C5 vs. time
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Castro Valley CA
C5 vs. time
I have a 98 convertible. I bought this C5 (60k miles) for the long haul. But the question is, how long should the long haul be? When should I sell this one? What should I get next? I don't think I'd ever like to buy any other car than a vette now that I own a C5 except for the fact that I think the styling of the C6 just doesn't have that "vette" appeal, aesthetically. Any advice for the future?
P.S. Sorry if my questions are too ambiguous but any attempt at an answer would be appreciated.
Thanks
P.S. Sorry if my questions are too ambiguous but any attempt at an answer would be appreciated.
Thanks
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 667
Likes: 0
From: Galveston Indiana
Hmmmm...you will know when it's time to trade. No magic moment. Something about the one you have will just not satisfy you anymore. I blame buying three in a year and a half on short attention span. But if you love yours like I love my latest, you will be able to justify keeping it and spending lots and lots and lots of money on it when everyone else thinks you are nuts. Just have fun, drive your car often, and remember to wave at all Corvettes no matter what generation.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 8,004
Likes: 250
From: Tampa Fl
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
if you want a corvette to increase in value, buy the oldest one you can afford. If you still buy a C5 and C6, they are stilling losing book value. Its like anyother car.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,536
Likes: 24,827
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
No one can answer your question but you - you have to decide when the time is right for a different car and what that car might be. I never thought I would have my current C5 for over five years, but sure enough it is still in the garage. Don't plan on getting rid of it soon either. As long as the car still makes you feel great when you get behind the wheel, all is good.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,879
Likes: 0
From: Plainfield Ill.
I'll keep mine 'til I can't get in or out of the car. And when my mortgage is done in about oh 10 years or so ( I'll be in the mid 40's). I will buy either a 3rd Gen Viper or a C7 or C8 Z06 depending on the styling of course but I'll still keep the C5 .
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 6,038
Likes: 3
From: Charlotte North Carolina
I am one of those guys who gets attached to cars. I like my Vette. There will be others, but my current Vette can retire and live the rest of its life in my garage, or even better, on the road with me behind the wheel. I hope to have quite a Vette collection in 30-40 years. It'll probably comprise everything from C5 to whatever follows....C15? 
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 6,710
Likes: 2
From: Southern California
One of the things that convinced me to get a C5 was a conversation I had with a C2 owner. He was the second owner of his '67 convertible, acquired it in '68. He's been though three engines, several convertible tops, a couple of interiors, etc. He drives the car everyday, too.
I thought, "Geez, this guy hasn't had a new car payment in almost 25 years, think of all the money's he's saved..." That's how I talked myself into believing a C5 is an economy car.
But seriously, Corvettes really are different. Parts will be available forever, knowledge and experience is readily shared between old and new owners - it's like a fraternity, except without the collij degree.
I thought, "Geez, this guy hasn't had a new car payment in almost 25 years, think of all the money's he's saved..." That's how I talked myself into believing a C5 is an economy car.
But seriously, Corvettes really are different. Parts will be available forever, knowledge and experience is readily shared between old and new owners - it's like a fraternity, except without the collij degree.