What is best year/model of used Corvette?

[gdh]

We have a 72 convertible, my wife and I love it. The C3 verts do not have a lot of interior storage space especially once the roof is folded down. If I want to take a extra few gym bags I put them in the spare tire carrier. Friends of ours have a C4 vert and not a lot of storage room in it either? Starting with the C5's is when they went back to addding a trunk. Everyone has their favourite generation but each successive generation has been a step up in terms of comfort and quality in general. Our 72 is extemely fun to drive, reliable, has a racing history and given some of the suspension/wheel/tire changes very comfortable. This spring or fall we'll take it on a southern run that will include, Skyline Pkwy, Blue Ridge Pkwy, Diamondback, TOTD and a few more notable Appalachian roads.
Once you've narrowed down to which generation post it up here and with any luck btn yourself and here you'll find what you are looking for.

 

[Riley P]

Right at the top of your budget range, but I found this one for you in Regina. It's red and a convertible! A little far away but maybe worth a call to the owner.

1996 Chevrolet Corvette | used cars & trucks | Regina | Kijiji

 

[Dave91TM]

Hello Alice -The C4's are a good choice in your price range. You should be able to find a good one. Something to consider, if you will be doing longer excursions, is the decent amount of luggage space in the coupe and, for me, a good day with the roof panel out is pretty close to the convertible experience.

Good Luck

 

[Alice]

We have a 72 convertible, my wife and I love it. The C3 verts do not have a lot of interior storage space especially once the roof is folded down. If I want to take a extra few gym bags I put them in the spare tire carrier. Friends of ours have a C4 vert and not a lot of storage room in it either? Starting with the C5's is when they went back to addding a trunk. Everyone has their favourite generation but each successive generation has been a step up in terms of comfort and quality in general. Our 72 is extemely fun to drive, reliable, has a racing history and given some of the suspension/wheel/tire changes very comfortable. This spring or fall we'll take it on a southern run that will include, Skyline Pkwy, Blue Ridge Pkwy, Diamondback, TOTD and a few more notable Appalachian roads.
Once you've narrowed down to which generation post it up here and with any luck btn yourself and here you'll find what you are looking for.

Thanks for the comments about your experiences with your '73. My friend has a '79, also a C3 and it's a lot of fun.
I have concluded that the C4 is the best option for me at this time and I'm looking for a red convertible.

 

[Alice]

Right at the top of your budget range, but I found this one for you in Regina. It's red and a convertible! A little far away but maybe worth a call to the owner.

1996 Chevrolet Corvette | used cars & trucks | Regina | Kijiji

Thanks so much for this link. It's a good prospect for me. Red, Convertible, exactly what I asked for.
I've sent off an email to the seller. Hope to get some dialogue going on this car.
Also, I have a friend who's bought a few cars at long distance and has given me tips and pointers.
Being so far away was intimidating at first but I'm getting braver about it now.

 

[Alice]

Hello Alice -The C4's are a good choice in your price range. You should be able to find a good one. Something to consider, if you will be doing longer excursions, is the decent amount of luggage space in the coupe and, for me, a good day with the roof panel out is pretty close to the convertible experience.

Good Luck

Thanks for the comments, especially about the open car experience with the roof out of the coupe, and about the extra luggage space in the coupe. Definitely something to consider.
I test drove a C7 Coupe and it was very nice. My friend has a T-Roof C3 and it is also very open with the roof panels out. If I have to compromise for a coupe, it wouldn't be the end of the world but my heart's still set on a red convertible. Call me crazy but that's what I want.

 

[Dave91TM]

Get the one you want, that's not crazy, we only go this way once. Just pack lighter.

 

[Somebuddy]

There are so many great used vettes out there......don't settle for less. I have owned a C5 coupe and now a C5 convertible and to me the driving experience is very different with the top out or now down. I much prefer the convertible. Good luck with your search......welcome to the forum!

 

[Ken Tully]

I'm thinking about getting a used Corvette this spring. I'm in Canada and thinking in the $10,000.00 to $15,000.00 budget range.
What should I be looking at in terms of years and models? I don't have any experience with used Corvettes so I need input from those more expert than I.
I read one article that said the mid-eighties cars should be avoided and I don't know why. Is that because of the early C4 reputations, sluggish performance bad transmissions? I'm guessing they would mean the 84 to 87 years?
My preference is for a convertible. Do older convertibles have body integrity problems that coupes don't have?
I have lots of questions and have just started my search.

Alice
I have a C4 1989 Corvette Red exterior and red interior coupe with Targa top. Two owner car never winter driven asking $13,500. If interested I can send photos.

 

[gdh]

Thanks for the comments, especially about the open car experience with the roof out of the coupe, and about the extra luggage space in the coupe. Definitely something to consider.
I test drove a C7 Coupe and it was very nice. My friend has a T-Roof C3 and it is also very open with the roof panels out. If I have to compromise for a coupe, it wouldn't be the end of the world but my heart's still set on a red convertible. Call me crazy but that's what I want.

If it is a convertible that you want don't deviate as buyers remorse will set in on the first beautiful day where you truly wish that you could drop the top. More will start popping up soon as spring arrives, don't jump at the first red one that you find. Great that you have ppl who can check the car out. Our friend's C4 convertible is a gold '94 (I think), low mileage pristine conditioned vette. There is a group of 4 couples that tend to head out on some cruises ('59, '66, '72 & '94). When it gets hot n humid they are comfortable with their a/c blowing, they do say that it still gets hot due to the big front window. If you don't find something I can always ask them if they would sell. You might want to checkout the US C4 for sale forum.

 

[gdh]

Sorry, mant to add that I could ask them to talk to their friends in the CCO and BCO.

 

[GrandSport]

Alice: Yes my Brother in Toronto, has a RED '86 Vette Coupe with 2 Tops, 4+3 Manual, New Paint....
Let me know...

 

[Duntov7]

To each his/her own....but...from my experience of 7 Vettes ownership in Ontario, I highly recommend a resale 2001 or '02 Z06....assuming TLC was there. For the expected price NOW, most fun with your clothes on.