Once again Matt is on point. I live in NJ and have 2 kids who play hockey and have a long commute. I drive 30,000 miles a year and I’d say I “half daily” my LT4. I put on 15,000 miles a year, take it to Costco, work, concerts, camping trips, even take one kid to hockey practice and games. It is easily one of the most reliable, enjoyable and versatile 2 seater sports cars. I even put my bicycle in the rear with ample room for other stuff. In comparison you can’t even fit a single golf bag in a 2024 corvette.
@@casmithc2just bought an 84 for 2k, runs and drives great. Only issue is the Overdrive and Reverse does not work at all so it’s cheaper for me to just 6 speed swap from a later c4 than to fix the OD
Hey Matt, overseas 93 C4 owner here (Germany). Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I thought about the C4 as a daily, despite of having another car (quite boring Audi A3) as a freelancing engineer for my business. From my (maybe not that interesting ;)) european experience, the C4 is not enjoyable driving through the city. Parking lots are small, 3-point turns all the time. It can get quite stressful in dense traffic and MPG drops real hard. As we're paying around $7 per gallon over here, it does make transportation quite expensive. I found myself enjoying this car in my free time on a highway or broader streets, having no appointments and lots of free time. For me it's pure enjoyment, if I like to get from A to B, i use another car. But i totally agree with you - as long as there is no snow and ice, there is no reason to not enjoy life driving the c4. All the best, Julian
Thank you for thy kind words! You're right, in Europe I'm sure it is much more difficult/expensive to operate a car like this on a daily basis. Your car must turn heads everywhere.
Daily driving my 91 6-speed in Mississippi. I’m a car guy so I do have other stuff in my fleet, but my 91 is so comfortable and fun to drive. Favorite car so far in my 46 years on earth.
The 91's have a really nice seat design too, I haven't sat in them but they look extra comfortable. I've had C4's from 1985 to 1996, and they have all have some of the most comfortable seats in any car, let alone a sports car. They really let you soak up the miles. A 1991 6 speed is a great one. One I'd love to own, because you have the good ZF 6 speed, and you've got the last 350 TPI that makes absolute gobbbbbbs of torque right off idle. That must be a blast!
Florida owner here, dailied my 85 for about 2 years, was awesome. Relatively reliable with minor issues, i will say i do all the work on my car, which does save tons on repairs.
People don't realize how comfortable these are. They are truly a great comfortable, livable car. And I agree, doing your own maintenance and minor repairs saves a bundle.
I’ve been dailying my LT4 for 2 years now, it’s got about 104k miles and has been a pretty great experience. Optispark failed 3 weeks after I bought it but the car gave me no further problems after sorting that out. Superb car, planning to keep it for years to come.
The gas mileage is actually really good for the type of car. I get 17 miles per gallon with a super heavy foot!! So regular driving it would be extremely good for a V8
I agree, especially considering it doesn't have the benefits of modern cars like variable valve timing, and direct injection. Your 17mpg car will dust so many 10mpg cars from the muscle car era!
@mattquerio I know!!! Lol but trying to get the average person to understand that is pretty damn hard!!! 🤣🤣🤣 I was messing around with a dude in a really nice 68 chevelle and dude is floored and I'm dead on his back bumper hitting and then lifting off the throttle over and over again stuck to his bumper!!🤣🤣🤣 he didn't like that too much I don't think! He was giving me a dirty look through the side mirror! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I got a 1996 last November and I wanted a stick - but like you implied, that was hard to find. I found a very nice automatic, went for it, and I love it - no regrets. I don't track my car but I have had manuals in the past and enjoyed them. If I'd had a choice between two identical cars, one manual, one auto, I would have gotten the manual but that was not my choice and I'm happy with what I got. Your mileage may vary. I got the car for pretty Sunday drives but it has become my daily. It is a fun car. I have a modern car for inclement weather driving.
Nothing wrong with an automatic car. 2 of my 6 C4s have been automatic, but only because I could not find a manual. I swear it's 10 to 1 auto vs manuals built. All of them make a great weekend car.
I bought my 94 LT1 a year ago with 85k miles on it and It's been my daily driver since. And I drive it like a 18 year old kid in Dad's vett! I don't drive it in heavy rain that's about the only thing I avoid in it. IT has 108k in just a year. Only complaint I have is the brakes once they heat up they can be pretty dangerous to say the least.
1994 C4 110k miles auto. Drive it daily in the Dallas Tx area. Great fun. Everything works AC etc. Dialed in and drives like a go Kart. Torch Red triple interior. Had it since 2015. Good luck with yours. The other thing is everyone knows me by my car since no one is daily driving their C4s. Basically you only see others on the weekends or car shoes. Great video. I enjoyed it.
The 91 seats look ultra supple in the cars I've seen. I prefer the early seats, or in 94+ the base seats. I never found the 94-96 sport seats to be as comfortable, nor do I like the style. Well, with the exception of red sport seats in a 96 collectors edition or a grand sport, those get a pass.
My short answer is the best way to enjoy a C4 is to have a truck or SUV. Then you can enjoy your Vette, repair it when needed and have something else for hauling and bad weather. 4 C4s for me. Hands down best bang and driving experience for the buck. Agree about manual shift…all mine have been manual. Keep the good car content coming!
I agree really. It can be daily driven, but even I daily a truck for the sake of it's just easy. Hop in and go. If I drove my c4 daily I think thrall novelty would wear off.
@@mattquerioI have a 88 35th anniversary car with 127k I daily drive. When getting a c4 you will have to sort some stuff out. Personally I daily it but I have multiple cars. If daily driving a classic keep 1500 back in reserve in case you need it
At 8:28 The bad thing about a manual ( I had a 96 LT4 ) Is when you need a new clutch ( If you take it to a shop to have it installed ) They will make you convert to a single mass flywheel for them to warranty their work, because GM and aftermarket companies no longer manufacture and sell dual mass flywheels and a dual mass flywheel can't be turned by a machine shop.. The only problem I had with the conversion was the gear chatter ( My LT4 had 71,000 miles on it ) People will tell you the less miles = Less transmission wear = Less gear chatter.. That was not the case with mine.. It was almost unbearable at times.. Mechanically the conversion worked perfect and actually felt better through the clutch pedal, but not so much through the gear shifter and transmission tunnel.. I had people asking me " what's wrong with your car? " If you know a work around to deal with that I'm sure that upload would get a lot of views... Awesome upload as usual bud, very informative and spot on.. Take care & have a good one
The single mass flywheel is a real thing, I have heard the same. I will be curious what it will be like when that day comes for me. Thank you for the kind words and thank you for watching!
2:25 full chopping cart from target fits in the c4 coupe. I haven’t done it often but it was a usual grocery list, had to drive outta town and didn’t want to take the Tahoe so that’s that. Drove 50 minutes had been there and decided to get the shopping done at the end. Just thought to share that.
It's pretty wide open back there. Although if you are hauling ice cream very far you are going to want tinted windows haha. It will melt in this greenhouse!
I would totally daily a C4, but i havent had an "only car" since i was 16... i refer to my XJ Civic and Grand Prix all as daily drivers because i drive them all multiple times a week
I hear that. I've very rarely had one car, but I could daily a C4 as a sole car if needed. I probably wouldn't choose it, I'd go more practical because I am old, but even so... it could be done!
That means more than you know. Thank you so much for watching, and I'm glad you enjoy. I am trying to think of what to cover next. I am debating on doing an exhaust on the car, but I also kind of like how quiet it is. It's so serene to cruise in!
Same here. I do like the quiet cruising, but I've been eyeing this. Chambered exhaust with much better looking tips, for $815. Seems like a bargain. highfloperformance.com/products/96-lt4-catback-chambered-exhaust-with-c6-dual-exhaust-tips
*Thank you Everyone!* *I’m encouraged more and closer to get the same C4* *I live 5min from San Francisco Airport and 3 min away from work by freeway with a 92 Corolla 70mph, I do need the C4 so Corolla is not stressed*
I have had both, but I can say at this point I will never buy another automatic Corvette. The experience is night and day. The automatics are a great value though, and I would choose one over some manual cars in the same price bracket.
I’ve been in the market for a C4 (also C5) corvette as my next car, so this was a great and educational video! I currently daily drive a 2004 Mazda RX-8 6 - speed. Anyone who knows anything about that car knows how poor the reliability and fuel economy can be, but I’ve had a good amount of luck with mine, currently sitting at just over 193k miles on the clock, fuel economy not so much as I average ~ 10 mpg…. Vettes in comparison seem like the regular Camrys and corollas to me ha ha!
I am glad you liked it! And yeah I've always heard rotary engines butt chug fuel, and have their quirks. Once you have lived rotary life, this will be a breeze lol.
Good vid. My issues as a daily driver, is finding a qualified mechanic is most impossible. 2 in urban areas the low height around semis is nerving. As you stated the age of the c4 is a issue. I guess the amount of mileage commuting is important. I could also see drive ups, banks and fast food might not be feasible. Your drive vido motivated me to get the car out yesterday. Everything went well. Thanks
Thanks Gary! I agree, it does depend on where you drive. I can see the city being a lot less fun to daily one of these. The age of the car is an issue, but if they are maintained properly, I think it's just fine. But so many of these cars sit for so long, and have items that need addressed to be daily driven. I've done banks and drive throughs, it's low, but you can pull it off! And I am glad my drive video got you to get the car out!!!! Thanks as always, Enjoy that car!
I veiw a Corvette as a toy. Not saying you can't daily one, but I wouldn't. I see it as a Jeep, motorcycle, jet ski, etc. It's for me to have fun. But I would not judge the guy that does. Do what you like.
I agree, for me it would ruin the fun of the car if I didn't take a break. But it is impressive that it has everything someone needs to do the job, comfortably and relatively efficiently.
That's impressive man. Honestly once you get the deferred maintenence done they're a pretty bulletproof car. The only issue is if they've been sitting. But that can be overcome with time and money.
@@mattquerio I’ve loved every second of this car, one thing I can say is the interior will not hold up too everyday use, my car was perfect inside and out but now the inside needs about 2 grand in work. If your not as unlucky as me the exterior can hold up if you take care of it, personally my cars been keyed twice and got a minor hit and run so needing to repaint or wrap until I can afford a good paint job. And maybe I just got lucky but it’s pretty easy to keep running. only bad thing I can say is almost every bushing needs to be replaced but that happens with age
Not a Corvette, but I live in Ohio and I've daily driven fourth gen Firebirds for 24 years. Both v6 and v8 models. I have one for the winter and one nice TA for car shows. I'm sure a C4 can be driven daily.
Man that is impressive in Ohio. Honestly, having 2 is pretty brilliant. One for the salt, and one for the sun! Do you run winter tires, or just a good all season?
@@mattquerio I have all season Cooper tires on the winter/bad weather Firebird. I've only been stuck once and needed a tow. I would love to get a Corvette someday, but for now I just watch Corvette videos on RU-vid. I enjoy your channel.
Matt, all of my Corvettes, including two C4s, have been daily drivers. We're in Central Texas so that explains part of it, but the part you failed to mention was that the cars just love to be driven, and the more often, the better. There us no such thing as too many miles for me. Rather than selling a C4 with 200K miles on it, I'd brag about it.
I didn't sell it because of the high miles. Heck I bought it with over 200k. I only sold it because I didn't want to replace the engine when it blew up. I had another LT4 and the supercharged 3800 fiero at the time that both needed some love. Of course I agree, no car responds well to sitting neglected. That's when things fail.
I bet that is absolutely wonderful to daily. I have not driven a vette newer than C4. I can imagine the C7 is far more livable yet! Not to mention an absolute beast. I'd get tickets. Lol.
When I see e36 m3 bring what they bring, and c4's bringing what they bring. Boggles my mimd how slept on the c4 is. I think that is mostly due to social media.
It is absolutely insane how cheap these cars still are relative to the performance (for the era it is extremely good). Not to mention how insanely capable the chassis is in stock form. I've sold 3 LT4's prior to this. I was lucky to find this car with 63k miles as clean as it is. It's a keeper. I am actually thinking of building a garage, which means I might need to let a car go to free up funds. I don't want to sell anything, but I can tell you that if I do, it will not be the LT4.
I daily a hotrod Lt4 383 because I like to party... It should not be your only vehicle. If you can afford an Lt4, you should be able to have a decent truck or sedan for bad weather or multiple people
I got one since this video! It was in the cards, but it needed more than an alignment. All new ball joints, tie rods, new Bilstein B8 shocks, and the alignment. Good eye!
I’m in southeast Michigan. From my experience I have seen c3 and c4 vette’s go through close to everything! My mother only drove corvette’s from 1980 to around 99, not bragging, my dad just loved her and was happy driving cheap old trucks! I’m looking for a C4, I just wanna daily it, I will run it through dirt roads, rain and snow. You think there is any reliability difference between the auto and manual? I would rather have a manual. Easily under 10 grand, including convertibles, under 80k miles, under 60k miles with some patience. No rust, maintenance to a high level,decent power, gas mileage being great! They are really overlooked.
Manuals under 10k are hard to find, as manuals as a whole are hard to find. I'm not super familiar with the 4+3, but I'd say that the auto is more reliable than that. The ZF 6 speed is plenty reliable though. If you're gonna bomb it around, and trash it more or less, I'd get an auto. Manuals are generally 50%-100% more money, and you still have to find one. I can tell you no matter the tire, you're going to get stuck in snow lol. They are too low, and the tires are too wide. Unless you play in 1 or 2 inches of powder.
@@mattquerio Thank you. I didn’t even think about the price difference between the auto and manual. You’re 1000% right. My only reason for wanting a manual was for the unknown reliability factor of the automatic.
I did just drop A LOT of money on a new go pro hero 12, and I got the kit with the headstrap. I need to make slight adjustments, I'm still feeling like it's a little high in some parts of the video!
What GoPro do I save up for? I searched with head strap I guess they're separate transactions.. top result on Amazon says stops @ 720p.. looking great man if vehicle doesn't do fliplights then not interested whatsoever
I think if I was down south this would be the daily for the money. It's a luxury car, it's a sports car, and on the highway it's an economy car. I agree. #C4stillrelevant !
Yo matt im 18 and want to learn how to work with cars as i go and i want to buy a c4 as my first car i found a 96 with 90k miles and its an auto and has a cylinder 2 misfire and leaks oil from the valve cover 😭 but its 5k btw im single and get no snow at all cuz im in California should i do it?
It works fine. The bottom of the gauge is about 200 degrees. It takes a bit of driving for it to move much. It's always on the low end, about 215 degrees or so no matter how many hours I drive it.
How tall are you? I'm close to buying a 1994 with the 6 speed but I'm 6'1" and concerned about longer trips. I'm right at that height where short trips are fine but over the long haul it starts to get uncomfortable in certain cars.
I typically use a photo of my own car, but I wanted a driving/rolling shot. I googled "C4 Corvette" and did an image search, and this was one was my favorite.
To expand on that, my channel is predominantly based on keeping C4 Corvettes relevant. If you'd like me to change the thumbnail, I will. It's a beautiful shot of a beautiful car.