1996 - 52kmiles - What should I expect?

Rain · 03-04-03, 12:12 AM

Hi,

Newbie on the forum since this might be my first Vette. :-)

Short listing:
CHEVY CORVETTE Convertible, '96, V8, only 52,000 mi, loaded, immaculate cond

Not sure which transmission.

Going to view Tuesday at noon. Leaving for performances in the FL Keys at 8:30 Tues. night.

Any known problems or pitfalls with the 1996?

Thanks for helping me out and introducing me to the Corvette.
Rain

vader86 · 03-04-03, 09:02 AM

There should not be anything wrong with it, 96 was a good quality year.

But i would expect a tune-up, brakes, and perhaps a alternator soon. Then expect to replace the water pump and Optispark as you get close to 100k.

Vettelt193 · 03-04-03, 09:19 AM

'96 is the best year of the C4, but the transmission it has will drastically change the price of the car. Autos came with the LT1, and 6-speeds came with the LT4. Look at a solid $1,500 premium on the 6 speed/LT4 cars.

sothpaw · 03-04-03, 01:01 PM

... look at the interior and paint work and see if who ever
owned it gave a ___. Badly worn out seat signals that the
car was a beater. Should be some wear on the seat, though.

If it's a 6spd (w/ LT4 motor), check the feel of the clutch. Mine
went out at about that mileage. If auto, listen to the transmission, as always, and listen for good shifts.

If you like it, take it to a shop you like and have them look at
the transmission--fluid should not be original!!

Check airfilter and wiper blades--these shouldn't be original
either!

Rain · 03-04-03, 02:27 PM

Yes, it was a 1996.
LT1 engine with automatic.
Shifted fine. Powersteering made no whines or clicks or pops in a repeated tight left and right turn in the Convention Center parking lot. Engine was smooth. No hesitation when it cranked.

52020 miles. Tires new in 2001.
light scratches in the clear coat. nothing major on the body. leather inside had a bit of wear on the driver's side. Small cracks on the lower left rear pad.

Has always had removable top in it. Hard top is still in factory plastic. Does have a car cover.

Felt very solid.

I am now 3rd owner. First bought it locally. 2nd has had it maybe a year, garage kept, and put maybe 100 miles on it.

Selling due to bills in his business and outstanding accounts rec.

Thanks for giving me the confidence here on the Web Forum! I am sure we are going to really enjoy this machine.

Rain
www.Rainontheinternet.com
p.s. Ill post pics soon!

CKA_Racing · 03-04-03, 03:14 PM

At that mileage, i'd check the water pump for leaks. Many have gone out at that mileage and even before. Use a small mirror to look directly under the water pump. If you see any signs of dripping or drip stains near the seal/bearing, the pump is on the way out.
Also check the rear wheel bearings for too much play. Jack up the wheel off the ground, then rock the wheel left and right. Any play means they are on the way out.

Rain · 03-04-03, 03:37 PM

Thanks,
Ill check both of those.
Headed to the FL Keys tonight for a series of gigs. Back early next week and will inspect the car.

Seller knows Im out of town on business and car is garage kept.

Rain
www.Rainontheinternet.com

kingman · 03-04-03, 06:31 PM

You should get allot of enjoyment out of the 96, just treat it right and it will never let you down. Do not forget to maintain it, and don't get cheap about it.

What color is it???

Alan

Rain · 03-04-03, 10:17 PM

Forgot to mention that the guy listed it in the paper as a convertible, when its really the coupe. has the solid and the smoke glass tops.

I'm right in that classification?? Coupe?

thanks
rain

p.s. Color is an electric blue - gotta check chevy site to get "official name"

Wamp · 03-04-03, 10:49 PM

Check for oil leaks. Mine had one when I bought it in December, 1,500 dollars later, no oil leak. I am a C3 guy, but my wifes 96 rocks.

RedRagTop · 03-08-03, 07:33 AM

Under the "tools" section above there is a buyer's checklist. Worth a look...RJS

supernatural400 · 03-08-03, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rain
Forgot to mention that the guy listed it in the paper as a convertible, when its really the coupe. has the solid and the smoke glass tops.

I'm right in that classification?? Coupe?

thanks
rain

p.s. Color is an electric blue - gotta check chevy site to get "official name"

If it's a 96 only blue offered was Bright Aqua Metallic RPO code 43 not many of those made around 350. Other blue was admiral but only offered on the grand sports

92ghost · 03-08-03, 08:14 AM

May want to check the weather strip for leaks etc. before purchase. First do a visual inspection, with the top off, and look for rips and tears where the top meets the glass. If it looks OK go to a local car wash. I normally wash my vette by hand but have on occassion taken it to a brushless car wash. DO NOT take it to a car wash with revolving brushes or rags if you care about the car at all and if the owner is with you he/she will protest. A brushless car wash has only spray nozzles, nothing touches the car but soap and water. Be prepared for the worst however, and have a towel handy to soak up water. You will find out quickly the condition of the weather strip under this kind of controlled environment. If you find a leak don't be discouraged. Often times the weather strip can be re-conditioned. If you do need to replace it your looking at $500 plus for materials alone. Good Luck

swoosh · 03-10-03, 11:11 AM

I have a 96 automatic. In the year that i have had it only problem i really had was a CLOGGED EGR tube, also a busted rear leaf spring, oil leaks. Nothing major.

78SilvAnniv · 03-10-03, 11:21 AM

After you've gotten to know your new vette, how about posting in the Introductions Forum to introduce yourself (what type music do you play?) and tell us about your vette?
Heidi