I posted this last week on the C-6 forum. I'm not sure they like it to much.
The best of the C-5s was the last (2004). They put their heart and soul into making that one. Not as edgy as a C-6 but also not as sterile. If new and modern is what you want then the C-6 is for you. But if classic and clean is the Vette you desire then the C-5 has no equal. The lights may be better on the C-6 but only in the on position. For sheer look and lines the hideaways lights in the C-5 have my vote. The C-6 has a great future but all it looks like is an updated C-5 instead of true new design. The interior of the C-6 looses the sporty feel and gives way to the modern and normal passenger car. The C-6 is a incredible car but not yet an incredible Corvette.

 

I love my 97 only thing missing is HUD, but I now have all the parts to do the HUD install

An 04 would cost $20,000 more than a 97 in the UK!

So I suppose it's the C5 you can afford to buy!

The headlights on my European model Vette are H4 bulb units and they are very bright, better than the 9005 9006 combo of the USA Vette!

 

 

Sounds like the Guy offering the '04 is giving you a good deal, I paid $28 K for my '04 in DEC with 30K miles. Winter prices are usually much better. I based my decision on getting the latest model I could, some of the recurrent C-5 problems were addressed, but, you will still need a column lock bypass, but Corvettes of Houston is in your back yard!

John

 

I look at it the same way.........
C-6's are great cars, 400 hp stock, better handling, ride than a c-5. I would not spend over $25K for a c-5 when & can spend $36k on a c-6. JMO

 

Newer engine technology means that the C5 engine was designed to go at least 200K miles before a rebuild.
The differences between your C3 and any C5 are far greater than any differences among C5 years.

You should be able to pick up a 2000 and older C5 for $14-20K depending on miles and model year.
If you are mechanically inclined ( sounds as you are given the restoration) I would go with a older or higher mileage car to drop your acquisition cost and free up the cash to fund the restoration.

 

The one's that didn't order body side mouldings as an option.

 

But there's a very good reason for that.

Except for very minor changes, the 97 is just like the 04. Sure, the wheels were different and a couple of options were added, but the car went though its entire lifespan with only very minor modifications. Next time you're at a show, see how long it takes you to figure out what year model you're looking at unless you ask.

 

I would tend to agree, that the year vette you have, is the one you love. However, there were some issues with earlier ones that were fixed with the later years, such as column lock with 6spd's, and oil burning and consumption. I think there was a thread about this, refering to these issues somewhere. It usually comes down to getting the newest one you can afford though.On a sunny day, with a full tank of gas, no one in your way on the road, and your favorite co-pilot next to you, they are all great.

 

I agree

 

From Elite Engineering's Website:

C5 Yearly Differences

 

THis is the order you need to consider:

1.) Am I going to DRIVE this car? Race this car? Weekend when its nice drive this car? Keep it as a collectable? THIS is the first decission.

2.) WHats my budget? DO you want to buy it OUT right like I did in cash with no car payment? Do you mind having to pay interest on a depreciating asset and take out a loan at 5 6 7 8%? If you can't eat for your car its not a great idea.

3.) What do I plan on doing with this car after I get it? Leaving it stock? Modifying the hell out of it? Its important to know thy self! If you plan on dumping $$$ into mods buying a premodded car is a much better deal becasue those parts are already depreciated in the sale. You can get a car with work done already at less than it costs to just buy the parts. BUT its about choice. For alot of us its fun to argue over which CAI / rotors / TB / blah blah blah.

4.) Will I be disappointed? I LOVE my 99 FRC. I wanted a hard top, in red, with a manual 6 speed.... but my buddy who talked crap about vette the entire ride out to help me buy mine ran out 3 days latter and bought a 2004 Z06. No granted I spent about 21k for a low miles (33K) excellent condition 99 total and he spent about 43k for a 7k miles 2004 Z06... but I have to say I should have held out for the Z06. Why because I wanted that Z06 stuff. Not everyone does. Some people HATE the Z06 styling. For me its nice, i like the stock start at the higher HP, etc etc. Less to need modding for me later. So Im spending tiem and money making a Z06 out of my 99 FRC which I will get yelled at for by alot of the purists who tell me that I should not have wienie envy etc. But some peopole like chocolate others vanilla.

5.) Where do you want to store this thing? If you are in a driveway in a bad neighborhood, the soft top might pose a break in risk. If you commute alot in traffic and plan on daily driving might wanna avoid the M6 for a auto/paddle so you dont ride a clutch 40 mins twice a day 5 days a week.

6.) Will it bug you that your car has inferior parts? Meaning they "fixed" certain glitches in suspension, performance etc after 2001/2002. A lot of the guys in the pre years have then gone out and mostly these are cheap to do but they made those smae fixes. Are you a techie guy to do this? If you have to pay 1000 in labor to do it, you might be better served buying the car with it already done.

DONT EVER let anyone tell you waht the "best" is. You need to look in the mirror and know what you want to get for yourself now and 5 years from now.

 

I couldn't agree more!

 

I have had alot of Vettes. Loved them all. This C5 style is the Best !! Not because I own one......it's just the facts. I knew the second I first sat in a C6, Aug 04 Carlisle, the C6 wasn't for me and was not a better Corvette. If it was I'd own one. I have no interest in replacing my Corvette with one that is not as nice.
I like the story I read earlier in the week on the forum about two Corvette owners (C5 and C6) and after they parked their Corvettes some person thought the C5 was the newer and sharper style. Save the Wave.>George

 

As much as I love my 1999 C5, Z51 Coupe, I must say the 2004
model year has to be the best "evloved" C5 model year.

 

haha

 

2003, of course.....50th anniversary year.

 

I disagree. Some may have been slightly more prone to column lock, but some later were prone to leaky differentials. None can really be considered unreliable.

Personally, I didn't go for the newest, I went for the least miles I could afford and I'm glad I did.

 

I like my 98' because it cost me $20k and just look at it...



just need new wheels...

 

I have an '01, and IMO the best year is the '02. There were almost NO changes between '02 and '04 on the non-Z models. '01 there were A TON of changes, as others have mentioned, but '01's do have oil-burning issues (mine included). '02 was also the last year for pewter if I recall correctly. IMO, '02 is going to give your best value HANDS DOWN.
Good luck!
Vaughn