Ken is right, the C4 does not get the respect it deserves. There is a lot of good one out there. Just take your time looking at them The right one will present itself.
C4's are mainly divided into two groups. Early c4 1984 - 1990. And 91 to 96. The 84 had the crossfire motor. 85 to 91 had the L98, and the Lt1 started in 92. There is a few better cars in the C4 class. Starting 90 a ZR1 was introduced with the LT5 engine. And the 96 had the Grand Sport option with the LT4 engine. There is also some body style, and interior differences in the early to later models.
The early cars had 16 inch wheels until the optional 17 inch came out in 88 with Z51/52 packages. It is getting harder to find tires for those smaller rims, so better off with the 17 inch. Of course no one likes most of the early wheels, so most cars have been changed. The basic 88 wheel is only 16 inch, but a hard wheel to find. Getting good $ for them on ebay.
With the budget you mention, I would be looking for a 96 Grand Sport. Arguably the best C4 ever made. The 96 CE would also fill the bill. Or just forget the C4 and have a look at some C5's. They are really coming down in price and are great cars also.
Don't be in a rush...lots of cars out there. It's a buyers market.
Good Luck