New guy saying hello
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 932
Likes: 0
From: Las Cruces New Mexico
Good morning and welcome Jeff. You will certainly enjoy communicating and meeting the folks here on the forum as well as the new ride. I looked for 3 years before finding the exact car I wanted but I wanted very specific things and colors. I am so happy 
with what I found. Now I drive it every day and go on long trips with it. 
with what I found. Now I drive it every day and go on long trips with it.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,420
Likes: 5
From: "This is not a psychotic episode, but a cleansing moment of clarity."
The collective kindness, warmth and enthusiasm from everyone who has replied to this thread has, in less than 24 hours, shattered a long held myth I've always harbored about Corvette owners. I've spent a fair amount of time recently on other marque's forums doing my research while trying to narrow down what it is I really wanted in my next vehicle, and hands down, you guys are the top of the heap. Great people. I can't wait to join your ranks.
Thank you again.
Now, time to go crawl under my recently restored 1968 Triumph Spitfire Mk3 and swap out the rear axle u-joints.
My wife is pressuring me to sell the Spitfire if I buy a Corvette (why would we need two, two seater convertibles?), but I spent three years taking it from an abandoned heap in the Arizona desert and turned it into a 1st place, best in class trophy winner three years running. It would probably fit in the trunk of the C5 I'll end up with.
Thank you again.
Now, time to go crawl under my recently restored 1968 Triumph Spitfire Mk3 and swap out the rear axle u-joints.
My wife is pressuring me to sell the Spitfire if I buy a Corvette (why would we need two, two seater convertibles?), but I spent three years taking it from an abandoned heap in the Arizona desert and turned it into a 1st place, best in class trophy winner three years running. It would probably fit in the trunk of the C5 I'll end up with.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 428
Likes: 0
Welcome Jeff!
My story is similar to yours. I looked at a lot of cars including the viper, boxter, the X3, etc. but kept coming back to the vetter. I've always loved them growing up and had many posters on the walls of my bedroom.
I've always heard that for the money, there isn't a better sports car in the world. Well, I've had mine (2002 Coupe) for almost two years and have found this saying to be very true.
Good luck on your search and don't forget to do your research (here at this forum) about extended warranties. There must be at leat a million threads on this subject.
My story is similar to yours. I looked at a lot of cars including the viper, boxter, the X3, etc. but kept coming back to the vetter. I've always loved them growing up and had many posters on the walls of my bedroom.
I've always heard that for the money, there isn't a better sports car in the world. Well, I've had mine (2002 Coupe) for almost two years and have found this saying to be very true.
Good luck on your search and don't forget to do your research (here at this forum) about extended warranties. There must be at leat a million threads on this subject.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,308
Likes: 1
From: The Beautiful Greater Bay Area California
Originally Posted by blacksedan87
Welcome to the best Forum on the 'Net, Jeff! I have only two pieces of sage advice to offer you in your quest....
1. Buy the newest lowest mileage car you can afford. Don't get too hung up on year - unless you find a color that is specific to that year.
2. Don't compromise on your dream car - if you find the car you want and "gotta have it" - negotiate the best price you can, then go for it! And never doubt yourself or look back!
If you find a car you really like, and you want a little more information about it before you sign on the dotted line - send a private message with the VIN to Sponge Vette who can run the service and origination history on the car. You will be able to tell the build date, the in service date, all of the factory installed options and any service history that was performed under warranty by a dealer service department.
Good luck - and remember the only stupid question is the one unasked!
1. Buy the newest lowest mileage car you can afford. Don't get too hung up on year - unless you find a color that is specific to that year.
2. Don't compromise on your dream car - if you find the car you want and "gotta have it" - negotiate the best price you can, then go for it! And never doubt yourself or look back!
If you find a car you really like, and you want a little more information about it before you sign on the dotted line - send a private message with the VIN to Sponge Vette who can run the service and origination history on the car. You will be able to tell the build date, the in service date, all of the factory installed options and any service history that was performed under warranty by a dealer service department.
Good luck - and remember the only stupid question is the one unasked!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,819
Likes: 1
From: Toledo Ohio
CI 6-7-8-9 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
Man your sure gona fit in round here>Hello and welcome.
Its a buyers market. Decide what you want then go cherry picking. Don't rule out flying with your son to drive the right one home
Its a buyers market. Decide what you want then go cherry picking. Don't rule out flying with your son to drive the right one home
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 6,970
Likes: 14
From: Calif
Welcome to the Corvette Family. Are you looking for a 6 speed or an auto. My 03, MY, 6speed Vert is a mile above my 6 speed 93 C4. My wife used to complain about the ride in the C4 on a long trip. Turns out her Cancer was in he back. The 03 C5 has sat in the garage for a long time. I think I only have 2300 miles or so. Anyway I took the C4 out for a 100 mile ride and the next day I made the same trip with the C5. Man what a difference There is no comparison. We never got to take a long trip in the C5. I wish she were here to experience the difference.Enjoy what ever you decide to buy to the fullest. Life is very short.
Wecom to the Forum
Last edited by Calif Vetteman; Dec 29, 2005 at 03:53 PM.
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Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 543
Likes: 0
From: Ostrander OH
Welcome Jeff!
You hit the nail on the head when you said this is a great group of Corvette owners!
I just purchased my 99 vert and joined the forum in May. My only regret is that I would've found this forum earlier!
It's a tremendous brotherhood/sisterhood among Vette owners I always knew was there but never got to experience until now. Everyone here is very helpful, knowledgeable and will tell you the truth when it comes to your car. (mods, problems, upgrades, service) I can't tell you how addictive this has been for me. Not just the car, but the forum.
1 piece of advice - get the car / color / options you want.
Welcome!
You hit the nail on the head when you said this is a great group of Corvette owners!
I just purchased my 99 vert and joined the forum in May. My only regret is that I would've found this forum earlier! It's a tremendous brotherhood/sisterhood among Vette owners I always knew was there but never got to experience until now. Everyone here is very helpful, knowledgeable and will tell you the truth when it comes to your car. (mods, problems, upgrades, service) I can't tell you how addictive this has been for me. Not just the car, but the forum.
1 piece of advice - get the car / color / options you want.
Welcome!
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,420
Likes: 5
From: "This is not a psychotic episode, but a cleansing moment of clarity."
Originally Posted by Calif Vetteman
Welcome to the Corvette Family. Are you looking for a 6 speed or an auto. My 03, MY, 6speed Vert is a mile above my 6 speed 93 C4. My wife used to complain about the ride in the C4 on a long trip. Turns out her Cancer was in he back. The 03 C5 has sat in the garage for a long time. I think I only have 2300 miles or so. Anyway I took the C4 out for a 100 mile ride and the next day I made the same trip with the C5. Man what a difference There is no comparison. We never got to take a long in the C5. I wish she were here to experience the difference.Enjoy what ever you decide to buy to the fullest. Life is very short.
Wecom to the Forum
I am looking for an automatic. Approaching the age of 46 and living in So Cal and the traffic that goes with it, working the clutch doesn't have the same appeal to me as it used to when I wore a younger man's shoes.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,135
Likes: 0
From: "Land of Mojo" Toms River NJ
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Originally Posted by doug doo wop
Welcome to the forum and good luck in finding your dream car. If you are patient, you will find what you want at the right price. There is nothing li
ke the all-american corvette! (screwed this up) Anyway, don't forget to wave.
ke the all-american corvette!
(screwed this up) Anyway, don't forget to wave.Welcome!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 5,865
Likes: 6
From: Saraland Alabama
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Hi Jeff and welcome to the forum!
Read the stickys at the top of the forums and you will learn alot about Vettes. They are great cars but do have some problems. Before I purchased my '02 vert last year I was in the market for a '00 or '01 and was leaning towards getting an '01 because that was the first year with 350 hp. I then found out that many of the '01's burn excessive oil because of the changes they made to get that extra 5 hp. I would definitely shy away from any '01 because of the oil burning problem.
Also try to find one with a good, preferrably a GM, extended warranty because all Vette repairs are very expensive.
Check the battery to make sure it hasn't leaked as the cars computer is located just below the battery. That little problem could cause about $5000.00 damage to the car's wiring harness and computer systems.
As I stated earlier read the stickys and you will learn alot about Vettes.
I found my '02 on the forum by posting the exact description of what I was desiring. Within a few days the right car found me and we flew 1200 miles and drove it back home. We haven't regretted it a minute. Enjoy your search!
Read the stickys at the top of the forums and you will learn alot about Vettes. They are great cars but do have some problems. Before I purchased my '02 vert last year I was in the market for a '00 or '01 and was leaning towards getting an '01 because that was the first year with 350 hp. I then found out that many of the '01's burn excessive oil because of the changes they made to get that extra 5 hp. I would definitely shy away from any '01 because of the oil burning problem.
Also try to find one with a good, preferrably a GM, extended warranty because all Vette repairs are very expensive.
Check the battery to make sure it hasn't leaked as the cars computer is located just below the battery. That little problem could cause about $5000.00 damage to the car's wiring harness and computer systems.
As I stated earlier read the stickys and you will learn alot about Vettes.
I found my '02 on the forum by posting the exact description of what I was desiring. Within a few days the right car found me and we flew 1200 miles and drove it back home. We haven't regretted it a minute. Enjoy your search!
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Childersburg AL
welcome: Jeff
I am also a new member to the vette world.
I had a 93 Z28 'loved that car' .. the Z28 went bye-bye in a divorce my 1/2 of the spilt was the payment book. The 1st time I saw a 97 vette I told my NEW wife that (THE NEXT CAR I BUY IS GOING TO BE A C5 VETTE) ha, ha, having 2 girls 14 and a son 16, lerking, well after buying 5 cars for the kids and driving my pick-up for 10 years I finally got a chance to catch my DREAM. Now I just want C5 stuff.
WELCOME
Tommy trb
I am also a new member to the vette world.
I had a 93 Z28 'loved that car' .. the Z28 went bye-bye in a divorce my 1/2 of the spilt was the payment book. The 1st time I saw a 97 vette I told my NEW wife that (THE NEXT CAR I BUY IS GOING TO BE A C5 VETTE) ha, ha, having 2 girls 14 and a son 16, lerking, well after buying 5 cars for the kids and driving my pick-up for 10 years I finally got a chance to catch my DREAM. Now I just want C5 stuff.
WELCOME
Tommy trb
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,420
Likes: 5
From: "This is not a psychotic episode, but a cleansing moment of clarity."
Originally Posted by FLACHUSNRET
Hi Jeff and welcome to the forum!
Read the stickys at the top of the forums and you will learn alot about Vettes. They are great cars but do have some problems. Before I purchased my '02 vert last year I was in the market for a '00 or '01 and was leaning towards getting an '01 because that was the first year with 350 hp. I then found out that many of the '01's burn excessive oil because of the changes they made to get that extra 5 hp. I would definitely shy away from any '01 because of the oil burning problem.
Also try to find one with a good, preferrably a GM, extended warranty because all Vette repairs are very expensive.
Check the battery to make sure it hasn't leaked as the cars computer is located just below the battery. That little problem could cause about $5000.00 damage to the car's wiring harness and computer systems.
As I stated earlier read the stickys and you will learn alot about Vettes.
Read the stickys at the top of the forums and you will learn alot about Vettes. They are great cars but do have some problems. Before I purchased my '02 vert last year I was in the market for a '00 or '01 and was leaning towards getting an '01 because that was the first year with 350 hp. I then found out that many of the '01's burn excessive oil because of the changes they made to get that extra 5 hp. I would definitely shy away from any '01 because of the oil burning problem.
Also try to find one with a good, preferrably a GM, extended warranty because all Vette repairs are very expensive.
Check the battery to make sure it hasn't leaked as the cars computer is located just below the battery. That little problem could cause about $5000.00 damage to the car's wiring harness and computer systems.
As I stated earlier read the stickys and you will learn alot about Vettes.
I don't want to spend more than $30k. That isn't to say that I'm not going to try, but let me ask you this: I really don't care about the extra 5HP. Would I be better off going for an '00 or even a '99, then? I really like electrochromatic mirrors though, and those weren't introduced until 2002, right?
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 16,270
Likes: 30
From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Electrochromatic Mirrors became available in 2001....
http://corvetteactioncenter.com/spec.../2001over.html
http://corvetteactioncenter.com/spec.../2001over.html
