Guide for the 2004 Corvette

The 2004 Chevrolet Corvette continues a longstanding tradition of high-performance while celebrating its success at Le Mans.
Written by Holden Easterbrook
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
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The 2004 Chevrolet Corvette received a stunning 4.9/5 score on Edmunds for its continued dedication to performance while still providing some utility.
If you want a car that has plenty of speed and power, but still some functionality for day-to-day use, then the 2004 Chevrolet Corvette is it. However, with so many Corvette models being sold, how can you be sure that this particular model year is the one for you?
To take the guesswork out of shopping for a Corvette, the
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Ownership costs for a 2004 Corvette

For a popular sports car, the 2004 Chevrolet Corvette has a very cheap average price. Its current market value, as estimated by CarGurus, is a very modest $12,949. Of course, the actual price of one of these cars could be much higher or lower—it all depends on the current condition and trim level.
While you can’t predict a 2004 Corvette’s condition, here are the available trim levels:
  • Coupe (2-door)—350 Hp
  • Convertible (2-door)—350 Hp
  • Z06 hardtop coupe (2-door)—405 Hp
You’ll also need to factor in the true cost of owning a 2004 Corvette before purchasing one.
As a result of this model’s age, be ready to see plenty of Corvettes with high mileage and wear-and-tear from years of regular use. Because of this, you’ll spend a fair amount of money on routine inspections and repair bills to keep the car performing to standards. 
Additionally, you’ll need to account for higher insurance costs. While you may be a model of safe driving, owning a sports car flags you as a high-risk driver to insurance companies and they’ll bill you accordingly.

Where to buy a 2004 Corvette

While you can spend your evenings calling around to local dealerships, you can find a 2004 Chevrolet Corvette very easily online.
You’ll want to begin your hunt for the right Corvette on
Classic Cars
. If that doesn’t turn up anything you’re interested in, then your next stop should be Kelly Blue Book or Craigslist.
Just don’t forget to have the car inspected by a professional mechanic that you trust before committing to purchasing it.
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What does the 2004 Corvette bring to the table? 

Surprisingly, the 2004 Corvette has the same performance capabilities as the 2003 and 2002 models. What’s new with this model year is a cosmetic package to commemorate the car’s performance at Le Mans. This package includes:
  • A special Le Mans blue paint job
  • Shale-colored interior
  • Corvette cross-flags embroidered on the headrest
  • Exterior Le Mans badges

Strengths and weaknesses of the 2004 Corvette

There’s no such thing as a flawless car, and the 2004 Corvette is no exception. However, there are certainly more upsides than downsides with this vehicle.

The good: great performance

Even though the 2004 Corvette is still using the same engine as the 2002 model, it’s a good design nonetheless. You can expect a thrilling 0 to 60 acceleration time of fewer than four seconds, thanks to its rear-wheel drive and reliable V8 engine.

The bad: lackluster Le Mans package 

Embroidered headrests are an interesting conversation piece, but most people buy a sports car for the performance it offers. Instead of a single cosmetic package, it would have been preferable to have things like additional engine options, a more impressive interior design, or even a little extra trunk space.

The good: everyday use

When you think of a sports car, running errands is not the first thing that comes to mind. However, getting groceries is a far more likely use of your car than racing down some scenic parkway. That’s why it’s so nice to have a sports car that’s willing to make some concessions to utility with things like a reasonable fuel efficiency (18/25 MPG) and workable trunk space (24.8 cu ft).

The bad: not enough convertible options

Despite three years of successful production, the Z06 Corvette still lacks a convertible option. That means you’ll have to choose between speed or open-air when buying a 2004 Corvette.

The good: bargain of a price

Though the Corvette has not changed much since 2002, it’s still one of the best sports cars on the market for those with a tight budget. With an asking price of less than $13,000, you’ll have a difficult time finding a vehicle that has the same engine strength and handling without overspending.

The bottom line—which 2004 Corvette to buy

Though it may seem like a tough call on which 2004 Corvette to buy, you can make the decision a lot easier by choosing between performance and utility.
The Z06 model is the choice for you if all you want out of your car is speed. It has more power under the hood than the other trim levels, but that comes at the expense of trunk space.
Alternatively, the standard coupe is a pleasure to drive, but still a functional car for day-to-day tasks. This is due entirely to the 10 additional cubic feet of cargo space, but every cubic inch counts when you're trying to avoid making multiple trips to and from the store.

How to save money on car insurance for the 2004 Corvette

Once you’ve settled on the perfect 2004 Chevrolet Corvette for you, you’ll need to protect your new investment by getting the right
car insurance
. To keep things simple and avoid overpaying, all you need to do is get the
Jerry
app.
As a licensed insurance broker, the Jerry app will provide you with the best quotes being offered from a pool of more than 50 insurance companies. On average, drivers who insure their vehicle through Jerry see $887 in annual savings, so don’t miss out—download the Jerry app and get the coverage you need at the price you deserve!
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