Thinking About Changing To a Vette

[SleeperLS]

I am looking to change it up to a c5 vette. I am going to start saving for a house and I have to cut back my car payment. Only down side is most of the nicer vettes I see are from private sellers. Getting a loan should be easy, but getting rid of my car might be a pain vs. a dealer being able to take a trade in. I would love to get in to a Zo6, but I don't think they are low enough in price. I am looking to drop 23ish grand max. Any tips on which model years to avoid? Coupe' vs FRC pros/cons? Any thoughts in general are welcome.

I like this coupe style a bit better. Does this price seem high? what do decent c5's go for these days?

C5 Black on Black CCW Wheels Trade for C3 ? - Corvette Forum

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[IceCreamAssassin]

Does it have to be manual/auto? Any restrictions (colors, options)? No convertibles?

 

[SleeperLS]

Does it have to be manual/auto? Any restrictions (colors, options)? No convertibles?

It would have to be manual for sure. No convertibles. Only colors I would be opposed to are red, yellow, or any ridiculous custom color. I would prefer gray or silver. Black and blue also look good, so I am good with that. As far as options, I am pretty flexible. I want to get into a car I can upgrade as I go. I would like it to be in good shape.

 

[skeezer]

Seems like there's always more than enough cars to choose from on corvetteforum

 

[IceCreamAssassin]

The time of year is against you. This winter Z06's could be had for low $20k's. The only thing I've heard is that first year Z06 (2001) are not recommended. Other than that just do your carfax and do a good inspection. A lot of these cars have been messed up.

 

[Mook]

The C5 is getting old...getting a loan on an older car isnt just a walk in walk out affair...unless you're going thru a credit union or something.

 

[Gav'sPurpleZ]

Seems like there's always more than enough cars to choose from on corvetteforum

nothing but strokes there.... but then again i am trying to SELL a car.

 

[skeezer]

are you selling a corvette?

 

[Gav'sPurpleZ]

yes, my dad's 95.

 

[SleeperLS]

The C5 is getting old...getting a loan on an older car isnt just a walk in walk out affair...unless you're going thru a credit union or something.

That is the plan. Credit union where I work.

 

[RossiGTP]

My dad has a 99 arctic white FRC with 55k on it 20k.

 

[PANDA]

nothing but strokes there.... but then again i am trying to SELL a car.

why do you say that?

 

[cacicgtp7]

Go C6! The interior alone would sway me from a C5 to a C6. I'm pretty sure you could find a C6 for 23K as well, but you might be talking higher miles.

 

[Lead Pipe]

Early C5's have a bunch of electrical gremlins. In fact up till about 2003 they are hit and miss. My buddy had a 98 that was horrible. Make sure you go 2001 or newer. They come with 241 heads and LS6 intakes. They are also build a little better and come with better wheels.

 

[Gav'sPurpleZ]

why do you say that?

if you saw some of the posts or PMs that i have received, you would think I was selling a fiero conversion Lambo on a Lambo forum.
Seems as though they think their shit doesnt stink.

I'm not going to hijack this thread.

i'm entitled to my opinion and i'm not fond of the vette forum

 

[Bruce Jibboo]

corvette mafia seems to be growing

 

[Wolfman]

I have a 99 FRC. If you absolutely need the removable top, then get a coupe. Otherwise, a 99-00 FRC is the way to go. The C5Z is way over priced for being an FRC with a heads/cam package that you'll probably change anyway. August 20th will be 7 years with my FRC and it's still my favorite. Its better than my 5th gen Camaro was.

 

[SleeperLS]

I have a 99 FRC. If you absolutely need the removable top, then get a coupe. Otherwise, a 99-00 FRC is the way to go. The C5Z is way over priced for being an FRC with a heads/cam package that you'll probably change anyway. August 20th will be 7 years with my FRC and it's still my favorite. Its better than my 5th gen Camaro was.

why 99-00 vs a 2001+? any big differences?

 

[Lead Pipe]

01+FRC only came as a Z06

 

[Wolfman]

01+FRC only came as a Z06

Which means they sell for more. I would get an FRC. If you get a Z, get 02-04. They had 20 more hp and a better cam than the 01

 

[SleeperLS]

Good deal. Thanks for the info. Would it be worth it to pick up a base model and use the saved money to make it faster than the zo6? or does the zo6 offer better upgrades as a whole?

 

[utryd2]

Depends on what your goals and uses are for the car.
The z06 is lighter, faster, stronger parts, better suspension etc. If your just looking for a fun cruiser and don't need all that then save the money and spend it where you want to on the car. IMO 02 is the best year. Essentially the same as the 03 & 04 but better fuel pump placement on the 02.

 

[Wolfman]

Depends on what your goals and uses are for the car.
The z06 is lighter, faster, stronger parts, better suspension etc. If your just looking for a fun cruiser and don't need all that then save the money and spend it where you want to on the car. IMO 02 is the best year. Essentially the same as the 03 & 04 but better fuel pump placement on the 02.

I forgot they fucked with the fuel pump. Wasn't it late 03?

Also, the coupe is more aerodynamic. If you plan on doing any very VERY high speed racing/Texas mile shit, go with a coupe

 

[UWISHU1]

the ONLY Vette I'd trade my stang in for is a C6 Z06

 

[SleeperLS]

Depends on what your goals and uses are for the car.
The z06 is lighter, faster, stronger parts, better suspension etc. If your just looking for a fun cruiser and don't need all that then save the money and spend it where you want to on the car. IMO 02 is the best year. Essentially the same as the 03 & 04 but better fuel pump placement on the 02.

Really, this car would be my DD during the spring, summer, and fall. I might also be looking for a truck to tow a boat or other cool shit around, but the wife and I are going into this purchase together. If I got a base model vette, then it would be more fun for me I feel. I do want a car that I can work on and do upgrades myself to feel the improvements of my labor. Although I really want a Zo6, it comes pretty crucial out of the package and I wouldn't need to mess with much. I would be going for a crucial street car that can hold its own in a straight line battle, yet have good DD characteristics for long road trips. Something that if I ever went to a road course, I can have a good time on that as well. Emphasis on straight line and good all around touring car though.

Also good info on the fuel pump. I would likely be re-doing the fuel system to handle good power. What is the deal with the fuel pump?

I forgot they fucked with the fuel pump. Wasn't it late 03?
Also, the coupe is more aerodynamic. If you plan on doing any very VERY high speed racing/Texas mile shit, go with a coupe

Is the fuel pump placement messed up in 01? I like to go fast and see high speeds. I do like the idea of the removable glass roof, if I get a nice day it will be nice. The seem more sleek and I like the hatch that opens up more so I can pack more shit in it. My wife and I love road trips.

the ONLY Vette I'd trade my stang in for is a C6 Z06

This is the big reason that I would want a c5Zo6, I feel that I like the c5 design over the c6 ever so slightly. The c5 has always been one of my favorite styled cars ever made...especially the zo6. I can get a really nice shape and low mile base c5's for the price range I am looking in...or some 100k mile zo6.

This pewter one is pretty clean.

2001 Chevrolet Corvette, $24,989 - Cars.com