First post, looking for advice
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,380
Likes: 103
From: Visalia CA
First post, looking for advice
I set a goal to own a Corvette by 2005, and now it's time to buy. I've been lurking on the forum for a month or so, and would like peoples input on this question.
Im going to purchase a 2002, my only question is to get a coupe or Z06. I'm mainly interested in what people think of having/using the Z06 as a daily driver, with its stiffer suspension, a bit louder interior, etc versus the coupe. Is there maintenance issues that would arise faster in a Z06 versus coupe for daily driving? I would expect to put anywhere from 8-10k miles a year for either, and will most likely keep it for 4-5 years.
Opinions are welcome, I'm mostly interested in long-term outlooks of driving a beast or a semi-beast. Thanks.
Im going to purchase a 2002, my only question is to get a coupe or Z06. I'm mainly interested in what people think of having/using the Z06 as a daily driver, with its stiffer suspension, a bit louder interior, etc versus the coupe. Is there maintenance issues that would arise faster in a Z06 versus coupe for daily driving? I would expect to put anywhere from 8-10k miles a year for either, and will most likely keep it for 4-5 years.
Opinions are welcome, I'm mostly interested in long-term outlooks of driving a beast or a semi-beast. Thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 57,408
Likes: 164
From: queensbury ny
your new vette
well,i just bought an 01 coupe in june.i toyed w/getting a z06 that was there,but ultimately,the fact that i can take the top off won me over on the coupe.i like speed,and i also like to leave the roof off in the summer.reliabilty has been fine so far...drove it for 4 months before the weather changed.hope this helps.p.s.over in the z06 section,they can probably help too.
Last edited by not08crmanymore; Feb 14, 2005 at 07:52 PM. Reason: more info
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,380
Likes: 103
From: Visalia CA
every bit of input helps, I was considering the top question as well. I like the look of the FRC but like the removable top idea as well, I live in Central California and enjoy some nice weather a good part of the year. Also trying to decide if a stick or an automatic is the way to go. I know a stick would raise the fun factor and track abilities, but again I'm thinking long term, I've not diven a stick shift car for 10 years.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,651
Likes: 9
From: HOW FAST WAS I GOING OFFICER? Los Angeles Hating GM Dealership Service Dept.'s Since Sept. 2004
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
I have nothing constructive to say but ... even an A4 is fun. I live around LA (traffic) and I love mine. Make a decision and got for it!! 
Good luck on your search and welcome to the forum.
May you have miles of smiles and don't forget to wave! Here's one from So. Cali!
Dave Q.
Good luck on your search and welcome to the forum.
May you have miles of smiles and don't forget to wave! Here's one from So. Cali!
Dave Q.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,280
Likes: 1
From: atlantic city new jersey
daily driver
Originally Posted by rothchilds
I set a goal to own a Corvette by 2005, and now it's time to buy. I've been lurking on the forum for a month or so, and would like peoples input on this question.
Im going to purchase a 2002, my only question is to get a coupe or Z06. I'm mainly interested in what people think of having/using the Z06 as a daily driver, with its stiffer suspension, a bit louder interior, etc versus the coupe. Is there maintenance issues that would arise faster in a Z06 versus coupe for daily driving? I would expect to put anywhere from 8-10k miles a year for either, and will most likely keep it for 4-5 years.
Opinions are welcome, I'm mostly interested in long-term outlooks of driving a beast or a semi-beast. Thanks.
Im going to purchase a 2002, my only question is to get a coupe or Z06. I'm mainly interested in what people think of having/using the Z06 as a daily driver, with its stiffer suspension, a bit louder interior, etc versus the coupe. Is there maintenance issues that would arise faster in a Z06 versus coupe for daily driving? I would expect to put anywhere from 8-10k miles a year for either, and will most likely keep it for 4-5 years.
Opinions are welcome, I'm mostly interested in long-term outlooks of driving a beast or a semi-beast. Thanks.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 674
Likes: 0
From: Newport News VA
Coupe- You can take the top off, not as fast-- Just add some mods and you will have a Z06. 
Z06- Fast Fast! Fixed roof. My brother has a z06 and is envious that I can take my top off. Although I must be envious of him since I'm trying to put a turbo or supercharger on my car.
Bottom line is you won't go wrong either way. The biggest decision is whether you like the convertible feel more than the extra power!
P.S. you can convert the z06 into a coupe i believe it's big $$ though.-
- or is it the coverting the coupe to a z06? mmm
Z06- Fast Fast! Fixed roof. My brother has a z06 and is envious that I can take my top off. Although I must be envious of him since I'm trying to put a turbo or supercharger on my car.
Bottom line is you won't go wrong either way. The biggest decision is whether you like the convertible feel more than the extra power!
P.S. you can convert the z06 into a coupe i believe it's big $$ though.-
- or is it the coverting the coupe to a z06? mmm
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,754
Likes: 0
From: Redwood City Ca
I bought my '99 coupe brand new, and it has always been my daily driver. I drive it in all kinds of weather, and found that this C5 is probably the best and fastest street car I've ever owned. Very reliable. Did I mention it's black? It gets washed every week. As far as fun factor goes, a six speed gets my vote. Very driveable in traffic, and there's nothing like rowing through the gears when you romp on it! 
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,179
Likes: 13
From: Coal Valley IL
CI 4-7, 9 & 10 Veteran
The Z06 is a wonderfully fast and great handling car. If performance is your priorety, go with the Z06. I have heard that the F1 tires on the Z06 aren't as forgiving in the rain as the EMTs on the standard C5. But, you would probably be fine.
If you prefer open air motoring go with a coupe or vert. Either can be modded to performance levels at or above a Z06. But, I am assuming that you are planning on leaving it stock.
If you prefer open air motoring go with a coupe or vert. Either can be modded to performance levels at or above a Z06. But, I am assuming that you are planning on leaving it stock.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 4,338
Likes: 66
From: Whittier California
I bought my Coupe about two years ago. I preferred the body style of the coupe and the larger storage area under the hatch. I also have an A4 with the G92 performance axle and it runs great. I have had other fast cars when I was younger but none compare to this vette. Hope this helps.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 21
From: Waldorf MD
I have a 98 Coupe as a daily driver. I like taking the top off AND having the security of a "hard top" verses a vert (one knife and 3 seconds you are in a vert). I think Coupe looks the best, and it has the lowest air resistance (highest top speed and mileage). Least blind spots too. Coupe's "Roll bar" is good to 165 mph.The extra cargo space is a plus.
Supporting Tuner
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 51,896
Likes: 39
From: ================== Houston, Texas www.englandgreen.com ================== Necessary Evil™ __________
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14
When I was hunting for my Vette - I liked the FRC/Z06 shape but I wanted an A4 and the removeable roof. I can't have my cake and eat it too - got to compromise somewhere.
For me, the coupe won hands down because I do not like Verts (purely from a security perspective), and the FRC and Z06 are stick only and fixed roof.
Now that I have the coupe - I don't want a FRC or Z06 (go figure!). I just modded my copue where it was producing almost 500rwhp - no stock Z06 can touch that. Actually - no stock car short of a supercar can touch that!!
Buy whatever makes you happy. In the end, it's a Vette - and ALL Vettes are beautiful.
EG
p.s. Welcome to the Forum!!
For me, the coupe won hands down because I do not like Verts (purely from a security perspective), and the FRC and Z06 are stick only and fixed roof.
Now that I have the coupe - I don't want a FRC or Z06 (go figure!). I just modded my copue where it was producing almost 500rwhp - no stock Z06 can touch that. Actually - no stock car short of a supercar can touch that!!
Buy whatever makes you happy. In the end, it's a Vette - and ALL Vettes are beautiful.
EG
p.s. Welcome to the Forum!!
Last edited by EG@EnglandGreen; Feb 14, 2005 at 10:56 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,346
Likes: 5
From: Mustang OK
Welcome to the Forum.
I would think either could serve you quite well, but you'll have to be the one that decides what it is that you really need/want in car; i.e., design features, available options in each, performance, etc. Drive one of each if possible to help you make this important decision. Good luck finding the right new ride.
I would think either could serve you quite well, but you'll have to be the one that decides what it is that you really need/want in car; i.e., design features, available options in each, performance, etc. Drive one of each if possible to help you make this important decision. Good luck finding the right new ride.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Vancouver
2015 C5 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10
I also thought of the coupe but after driving one decided against it. Just to noisy for my liking. The wind buffeting with the top remove was a deal breaker. And if the Z06 had the options that I wanted I would have bought it hands down. But I wanted the F-45 suspension since I love doing long trips and the comfort was that much better with the F-45 suspension. Plus the Z didn't have hud or 12 disc changer. So I bought the vert and just love it. Top down at 120 and the stereos playing and you can still talk to the passenger. But if it was a toss up between the coupe and the Z06 it would be the Z for sure. No question about it. My .02
Administrator
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
If you are going to need lots of storage space and want to have the ability to do some open air driving, get the coupe. Otherwise, the Z06 would be a good choice for a daily driver. Any model C5 will be just fine.