roadbike56

I'm at that point in my life, looking at retirement. This may be the last opportunity to buy a newer Vette. I really like my C5. It's a problem free, 04 with a 1SB package (HUD, dual pwr seats, 12 disc changer, chromatic mirrors, etc.) it has 57,500 on the clock, A4 and two roof package. It's been reliable with only a new battery, replace the TPMS sensors and a very minor HUD thing in the last 2+ years. I really like the color combination, MSG with light gray interior, over time it's become my favorite C5 combination. But if I'm going to make a move, now is the time. I went to a local dealer who has a 09 C6 with 22K on the clock at a good price. The color combination is one of my ATFs for the C6. It's a 3LT package with Z-51 (I actually don't care about the Z-51), with an A-6 (that's a big deal to me). The wheels are exactly the one's I want on a C6 and it has the navigation package. Just to make it interesting, I came up with a "if he says this, it's a good deal" number. And that's what we came up with.
The advantage of the C6 is the A6 tranny and the 430HP LS3 are the big drivers over the C5. Also, the warranty the dealer through in is a consideration along with the 5 year newer and 35K fewer miles. Everything else is a wash. I won't like giving up my 12 disc changer and I actually prefer the softer ride of the non-Z51, but those are preferences, not a must have. So what are your thoughts on moving to a C6? I'm asking here on the C5 for several personal reasons.
Thanks for your input, I really appreciate it.

Monkey D. Luffy

I would only trade to the C6 for the C6 Z06. I personally like the looks of the C5 over the C6, but I would trade up to get the Z06 . Just my 2 cents

Plus my C5 is paid for!

roadbike56

Here are some pics of my C5

Phanni

Give us some numbers.
Your 2004 should get within less than $10,000 difference.
After all, you're looking at a 5+ year old car and only 5 years newer than what you presently have. Your present car is a beauty, I love just about everything about it. The horse power thing is really not that important unless you still drive like a 20 year old. You could also find an LS3 to put in your car. I know we all get the 'urge' every few years, but really, the C-6 is not that much different than a C-5. Now if you want to upgrade to a
C-7,,,,that's different.

Koufax

I would make that trade if I were in your circumstances. The C5 is a bit roomier with more space in the trunk (for golf clubs, etc.) and it is (in this man's biased eye) prettier.

But newer and more powerful is a compelling draw. The C6 is likely to be more reliable over the years simply because it has fewer miles on the clock, and parts will be easy to come by for longer. You''l get used to the Z51 ride. It feels like a sports car should.

sfc rick

Wow...great C5, but toss it away if you can be happy in a base C6. Don't come back crying if you start to miss your old C5.

stu12dozen

You've got a gorgeous, reliable C5 that you seem to be very happy with. Why trade that for a C6 that may have many underlying problems? Is the A6 tranny and 430hp really going to make that much of a difference? Probably not.

IMHO it's a no brainer. Keep the C5 and use the money you would have spent on the C6 for traveling, etc., when you retire.

donald4972

I would only consider a C6 in Grand Sport trim. Like you, I want an auto transmission. Arthritic hips and hands make shifting 'no fun' for me.
A C6 Grand Sport, with the wide body look, could someday make me think of a trade to a newer Corvette. And then I would SuperCharge it, like my C5. But not yet. My 2003 C5 is the Corvette I want!

Best of luck whatever you decide.

Don

66CorvetteCoupe

Sold my C-6 Z51 earlier this year during my recovery from chemo treatment. Early spring I went to pull the C-6 out and go for a drive and realized how uncomfortable it was compared to my previous (2) C-5 cars. Solution was to sale the C-6 and go find another C-5 Z. After a brief search on Craigslist I found the car I was looking for at a fair price. After going and test driving the C-5 Z it was night and day difference for me comfort wise and ease of driving. I have not missed the C-6 one bit but that is my opinion. With only 57,000 miles on your car I would drive it for a while longer and enjoy; the C-6 cars will only get cheaper as time goes by. What ever you do good luck and enjoy.

MSG C5

You have a nice C5, however I may be a little biased. Honestly, I would only consider a C6Z as well. The C6 design never really appealed to me and I view it more of a C5.5 in terms of moving the brand forward. To me, it's like swapping out a 04 C5 for an 09 C5.5. On the other side, I'm already pre-planning for my C7 coupe stablemate. The C7 IMO is what the C6 should have been in terms of moving the design forward. Depending on your target price range, a 2-3 year old, non-Z51 Stingray may be another option in the near future.

roadbike56

Thanks for all the responses. Still undecided. I have to admit, driving the C6, it felt great, but the car is soooooo similar to the C5. From the cockpit, it looked almost the same. Still, the C6 felt stronger when nailed. The car jumped from a 60 roll to 80 faster then I could get my foot out of it. I guess I can feel 80HP difference and possible gearing improvement. But the C5 is a beautiful design.

cor28vettes

You got your automatic and a problem free car C5. Stick with it. If you make a move to C6 get the GS. And that's going to cost you. The narrow body C6 is considered so so now days. I had a VY 07 and a CG 12. The 12 was more comfortable than the 07. The 12 cost me 36 brand new @ Les Stanford so don't overpay on C6 if you do get one. Far as trans, the A6 is yesterdays.

Save that $$$ cause you will have more opportunities to bump up.

C5Wolfe

Newer is not always better! The c-5 is a better looking car and drives better in my opinion. I'm looking for another c-5 as we speak and I can easily afford a c-6 or c-7 for that matter. The only thing I like about the c-6 is the fixed headlights and the LS3 motor! The c-7 is just too "Blingy" [if that's a word] for me.

KEEP YOUR C-5, It's beautiful!

JR-01

I would upgrade to the C6 and someday I might just do that, too.

RicardoFors68

I too would upgrade but only for a ls3 gs or z car, in the mean time plenty of car for me with just a 97 a4.... good luck.

Evil-Twin

Good luck in what ever you decide..
Bill aka ET

Wetrudgeon

We think the C5 is a nicer looking car overall than the base C6, but the difference is not huge (we grant this is subjective and in the eye of the beholder). We think the wide body C6 trumps the base C5 in looks. You folks that have "wide bodied" your C5's have (in our eyes at least) trumped all in looks.

As the OP pointed out, looks is not the whole story. We can see the newer car as advantageous. Newer and less miles reduces the risks of annoying and expensive repairs at a time in life (retirement) when one strives to keep his/her "aggravation quotient" as low as possible.

For us, at least, the power is a wash. The LS1, LS2, and LS3 will all propel the car at velocities that we have no business traveling on the public roads. Our $.02.

When it's all said and done, only the OP can decide.

We trudge on.

roadbike56

Thanks for the compliments about my C5. I think the $10K estimate is a tad off, it will take more than that. Rather than look at what they're offering for my trade or the price of the 09, I went to KBB and NADA. No matter which book I look at, the deal they are offering is better than the difference by both books. I used the lowest value for the 09 compared to the best trade-in for the 04 and they beat that by over $1600. Similar numbers using NADA calculating the difference. I'm certainly not getting hosed on this deal and the dealer includes 12 month bumper to bumper, 5 year drive train warranty in the price. I wonder if they hit the 05 key instead of 04.EDIT: the problem I have with this deal is every time I look at the C5, the words "Don't Do It' pop in front of me. This is a real struggle.

See5see6

In 2008 I bought a new coupe. The GS wasn't being made and the Z06 was 20 grand more any way I and the dealer worked the numbers. It is a 3LT with Nav. and Npp. I was able to keep my 2000 convert. which I had ordered new. I do love them both but if I could only keep one........it would be the C6. I love just putting the FOB in my pocket and never having to fumble for an ignition key. I no longer worry about the headlight gears. I do worry about the ECBM failing on the C5 but thats probably not a concern of yours with it being an '04. I love the Npp. (I put in a M2W switch which is great) I enjoy the much maligned Nav. and I do think there are at least 3-4 others on the forum that like theirs too! Mostly I love (in my case) the 91 additional horses! OH BOY. One can really tell the difference.

The interiors seem to be much the same although perhaps my C5 is a bit more spacious. Gas mileage is similar although the nod might go to my C6. Last trip was just over 30 MPG with a few spirited sprints through the gears.

I can certainly identify with your dilemma. I would have a hard time selling my C5. It is a beautiful car for sure and I do love it. Seems that I drive the '08 more though.

Good luck in your decision.

92GA

Your car looks so much better than a C6 to me, there's no way I'd trade it. I don't believe trading for a C6 is an upgrade. I like the C5 looks better, both interior and exterior. Sure the C6 has more power but I can't use the power my stock C5 has, so why have one with more. I've driven my son-in-laws C6 a few times and it is a bit quicker but not something I'd trade my C5 for. If a C6 is what makes YOU happy go for it. We only go round once!