C4 Automatic vs. Manual

[Charles P.]

I am in the process of looking for a 1996 C4 convertible. Having owned three Corvettes in my youth, all manual, thus I am partial to that style of driving. I thought my Corvette days were long behind me but now, at 67 and facing a medical problem that will eventually be terminal, I have re-examined my "bucket list" and medical decided I need one more Corvette. I chose the 1996 convertable because I want a convertable, I like the styling, by 1996, many of the C4 problems were sorted out and I can obtain one for relatively little money, given the period of time I will have to own one. What I have found is that there were far more automatic convertables produced with automatic than manual and so far I have seen some nice cars that I initially rejected because they weren't 6-speed.

I don't know much about the automatics but I understand that thery are relatively trrouble free. Given the fact that the cars in the range I am looking have 60-80,000 miles, am I shooting myself in the foot and overlooking some great cars by insisting on manual? I can do some minor tuinkering but am not a mechanic by any means. The car would be a light driver and I'm not looking to get much more than 2-2/1/2 years out of it. Anyone want to weigh in with an opinion on whether my best bet would be manual or automatic visa-vie less problems (and I fully rea;lize that is an individual car, how had it been driven, maintained kind of a thiong).

Thanks,
Charles

[Tom H.]

Re: C4 Automatic vs. Manual

Keep in mind the 96 manual car will give you the LT4 engine. I would not be afraid of the manual trans in the late C4's.

[Joe L.]

Re: C4 Automatic vs. Manual

I am in the process of looking for a 1996 C4 convertible. Having owned three Corvettes in my youth, all manual, thus I am partial to that style of driving. I thought my Corvette days were long behind me but now, at 67 and facing a medical problem that will eventually be terminal, I have re-examined my "bucket list" and medical decided I need one more Corvette. I chose the 1996 convertable because I want a convertable, I like the styling, by 1996, many of the C4 problems were sorted out and I can obtain one for relatively little money, given the period of time I will have to own one. What I have found is that there were far more automatic convertables produced with automatic than manual and so far I have seen some nice cars that I initially rejected because they weren't 6-speed.

I don't know much about the automatics but I understand that thery are relatively trrouble free. Given the fact that the cars in the range I am looking have 60-80,000 miles, am I shooting myself in the foot and overlooking some great cars by insisting on manual? I can do some minor tuinkering but am not a mechanic by any means. The car would be a light driver and I'm not looking to get much more than 2-2/1/2 years out of it. Anyone want to weigh in with an opinion on whether my best bet would be manual or automatic visa-vie less problems (and I fully rea;lize that is an individual car, how had it been driven, maintained kind of a thiong).

Thanks,
Charles

Charles-----


I'd go with the manual trans. Most important, it's your first inclination and desire. You'll pay a bit more because of the lower production and LT4 engine that goes with the 1996 manual, but I think it's worth it. There's got to be some decent ones available. In my opinion, the 1989-96 ZF 6 speed was the best manual transmission ever used in a Corvette, before or since.

[Richard L.]

Re: C4 Automatic vs. Manual

I agree with Joe. If the manual is what is on your bucket list, and this is probably your last Vettte, then go for the manual. I had a 95 auto, bought at 19K miles and sold at 45K miles. Never had any issues with the auto of that car (or anything else). But I bought it because of medical issues that made using a clutch an issue. So I went with what worked for me. Either way, the late C4s are an awesome car and affordable.

Richard

[Keith B.]

Re: C4 Automatic vs. Manual

this may sound dumb but depending on your shoe size and the length of your legs you might want to rethink a manual C4

[Pat M.]

Re: C4 Automatic vs. Manual

Keep in mind the 96 manual car will give you the LT4 engine.

Yup. Buy one. Quickly.

[Eric J.]

Re: C4 Automatic vs. Manual

I have two late model C4 convertibles, 95 auto Indy pace car and a 96 Collector Edition LT4 6 speed. I drive the LT4 a lot more. Everytime I jump in the Pace Car I wish I took out the CE. Get the manual.

[Charles P.]

Re: C4 Automatic vs. Manual

Many, many thanks for all the observations and good advice. I have driven a manual C4 and so my shoe size, leg length isn't an issue, thank God. I do want a manual but as most of the convertibles were Lt1/autos, I don't want to run out of time and find myself still looking for the perfect manual. I have limited time and what I want is wind in my hair, a little fun on the road and a ticket to local NCRS events and road trips. I'll go for the automatic if I have to but I'm still hiopeful that something will pop up. At least I'm not a star-struck kid easily seduced by the first pretty face I see. I figure I have a couple of months before the "the top goes down the price goes up" kicks in.

Many thanks again,
Charles