Mawgie

Folks-

Newbie Mawgie here. I am possibly the longest lurker ever. Notice my April 2006 join date. How lame is that?!!!

Well, I sold my 2002 Porsche Carrera (the youth dream car that wasn't when I finally got one at age 50). Now, I am in the hunt for a Corvette. Need a little help from some 'vetterans, if possible.

In the next several months, I am planning to buy my first Corvette; either a base-ish, used 2006-2007 C6 Coupe, or a late C5 Coupe (I am not interested in a C5Z06). An important piece to this purchase is that in five years, I plan to sell the C5 or C6 to purchase a used C6Z06. So, retained value is important.

I would appreciate some help with C6 v. C5; as well as confirmation that I have my head screwed on right re: current market pricing.

Mandatory options: 6 speed manual; coupe; glass top; unmodded, or only very lightly and conservatively modded. 50k miles maximum.

Hopeful options: rims that aren't chrome or black; HUD; heated seats (I live in the Northeast).

The C5 route: buy a minty, low mileage C5 Coupe, replace the headlights with Radioflyer's aftermarket fixed projectors. (I don't care for the pop up C5 lights. JMHO.) I figure this will cost around $19-20,000, all in. $18,000 or so for a really nice 2003 to 2004 car, plus $1300 for the lights. Am I roughly accurate with the car cost here?

The C6 route: Buy a base-ish 1LT, maybe 2LT 2006-2007 C6 for around $26,000-27,000. (Don't think I can get into a 2008 at this price point?) Drive it with no, or minimal mods. Is this price about right? I have read that people are buying 06-07 C6s closer to $25,000, but my research has not yet led me to one this nicely priced, with my options/mileage criteria.

My gut tells me to go the C6 route, if I can get one pretty close to $26,000. I like the looks and interior and refinement better than the C5. 400 is a better number than 350!! Also, despite the upfront savings if I buy the
C5, I think I'll get back most or all of the roughly $7,000 extra spent to buy the C6 when I sell the car to buy the C6Z06. So, why not go for the C6? Does this make financial sense?

I have ruled out stretching the budget for a C6Z06 now, or going sportscarless until I can swing it.

Any input would be most appreciated.

Thanks-Mawgie

Goatdad

Not sure what your asking for but Id get the newest thing I could comfortably afford now.

GTJim

Are you asking what to get? Get the best car you can afford.

MKenM

Reading the title of your post I would say the base-ish C6 what ever it is not the modded C5 unless you really know the car well. As far as the Z06 is concerned who knows what will happen in 5 years. A Z06 in five years might be a Z0? unless you are going to buy a 2013 Z06 then.

LMB-Z

I would say go for the C6. You should be able to get an 06 or 07 with low miles in the $25k range, depending on options and mileage. A C6 Z will run you in the upper 30's to lower 40's. Check out all of the car sites till you find one you like. Good luck.

Mawgie

Thanks, LMB-Z-

A C6 in the $25,000 range is what I am after. My search arsenal includes: Forums, CL, ebay, and all the major cars for sale sites.

Here in Upstate NY, there are few Corvettes, and the ones at the dealership are priced quite high.

I have found a 2007, low mileage base car, 15,000 miles, and I am starting the dance with the seller. It is here in NY with a North Carolina title and a loan on it, "storing it for my Father because he doesn't have the room in North Carolina." Hmm. Also, it's white. Not my favorite by any stretch. (As I understand it, deduct $1000 right away for a white car....)

If I wasn't clear in the initial post, I meant to seek some advice to help me minimize my depreciation by choosing either a C5 or a C6, knowing I would be selling that car within five years to buy a used C6Z06.

Thanks, all.

tim414

Why wait five years for the Z06?