7 Rules for Buying Your First C4

Check out this awesome video about what to look for and how to choose your first C4 Corvette.

[@xMarkie]

I’m starting to really like the C4 Corvettes...

[@uhmwhat2895]

The design is so 80's. C5 is too modern and c3 is too old.

[@xMarkie]

@@uhmwhat2895 tbh I love them all

[@patrickvasquez9316]

Anthony rayas the stupid critic commenterqqq

[@JDeubel]

@@uhmwhat2895 that's not true 94 and up are actually bad ass cars and have OBD2 the same as a C5

[@JDeubel]

Check out some of the videos on my C4 I think you'll like them

[@brunothepug8807]

As a first time Vette buyer that wants a C4, your video is very appreciated! It is not the $'s, I'm near 60 and it was my teenage dream car.

[@doctyler5382]

There are alot of C4's that are available, you can get one with low mileage, in good shape for a low price 😎

[@markko17]

The most important thing you mentioned was rule #1 that these cars are going to have something wrong with them. I always tell people looking for Corvettes, Mustangs, etc. to bear in mind that while it may be a neat car always remember that it is still a USED car. And I've never seen a used car that didn't need some work.

[@rubberwoody]

the digital dash alone is worth the price

[@truantray]

It's a glipse into the future.

[@aaronmitchell196]

I had a c4 for years n drove it with a barely lit dash. Went to sell it and a guy said if you can fix the dash ill take it rest of the car was mint. Done some research took the lcd apart cleaned connectors with a eraser voila worked perfect. My only regret is that i didnt do that sooner it was really a beautiful display when it worked lol

[@betweenthebars19]

@@aaronmitchell196 I just bought a c4 and the speed and rpms do not show at all. Do you think cleaning the connectors like you did might solve the problem?

[@cwb7143]

5 years later im commenting lol. Just got my 87 corvette. Got it for 5k. Instrument cluster was half ass worked on. The speedometer polarized lenses was toast and the info panel and tachometer was starting to go. Taking it apart and doing it was really fun and simple to do. But the center info panel was an aftermarket panel and found that out when I took of the lense. Bryan from Batee (100% recommended for C4 parts) helped me figure that out and had to buy a new center panel. The digital gauge alone is 100% worth getting the 80s' to me. Just so much more fun!

[@cwb7143]

@@betweenthebars19 if you haven't found the problem yet could need new polarized lenses. Most common issue. But yet again, I wouldn't know over here

[@mbreckwoldt9813]

They always look better in the pictures and yes, better to pay $9000 for a sweet low mileage c4 than a mediocre c4 for $4000 that will quickly need $10,000 of work. Personally I love the styling. MAKE SURE THE AC/ HEAT WORKS AND GET ONE WITH THE ZF 6 SPEED. The 4+ 3 is a nightmare to fix. The VATS system can be bypassed for under $10. Great video

[@thomastodd6728]

What about buying one for 1500 bucks that runs and drives

[@thomastodd6728]

And yes it exists

[@connor3288]

@@thomastodd6728 if mechanically inclined why not? Thats such a low price.

[@fritochilito]

@Thomas Todd I just got an 84 for 1500 great condition didn't run but after a new fuel pump and new injectors it drives daily. They are hard to find but they do come around sometimes.

[@Knightowl916]

I got my 88 for 1500 136kmiles my transmission gave out found one for 250 over time I kept looking on markets , or it was 1000 to rebuild I dropped it pretty easy tbh one day in and out new clutch car so far runs great I just need a brake booster as well but not to bad if you look constant and take your time 👌🔥

[@CamaroRick]

First rule of buying a C4: Dont pay as much for a C4 as a similar condition C5 would cost you.

[@kallo182]

Yes, you are right. I search right now for one. And im surprised how much some People want for a crappy 1985 Corvette. When you get for the same Money a C5 oO

[@Saint696Anger]

@@kallo182 the condition does matter in my opinion

[@DuBstep115]

@@kallo182 I could pay same money for mint condition, low mile convertible C4 with good specs than base 150k mile C5.

[@JohannGambolputty22]

100% true my dude

[@jasonc.776]

The $50 million Ferrari GTO can't keep up with a C5. Also, parts availability not as good. Sometimes you're paying for what you like, not what's practical.

[@wcastleberry1]

My 84 is 35 years old now and I can hit the key and it cranks right up and runs like new. It has some mods and I keep adding hp but it has the original l83 with 175,000 miles so eat it haters.

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

my 86 t/a is the same.twist the key and she fires up,carbed l31 vortec about 375 horsepower,5 speed,4 wheel disc,posie,hardtop with zero options and its a hardtop

[@Nobamaable]

I bet I know what your name is....lucky!

[@GarKeith]

I had an 84 that was perfect with only 40k original and lots of upgrades. I got tired of getting my ass busted by Honda Accords, so I upgraded to a C6.

[@wcastleberry1]

@@GarKeith I don't have that problem thankfully. congrats on your upgrade.

[@jjs777fzr]

Haters? Screw ‘em. Love the C4 and appreciate enthusiasts keeping them alive. Sub 10k cars can be found in great condition and is underrated for the value and fun factor.

[@tonyg5012]

Just bought a 89 convertible with 13,000 miles on it , 1st one for me , wish me luck ....

[@Paulie1232]

Good luck

[@Texas_Cruiser]

Damn that's low miles. Guy hardly drove it!

[@michaelthebarbarian3380]

Well, how did it go?

[@johnmichaelkarma]

How many miles do you have on it now? How much did you pay when you bought it?

[@clifffawcett]

This video was how I found TheCorvetteBen channel about a year ago. I have watched SOOOO MANY of his videos now I think I qualify for a “TheCorvetteBen” addict. It was fun to circle back today to where it all began. Love the outtakes and bloopers!!! Thanks Ben for sharing your expertise. Love your content. I’ve learned so much from watching

[@cockasorrus7475]

I knew that was too perfect! Thanks for the BLOOPERS! Your camera woman/producer/director did a great job as well! Thank you for all the great info!!!!! awesome job overall!

[@erikt211]

I have an '89 here, the last 4 years have been great! I average about 19 MPG, drive it everywhere and never had an issue :) Just keep the maintenance up and it will go for a very long time

[@chriscaldeira7895]

Bought to buy a 1996 lt4 gonna daily drive it making sure my first car is a v8

[@chapoelite1491]

@@chriscaldeira7895 how its going

[@chriscaldeira7895]

@@chapoelite1491 ended up buying a 92 Corvette which I sold 2 months ago. I upgraded to a 2002 c5 corvette

[@invisiblemansband]

my dad gave me his daily 89 vette. kind of excited.

[@xMarkie]

Lucky ! My dad gave me his 1972 Triumph TR6.

[@mr.queasy2280]

@@xMarkie my dad gave me AIDS

[@clydemoreno1854]

Kind of?

[@erronmorgan993]

Mr. Queasy That’s a steal

[@Texas_Cruiser]

@@erronmorgan993 ha

[@ucagetit]

Thank you! Great informative video! Cannot wait to start looking at C4 vettes!

[@ChevySS1968]

Nicely done. Very informative. Many thanks for taking the time to do this!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@sws5833]

Great videos, picked up an 86 convertible last fall with the four spd in mint condition, absolutely love it, your video on changing universal joints really helped me out, made the job easy. greetings from british Columbia canada

[@mr.chandler8144]

Yes bro your video was very informative and using that information I bought my first seat for a 1990 Coupe six-speed I absolutely love my new car well my first Corvette I've taken it on the highway it's a blast peace to you and yours from me and mines....

[@ryanalmeida6970]

Great video bud, thanks for taking the time. Your absolutely right about having to fix and sort out issues on the c4 no matter what. Love my 91 convertible 6 speed. Searched for a few months till I found exactly what I was looking for. Over paid Abit imo but I've had it for 12 years now. Red ext, black int, black top. 6speed zf trans. Loaded with Z51 package. Thanks again.

[@gw88swann]

We have a C4 1995 model. She has been with my mom for almost 10 years and counting. Thanks for the extra information on what to look for when buying, or in our case, restorations.

[@bw8632]

Have an 89 with a 383 stroker. Absolutely fun. Had to get a beefed up transmission recently. If you ever buy one that is no longer stock, be sure it comes with all the paperwork listing everything that is done and where it was done. You'll want a full parts list. You’ll want to know everything about operating temps, pressure readings, and best types of fluids to use. Having data is great when you understand it. You’ll avoid some issues and or at least prevent making an issue worse when you know these things. Some of the best advice in this video is to get the exact set up you want, and don’t settle.

[@longrider50]

Nice job. Am looking for a C4 now, so I'll keep your suggestions in mind.

[@pcity26]

Thanks for the video. I feel more informed about my favorite car since I was 7 years old. Thank you for the time you took.

[@onedankind8168]

I feel like todays vehicles look dated. And those Vettes look like the future.

[@jordiortega4436]

Co-rrect.

[@brucey1905]

Excellent insight into buying the used C4! Thanks for posting!!

[@seankirby8892]

thank you very much I was looking 5o but a c4 and this really helped me make my mind up.

[@RALTBOB1]

Thank you for the video it is great and I just finished purchasing my first C4. You saved the best for last, the take clips certainly add some humor😀

[@guillermomonroy7319]

really appreciate all the information here!!

[@mckeevb]

I'm looking at a 96 C4. Much thanks for this excellent video. You helped me a lot.

[@gpaje]

Good video man, exactly what I was looking for in regards to the C4.

[@coryleemarkert]

Thanks for this video and explanations.. Nice cars. Love 'em!

[@samrobinson9091]

Best thumbnail I’ve ever seen!

[@achievebig5315]

Thanks for the information...picking up my first c4 tomorrow

[@MrZdvy]

Good video, maybe next time you could make a video about typical C4 issues. (Common problems) Last summer I bought my first C4, actually my first Corvette. Just love how it handles, it's got loads of torque and the way the hood opens is just awesome.

[@jonathankuberski7891]

Thank you! Great video man! Corvette is my dream car an I’m dying to pull the trigger on one! Again I appreciate it!

[@alexkail3]

Incredibly informative. Thank you!

[@genericdenizen1]

Very useful. Thank you. Love my Corvette Grand Sport with its Manual Transmission.

[@kjbadass]

great video good advice on buying a c4 Corvette. my favorite Corvette is the 90 - 96 appreciate the advice it'll help me out a lot thank you

[@surfbug1]

Thank u. Answered lots of my questions

[@robertdevito5001]

I’ve been dailying my 87 for a little over a year now, these cars have wonderful visibility. They also scoot through traffic pretty good when they need to, and the gas mileage is pretty good if you keep out of it. Mine is an automatic but it has the 2.72?:1 rear in it, cruises very nicely at any speed. Only problem is the noise level, not from the (aftermarket) exhaust, but from the wind going across the windshield and the glass roof. Most of the noise seems to be coming from the lip where the two meet, and a bit from the windows. I also have 315s in the rear with summer tires, so it’s sketchy in the rain and snow but that’s my fault for running really wide, somewhat worn summer tires in suboptimal conditions. I’m very happy with my purchase overall. Word of the wise, if you buy a car that has done a lot of cruising, and you’re getting a code 33, vary your driving a bit. When the car has spent a lot of time at one throttle position the tps (throttle position sensor) will burn out a little bit in that spot, and the car doesn’t know if the tps is wrong or if the maf (mass airflow) sensor is wrong. $100 repair, but the car will run like shit when it goes into limp home mode. There are other potential causes, but that was my car’s major malfunction when I bought it. Also, the VATS can be bypassed with resistors, you just need to figure out what resistance your key has (ohm meter will tell you) and to match it. My car came with a strange bypass that used a switch that’s hidden in the dash, so effectively it has a secret kill switch for the ignition.

[@ianm9853]

Great video, you rock for creating this man, very useful info. I'm shopping for a 1990

[@magikstik8457]

Great video, I've been looking to buy my dad a C4, this really helps!

[@cristopherg7012]

Awesome video. I'm looking to get one o them early 80's C4 preferably non-convertible. Its gonna be a journey

[@Aviv]

Amazing video. Thanks!

[@ralphhammond8398]

Hey Ben, I'm looking to buy a 85 vette, your video is a big help to check out some of the issues to look out for.....thanks...enjoyed the video....Ralph

[@spencerlorrigan]

Super helpful informative video, thanks!

[@clubracer6]

Thank you! Very helpful info!

[@raysills6666]

Great job! You nailed it

[@xXUSxSnipeZXx117]

Looking at buying a 88' supercharged vette, over 500 horsepower! The video was very helpful thanks!

[@jimmya2578]

This is awesome, thank you!

[@87ferrarif40]

The '84 Vette 4+3 had the rocker switch, on the center console, for the over drive. I owned one Awesome car!

[@mcch0401]

Thanks for the help Ben. I just bought a white, 1994 6 speed Coupe. Very happy with it.

[@paulmoss7940]

So did I. I think there were 504 white lt4's made. mine has 50k miles and I gave 10k.

[@Ricochet2024]

Thanks dude, appreciate the information

[@desertsunman5880]

Thx for your insights - am looking at an 85 now & thx for the VATS info - Vettes Rule!

[@kevinsnyder2026]

I have a 1989 c4. I love it. She runs good and has been easy to work on. The engine is easy to modify and parts are easy to find. Good video.

[@Jameshonda93]

I have a guy wanting to sell one to me for 2500. Auto. Hatchback. He say runs and drives but doesn’t know clear history

[@timbixbi9938]

Very informative,thanks !!! Cool shirt too.

[@tripsquared_greenworks]

Thank you so much for making this video I pride myself on thinking I'm somewhat of a shade tree mechanic but there's so many cars out there that it's hard to know everything about everything and you brought up a lot of good points and things to do I think along the lines of how you think about this car because it is a very good car and you get a nice sports car to have fun with and maybe even as a daily driver for way cheaper than anything else that's on the same level there is a place near me called just Corvettes and I'm going to go and speak with them and try to see it if they are a honest shop or not before I do business with them but I think it's time for me to bring a new Corvette into my family part of the reason is not only my love for Corvettes all my life but my son who is 10 years old told me a couple years ago that he wanted a Corvette when he turns 16 so I figure this model is the one to get him find the cheapest one that's an automatic so that way he can learn to drive with it on a private area so that way he can tear it up all he wants and then use that for parts for the car that will be the one that he drives so like I said thank you I appreciate you taking your time to inform all of us

[@jimmyd2519]

Very well made video ben. I have a 90 L98 coupe and I can relate to everything you have said about c4"s. my car is pretty nice and I got it cheap, but it does have a couple of quirks that c4"s have. but I love what I got.

[@Corvette-nc2wh]

Ben the 1988 white 35th anniversary had white side molding's from the factory. I know you know that you just didn't think of it at the time.Thank's all your great videos .

[@tomperkins5657]

This is excellent! A great help for me!

[@jsyoukr1]

You absolutey nailed it with this video.

[@mfd2727]

Great video. Used it, and a bunch of research, to buy my C4. Found a 2 owner 85, auto, just under 23,000 miles, in dark bronze metallic (the second least used paint color that year). Absolutely love this car!!

[@irwaffles5728]

how much did u pay?

[@mfd2727]

@@irwaffles5728 I paid just under $8K at the time

[@Macchris58]

thanks from France for all this good informations ;-) nice cars you have

[@fez3327]

I want a Citreon DS !!!

[@richpor5139]

Nice video! Looking to buy my first this coming week! Going to drive it Tuesday and assuming it makes the cut it’ll be mine!

[@russellcunningham2118]

Very informative, nice job buddy.

[@perrymurdock7505]

You rock Ben please make more corvette video's love them!

[@nickra511]

Great video! Thank you!

[@viperfan85]

good job, thanks for your effort

[@thomasreay4713]

I knew everything you said but i had no idea of the anti theft system thanks for the advice just happen to have an 86 so cool thanks

[@anthonysantillo1358]

Being a Vette guy 76,&86,U R right on the money Like the video.

[@AmericaBumpertoBumper]

Great info. Thanks for sharing.

[@Nigel2Zoom]

Good information, thanks!

[@norvak979]

Excellent video!

[@jared101502]

very nice video, thank you for the Info.

[@stelthy100]

Thanks for a helpful video

[@mattl1811]

This was helpful. Thanks!

[@miquelcolet6946]

Great video!! Thanks!!

[@serpentza]

Hey there mate, I sent you a PM, I'm a youtuber from China and I'm coming to do an epic 10k mile trip through america in a C4 and I'd like to meet you along the way

[@TheCorvetteBen]

+serpentza I replied back to you the day you sent it. Maybe it went to spam? Either way I'll send it again

[@isakkarlsson654]

Didn't thought i would find you here SerpentZA. Just watched your videos, haha.

[@aaronsask6936]

+serpentza Love you videos man!

[@page14617]

such a great video, thanks.

[@johnnyribcage1]

Great video man, thanks - love C4's. In 5th grade (92 I think) my school bus passed a dealership every day with a red on red '86 for sale and I used to dream about having that car when I could afford it. One of these day's I'm going to grab one!

[@TheCorvetteBen]

+johnnyribcage1 You can buy my 85!

[@viikinki75]

Nice video! I just get my first Corvette. Not A1 class, but i like it!

[@matthewmrakovcic4386]

hey ben, great video as always. you need to invest in one of those mic's that you can clip on your shirt. that would make hearing you talk so much better. keep up the great work

[@tjsata]

I love my C3 and C4. I bought the C3 as junker and six months later my oldest son turned a 13.07 in the quarter at the High School Nationals ( but it still looked like a junker). A year later it was fully restored and is still beautiful today. I gave it to my oldest son about eight years ago. I bought my C4 new for my 40th birthday and gave it to my youngest son at the same time as the C3. The deal with both boys was they had to offer them back to me if they no longer wanted them. I got the C4 (an 86) back in November 2018; it no longer ran. I trailered it home from Chicago to Michigan and the work began. So far I have replaced the fuel pump, the fuel filter, the clutch master and slave cylinders, the rocker cover gaskets, the valve stem seals, plugs and wires, the EGR tube insulator, the exhaust system, the power window switch, and I don't know what else I'll find. But guess what, I love it and I love to work on it. It still looks close to new. I'm 72 and don't care what it costs to fix; I'll have it until the end.

[@Texas_Cruiser]

Hey Tom how the cars doing? Sounds like your son really ran it to the ground!

[@carlosescudero2302]

Thanks bro, appreciate it

[@takethe5th338]

Top Notch video. Lots of information, I never knew about, especially VATS. When making a broadcast, can you put a date on it? Will watch for more.

[@chrisheyer1]

you did a great job on that video

[@mrsimpleesarcastik3494]

outstanding video!!!!!!

[@kamranetemad4968]

Thank you for info .

[@MrNightpwner]

Thanks for making this

[@leekenney9214]

have both C4 and C5 ..i love my 86 best but it has cost me about 10 thousand in maintenance in the last 20 years.i saved all receipts. and my C5 cost me about $700 in 10 years. But even tho my C4 is old i still enjoy all that hidden hp the L-98 puts out and the handling is great as well. love the gas fill in the middle, the clam shell hood and starwars dash and how the seat hugs my hips on tight turns.. the unique w/s wiper motion. etc....white with red interior...

[@mannymelgoza6665]

Lee Kenney how's the insurance for both of them ?

[@leekenney9214]

its not that bad..less than most would think.

[@johnmoosey8173]

Lee Kenney

[@dondanana9573]

What’s the hidden hp?

[@oneplussixelectricflame2471]

Yeah what hidden hp man ?

[@stever.747]

Very thorough! Thx

[@jesselozano5124]

This was fantastic

[@caganb]

Great vid. Thanks

[@thejelliedpumpkin8976]

Great video! Liked

[@EddyJoe]

Good job! Thanks!

[@jacobreed47]

This is a really great video..

[@belairvlogs3800]

Dont forget the 84 crossfire corvettes😂 I actually just got a crossfire Corvette, I'd like to LS swap it at some point and put in a 6 speed with taller rear end gear. Originally I didn't really like the 80s interior but it's really grown on me

[@jonathanpinckney9227]

Thanks, mac. I will probably wind up using this one day.

[@johncook4156]

already a c4 owner, but very informative realy enjoyed it!!

[@qalba3016]

Do you still have it after 3 years Hope it’s doing well

[@johncook4156]

@@qalba3016 yes I still have it!!

[@joro8604]

Very well done.

[@Yay4Yay]

Thank you for this

[@martylabarbera3301]

Has become my favorite corvette classroom. Suggestion - film more of the actual work you do.