Hello all... I am several months into reading and learning about Corvettes after wanting one since I was like 12 (30 years ago! lol), and I'll be in a position in the next few months to become a Corvette owner at last. I've always loved the C3 style, and I'd love to find a '70 or '71 red LT1 convertible. The big mistake I made was going by my local Chevy dealer last week and seeing some nice sexy C6s.... and I'm thinking... for roughly the same cash (depending on condition, options, etc. I know) I could be driving a C6, red convert of course! So.. I'm throwing this question out to you all... You've got $50K to blow... C3 or C6? and why?

Since I'm posting here in the C3 forum, I suspect there will be a heavy bias... but wth.

BTW - I'm a lot farther along the learning curve thanks to everyone here, CF is a great resource! Thx to all...

Bill

 

If you can afford a C6, don't hesitate one more minute, go get cool color.

 

Buy a used C6 for $45000 and a C3 entry-level driver for $5000.

 

I seriously doubt if you would drop $50K on a C3 since most are going for between $7500 to $25K tops.

If your intent is to drive it every day, a C3 would be a poor choice IMO.

The "youngest" C3 is 25 years old now. As much as I love my '82, I would never consider driving it every day. Its a toy to be enjoyed on the weekends.

It really depends on what YOU want.

For me, my C3 was a very emotional purchase. Even after 2 years of ownership I can still stand out in the garage and admire it and just smile.

 

If I had the coin to blow on a C6 I would do it. Even better if I had enough for a C6 Z-o6. Just my opinion. I might be biased since I already have a C3, and would really like to also have a C6 Corvette to go with the gorgeous lines of a Older C3

I'll agree with Vettebuyer5869: Used C-6 $45000, and a used C-3 driver for $5000 The best of both worlds.

 

I'd go with the C-6 in a heartbeat. I drive a C-2 every day, but the C-6 is a great car. You'll get much more enjoyment out of it.

 

Don't think I haven't thought about that! LOL. If I could talk my wife into adding on on to the garage...

Whatever happens, it will be a weekend toy, not a DD. I like the idea of joining the classic car club scene... cruises, etc., but I also like the idea of mechanically new, 6 disc CD changer, heads up display...

The C3 has such classic lines, but other than basic maintenance and mechanical stuff, I am as green a novice as they come. So, the gently used C6 has some appeal.

We should all have such difficult decisions...

Bill

 

I`ve been driving a Vette all my life as a qualification of my knowledge of Vettes. So,

I think there is something about "heartbeat" dont 't walk, run down and get the new Z0.

You wanted to know why? Those C3`s are about a step ahead of a dinosaur that's why! you can never beat a new piece even though the new ones leave a bit to be desired. If I had never owned my Vettes as new, I would never have them.

 

Oh, don't underestimate the ability to be creative in parking in the garage...


Actually, the last time the wife & I had a contractor come out and give us an estimate to add on to the garage, we heard the number and said "^%$% that" and bought another Corvette!

 

Both! C6 45k, C3 5k, lift for garage 3.5k. Problem solved

 

Wilross- I feel your pain man. I'm 29 and wanted a C3 since I saw my first one when I was 8. On the other hand after having owned a 72 for the past 1 1/2 years it's a love/hate relationship. I definately don't feel it's reliable enough to be a daily driver, not to mention gas prices! I'd LOVE to have a C6 as a DD. Then again, I've wanted this car 20+ years. I won't lie, my ego loves the attention. But she's 35 years old and needs love and money. Personally I don't have the cash for a C6 so I never had your dilemma. I love having my childhood dream, not to mention it's a unique car just about anywhere you go. At the same time I'd love the reliability and performance of a C6. If I could put my C3 on top of a C6..... Let us know what you decide. Here's a pic of my baby to help persuade you.
-CR

 

I agree with everone, but how about a C5 & C3? Classics are fun, but a C5 or C6 . . . hmmm . . . my next Vette.

 

30K on a C-5, and 20k on a nice c-3. best of both worlds, a great everyday driver in the c-5 and an attention getter at the shows in a
C-3! Besides, the c-5 looks A LOT better than the c-6! just my .02 though

 

How about a fully restored Silver Pewter 72?





I believe it was priced around $50k, give them a call. This is one of Al Wiseman's cars, they do excellent restorations.

http://www.classiccorvettes.com/

 

You're in a very interesting predicament that's for sure. As an owner of both a C5 ZO6 and a '68 convertible, there are a few things I can add. First of all, corvette fever is just as addictive as anything I know of. I remember the sick feeling in my gut knowing that I would have to wait until the day came when I was in a better position to buy my dream vette. I have always wanted a chrome bumper convertible, and in 2005 I finally bought one. It has been a wonderful experience, but it has also been very tiresome and aggravating. Over the past 2 years, I have been dumping money into that car nearly every day in an attempt to make it as modern and reliable as possible. The problem is that I'm fighting 40 year old technology. I've come a long way and the car is nearly done, but still it will never be as reliable and as fun to drive as the C5. There's simply no way to compare the two cars in any way shape or form. The C5 is simply an amazing car in all aspects. Throw in all the creature comforts, traction control and active handling and it simply cannot be beat (except by a C6 ). Do yoursef a favor and drive the new vette - you will never look back. Driving one of those cars is like owning your own personal roller coaster. I can't explain to you how fun they are to drive.
Sure a C6 doesn't have as much "cool" factor as a '70 or '71 red LT1 convertible, but if you are pursuing a the ultimate in driving experience, buy the C6. On the other hand, if you are more interested in impressing other people at cruise-ins or car shows, buy the C3 and have a good mechanic on your speed dial.

Oh yeah, my ZO6 still gets 30mpg.

 

In case you need some help deciding

 

Yes, a "very interesting predicament" - I like that! All beautiful pics, and I've added classiccorvettes.com to my bookmarks. That is along the lines of what I'm thinking of... would a well restored '71 still be a money pit? I understand, it is a 36 year old car and issues will pop up, but something finished off by a respected restoration shop's gotta be better than a trade-a-car bought from Bubba.

Here's a '71 from Pro Team http://www.proteam-corvette.com/cars/237Y.htm - and yes I've read the good and the bad asbout Pro Team and American Sportscar Center. This just makes me drool!

What to do, what to do. I guess I'm leaning toward the C3, only because I feel like I'm defending the C3 against the C6, so maybe my heart is telling me something. Until I drive past the Chevy dealer that is...

Thanks for all the advice, and the great pics!

Bill

 

I've had both a C6 and presently a 68 big block coupe. I much prefer the early C3's with an LT-1 or Big block. My C6 was an electrical nightmare and GM bought it back. Too many gismos that are too intrusive. Give me a key to start my car. If you spend $50,000 on a C6 it will be worth $20,000 in five years. The early C3 will appreciate. Good luck fixing the C6 once the warranty is up.

 

Years ago I bought an 03 Z06. The $$ to insure and depreciation of the "new" vette was eating a whole in me. So, I sold the 03 and re-invested (kidding myself of course) in a 73 BB coupe and a 71 LT-1. I now had 2 WONDERFUL C-3's but had nothing to comfortably, predictably, reliably go on a long trip. So, back to rationalizing the purchase of a "new" vette. (which I did)
The question should be answered by two big factors:
1. can you stand to "lose money" on the C6?? (a good LT-1 purchase may MAKE money in the long run)
2. Do you want the car to "play with" or actually go places??

If you want a weekend fun car, buy the C6 and go!!

 

Another opinion..

I have owned a '06 and now an '08, both are great sport and touring cars but for pure (and raw) driving fun the ' 72 is hard to beat.