C5 possible for $15-16K?
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If you do find one for that price, it will probably have a lot of miles on it. But, there are good deals to be found out there so you never know - someone may need to sell a car really bad.
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Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Shorewood Illinois
C5
Thanks for the input, guys. I realize that finding one for that price will definitely take some looking. But one thing bothers me, but only a little - Why some are so negative on the C4? Is the C5 really that much of a step up? My question isn't about looks, but more about build quality, and/or drivetrain issues. Is the C5 that much more "livable"?
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Le Mans Master
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From: Fort Worth TX
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Originally Posted by Scatterbrained
Thanks for the input, guys. I realize that finding one for that price will definitely take some looking. But one thing bothers me, but only a little - Why some are so negative on the C4? Is the C5 really that much of a step up? My question isn't about looks, but more about build quality, and/or drivetrain issues. Is the C5 that much more "livable"?
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And a HUGE step up from the C3's.
I know, I have both. 
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From: Gulfcoast Salvage Englewood, Fla
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I love my C5 but I have C4s too and given the difference in price I have to say the C4 has more "bang for the buck" and it seems that high miles don't affect them too much except for a few more rattles.
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From: Far side of the Moon
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Originally Posted by Scatterbrained
But one thing bothers me ... Why some are so negative on the C4? Is the C5 really that much of a step up? My question isn't about looks, but more about build quality, and/or drivetrain issues. Is the C5 that much more "livable"?
If you have a specific generation Vette that you really love, then that is the one for you.
But if you don't have a specific target generation and are on the fence between one generation and the next and the money is close (or not a critical issue), I think almost everyone will tell you to go with the latest.
Good luck in your choice.
Don't forget.. Save the Wave...
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Advanced
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Vancouver WA
Originally Posted by slverc5
I stopped thinking about the resale of my 03. I figured, I'm suppose to keep this car until the door falls off, or at least what my wife tells me. The good thing that GM did is that the lines of the C5 even though it's considered an older model is that it never looks dated IMHO. I've had a couple of non Corvette people but car people nonetheless ask me if my 03 was the newer model and when I respond that it's an 03 they tell me that it still looks new which puts a grin on my face. So it'll be in my garage even if the value of it falls under 10K which I believe (to hope) will never happen.
The good thing that GM did is that the lines of the C5 even though it's considered an older model is that it never looks dated IMHO. I've had a couple of non Corvette people but car people nonetheless ask me if my 03 was the newer model and when I respond that it's an 03 they tell me that it still looks new which puts a grin on my face. So it'll be in my garage even if the value of it falls under 10K which I believe (to hope) will never happen.
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From: New Jersey
St. Jude Donor '05, '12-'13, '15-'16, '21
Originally Posted by Scatterbrained
Is it possible to find a C5 coupe with a M6 for around $15-16K? I live near Chicago and was originally looking for a C4 to modify and have fun with. A friend asked me why not a C5 and leave it mostly stock? I didn't have a good answer. What do you guys think? After all, you're the experts!!! Thanks for the help.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,995
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From: Fort Wayne IN
I'd suggest an advance search on MSN.com Used Autos. You can bring up all of the 1999's for example regardless of location and sort by price. There's always a few in that price range.
http://autos.msn.com
Good Luck....
http://autos.msn.com
Good Luck....
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 364
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From: Schertz TX
My friend picked up a 99 for $13500 from another buddy at work. The care is a coupe with 7000 miles on it. The owner bought it for his wife and she barely ever drove it, so he sold it. Boy was I pissed when I found out. I would have bought it in a second.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
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Originally Posted by vette1003
My friend picked up a 99 for $13500 from another buddy at work. The care is a coupe with 7000 miles on it. The owner bought it for his wife and she barely ever drove it, so he sold it. Boy was I pissed when I found out. I would have bought it in a second.
Please don't post things like this here. Because now I need to schedule a few sessions with my therapist....
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2000
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From: the West is the best
[quote] "I got my 97 for $14,500! Although the asking price was 20k i traded in my other car and got me vette for a killer price." [end of quote]
now this is a very informative statement. Tell us the details sir, so we can judge for ourselves how badly you got taken. Trading in cars is most generally the fastest way to get taken to the cleaners. They should always be viewed as 2 seperate transactions.
now this is a very informative statement. Tell us the details sir, so we can judge for ourselves how badly you got taken. Trading in cars is most generally the fastest way to get taken to the cleaners. They should always be viewed as 2 seperate transactions.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 626
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From: Fresno CA
I bought a 97 last year for $13,800. Not a salvage and CarFax came back good. It has really high milage,150,000. My theory is keep the initial purchase as low as possible and save the cash for the mods you want to make. Funny thing is this car runs great and is really well built . Small issue with the AC but other than that just normal maintance. No leaks,good oil pressure, doesn't burn oil. I've been told to expect 200,000 miles out of a LS1. If it doesn't make it.... Oh well, I'll get to build an engine 
So far no regrets buying this vette and I LOVE driving it!
So far no regrets buying this vette and I LOVE driving it!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,081
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From: Carpentersville IL
I think with C6's to be had in the Mid $30's, C5's are going to be pushed down as well... Some of them will be pushing 10 years old now... I'm in the market too, so I hope my theory is right!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,092
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From: Port Charlotte FL
I wouldn't let my 97' go for under 20k, believe me you get what you pay for. Like another member said you ca have a high mileage C5 for 16k or so, but you need to figure in the actual condition of the vehicle.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Southern Colorado
Originally Posted by NSTG8R
this thread and threads like this make me cringe when i think of the value of my 03 .. how much was and how much its worth
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,159
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From: Stillwater, OK
I got a 98 6spd, ALL the options, both tops (clear and painted) with 80k+ miles for $17k even. That's talking him down too.
I learned one thing during my search for a bargain C5. They sell very quickly!!! You have to act fast.
I learned one thing during my search for a bargain C5. They sell very quickly!!! You have to act fast.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 5,492
Likes: 39
From: Tampa Florida
ask IDM, he bought is for like 15k, everyone was telling him not to do it because a few problems it had, all of which were fixed for like a grand total of 50 bucks, now it runs really strong, noone could ever tell that i almost paid twice as much for my car
