Hey guys and gals. Great site y'all have here...definitely one of the most friendly forums I have been a part of as far as I can see. I currently own a 2002 Ford Mustang GT convertible and my father owned a 1999 C5 convertible for a few years before selling it (he still kicks himself in the *** for doing that...). I never drove it during his ownership, but sure loved to look at it. Well a couple days ago, me and my father had nothing to do so we went out and looked at some muscle cars and stopped by a place locally that sells nothing but Corvettes (American Sportscar Center, Inc.) just to check out some of their earlier 'Vettes. After drooling over their collection for a couple hours, we went on to check out their C4's and C5's. We saw some nice things and thought we'd go ahead and check out a few of them. The first one I looked into was a Nassau (spelling?) Blue since I have never seen this color before. After learning more about the car, our salesman asked if I would like to drive it. I said what the hell, I've never driven one before so I accepted. After driving for a few miles through little back roads and the interstate, I drove back to the lot not completely satisfied. Sure, the car has more power than my 'Stang, but it just didn't feel right for some reason. So we kept looking around and then I found her...beauty at its finest. It was in their back lot blocked in by 3 other newly arrived 'Vettes. This is where they keep their newly aquired cars until they prepare them for sale. They had just bought it the day before and have not even driven it nor washed it or anything, but somehow, I saw something special in this car. It is a 1999 red coupe (or is it a hatchback? The style where the rear window extends to the rear of the car) with the removable top. He went inside and got the keys for me when he saw the smile on my face. Naturally, I took it for a test drive. This one, in contrast of the other one I drove, felt oh so right. The clutch engaged perfectly...it shifted into each gear with ease...And for the first time, I really felt like I was part of the automobile I was driving; the tires became an extention of my legs and the steering wheel and shifter were simply my new hands. The Corsa exhaust was a tone that was nothing less than "the sex". And as I drove the car back into the lot with the windows down, another salesman was watching as I drove by with a grin from my left ear to my right. Now I had no intentions of owning a Corvette going out Saturday morning. But after that test drive, I discovered a new respect for these cars. Sure, I've got a few posters in my room respresenting my love for the 'Vettes (one of the 1-2 finish in the 2004 Le Mans race signed by the drivers and another showing off the commemorative editions), but now I think I'm going to need more than my posters and model cars of C5's. I was pleasantly surprised with the drivability of the car...something I expected out of a Miata or S2000 or something similar.

Now I am not expecting this particular car to still be available within the next week or so (the time I plan on dropping the hammer), so what kind of things should I watch out for? The company I will be doing business with (American Sportscar, Inc.) will not sell me an inadequate vehicle. They even include a free warrenty with every vehicle sold, so I am not afraid of something going wrong. However, it is still good to know about (potential) problems that will pertain to my requirements:

• Coupe/Hatchback
• 6 Speed
• No color preference really
• Needs to be in the low to mid $20,000's at the highest for price
• 75,000 miles is the highest I would like to go

I hope that I can "officially" join this club relatively soon. I just thought I would share my story with everyone and maybe get some insight on it all.

Thanks!
-Tyler

 

you got hooked with permagrin and welcome to the club

 

You shouldn't have any problems finding the right Vette based on those requirements. The mid $20's will get you a good Vette well under your max miles.

Hope to welcome you to the Corvette family soon.

Don't forget to wave...

 

Been there, done that! You shouldn't have any problems finding that car of your liking in the 2000 - 2001 year frames.

 

Don't worry. You WILL find the perfect one. It IS out there. Keep us posted. And, welcome to the CF family.

 

Yep, we got ya!

 

Ditto (2003 GT convertible)

"Coupe"

Ditto Haven't stopped grinning since I picked up my '04 coupe. You're on the right track

 

ever since i got my permit i wanted a gt mustang, after saving and still not having enough money i moved to hawaii and got 2 jobs. both jobs making good money and my brother purchased his 02 z06 not too long ago. i liked the car but i was still hooked on the mustang then the day has came when he let me drive it, my mouth dropped and then i told the mustang guys that corvette is a amazing car and then they banned me . but a few weeks ago i just purchased a 99 hardtop 44k miles for 19k. the car still has yet but i cant stop thinking about it. good luck and you will find the right car it just takestime

 

You have started the addiction, welcome!

 

Thanks for all the kind words everyone Really great to be greeted so nicely

I like my 'Stang, but after driving those 'Vettes, it feels so inferior. I can't do anything until I get rid of it though. American Sportscar Center, Inc. will trade my car in on one of their 'Vettes, but will give me $12,000. I need more than that for my car; even if it is only a couple more grand. So if you know anyone that wants a nice 'Stang at a pretty good price, I'm willing to let mine go for cheaper than the others just so I can get a 'Vette...SOON!



What kind of mileage should I expect on a 'Vette that is for sale in the low to mid $20's? (that is actual mileage on the car, not M.P.G. )

And don't worry...Even though I rarely get it back and always get weird stares, I already wave at 'Vettes

 

 

I just bought a 2000 FRC with 23k for $23k.

 

You have been bitten! There is no cure. The best you can hope to do is to treat it often with a drive in your own Vette. You should be able to get a good one for the money you are talking about. Just shop around and do research on the car. Make sure and call the previous owner and pick their brain. You have a nice Mustang there. Although you don't own one yet I am going ahead and say it because you have the bug and it won't be long now...

Welcome to the club!

 

Wow, I am really surprised with the response by everyone. I have gotten PM's from many people for the sole reason to help me in the sale and what to look for and all of this. Now I understand why all of the Corvette owners wave at each other: it's one big family. Hats off to such a great community

 

You will love it once you get it!

 

I purchased my 01 mn6 vert from American Sports Car. I paid a decent/even price for it.

You are doing the right thing by checking the forum prior to purchasing.

IMHO I think you can do better buying from a private owner, no sales tax which will allow you to buy more car.

Other members far more knowledgeable than I can let you know what to look for.

.02 Lyn in ATL

 

You're hooked. There's no going back. You're gonna buy one. Its just a matter of time before you find the right one. Good luck.

 

Well it looks like I sold my 'Stang. I just now finished showing a family my car and they could not stop smiling. They told me they would give me a call in the next couple days and contact their bank to get the funds together. Now I shall start looking for a 'Vette knowing that I can get it. Looks like I will be able to wave at 'Vettes now and get something in return

Now that I can look for these more seriously, I am even more concerned with what kind of price I should expect to pay for a car with less than 60,000 miles or so.

 

When you purchased your's from them, did they include the free warrenty? I am just curious what all this warrenty includes and how long it last and so on. I never got that far with them to discuss things like that

 

You are a step closer. I hope they come through on the $$. You will never forget the day you drove your first Vette off the lot. I guarantee it!