I agree with your assessment. I didn't buy my C4 as an investment. I bought it as an extremely fun weekend car that only cost $13k. What other low mileage car can get near the performance of my 93 Z07 manual for that price???
Love my 91 C4 auto with a passion. Don't care what anyone says, it's 10 tons of fun even with an auto. It's also completely gorgeous IMO. You're right of course, the manuals will always be more valuable - but as the years go by, and there's fewer and fewer good ones, I suspect that they'll start to appreciate, or at least hold their value very well. It's still a Vette, after all, and that name means something.
I get it. I've had 2 automatics, and they were still fantastic cars. I can't imagine getting more for the money I spent! And they were both early cars with the atari dash.... and nothing is cooler than Motley Crue with that dashboard in the foreground.
Writing from the EU here, so glad I found your channel. Prices in my country for imported ones range from 14-20k€ (last year they were 10-15k) and there are only a handful for sale at all times. The more expensive ones being the manuals. I have been in the market for a C4 for around 3 years and did the research. Sadly nothing manual popped up when they were "cheaper", however as of recently I am lucky to say that I found one within that price range and bought it. All original white 1992 LT1 targa with a 6 speed and 90k miles from California. One owner car before the import and it's in great condition. It's a dream come true and a blast to drive. They're quite a rarity around here so the coolness factor is definitely high. Cheers for the vids man, keep it up.
well you live probably in a shitbox country like germany or France, they are cheaper and cheaper year by year. 3 years ago 88 was about 14k Euro, and this year 8k. They are numerous so.. you can pick and chose.
All fair points. I got a 95 lt1 auto with 44k on it and extremely well maintained. Wife and I love it. We are not trying to set the world on fire, its is a quick fun and cool feeling riding car. We could of left the cash in the bank with crap returns on interest or bought an affordable sports car and enjoyed the time with it. If it only holds same value or so, we will still have the entire idea of the car for nothing in cost. THE EXPERIENCE IS THE MEMORIES. Everything works after $39 in headlight kit and my labor, all power and cold AC.. Glad they are out there for ppl to buy and enjoy!
I currently own 5 C4s 1990 Callaway Twin Turbo 1991 ZR-1 1991 DRM ZR-1 1996 LT4 1996 Grand Sport I absolutely love C4s! And I currently still own 7 others Vettes too from C2 -C7. They are so misunderstood and under rated. Since all of my Vettes are manual I feel pretty good with your assertion 😂 Beautiful ride!
Yep I got an 89 coupe with 120,000 miles on it for a couple thousand and its an auto. Runs great and gets good mileage with the new rings and bearing I put in and it will probably pull $2500 to $3000 tops. They are everywhere. Its not fast at all but its fun to drive
I am fine if my 92 LT1 6 speed does not astronomically increase in value because a C4 Corvette is the car Iusted after as a teenager and the fact that I now have one as a weekend toy brings me more joy than I ever imagined it would. It's my fouth Vette, my first C4 and without a doubt my favorite.
Congratulations. Now name one other car this fantastic for that money? I cannot think of one. The money that went into this design...and people are out here picking them up for pennies. It's crazy that they are still this slept on.
I enjoyed my time immensely with my 1990 6 speed convertible. I paid less than $10K for it with only 30K miles, put some work and money into it, and it was a flat line in terms of value. I did it more for the love of it so I hope the new owner is enjoying it out there in the world. I do recommend them to people looking to get into a special sports car before the prices get too out of hand. Unlike newer cars, at least you can support all of them in your home garage.
It's funny you say this, as I was just looking at marketplace earlier. I saw a 94 Supra turbo, manual, LHD... the desirable one. $120k. It had an aftermarket sunroof installed in it by a previous owner, and this guy removed it and had the roof mended. I mean lord, 120k for a car with stories? A stock MK4 isnt any faster than this. I was there in the 90s, nobody talked about supras... until F&F came out. I still want a supra though.
Some might agree, some might say the late C3. I would be one of the latter. The C4 is a better car in every measurable way relative to any small block C3, especially the later plastic bumper cars.
My 1995 C4 coupe is just cheap fun and that's what I wanted, some projects to keep it on the road. That's why I got a C7 Z51 Stingray ragtop for just carefree cruising. 😎🏁
A friend's dad recently passed, I was the fortunate benefactor of a great deal on an 86 c4 cabrio with 57kmi, garage kept cherry. Picking it up next week!
Value? Will it go up? Maybe maybe not🤷🏻♂️. But one thing is almost certainly for sure, you cannot buy more car for less money. All around handling, comfort, features like Targa top…not the fastest car on the road but tons of torque, very enjoyable to drive, decent gas mileage, reasonable maintenance cost, reasonable parts cost…C4 is impossible to beat for value.
Good video. I was just thinking about this the other day. I have been searching the ads for an affordable 6speed C4. Crazy prices on some, decent on others. Some cars that seem affordable are in bad shape. I have even considered a convertible, but not a big fan. The C4's I believe will always hold their value are the 90-95 ZR1 (especially the early years as you can find an affordable one), the 1990-91 Turquoise metallic (my favoriteC4 color), and the Metallic copper, The LT4 will be a rare one since only produced for 1 year. That is the one I want. Thanks again for the video. Keep them coming.
I agree on all parts. Finding a nice 6 speed car is not easy and definitely requires patience. Thank you for watching and thank you for the kind words!
I think I agree with your assessment, but one never knows. There are quite a few videos of how the C4 is better than you think it is, or better than this or that car and there's a reason for that. I just bought a 94 C4 LT1 w/93,000 mi and the total miles since the last oil change was 1,500. I began changing the oil and filling an old 5 qt container with the used oil and it completely filled the 5 qt container (even though LT1 is a 4.5 qt oil change). Bottom line is the C4, after 93,000 mi, doesn't burn any oil. That is extremely rare to find. I wouldn't be surprised if before long car enthusiasts catch on to how good the C4 has been designed and built and the car gets sought after.
I will be really curious to see. The number of good ones is simply so high. Demand would have to grow a LOT for the common C4 to go up. But, a lot of these are getting scooped up by young kids and ruined now. So perhaps that is the beginning of the cycle.
Well during the covid bubble they did see a boom, but I think it is coming back down. The manual cars though, being so uncommon, do still command a bit of a premium. Nothing wrong with a miata, but don't give up your search. If you get the chance to buy a manual C4, at least take it for a drive.
@mattquerio Matt. I test drove 3, the same exact day I drove the miata. 2 sticks and somehow the guy selling the miata had an 86 automatic c4. I really liked the low end power but it was that tight feel that drew me to the miata. As soon as I can get a chunk of change I will try to add like a $7k 89, or 90 6 speed manual as a second toy. I really appreciated that engine and the way in which the power came on.
Bought a 1996 Collector's Edition automatic w/ 60k on the clock last week. Car is immaculate, has won Top Flight awards for best in show, came with boxes of parts and manuals. Paid 14k. Going to drive and enjoy it, take care of it. But it's not going to make me money.
I agree. For base models I think the manuals will be the only ones to go up other than the limited production cars. And the 94-96 manuals being worth quite a bit more due to the vented opti and being the newest ones you can get. I have another theory though… that the base 94-95 manuals may be worth more to a hot rodder than a 96 LT4. Reason being that the 95 is the last year of OBD1.. meaning you can mod it and only need to pass the sniff test in smog states (which will ALL be smog states soon enough). For OBD2 cars like the LT4 they are plugged into a computer for smog and if your tune, etc isn’t exactly the same from factory they will be able to tell and it won’t pass. So technically you’ll be able to mod / push more power out of the OBD1 LT1’s (vs an LT4 which you can’t mod) and still pass smog.
Well being as these are getting older, I would assume they would hit some sort of smog exemption as some point. I don't live in a state with that testing, but I am sure at some point all 50 states will have it.
I agree on the Manual thing. I own a really nice almost perfect 94 polo green coupe but with an auto. I would love to get a 92 up 6 speed car. Id be willing to give boot towards the right car. The auto just doesn't give you the feeling the manual does.
Its fun, why i bought mine (90 auto) paid $6000 runs like a champ, no I don't think it's the fastest thing on the road, and i don't care, im happy and that's all i care.
That is the exact attitude a car enthusiast should have. The hobby can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be. A good C4 vette is like a car enthusiast cheat code.
A reason there are so many C4 Corvettes is because they were just so darn popular! Good 'ole supply and demand. There are less 300zx turbo's, Supra turbo's, and RX7 turbo's for at least two reasons. For one they were not as popular, therefore there were not as many produced. Another reason is they were not that well made, imo. If they were so well made where are all of them today? The LT4 and LT1 is just plain and simple a much stronger better engineered platform than even the RX7 turbo with it's fragile 13b Wankel. 1.3L vs. 5.7L. The pushrod V8 wins in performance and longevity. Corvette, made in America. Who swapping Wankels into Vette's? Nobody. Who's swapping LT1's or LT4's into Rx7's? More people than the other way around and a quick search will show you forum post after post about that very thing. The Vette wins.
It baffles me that a car as fun as the c4 auto is that cheap. Kona N, GTI, GR Corolla, Civic Type R, are all around the same butt dyno as an automatic LT1, but they cost 40-50k. Heck, a supra auto or Nissan of the era which are just as beautiful are much more expensive. It's crazy how much rarity makes something desirable because I think an auto c4 with a muffler delete is nearly as fun as all those cars
I completely agree. The auto cars values are so low. This post covid bubble burst has them falling to new lows once again. I am seeing nice ones back in the 6k range. It is simply the most fun car for the money, as I said, for about 20 years running. I am glad I had all the fox mustangs and third gen camaros back in 2002-2012, when they were cheap. I raised my nose at C4 corvettes because that was the thing to do. Until I bought my first one in 2021... and realized there still are great cars out here for very little money.
I agree 100% with the automatic vs manual. Looking to sell my automatic 1980 to make room for a manual C4…. Honestly, I believe ANYTHING manual will very soon become a pretty big deal
Said nothing wrong I went through hell to get a 6spd lost 1000 bucks on a plane ticket to Ohio for a black LT4 ended up getting an Aqua Blue in basically 8-9 on condition but everyone who approached me about the car were excited it was manual! 😂
I'm not a Corvette owner yet, but I think all Corvettes are collectable. I go to car shows every weekend, and there is always a good Corvette turn-out. Sometimes they even have their own class. They aren't for everyone, but most people who own one have owned multiple Corvettes. They are loyal and diehard. Low mileage low production models will always be desirable. With desirability comes value, especially the LT1 models.
I agree to a point, but the automatic cars not so much. If you go shopping for one, you'll see it is, and has been, a buyers market for over 2 decades. To bring any kid of demand an automatic car would have to have the exact color and options a very specific buyer wants. I've had 6 of them, and helped friends shop for many more over the past 3 years. Low mileage low production cars are desirable relative to corvettes, but not relative to any of the other competition for the time. I love them more than anyone, and I think they're the best deal out there right now, but even so, if it isn't a manual C4 at this point I will not buy it. If I ever want to unload it will be for sale for ages, unless it's the cheapest one.
Great video. Just want to know what you think a 1996 coupe CE 19,000 miles on it. Has both tops and Z51 package. What do you think is today's value for it? Thank you
It's honestly impossible to tell with a C4. The only way to find out it's value is list it for sale, and see what real offers you get. Some guys will tell you 25-27k, but finding a buyer is another story, ya know. What's the interior color, red is the most valuable/ desirable.
Well it really all comes down to nostalgia. More people are nostalgic for the camaro because more people had a brother, or a father, or an uncle, or a neighbor with one. Also, their survival rate has been much lower. I'd say 10x as many corvettes survive their depreciation cycle than the equivalent camaro.
great video ! i disagree a clapped miata is 10k , clean c4s will go up , the big 3 arent making affordable sports cars anymore , and olny half of the 150,000 produced are servicable imo , 90s stlye thats reminiscent of the italian alikes. there slept on right now
I can't argue there, but I still stand by that the manual will appreciate at a greater rate due to the very very few manuals being built today, and fewer next year.
don't do red carpet - too much red. the red+black is sharp, but all red is kinda creepy. just my opinion of course. Especially with a red exterior. White car with all red interior would be okay, but red+red+red? too much!
Order of Value as future collectible C4's------- 1. Callaway ZR1 2. ZR1- 93-95 3. Callaway 90+ 4. ZR1 90-92 5. Lingenfelter 6. 96LT4 the rest will depend on mileage but will increase with inflation and thats it.
They will never go further down in value because nothing does anymore. There will only ever be fewer of these and as every other car becomes less affordable these will become more appreciated because of the price and demand will start to increase.
I don't think they'll go down. I think that's pretty much impossible. They've been bottomed out for a long time. I don't really think an automatic car will ever go up though, look at automatic C3s, especially 1974-1982 cars. They're 50 years old, and the nicest ones are still 12k. Those haven't appreciated. Also, the other cars from the C4s era have been climbing in value a long time. Look at a 1985 Iroc vs a 1985 Vette. I think the performance will become more and more antiquated, and the value will sit, on base V8 cars anyhow.
@@mattquerio You bring up a good point with the C3. I will say at least regionally where I live in Canada every old car is rusting out catastrophically except for Corvettes. There’s also a massive JDM seen here and the prices on anything JDM and have become astronomical. I think over the next few years we’ll start seeing more young people realize that any C4 is the best bang for your buck fun old car that isn’t rusted out and they’ll gain some interest. I agree completely that the auto cars will never be a good “investment” but I could see the rising tide lifting all ships and the base automatic cars gaining about 50% in value over the next few years. I could definitely be wrong but either way good video and this is an interesting discussion to have and it will be a fun market to watch!
I mean it's just a body kit, they're neat for sure, but I would say a greenwood auto L98 is worth less than a 4+3 Z51 of the same year. That's my opinion, but I think it's pretty much true in 99% of cases.
I had the misfortune of having to ride in the passenger seat of one of these from LA to Vegas when they first came out. My feet were nearly cooked off, and I was on crutches for a week. The exhaust ran through a box that took up a big chunk of the footwell on the passenger side. I think this may be why they are so cheap. Other than that, it's just another 80's junk car.
I couldn't disagree more. The exhaust does run under the car by the trans tunnel, but I have never noticed any excessive heat in any of the 6 I've owned. I don't think that's why they are cheap, as it is the first I have ever heard of it. Lol. But hey, you like what you like man.
If your car has 20k of work done to it, then for heavens sake, IT'S WORTH, 20k. A clean C4 with low miles is still going to need a lot of work. That is a 10 to 15k car. There are people who will pay for a clean and refreshed reliable C4. Stop with the cutting yourself off at the ankles. When I'm done with mine either I keep it or I sell it for what it's worth. And a reliable classic Corvette is worth a lot. Period
I'm not mad that I have 20k invested. I love the car. But it's worth 15k. That's cars. It needed work, and I wanted it tight so I could enjoy it. But I know enough that I don't dictate it's value, a buyer does. If you put 30k into a car, it doesn't mean it's worth 30k. Know what I mean? But I don't mind, I only have intentions of driving it, and I enjoy every minute of it. Cheers and thanks for watching!
And thats where i, respectfully disagree. Why is a Japanese sports car of the same era worth more? Fast and Furious films. When that film series started those Japanese cars were cheap. They became popular because they are easy to work on and getting parts for them is relatively easy. Japan embraced their hometown hero's and kept them running. We here in the States need to do the same. The C4s performance is unmatched compared to the cars of that time. And the availability and ease to work on them is on par with the Japanese cars. If an individual spent 30k restoring a 300zx twin turbo you can definitely expect the selling price to be the same. The C4 is a better car. We need to show more love for OUR hometown hero and less contempt. Remember it's not a lowly Mustang It's a Corvette. @mattquerio
And why is the C4 the only car that is compared to other makes and models? If i had the money to buy a Ferrari 308 and someone suggested a Lamborghini I'd question that thought process. The C4 needs to be compared to other C4s only. Also were are you going to get a V8 sports car from this time period? The only car i can think of is a 928. How many of these do you see running. I think there are maybe 2...only kidding. The C4 also had to follow a legendary C3. The car that most of us in the hobby car market grew up with. Then after the C4 was the introduction of the LS motor. Yet neither one of these ARE a C4. These incredible cars need to judged on their own.The Porsche 911 individual is not buying a Volkswagen. A Fox Body guy is not buying a Camaro and a C4 guy is not buying a C5. If i sell mine and someone says its too much compared to an LS Corvette i would answer with "yeah but you have to look at that bulbous body, yuk" The C4 is the humble king .@@mattquerio
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I agree with your assessment. I didn't buy my C4 as an investment. I bought it as an extremely fun weekend car that only cost $13k. What other low mileage car can get near the performance of my 93 Z07 manual for that price???
I cannot think of one. A 93 Z07 is a super cool unit that a lot of people don't know about. Congrats!
Love my 91 C4 auto with a passion. Don't care what anyone says, it's 10 tons of fun even with an auto. It's also completely gorgeous IMO. You're right of course, the manuals will always be more valuable - but as the years go by, and there's fewer and fewer good ones, I suspect that they'll start to appreciate, or at least hold their value very well. It's still a Vette, after all, and that name means something.
I get it. I've had 2 automatics, and they were still fantastic cars. I can't imagine getting more for the money I spent! And they were both early cars with the atari dash.... and nothing is cooler than Motley Crue with that dashboard in the foreground.
Writing from the EU here, so glad I found your channel. Prices in my country for imported ones range from 14-20k€ (last year they were 10-15k) and there are only a handful for sale at all times. The more expensive ones being the manuals. I have been in the market for a C4 for around 3 years and did the research. Sadly nothing manual popped up when they were "cheaper", however as of recently I am lucky to say that I found one within that price range and bought it.
All original white 1992 LT1 targa with a 6 speed and 90k miles from California. One owner car before the import and it's in great condition. It's a dream come true and a blast to drive. They're quite a rarity around here so the coolness factor is definitely high. Cheers for the vids man, keep it up.
well you live probably in a shitbox country like germany or France, they are cheaper and cheaper year by year.
3 years ago 88 was about 14k Euro, and this year 8k. They are numerous so.. you can pick and chose.
Sounds like a great score!! Congrats!
C4 vette is the bargain of the century
1000% bro
All fair points. I got a 95 lt1 auto with 44k on it and extremely well maintained. Wife and I love it. We are not trying to set the world on fire, its is a quick fun and cool feeling riding car. We could of left the cash in the bank with crap returns on interest or bought an affordable sports car and enjoyed the time with it. If it only holds same value or so, we will still have the entire idea of the car for nothing in cost. THE EXPERIENCE IS THE MEMORIES.
Everything works after $39 in headlight kit and my labor, all power and cold AC.. Glad they are out there for ppl to buy and enjoy!
Now you have a great point. These are a car that you can get cheap and won't lose money on! I agree on that. Glad you are having fun!
I currently own 5 C4s
1990 Callaway Twin Turbo
1991 ZR-1
1991 DRM ZR-1
1996 LT4
1996 Grand Sport
I absolutely love C4s! And I currently still own 7 others Vettes too from C2 -C7. They are so misunderstood and under rated. Since all of my Vettes are manual I feel pretty good with your assertion 😂
Beautiful ride!
A man of culture I see. Those are all elite examples. Very very nice. That DRM has to be an absolute beast. Very rare to see.
Let me hold on to the 96 lt4😅
Yep I got an 89 coupe with 120,000 miles on it for a couple thousand and its an auto. Runs great and gets good mileage with the new rings and bearing I put in and it will probably pull $2500 to $3000 tops. They are everywhere. Its not fast at all but its fun to drive
Can't beat it!
@@mattquerio I know right...!
No matter how cheap any corvette is worth it...Same goes to other cars and makes too.I adore the c4 corvette❤
It is defintely a great value!
I am fine if my 92 LT1 6 speed does not astronomically increase in value because a C4 Corvette is the car Iusted after as a teenager and the fact that I now have one as a weekend toy brings me more joy than I ever imagined it would. It's my fouth Vette, my first C4 and without a doubt my favorite.
I fully agree. It is also the corvette of my youth, and I enjoy every minute of the car.
I got my 84 crossfire with 77k miles last month for $2300. Needed a passenger seat and carpet, but it runs fine. Such an awesome car.
Congratulations. Now name one other car this fantastic for that money? I cannot think of one. The money that went into this design...and people are out here picking them up for pennies. It's crazy that they are still this slept on.
I enjoyed my time immensely with my 1990 6 speed convertible. I paid less than $10K for it with only 30K miles, put some work and money into it, and it was a flat line in terms of value. I did it more for the love of it so I hope the new owner is enjoying it out there in the world. I do recommend them to people looking to get into a special sports car before the prices get too out of hand. Unlike newer cars, at least you can support all of them in your home garage.
I agree. They are so economical for what they offer!
All you need is for Hollywood to use one in a movie and watch it sky rocket
It's funny you say this, as I was just looking at marketplace earlier. I saw a 94 Supra turbo, manual, LHD... the desirable one. $120k. It had an aftermarket sunroof installed in it by a previous owner, and this guy removed it and had the roof mended. I mean lord, 120k for a car with stories? A stock MK4 isnt any faster than this. I was there in the 90s, nobody talked about supras... until F&F came out.
I still want a supra though.
Great Video, Matt! I'm currently shopping for a C4 LT1/6spd car and the prices are everywhere.
Got mine for 13500
The prices are absolutely all over. 7k-22k. It is insane right now. Thank you for watching! Please subscribe and keep us updated as to what you find!
C4's are the redheaded stepchildren of the Corvette world
Some might agree, some might say the late C3. I would be one of the latter. The C4 is a better car in every measurable way relative to any small block C3, especially the later plastic bumper cars.
My 1995 C4 coupe is just cheap fun and that's what I wanted, some projects to keep it on the road. That's why I got a C7 Z51 Stingray ragtop for just carefree cruising. 😎🏁
A friend's dad recently passed, I was the fortunate benefactor of a great deal on an 86 c4 cabrio with 57kmi, garage kept cherry. Picking it up next week!
I wish you luck with it. Do all the fluids and maintenace. Treat it right and you will have a great car. Keep it on the road in his memory.
Value? Will it go up? Maybe maybe not🤷🏻♂️. But one thing is almost certainly for sure, you cannot buy more car for less money. All around handling, comfort, features like Targa top…not the fastest car on the road but tons of torque, very enjoyable to drive, decent gas mileage, reasonable maintenance cost, reasonable parts cost…C4 is impossible to beat for value.
You are spot on good sir.
Good video. I was just thinking about this the other day. I have been searching the ads for an affordable 6speed C4. Crazy prices on some, decent on others. Some cars that seem affordable are in bad shape. I have even considered a convertible, but not a big fan. The C4's I believe will always hold their value are the 90-95 ZR1 (especially the early years as you can find an affordable one), the 1990-91 Turquoise metallic (my favoriteC4 color), and the Metallic copper, The LT4 will be a rare one since only produced for 1 year. That is the one I want. Thanks again for the video. Keep them coming.
I agree on all parts. Finding a nice 6 speed car is not easy and definitely requires patience. Thank you for watching and thank you for the kind words!
@mattquerio what do you think is a fair offer 96 collectors edition lt4 123k miles full service documentation 4 owner. Beautiful shape?
Also I think you nailed it on your thoughts on values. Spot on what I think too.
Hey maybe I'm not crazy! Thanks!
I think I agree with your assessment, but one never knows. There are quite a few videos of how the C4 is better than you think it is, or better than this or that car and there's a reason for that. I just bought a 94 C4 LT1 w/93,000 mi and the total miles since the last oil change was 1,500. I began changing the oil and filling an old 5 qt container with the used oil and it completely filled the 5 qt container (even though LT1 is a 4.5 qt oil change). Bottom line is the C4, after 93,000 mi, doesn't burn any oil. That is extremely rare to find. I wouldn't be surprised if before long car enthusiasts catch on to how good the C4 has been designed and built and the car gets sought after.
I will be really curious to see. The number of good ones is simply so high. Demand would have to grow a LOT for the common C4 to go up. But, a lot of these are getting scooped up by young kids and ruined now. So perhaps that is the beginning of the cycle.
I think they got more expensive over the past year. Anyone else see that? I bought a miata instead but I wanted c4 to work for me
Well during the covid bubble they did see a boom, but I think it is coming back down. The manual cars though, being so uncommon, do still command a bit of a premium. Nothing wrong with a miata, but don't give up your search. If you get the chance to buy a manual C4, at least take it for a drive.
@mattquerio Matt. I test drove 3, the same exact day I drove the miata. 2 sticks and somehow the guy selling the miata had an 86 automatic c4. I really liked the low end power but it was that tight feel that drew me to the miata. As soon as I can get a chunk of change I will try to add like a $7k 89, or 90 6 speed manual as a second toy. I really appreciated that engine and the way in which the power came on.
Bought a 1996 Collector's Edition automatic w/ 60k on the clock last week. Car is immaculate, has won Top Flight awards for best in show, came with boxes of parts and manuals. Paid 14k. Going to drive and enjoy it, take care of it. But it's not going to make me money.
It might not make you money, but it will save you money by offering a world class sports car for the price of a 12 year old honda accord!!!
Great buy.
I agree. For base models I think the manuals will be the only ones to go up other than the limited production cars. And the 94-96 manuals being worth quite a bit more due to the vented opti and being the newest ones you can get.
I have another theory though… that the base 94-95 manuals may be worth more to a hot rodder than a 96 LT4. Reason being that the 95 is the last year of OBD1.. meaning you can mod it and only need to pass the sniff test in smog states (which will ALL be smog states soon enough). For OBD2 cars like the LT4 they are plugged into a computer for smog and if your tune, etc isn’t exactly the same from factory they will be able to tell and it won’t pass. So technically you’ll be able to mod / push more power out of the OBD1 LT1’s (vs an LT4 which you can’t mod) and still pass smog.
In Texas, cars that are 25 years and older and up don't have to pass emission tests.
@@douglascook258 yeah but then you have to live in Texas.. with no twisty mountain roads.. just flat flat flat boringness lol
NC has only a safety inspection on 25yo cars. I have an LT4.
@@paulmoss7940 yeah but 50 state legal modded cars will may be worth more is what I’m saying. Easier to resell etc
Well being as these are getting older, I would assume they would hit some sort of smog exemption as some point. I don't live in a state with that testing, but I am sure at some point all 50 states will have it.
I agree on the Manual thing. I own a really nice almost perfect 94 polo green coupe but with an auto. I would love to get a 92 up 6 speed car. Id be willing to give boot towards the right car. The auto just doesn't give you the feeling the manual does.
I have had both, and I agree, the manual really fills the gaps that the auto leaves in the driving experience.
Its fun, why i bought mine (90 auto) paid $6000 runs like a champ, no I don't think it's the fastest thing on the road, and i don't care, im happy and that's all i care.
That is the exact attitude a car enthusiast should have. The hobby can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be. A good C4 vette is like a car enthusiast cheat code.
A reason there are so many C4 Corvettes is because they were just so darn popular! Good 'ole supply and demand. There are less 300zx turbo's, Supra turbo's, and RX7 turbo's for at least two reasons. For one they were not as popular, therefore there were not as many produced. Another reason is they were not that well made, imo.
If they were so well made where are all of them today? The LT4 and LT1 is just plain and simple a much stronger better engineered platform than even the RX7 turbo with it's fragile 13b Wankel. 1.3L vs. 5.7L. The pushrod V8 wins in performance and longevity. Corvette, made in America.
Who swapping Wankels into Vette's? Nobody. Who's swapping LT1's or LT4's into Rx7's? More people than the other way around and a quick search will show you forum post after post about that very thing.
The Vette wins.
Hard to argue that!!!! Thanks for watching again!!!
Agree with your take on C4 values. Like you said, they made too many of them to be collectible as a whole.
And the survival rate is so high, but all manual cars will climb eventually. I think.
It baffles me that a car as fun as the c4 auto is that cheap. Kona N, GTI, GR Corolla, Civic Type R, are all around the same butt dyno as an automatic LT1, but they cost 40-50k. Heck, a supra auto or Nissan of the era which are just as beautiful are much more expensive. It's crazy how much rarity makes something desirable because I think an auto c4 with a muffler delete is nearly as fun as all those cars
I completely agree. The auto cars values are so low. This post covid bubble burst has them falling to new lows once again. I am seeing nice ones back in the 6k range. It is simply the most fun car for the money, as I said, for about 20 years running. I am glad I had all the fox mustangs and third gen camaros back in 2002-2012, when they were cheap. I raised my nose at C4 corvettes because that was the thing to do. Until I bought my first one in 2021... and realized there still are great cars out here for very little money.
@mattquerio A c4 is quite the definition of dont knock it till you try it ! Yeah I would never consider buying a fox body until they became affordable
I agree 100% with the automatic vs manual. Looking to sell my automatic 1980 to make room for a manual C4…. Honestly, I believe ANYTHING manual will very soon become a pretty big deal
I agree. There are so few new manuals built. Many enthusiasts will look to the past for an analog vehicle.
Said nothing wrong I went through hell to get a 6spd lost 1000 bucks on a plane ticket to Ohio for a black LT4 ended up getting an Aqua Blue in basically 8-9 on condition but everyone who approached me about the car were excited it was manual! 😂
It's so rare to see a manual C4, it always surprises people! Congrats!
In 1996 the C4 had no competition that's a fact. #C4stillrealavent
My man.
I'm not a Corvette owner yet, but I think all Corvettes are collectable. I go to car shows every weekend, and there is always a good Corvette turn-out. Sometimes they even have their own class. They aren't for everyone, but most people who own one have owned multiple Corvettes. They are loyal and diehard. Low mileage low production models will always be desirable. With desirability comes value, especially the LT1 models.
I agree to a point, but the automatic cars not so much. If you go shopping for one, you'll see it is, and has been, a buyers market for over 2 decades. To bring any kid of demand an automatic car would have to have the exact color and options a very specific buyer wants. I've had 6 of them, and helped friends shop for many more over the past 3 years. Low mileage low production cars are desirable relative to corvettes, but not relative to any of the other competition for the time. I love them more than anyone, and I think they're the best deal out there right now, but even so, if it isn't a manual C4 at this point I will not buy it. If I ever want to unload it will be for sale for ages, unless it's the cheapest one.
Great video.
Just want to know what you think a 1996 coupe CE 19,000 miles on it.
Has both tops and Z51 package.
What do you think is today's value for it?
Thank you
It's honestly impossible to tell with a C4. The only way to find out it's value is list it for sale, and see what real offers you get. Some guys will tell you 25-27k, but finding a buyer is another story, ya know. What's the interior color, red is the most valuable/ desirable.
Yes. I understand
It's a black leather interior with LT4 motor.
It's available for me to purchase. I will try to offer him a fair price.
Thank you.
I don't understand why Camano z28 or iroc sells for much more
Well it really all comes down to nostalgia. More people are nostalgic for the camaro because more people had a brother, or a father, or an uncle, or a neighbor with one. Also, their survival rate has been much lower. I'd say 10x as many corvettes survive their depreciation cycle than the equivalent camaro.
@@mattquerio I agree, most people bought vettes took care of them. So many more around. Makes sense
great video ! i disagree a clapped miata is 10k , clean c4s will go up , the big 3 arent making affordable sports cars anymore , and olny half of the 150,000 produced are servicable imo , 90s stlye thats reminiscent of the italian alikes. there slept on right now
I can't argue there, but I still stand by that the manual will appreciate at a greater rate due to the very very few manuals being built today, and fewer next year.
don't do red carpet - too much red. the red+black is sharp, but all red is kinda creepy. just my opinion of course. Especially with a red exterior. White car with all red interior would be okay, but red+red+red? too much!
I think I'm with you. Plus the carpet is a pain, but the seats would be easy.
Order of Value as future collectible C4's------- 1. Callaway ZR1 2. ZR1- 93-95 3. Callaway 90+ 4. ZR1 90-92 5. Lingenfelter 6. 96LT4 the rest will depend on mileage but will increase with inflation and thats it.
I think that is pretty damn accurate. That's the order of desirability for me.
They will never go further down in value because nothing does anymore. There will only ever be fewer of these and as every other car becomes less affordable these will become more appreciated because of the price and demand will start to increase.
I don't think they'll go down. I think that's pretty much impossible. They've been bottomed out for a long time. I don't really think an automatic car will ever go up though, look at automatic C3s, especially 1974-1982 cars. They're 50 years old, and the nicest ones are still 12k. Those haven't appreciated. Also, the other cars from the C4s era have been climbing in value a long time. Look at a 1985 Iroc vs a 1985 Vette. I think the performance will become more and more antiquated, and the value will sit, on base V8 cars anyhow.
@@mattquerio You bring up a good point with the C3. I will say at least regionally where I live in Canada every old car is rusting out catastrophically except for Corvettes. There’s also a massive JDM seen here and the prices on anything JDM and have become astronomical. I think over the next few years we’ll start seeing more young people realize that any C4 is the best bang for your buck fun old car that isn’t rusted out and they’ll gain some interest. I agree completely that the auto cars will never be a good “investment” but I could see the rising tide lifting all ships and the base automatic cars gaining about 50% in value over the next few years. I could definitely be wrong but either way good video and this is an interesting discussion to have and it will be a fun market to watch!
If you know where a nice C3 1980-82 auto for 12K please let me know. The ones I have seen are all around 20K.
@@coold4356 there’s a guy selling a stock 82 in my area for $25k and refuses to give details in his listing 😂
I want a c5 manual
The prices are falling back down a bit after the covid bubble. Might be a good time to buy.
It's worth what buyers will pay for it, the seller is never right
I agree. Buyers dictate values, but some sellers don't really understand that.
What about the C4 Greenwood Corvettes. I don't see them at car shows?
I mean it's just a body kit, they're neat for sure, but I would say a greenwood auto L98 is worth less than a 4+3 Z51 of the same year. That's my opinion, but I think it's pretty much true in 99% of cases.
To elaborate, I think a greenwood kit reduces value in some cases, because it's a period look which is neat, but it's dated.
I had the misfortune of having to ride in the passenger seat of one of these from LA to Vegas when they first came out. My feet were nearly cooked off, and I was on crutches for a week. The exhaust ran through a box that took up a big chunk of the footwell on the passenger side. I think this may be why they are so cheap. Other than that, it's just another 80's junk car.
I couldn't disagree more. The exhaust does run under the car by the trans tunnel, but I have never noticed any excessive heat in any of the 6 I've owned. I don't think that's why they are cheap, as it is the first I have ever heard of it. Lol. But hey, you like what you like man.
Corvette is only worth wht someone will give you or your appraisal value for replacement value it can be this way for lots of cars
It’s this guys fault that I went with an LT4 😅
Muahahaha! It's your fault I bought another one, after staring at yours in my feed!
@@mattquerio Excellent!!
Hard getting and out of the car !!
They are not very ergonomic. Lol
If your car has 20k of work done to it, then for heavens sake, IT'S WORTH, 20k. A clean C4 with low miles is still going to need a lot of work. That is a 10 to 15k car. There are people who will pay for a clean and refreshed reliable C4. Stop with the cutting yourself off at the ankles. When I'm done with mine either I keep it or I sell it for what it's worth. And a reliable classic Corvette is worth a lot. Period
I'm not mad that I have 20k invested. I love the car. But it's worth 15k. That's cars. It needed work, and I wanted it tight so I could enjoy it. But I know enough that I don't dictate it's value, a buyer does. If you put 30k into a car, it doesn't mean it's worth 30k. Know what I mean? But I don't mind, I only have intentions of driving it, and I enjoy every minute of it. Cheers and thanks for watching!
And thats where i, respectfully disagree. Why is a Japanese sports car of the same era worth more? Fast and Furious films. When that film series started those Japanese cars were cheap. They became popular because they are easy to work on and getting parts for them is relatively easy. Japan embraced their hometown hero's and kept them running. We here in the States need to do the same. The C4s performance is unmatched compared to the cars of that time. And the availability and ease to work on them is on par with the Japanese cars. If an individual spent 30k restoring a 300zx twin turbo you can definitely expect the selling price to be the same. The C4 is a better car. We need to show more love for OUR hometown hero and less contempt.
Remember it's not a lowly Mustang
It's a Corvette. @mattquerio
And why is the C4 the only car that is compared to other makes and models? If i had the money to buy a Ferrari 308 and someone suggested a Lamborghini I'd question that thought process. The C4 needs to be compared to other C4s only. Also were are you going to get a V8 sports car from this time period? The only car i can think of is a 928. How many of these do you see running. I think there are maybe 2...only kidding. The C4 also had to follow a legendary C3. The car that most of us in the hobby car market grew up with. Then after the C4 was the introduction of the LS motor. Yet neither one of these ARE a C4. These incredible cars need to judged on their own.The Porsche 911 individual is not buying a Volkswagen. A Fox Body guy is not buying a Camaro and a C4 guy is not buying a C5. If i sell mine and someone says its too much compared to an LS Corvette i would answer with "yeah but you have to look at that bulbous body, yuk" The C4 is the humble king .@@mattquerio
Having work done to a car does not increase its value.
There's a bunch of nice cheap classic corvettes!!!! What the heck are you talking about?!?!
Basically Junk.
Not the case, but troll on.