from forbes.com
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from forbes.com
something interesting from forbes.com...
For more than half the cars on the list, the sales declines have to do with aging models. A car typically goes seven years between overhauls, and sales tend to decline near the end of what manufacturers call its "life cycle." A healthy model line, however, can remain popular until it is replaced--and can be a tough act to follow. General Motors put out an overhauled Chevrolet Corvette in the later part of 2004, but in 2005 Corvette sales have actually decreased.
In fact, not only has the new Corvette not lived up to the dying days of the old Corvette, but the dying Corvette’s sales actually improved as the car was dying. From January to July 2004, just before Chevrolet released the overhauled Corvette, the outgoing model line managed to post a year-over-year sales increase, according to Automotive News.
...now you have to wonder, just how much of an improvement is the (base) c6 over the c5? i understand that production numbers for the 2005 corvette are something like 37500 units, whereas for the 2004 c5, its something like 34500(???). if all this is true, there are a lot of 05 models sitting on the showroom floors. one thing though, gm was offering really good incentives, and some dealers were selling below invoice, all of which boosted final sales figures.
For more than half the cars on the list, the sales declines have to do with aging models. A car typically goes seven years between overhauls, and sales tend to decline near the end of what manufacturers call its "life cycle." A healthy model line, however, can remain popular until it is replaced--and can be a tough act to follow. General Motors put out an overhauled Chevrolet Corvette in the later part of 2004, but in 2005 Corvette sales have actually decreased.
In fact, not only has the new Corvette not lived up to the dying days of the old Corvette, but the dying Corvette’s sales actually improved as the car was dying. From January to July 2004, just before Chevrolet released the overhauled Corvette, the outgoing model line managed to post a year-over-year sales increase, according to Automotive News.
...now you have to wonder, just how much of an improvement is the (base) c6 over the c5? i understand that production numbers for the 2005 corvette are something like 37500 units, whereas for the 2004 c5, its something like 34500(???). if all this is true, there are a lot of 05 models sitting on the showroom floors. one thing though, gm was offering really good incentives, and some dealers were selling below invoice, all of which boosted final sales figures.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Greenville SC
Originally Posted by Dark-Knight
It's how I bought my '04, glad I did.
About the only way I could afford a brand new corvette! Until then, I'd only had used vettes (2 others) - but having a new one beats all...JCR_Indy
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With dealers asking MSRP or better, no question why people are holding off buying the C6. The C6 is nice, but so is a C5 for a lot less money.
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From: Queens, New York Life begins at 183 mph....
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The C6 just hasn't had the same enthusiasm from the vette community as the C5 did. Of course, the C4 was around for a long time and when the C5 came out, it was totally new and was leaps and bounds above the C4 in terms of technology, performance and construction.
The new C6 Z06 seems to be attracting alot of attention, hopefully, it will keep showrooms busy during GM's tough times. If sales of the vette start to waiver, then its existence may be in trouble down the line, but its too early to think like that.
The new C6 Z06 seems to be attracting alot of attention, hopefully, it will keep showrooms busy during GM's tough times. If sales of the vette start to waiver, then its existence may be in trouble down the line, but its too early to think like that.
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Originally Posted by JDs00PewterCoupe
With dealers asking MSRP or better, no question why people are holding off buying the C6. The C6 is nice, but so is a C5 for a lot less money.
Kerbeck is discounting the 06 C6, why wait. Got to feel sorry for the people who paid over the sticker price for 05s http://www.kerbeck.com/
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Huntsville AL
I lusted over the upcoming C6 for the whole first 6 or 7 months of 04, reading everything I could find, spec-ing it out, just waiting to buy the first one I could get my hands on. When it got crunch time, I couldn't stomach the dealer markup, wasn't sure of the look after I actually saw the first one, and kept thinking of the typical first-year of a new model problems. $12K off a brand new 04 C5, with 7 years under it's belt to get to the best, sure changed my direction.....and haven't for a moment regretted the decision.
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From: AKA Harvey Mushman-I know just enough to be dangerous "Those who sacrifice liberty for safety deserve neither"- B. Franklin
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Originally Posted by StephenT
With the incentives on the 04 and the looks of the C6, it was a no brainier to get my 04 
with that and most of the other posts. No regrets on my MY mn6, z51 vert for 20% off MSRP. Thank you Les Stanford Chevrolet!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
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From: Whidbey Island WA
Originally Posted by TheBull
I bought my '04 at the end of April 2004. I got a great deal...The dealers were really trying to move them off the lots at that time...
They were giving them away!!
Got mine in May 04 and there were only 2 left in a 500 mile radius that had the combo I wanted. I figured I'd waited long enough and pulled the trigger...
Racer
Joined: May 2002
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From: Harrison Township Michigan
I just purchased 2000 C5 convert 6 speed Red/Black/Black 15,000 miles at a very fair price very pleased. I believe hide away head lights will keep value in C5"s.
I have heard many people say new design not that great.
I also will never buy a new car to big a drop first & second year.
I have heard many people say new design not that great.
I also will never buy a new car to big a drop first & second year.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: I'm not quite middle aged and I only own one gold chain! San Jose CA
Originally Posted by StephenT
With the incentives on the 04 and the looks of the C6, it was a no brainier to get my 04
Thats what I did and I haven't regretted it since! Saved almost 12k off of sticker.
