grampi50

I drove an '05 automatic today. I just don't like automatics. I will say it pulled harder than the C5s I've driven so far, but then it should, I guess, with the LS2. Even with the traction control on, it got squirrely when I stuck my foot in it. The interior is vastly different than that of the C5, and I can't say I like it better. While the C5 seems overdone with switches, buttons, and *****, the C6 appears to have too few. It actually looks like a bare-bones, stripper model, while I'm guessing it's better equipped than any C5. Still, there's a mystique to the C5 interior. It looks like a well equipped sports car interior. The C6 is also still out of my price range for now. They were asking $24K with 27K miles.

Crussader

Out of my price range too, but a not a bad deal if the car checks out. A good C5 with that kind of mileage is typically 20k plus.

grampi50

True, but I've also been seeing some pretty nice C5s with 40K - 70K for under $15K, which is what I'm looking for...pickins are a bit slim right now though...

Jeff T.

Try a ZR1, it makes everything better!

Pounder

only in my dreams !!!!!!

Pounder

all I did was detail one and the electronic door locks drove me nuts, every time I wanted to open a door had to have the key fob on me or near !!!!

Roddy13

keep looking. I also wanted a Corvette on a Honda Civic budget. No way I can justify an overly expensive toy.

there are deals out there!

Vetteman Jack

That really isn't a bad price for the C6, but you have to be happy with whatever you choose to buy. There are deals out there on the C5 and if you look hard enough, and in a wide enough area, you'll find one that really speaks to you.

Velocity_Vette

The only thing is you drove an '05, which doesn't really give you a good indication of the differences. 2005 model C6s use a lot of C5 carry over components - it's often jokingly referred to as the C5.5 - and so the driving experience is not overly different from the C5.

Some of the issues 2005 model cars have include;

- Use the C5's steering column. You'll notice it's the only year C6 to have a four spoke steering wheel and no steering wheel controls. Because of this it's also the only year C6 susceptible to the column lock issues.
- Weakest rear diff of all C6s. C5 carry over.
- 2005 manual transmission model C5s have a very unique issue where if you don't have the car in reverse when you turn it off the battery will discharge. Was subject to a GM TSB or recall I believe.
- A lot of 2005 and some 2006 model C6s have some serious reported paint issues, particularly with the roofs. It was enough of an issue to cause owners to complain to GM.

Of course like early C5s there's nothing wrong with owning a 2005 C6, but like any car you have to really do your homework on it.

You are going to see 2005 model C6s usually go for considerably less than later year cars. Many who want an affordable C6 go for at least a 2006 model. Ideally, what may be the best compromise year model currently is the 2008. The reasons are 1) introduction of the LS3 and 2) 2008 was the final year model before the financial crisis. If you look at 2009 production numbers they fall HEAVILY compared to 2008.

speedmaster64

C6 2007 or newer seems to be the only way to go, if you go C6.

C6 is a strange migration from C5. Too much design that seems to imitate the Viper along with others.

I looked at both versions but the looks of the C5 are much more appealing to me. Also the interior feels much more spacious.

Now, the C6 is more refined, and the interior feels like a next gen, but the C5 is the winner for me.

grampi50

I wonder how much it takes to make the C5 as fast as the C6?

deejbee

Informative post, OP.
We were thinking of pulling the plug on a C6 in 2017 but I think I will hang onto our C5 until the Z06 starts dropping some more in price. Last car I want to buy is a Z06 so I might as well go from our C5 to a Z06 rather than C5 - C6 - Z06

I have never driven a C6 but it would have to be substantially better for me to get rid of our C5. And it doesn't sound like it is.

Not4spd

When I was looking for a Vette I was tossing up between a C6 or C5Z. Test drove the C6 first and was overwhelmed with all the technology, not to mention the performance was "meh." Test drove the C5Z and loved the simplicity and the raw power, got back and signed papers to take possession. Have not once regretted my decision.

grampi50

I just wish they made the hatchback coupe in a C5Z...I just don't care for the looks of the FRC...

bikeriderga

It's called a C5 Z06 and it will be faster

grampi50

Sorry, I didn't word my question correctly. How much would it take to make a C5 hatchback as fast as a C6?

speedmaster64

that question has been covered many many times for many years on here. Just do a search. I'm always curious why...why do you need to be as fast as a C6. Alll of these cars are very fast. But this too has been covered many times on here, for many years.

jackthelad

You can get a C5 for as low as $10k, but it will need work of some sort, and is probably high mileage. Around $12-14k should not be an issue, if you don't mind say a 1999 or 2000 era car. Unless you want a vert or a Z06.

Verrückt ZR1

Not very much, relatively speaking. CAI, long tube headers, and tune. That combo should nearly eliminate the gap between the LS1&2.

66dts-v

When my buddy bought his '05 about 5 or so years ago was the first chance I ever got to drive a Corvette. That's when I decided I should get one and bought my C4.

The C6 has some nice things, but when the time came to replace the C4, the C5 was the obvious choice. While I do like the headlights and the rear defuser on the C6, it wasn't enough to justify the price difference. And my C5 Z51 hangs all day with his C6 on the back roads (way better than the C4 did).

<edit> Joe got his '05 C6 for $16k with 98k miles in 2011, has 155k on it now. I paid $14,250 for my '01 C5 with 72k in 2014. I couldn't find a C6 for less than $20k when I was looking, Joe got the deal on his C6.