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