C5 or C6?

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Several months ago, I posted the question on this board about whether or not to purchase a C5 as a daily driver. As expected, I received overwhelming approval from everyone. (The only one who didn't approve, at the time, was my wife. She has relented!!) Because I have two (2) daughters graduating from college in about a month, we wanted to wait before we got serious about purchasing a new car. My new question is this: Assuming I can still get a very low mileage, warranteed '03 or '04, should I go for a C5 or should I start looking for a C6? I know I need to drive both (I've already driven an '03), but I am looking for impressions from those of you who have driven both the C5 and the C6. This will be my first Corvette, although not my first sports car. My present toy is a 1980 Mercedes 450SL, but it's not my daily beater. I will be selling off a couple cars when the girls get home from college and get out on their own, by the end of the summer. The Vette will be my daily driver, so I am looking for some input from those in the know. I love my rag-top when the weather is nice, but I am not sure I want one for every day use (wind and road noise when the top is up, and weather, rain, snow, sun damage to the soft top.) Because of that, I am leaning towards a coupe. But, right now, I'm just looking for info from the learned. Thanks in advance for your assistance

 

For the price and the performance, and as far as I am concerned the overall looks, (I'm predjudice) the C5 is the way to go. New or slightly used.
My sons boss traded his C-5 for a C-6 and returned it. Got his C-5 back. Did not like the C-6 at all.
There are a lot of C-5's out there and they are a dream to drive.
Unlike a **** footlocker or a rice burner, C-5's are pure American and just down right fun.
Remember though, I'm predjudice.

 

am on my second C5 which I consider a "KeepHer"...despite that I was tempted about 4 weeks ago when the dealer close to my house let me know they just got a Silver C6 vert in... for a fully optioned vert the price was right ....however I resisted the temptation to take her home that Saturday...now that most of my appearance mods are done, just can't bare the thought of parting with her.

 

I am not a big C6 fan - For me it would be a huge cut in power (would have to start this madness ALL OVER AGAIN) - also I am not crazy about its looks. And there is the issue of it being too small for us mormal size drivers inside.

If I were in your shoes - I would see more bang for the buck with the C5, and you get a better looking car!

 

I would say, save a few bucks, get a C5 (which IMO, has a more sleek and sexy look even though the C6 is gorgeous) and use that money for mods that will outpeform any stock or slightly modded C6 and still be able to keep it reliable.

 

Not trying to be a jerk, but if you post this in the C6 section you'll get the exact opposite reponse you did here. IMO, get what you prefer and can afford. There are pros-cons to both.

Good luck

 

 

I know that I'll probably get dragged down to the town courtyard and stoned but I would go for the newer technology. However I would wait for the 06, seems that GM needs to work some bugs out. Now I really love (can you love a car?) my C5 and plan to own if for 2 more years and then step into a ZO6. When I bought it back in 02, I drove everything in it's price range, no contest, nothing came close. My enthusiasm has not diminished one bit, every minute in the car is a treat but time marches on, every generation change has been an improvement over the prior one. Good luck with your choice .

 

I agree. Post this on the C6 board and see what answers you get.

Now, as far as I'm concerned the C5 would be the way to go. You can find some very nice lightly used cars out there for thousands less that what the C6 will cost you.

Let us know which way you go.

 

Well, aI did post this on the C6 side as well, and certainly got the answers you'd expect. I wanted opinions about both, and got them. Still waiting and watching!!

 

My next door neighboor had a loaner C6 Z51 coupe to use while his 50th C5 was getting body repair work done from a parking lot incident. He had the C6 for a week. He was initally impressed with the car, but after a week with it, not so much that he would trade up. For a daily driver, it was hard to tell a difference.

I think it matters what you prefer, especially the styling. The first time I saw a C6 coming at me, I thought it was a Honda S2000. Didn't realize it was the new Vette until I saw the profile as it went by. That is my problem with the styling of the C6, it's not that distintive as compared to the C5, looks too much like a lot of other cars on the road. However, you instantly know a C5 is a Vette when it is coming at you, or from any angle for that matter. So I believe it really depends on what you want in and from a car, and how you feel when you are in it. IMHO.

 

Easy - - - - Get the C5!!

 

Here's my 2 cents........

For the price of a new C6, you can buy a slighlty used C5 PLUS whatever else turns your crank, perhaps a used Cadillac for those days you don't want a convertible!

 

IMHO you should get a tried and true C5!

 

Let's assume they are both great cars. Let's also assume you will have a wonderful time driving either of them for the next three years. Let's talk money ...

A nice, low mileage 2003, still under warranty, is one option. A new C6 is the other. You buy either of them for a "good deal" price. Three years from now you sell both of them. Accounting for depreciation and cost of money cost for the difference to buy the C6, I would expect you will be ahead about $10,000 over that three year period with the C5. The question is whether it is worth $10,000 more to you to own a C6 or do you feel you'll get $10,000 more pleasure out of driving a C6? I decided it isn't and I wouldn't, so I bought a 2003.

Understand the financial aspects of the deal and then decide if it's worth the difference to you.

 

Had the chance to park my Torch Red C5 next to a Millennium Yellow C6 in the parking lot of a restaurant yesterday and there is no comparison in the looks department. The C6 just doesn't have that aggressive sports car look to it(especially in the front). I've tried to warm up to the new design ever since it was unveiled, but the C6 still hasn't won me over(and it's already been well over a year now). I'm thinking that if I haven't grown to like it yet I might never be happy with its looks. I've seen several C6s in person and obviously a ton of photos on the internet and in magazines, but not once have I said to myself "I must have one of those" the way I did with the C5.

 

Buy the lowest mileage, one of the last one's made, pampered, totally original C5 you can find and keep it forever! Mean time start saving for a C6 some time in the future.....but don't part with the C5. I saw a really nice 02 ZO6 in black with 10k original from new. (can't mention the name cos they are not a forum supporting dealer) The car is absolutely perfect and un touched. NO MODS AT ALL! I think it was around $36K but what a machine. Never going to see them again. If I had the $$$ that's what I would buy to compliment my 00 triple black vert . Guess I can dream....

 

How many places have you posted this?

 

Can you afford either one? Price is a factor as well...A new loaded C6 coupe stickers in at $53 to $55k grand with maybe $2k off sticker..Plus you could have the potential 1st year bugs... A nice 03 could probably be had for about $33k so you are talking about about an $18 to $20k price difference...I personally would buy an 03 and buy a nice daily driver with the savings, buy a nice entertainment system, or invest the cash...

 

With one change. Compare apples to apples. You can get a new 04 for $10000 off sticker. $40000 compared to $50000. 25% more for the 05. Appearence is an individual preference. Performance. You get more HP in the 05, better ride in the 05, more sophistcated interior in the 05. Three or 4 years from now the 05 will be worth more than the 04. Is 350 HP enough for you? How much would you pay for the improvements. Only you can decide. I opted for a $30000 02. Love it.