Chevrolet Corvette (C4)
The C4 was a revolution. It took the Corvette from an old-school brute of a muscle car to a sleek, modern sports car. Its design still forms the basis for the look of the Corvette to this day. 30+ years later, the C4’s legacy has been marred by electrical issues and neglectful owners, but a good one can serve as a cheap entry into the world of performance vehicles. As is typical for a Corvette, aftermarket upgrades are plentiful, and the community surrounding the vehicle is very strong. It is highly recommended to avoid 1984 models due to the L83 engine, and the most desirable cars are LT1 and LT4-equipped vehicles – not to mention the ZR1. Make sure to evaluate the tires, clutch, and brakes, as they are expensive to replace and are often the reason why these cars are for sale.
Engines
Click the links below to see common problems specific to the engines available on this vehicle.
- General Motors L83 (Base MY84)
- General Motors L98 (Base MY85-91)
- General Motors LT1 (Base MY92-95)
- General Motors LT4 (Base MY96)
- General Motors LT5 (ZR1)
Problems
Mechanical
- Wheel bearings often wear out prematurely
- Steering column knuckle wears out, due to drivers using the steering wheel as leverage to help them out of the car – not an easy repair
- Coolant leaks
- Rear axle can leak, especially on earlier models
Electrical
- If the battery door on the lower driver-side front fender shows wear and tear, chances are that the car has experienced electrical issues
- Electronics in general, but specifically:
- Fuel pump relay
- Electric fan relay
- Gauge clusters, both fully electric versions and electric/analog mixed versions
- “Low Coolant” warning on the dash, which often illuminates even when the system is full due to a faulty sensor
- Airbag warning light
Body & Cosmetic
- Any damage involving the clamshell hood is very costly to repair, and the cost of replacement can cause insurance to total the car
- Targa roofs can leak if alignment is off or the weather stripping is worn
- Carpets and seats are susceptible to wear, especially on the driver side
- Coupe models are susceptible to bubbling/drooping in the headliner