Okay this is my second thread and this is probably a dumb question. How do the different models of vettes differ? I read about LS1, LS2...LS6, Z06, Z51, and FRC. I just don't really understand what the difference is and it is confusing me as I search for my first vette. I am looking for a '02+ vette with under 40k miles. The lower the better of course. Could someone please give me an idea of the price range for each model in that year/mile range as well?

 

bump

 

different Ls numbers refer to the motor, ls1's come in 1997-2004 hatchbacks and convertibles, ls2's come in 2001-2004 zo6s, ls6's come in 2005-2007 hatchbacks and convertibles, and the now famous ls7 comes in the 2006-2007 zo6 with a very juicy 505 horsepower right from the factory. i bought my 2003 triple black convertible last fall (in the off season) for 28k with 30k miles on it which to me seemed to be a very good deal(considering i havent seen a 03 convertible on ebay or anywhere else for this price). i got it from a dealer on ebay. if your looking for an 02, are you looking for a standard hatchback, zo6 or a convertible? all will differ in price. to me if your looking for extra power, get a zo6, if your looking for style, i would get a convertible. just my opinion of course. look around and check prices. i would say a fair deal would be under $30,000 for any 02 with less than 40k miles for a convertible or zo6, for a stipped vette i really dont know, because i dont have any interest in owning a c5 or c6 vette that isnt a convertible or zo6. just my 2 cents. hope this helped

 

I definately want a convertible. So the Z06s don't come as a convertible? It is things like these that I need to understand better Thanks a lot. So I am probably looking at an LS1. Also, is right now the prime season to sell ? I will hold off a few months if it will save me a few thousand dollars. The reason I want an '02 is that it is fairly new yet will have a nice price drop from retail. I just want something that will not break down a lot and will also look awesome. Triple black convertible is EXACTLY what I am looking for. I am also trying to stay under $30000 although if a good deal really gets me excited I will go a bit higher. :p

 

gm,

Welcome to the Corvette Forum and the Corvette hobby. You will learn a lot about the different models, years, etc. from this site. A trip to B&N (Barnes & Noble) might be in order to pick up a book or magazine or 2 to bring you up to date on Corvette history. There will be a quiz! (kidding!)

Vettman69 is right on with his comments. Z06 is only available in 6 speed and the fixed roof style. The good news is that you have narrowed your search to an 02+, 40k or so Vert. $30k is a good target range, but be willing to pay $1k or so more if you find a really nice one. These are tremendous cars, imo. The C5 is actually the first Corvette designed from the ground up to be a convertible. This has resulted in a very strong frame design as compared to previous generation Corvette convertibles.

The bad news is that today was the first day of spring. Vert prices and demand will be on the rise and will not subside until fall. The most important thing you can do is obtain the help of a local CF Member or C5 Vette expert to check out any car that you are considering buying. Vettman69 had good success on EBay, but personally I would not go that route. Consider either a reputable dealer w an extended warranty or buy from a CF Member wanting to trade up to a C6. Know the history of any car you buy. No Katrina cars, if you know what I mean. PM me if you wish to discuss further. Good luck, get your car, 'cause the good weather is almost here.

Rickman

 

i didnt see it defined for you or i may have missed it but just in case,

Z51 is a suspension package avail on the C5's and FRC is short for FIXED ROOF COUPE which is then notchback style for lack of better terms, looks like a hardtop vert with a trunk but no removable top whatsoever. they came as the LS1 powered version before the Z06 came along in 2001 (385 hp by the way for that year, 405 for 2002+) hope that helps.

 

Well that sucks. Thanks for the help. I'll keep looking for a deal, but maybe I will just have to wait a few months. That wouldn't be a bad thing because it will only give me time to save more cash

 

If you are looking for an '02+ car, you can choose between the coupe, vert and the hardtop Z06 body styles. The coupe and verts will have the LS1 engine in it (350 hp) while the Z06 will have the LS6 engine (405 hp). With both the vert and coupe you can have open air driving.

 

 

Sorry Vetteman - you got your LS2s and LS6s switched...

 

Hi GM,

Welcome to the forum. There have already been many good replies to your question but I'd like to add one.

I have an '88 coupe and in September I purchased a 2002 Convertible. The '02 is black with a light oak top and interior. I drive it as a daily driver (DD) so the A4 (automatic) is better for me than the MN6 (Manual 6 speed) but when I am driving for fun I would kill for the MN6.

It has the memory package so it remembers the steering wheel telescopic setting (did you know about the memory and telescopic wheel?), sport seats with all kinds of adjustments (lumbar support, six-way adjustment, etc.), HUD (head up display - this is cool are you familiar with it?), polished aluminum wheels and other things.

I got it at 30K miles for $33K which was certainly not a steal but it was a middle of the road price.

What I wanted to get across to you is that I have seen many 97-1999 vettes with low milage and in great shape for much less than $30K. These cars are reliable so I would not hesitate to purchase a well maintained '98 or '99.

Just ask our members.

Good luck.

J

 

If you spend some time looking I would think you could find an 02 vert for 30, or possibly less if you can live with 40k miles. We are entering selling season though, not buying. Having said that, the economy is so soft in places that I'll bet you will be successful. I can even see high 20's.

 

The reason I want to go for an '02+ is that my current car is a '96 and I want to have the feeling of a "new" car so I want something at least after 2000. 40k miles is about my limit since that seems like a low number. Thanks again for all the replies so far.

 

You might want to look at this site. Has a lot of information about corvettes.

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...99/99prod.html

Corvettes come in 3 basic flavors: Convertibles, targa coupes (hatchbacks) and fixed roof coupes (non-removable top).

They come also with various packages and options, which you can tell by looking at what is called regular package options (RPO) codes. They are affixed by stticker in the glovebox of corvettes.

You can also go to a website such as Edmunds and read reviews of the various years' vettes.

I would not rule out any year vette at this point in your search. Vettes retain their good looks for years because the body is made of plastic (sheet molded compound for the techies).

To prove the point, here is a pic of my 99 Nassau Blue FRC with 37K miles.




Good luck with your search.

 

 

I don't know if it is Kosher to post the following sites, but when I start dreaming about buying more 'vettes (I want to get a 1970 big block or LT-1), but they have all years, I check these sites:

corvettetrader.com

thecorvetteclassifieds.com

usedcorvettesforsale.com

collectorcartraderonline.com

If you peruse them often enough, you kind of get an idea of how prices run, along with mileage. I believe these are sites where individuals post their own cars for sale. There are other websites from used car retailers that tend to be more expensive, PM me and I will give you the names of those sites.

 

Some good misinformation there.

 

 

I would also like to add one comment.

I love the look of the verts but my hatchback has storage room that they can't even get close too. If you go on trips often (and have a wife that packs everything but the kitchen sink as I do), that extra room makes a hellva difference.

And remember, after you pop off the top on a hatchback coupe, if you don't turn around and look behind you, you're driving a vert.

Just some food for thought. I'd never try to talk you out of a vert if that's what you've got your heart set on. Just a few points to consider.

 

I think an '02 convertible around $30K is certainly reasonable.

Let's take those alphanumerics in order an explain them -
LS1 - Standard engine in the '97 - '04 coupes and convertibles '97 - '01 345hp - 345 ft. lbs torque. '02 - '04 350hp - 375 rwtq MN6 (six speed) and 350 rwtq A4 (automatic)

LS2- Standard engine in '05 - '07 C6 Coupe and Convertible

LS6 - Standard engine in '01 - '04 Z06 385 hp in '01 and 405hp '02-'04

LS7 - Engine available in the '06 and '07 C6 Z06 505HP

Z06 - Model based on the fixed roof coupe with many performance enhancements, including stiffer chassis, revised suspension, titanium exhaust, different engine, limited colors, and limited options. Never had sportseats or fog lights available. Only had black or black/red interior.

Z51 - Optional suspension available on coupes and convertibles, and standard on the '99 and '00 FRC.

FRC - 3rd body style introduced in 1999. Originally thought to be a lower cost version of the Corvette - and became the highest performance version instead. Originally only came with the MN6, Z51 and the LS1. Interiors were black standard seats only, and available in limited colors. FRC was produced in '99 and '00 - and served as the platform for the Z06 that was introduced in '01.