Would You Move Up to C5/6 if You Had the Money?
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Would You Move Up to C5/6 if You Had the Money?
Wanted to see what fellow C4 owners think about the opportunity to move from their beloved C4 to either a C5 or C6 if they had the money.
My 95 coupe is approaching 80k and the paint still looks great and she ride like a dream, although I suspect a few issues might be starting to tell me its time to visit a mechanic. Other than the small multiple oil leaks into the two pans in my garage, the car has been a dream to own and even more fun to drive when the weather outside is dry and nice.
So, now retired, the wife has given me the go ahead to "treat myself" to a newer car, most likely an 04 or 06/07 convertible with something like under 35,000 miles and in like new condition. Such a great wife to support my love of driving my vette. She doesn't even ask to go along with me.
So, my question to those of you reading here is this, if the money was absolutely not an issue, would you sell your beloved C4 and step up to a newer, nicer version vette which also enables you to put the top down whenever you want? I just can't get over the fact that my car will probably end up selling for $9k or so, and the new, wow car that I would end up buying will cost me more than $27k, and I don't see how I could enjoy driving the newer car any more than I do driving my current C4.
Sorry for the long winded thread, but would love to hear what advice and thoughts you fellow C4 owner have over this issue.
My 95 coupe is approaching 80k and the paint still looks great and she ride like a dream, although I suspect a few issues might be starting to tell me its time to visit a mechanic. Other than the small multiple oil leaks into the two pans in my garage, the car has been a dream to own and even more fun to drive when the weather outside is dry and nice.
So, now retired, the wife has given me the go ahead to "treat myself" to a newer car, most likely an 04 or 06/07 convertible with something like under 35,000 miles and in like new condition. Such a great wife to support my love of driving my vette. She doesn't even ask to go along with me.
So, my question to those of you reading here is this, if the money was absolutely not an issue, would you sell your beloved C4 and step up to a newer, nicer version vette which also enables you to put the top down whenever you want? I just can't get over the fact that my car will probably end up selling for $9k or so, and the new, wow car that I would end up buying will cost me more than $27k, and I don't see how I could enjoy driving the newer car any more than I do driving my current C4.
Sorry for the long winded thread, but would love to hear what advice and thoughts you fellow C4 owner have over this issue.
#3
Melting Slicks
Sold my 02 Vert with 19k miles to purchase my 94 ZR-1 with 10K miles so I went the other way than the op stated. It's all in what you want
Jim
Jim
#6
Race Director
C5 yes, C6 yes. They really are that much better, if you can afford them. C7 No, you can buy a C4 for just the T&L, and a C5 or a C6 for just the two year depreciation.
#7
Le Mans Master
I'd go to a (C2) if I had the money, they always were my favorite Corvette, and I don't think there has ever been a better looking Corvette made... Plus it's older technology and easy to work on....WW
#8
Melting Slicks
I like the C6's and it'd be a nice DD, but I'd need a bigger garage. I'll never sell my C3 since my dad bought it when I was born and I really like the C4. At this point I've invested past the point of sale, with parts too be put on it, plus the more I work on the more attached I get.
#9
Race Director
The only thing in the way of me parting with my '96 right now is the fact its paid for.
My Harley is also paid for, so no new bike either. LOL
If I moved to a newer Corvette it would be a C6, and then I would probably end up with a payment.
I do have a payment on the Camaro, so I just don't want another car payment at this time.
My Harley is also paid for, so no new bike either. LOL
If I moved to a newer Corvette it would be a C6, and then I would probably end up with a payment.
I do have a payment on the Camaro, so I just don't want another car payment at this time.
#10
Burning Brakes
Eh.. No. I've had an 07 C6. To me, it was just an expensive car that went fast. C3's and C4's were such cool cars when I was a kid that I think they just burned themselves into my head. C3's were always beautiful to look at, but their build quality was horrible. A frame off restored (non NCRS because i want to be nice) would be sweet. With C4's, they have always been a jaw dropper for me. Sure, there are ones that have been electrical lemons. There were so many cool things that came with the C4... 4+3's, TPI, clamshell hood, LT1's, ZR1's. I could go on all day. Anyways, just my $.02, but I am on my 16th corvette. 76, 90, 81, 73, 77, 75, 94, 86, 80, 85, 86, 71, 87, 07, 96, 89.
Chris
Chris
#11
Race Director
I bought an 08zo6 new and still have th C4. I couldn't let the faster car go.
#12
Team Owner
You're concerned about possible future repairs on a '95 with 80k? I have a 92 with 177k on the clock with not many repairs over the years. I've put about $900 in it the past 2 years.
As for trading for:
C-5 no
C-6 maybe
C-7 possibly
As for trading for:
C-5 no
C-6 maybe
C-7 possibly
#13
Le Mans Master
It is really a question of what do you like to drive. The "feel" of the cars are quite different. Try driving a few and see what suits you.
I have had at least one C4 for over 25 years because I like the way they drive. I just bought a '95 in December.
I also have a couple C5's and like them too. In some ways they are better. The frame is stiffer and handling is improved, although the C4 feels better to me on the street (quicker response to steering) . The C5/C6 LS engines are good engines and can be modded easily and have more power and better economy.
There are some differences plus or minus between generations. Tire costs are progressively higher with the generations. The C5 can read codes, reset codes, train fobs and TPMS from the DIC, but the C6 can't. Some C5 parts are no longer available (like the early EBCM). The purchase costs are quite different. The C4's are priced pretty low and there are a lot of C5's not much over them. To me the C6's seem to be priced to high now although I expect I will probably have one sometime.
I like the differences and enjoy switching between cars. If you can, keep the C4 and get another one to join it.
I have had at least one C4 for over 25 years because I like the way they drive. I just bought a '95 in December.
I also have a couple C5's and like them too. In some ways they are better. The frame is stiffer and handling is improved, although the C4 feels better to me on the street (quicker response to steering) . The C5/C6 LS engines are good engines and can be modded easily and have more power and better economy.
There are some differences plus or minus between generations. Tire costs are progressively higher with the generations. The C5 can read codes, reset codes, train fobs and TPMS from the DIC, but the C6 can't. Some C5 parts are no longer available (like the early EBCM). The purchase costs are quite different. The C4's are priced pretty low and there are a lot of C5's not much over them. To me the C6's seem to be priced to high now although I expect I will probably have one sometime.
I like the differences and enjoy switching between cars. If you can, keep the C4 and get another one to join it.
#14
Racer
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I'm guess I am in the minority of guys on this forum being I don't have the funds at this time to jump into a c5 or c6 lol... Being 23 having one Corvette is a handful but I love my 35th money pit and all. You cant beat the looks and complements I get on a weekly basis I know people rag on the L98 but I love how it feels around town. I guess if I had the money i'd go with a blue early model c6 the LS2 would be plenty of power plus throw in Mods if you had the dough c7 territory lol. Honestly though once my 35th and other debt is paid off I think i'd save for a black or red 89 or 92 c4 with red or black interior
#15
Racer
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It is really a question of what do you like to drive. The "feel" of the cars are quite different. Try driving a few and see what suits you.
I have had at least one C4 for over 25 years because I like the way they drive. I just bought a '95 in December.
I also have a couple C5's and like them too. In some ways they are better. The frame is stiffer and handling is improved, although the C4 feels better to me on the street (quicker response to steering) . The C5/C6 LS engines are good engines and can be modded easily and have more power and better economy.
There are some differences plus or minus between generations. Tire costs are progressively higher with the generations. The C5 can read codes, reset codes, train fobs and TPMS from the DIC, but the C6 can't. Some C5 parts are no longer available (like the early EBCM). The purchase costs are quite different. The C4's are priced pretty low and there are a lot of C5's not much over them. To me the C6's seem to be priced to high now although I expect I will probably have one sometime.
I like the differences and enjoy switching between cars. If you can, keep the C4 and get another one to join it.
I have had at least one C4 for over 25 years because I like the way they drive. I just bought a '95 in December.
I also have a couple C5's and like them too. In some ways they are better. The frame is stiffer and handling is improved, although the C4 feels better to me on the street (quicker response to steering) . The C5/C6 LS engines are good engines and can be modded easily and have more power and better economy.
There are some differences plus or minus between generations. Tire costs are progressively higher with the generations. The C5 can read codes, reset codes, train fobs and TPMS from the DIC, but the C6 can't. Some C5 parts are no longer available (like the early EBCM). The purchase costs are quite different. The C4's are priced pretty low and there are a lot of C5's not much over them. To me the C6's seem to be priced to high now although I expect I will probably have one sometime.
I like the differences and enjoy switching between cars. If you can, keep the C4 and get another one to join it.
#16
Team Owner
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Few years ago I bought The Ghost, and spent a lot of money on that project. Had the money to buy a base C6, but chose to stay with the C4s.
About a year ago I had the opportunity to buy a pristine C5Z06 Z16/CE, I hesitated, and it sold. Last November I had a second chance, and it is in the garage right now.
I do ot like the way the C5 coupe or convertible looks, and the C6 base is the lamest looking Vette I've seen.
The C5Z06 handles like a champ, it is faster than Betty Boop, but I'm not quite sure it is faster than The Ghost. The Z06 is fast, but The Ghost just delivers a great amount of rush....and speed. I think is that 3.91 differential
About a year ago I had the opportunity to buy a pristine C5Z06 Z16/CE, I hesitated, and it sold. Last November I had a second chance, and it is in the garage right now.
I do ot like the way the C5 coupe or convertible looks, and the C6 base is the lamest looking Vette I've seen.
The C5Z06 handles like a champ, it is faster than Betty Boop, but I'm not quite sure it is faster than The Ghost. The Z06 is fast, but The Ghost just delivers a great amount of rush....and speed. I think is that 3.91 differential
#19
Melting Slicks
I've been very fortunate to be able to save a good amount that I have in a credit union, that money being earmarked for things I want versus things I need. I've been doing a lot of research on both C5's and C6's trying to educate myself on what to avoid and what to look for. I will have a second corvette someday but I don't think it would be a C5. I've read a lot in the C5 tech and general sections and although for the most part it's a great car I'm pretty sure I'd go with a C6. The biggest "issue" I've noticed about the C6 is the harmonic balancer that seems prone to failure. There's aftermarket ones that can be used though. Then again for what I'd pay for a nice '08 to '10 car I can find a very nice C3 that would need nothing. Yes the performance isn't there but my C4 provides me with all that I need and I've always loved the look of a third generation. There's no mistaking one coming down the road at you No matter what I decide on I do know one thing...my '94 stays in the garage. It's my first corvette, I love how it looks/drives/handles and I plan on never parting with it. Hmmm...perhaps I should scrap the idea of a C3 or a C6 and become one of those "Two C4's in the garage club".
astepup said that
astepup said that