3rd Oct 2016, 13:37
I had a 98 Corvette and it was one of my most reliable. 98 was one of the best 97-2004 gens. The LS1 far more reliable than the LT1. We had a Corvette Intercounty meeting and I met a guy with one with 190k miles. My experience was oil changes, batteries and run flats. I switched to Gatorback belts. Other than that, just some mild mods and upgrades. How you give up close to 400 hp for an anemic 84 defies logic. The C5s are quick. I had a few C3s. If you go with that gen, the chrome bumper cars are the way to go. I currently have a C6 Grand Sport 4LT and it is amazing. If you are buying any Corvette, go with a manual trans or you will bore quickly. Even paddle shifters are not the same. In fact my other cars have manuals. Good luck.
6th Oct 2016, 16:40
This has to be a first selling a Corvette C5 to a 1984. The 84 had serious issues with the Cross Fire and a weak transmission. 205 HP would also likely put you to sleep. Not an ideal situation. 0-60 in 7 seconds, which means my family crossover would pass it. If you can save up for a 98 up, it's a great personal recommendation. The used C5 gen was totally redesigned in 1997. I always buy the second year up into a Gen. In fact 84 was a new design. Never buy the first year is my opinion of a new platform. I would even recommend a 74-77 over this year as an entry level priced Corvette. The HP will still be anemic as some were as low as 190. Buy a C5 used and you have 365. Buying a late 80s-early 90s is also a tough sell resale wise. As for a little more you have a C5 with less electrical issues. My 2 cents.
7th Oct 2016, 14:23
My 2 cents would be to save up for a 2013 Grand Sport with a manual trans. I don't regret it for sure.
7th Oct 2016, 20:09
I think the comment was being realistic in same price range of a 1984 Corvette with early C3s (non chrome bumper models) within the same pricing. Maybe one could save up a bit more to a 14k-20k progression to a C5. You have to be careful buying a 97 as some were LT1s vs the great LS1 engines. Going up to a 70 grand plus car comment like a newer Grand Sport isn't typical. Just like going from a C5 backwards to a 84. More likely than not C5 owners may sometimes go further back and buy a mid year 65-67 to get a more refined C2 with discs vs drums. 84-96 are out there and you can certainly buy what you like. Just giving more of a heads up on what you are facing. I have had these cars since 1986 for whatever it's worth as only a single opinion. That's what's great about this forum. If anyone else has owned multiple same models, I am highly interested in their sharing comments with myself as well.
11th Oct 2016, 18:44
Some actually do buy a brand new Corvette as their very first one. It's actually pretty common right after a person retires. They write a check. The demographic is age 55. You then have plenty of time to do the long club trips, shows and cruises. It's a highly powerful super car to jump behind the wheel of a C7. So work hard, pay tuitions and a house off. And treat yourself. A lot of my friends have added lifts or a 3rd car garage add on. The lifts are relative cheap under 2500 as a kit. You then can park one under, one above. Start saving now and when the kids leave have fun! You worked hard, so play hard. Life is short.
2nd Oct 2016, 17:27
I had a 1998 convertible Vette, fast - yes, dependable - no. I had to trade out of it because of all the expensive problems. Just bought a 1984; Slow - yes, dependable - hell yes. The 1984 Vette is way more solid, handles AWESOME and is easier to maintain, and is one fourth the price.