reliable engines gm has ever built.

I have a 1970 Lt1 for sale numbers matching eith 11,035 miles. Stored ic inclosed trailer since 1999,just got it out everything runs great.not original paint and interior was painted when I got it ,need to go back to original .car has great potentional.only 1287 Lt1 built in 1970 this one is #850 if anyone is interested contact me at 1-906-291-1246 ask for loran

Best buy right now is a 2001 Z06. Never met anyone who likes the C4. They are a real pain getting in and out of. Computer and digital stuff on them are unreliable. Seats are cramped and the leather cracks. They are old news. If you are not a mechanic with access to good tools, forget about restoration. Get a good C5 and customize it to what you like, there are a ton of aftermarket parts that can give it more character and eye appeal. Good luck with whatever you get. Just make sure it is a Corvette.

I have a 1989 Red/Red convertible with 70,216 miles that would be a good car for you. Everything works. Top and headliner were replaced in 2009 the air conditioning has been upgraded and the compressor replaced 2011. Many new parts (I have all the service records for the 17 years that I have been the caretaker). The car is always garaged (the garage floor has a plastic vapor barrier with carpeting over it) there is no rust anywhere on the car. It is currently listed on CarGurus. I am in Camillus, NY (Syracuse area). Contact me for more info 315- 415-7949 (leave message and I promise to get back to you) or e-mail: jcaryl@twcny.rr.com

Hi, I also have a vette for sale. Most comfortable car my brother and I have driven, and he drove a lot of cars. It's a 1984 Red/Red Targa top convertible w/ ~97000 miles. I have it listed on Cars.com Feel free to call me 631-336-1278. Selling it for $3,500

I have a 1987 modified convertible that looks and runs fantastic. I has had many modifications and is a great daily driver. the is 106000 on the car and about 40k on motor (rebuilt I think). It puts out 350HP, lowered 1", has new flow master exhaust with headers. Interior is very sharp! Car gets a lot of looks. Transmission also rebuilt with new shift kit. Top is in very good condition. Asking $8000.00 and its worth every penny. Tons of paperwork of all modifications. Call 540 846-1515.

Yeah man.. Call me asap.. Corvette Dave 2513036894

Hello,Dave I was just on the web and was actually looking for window trimming for my 84 corvette and stumbled across your interest in corvettes well I was truly debating about sale in it,but I decided that I would if your still interested in buying a corvette I must say u would be very pleased with this one you don't have to put but a little bit of money if any I just projected all up after 2yrs of just letting it sit well even after letting it just sit it passed smog I had my cluster sent out to Tennessee and had it repaired I also just gotten a new computer on it shocks all around new filter value cover gasket oil changed new battery and some more stuff done and repaired at a mechanic shop here in modesto also I have all paper work and receipts on the work that was done on vehì*if not all I don't there wouldnt a be a problem with getting a copy so if interest please call me 209-408- 9112

Not sure if anyone here is interested in what can be considered as a 1987 corvette that is in show room condition? I am a car broker and focus on C4 corvettes as one type of cars I sell. I live in Austin Tx. and have corvettes located in various places. For anyone that needs to know I am a licensed dealer. I find cars for people searching, new or used. 512-657-0277 However, I have personally enjoyed corvettes since. my 1986. Even have a 1986 corvette that was pace car for Indy in 1986. However it is a greenwood corvette. They did great work on corvettes before C4 corvettes, so not even trying to sell that one. My 1987 corvette is red, show room condition, so price wise it goes for premium. The quality that ends up in Jay Leno's garage. So, know that in 1987. they bumped up th hp. And I am tempted to keep it for my own collection. Not the original owner, but carfax and any additional inspctions you want is fine with me. Just realize I don't put this on websites, as I might keep it. Normally, I just assist customers searching for either used or new, so cars or trucks I buy is with customers money and get them want they want, small commision is added for finder fee after customer accepts vehicle. It is a win win situation, as if used they will pay less. If new, I work with dealerships, and they get a lower price than other buyers, due to leveraging relationships. If used, access to nationwide auctions, and the used ones I help them get are alway below 80000 miles, and only ones that need no mechanical work. This is all contract. If a car is not local, I can count on Manheim to fix anything that is green light, meaning up to 500 dollars. I either have them do inside and outside detail work, or one of my mechanics. Any car or truck will have current inspection, always just put in new battery, change oil and filter. Repeat business and referrals build up fast, but this is to some a different model of buying a vehicle. Actual sell, I have to make from office in Austin. Please don't be the next person seeking a used Mercedes with. a pink interior used. I will find it, but I have only seen the one purchased for someone. For anyone wondering, customer's money is put in trust until the car is locaterd. Normal new day turn around is 4 days. For a used car 30 days. Of course, any customer before a purchase can take their money back. If they want me or one of my mechanics to travel, the customer pays for this. New cars there is not any transportation cost. If not in Austin, the customer can decide if transportation cost matter. Their choice. And no pressure from me. Specific to my red 1987 corvette. Nothing needs to be replaced. The body and interior are perfect. It has been garage kept and just mentioning this as you can drive it, automatic, or if you are a colloctor, contact me and we can go over pictures, general price range, and go from there. I advise people to go with 80000 miles or lower, as that is what most insurance will insure. Also, your best bang for the buck is a vehicle that is 2 to 3 years old. This also allows for extended warranties from th manufacturers. Always cas or finance thriugh your own bank. l can only help customers that have money situation lined up ahead of time. Gregg 512-657-0277