Thoughts on swapping for new C5
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 268
Likes: 0
From: Williamsport Maryland
Thoughts on swapping for new C5
I now have a 98 C5 that is in perfect condition inside and out with 24500 miles on the clock. Not only does the car have low mileage it has always been and still is a garage queen. It's a White with Firehorn interior and a A4. It is exactly what I would still order today if Firehorn was still offered, Again exactly what I always wanted!!! 
So why is it that I'm always looking for a White 03 or 04 with low mileage? Other then the OHD, my 98 has everything I'm looking for in a newer car, SO WHY?
What will I really gain by going newer?
Please talk me into or out of doing this, lets hear what I might gain or lose by doing this!!1
So why is it that I'm always looking for a White 03 or 04 with low mileage? Other then the OHD, my 98 has everything I'm looking for in a newer car, SO WHY?
What will I really gain by going newer?
Please talk me into or out of doing this, lets hear what I might gain or lose by doing this!!1
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 21
From: Marlton. Increasing performance one speeding ticket at a time! NJ
I'd sell your 98, and get nothing to replace it.
Garage Queen???? Cars are meant to be driven.
Garage Queen???? Cars are meant to be driven.
Last edited by nj02vette; Dec 15, 2007 at 10:24 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 922
Likes: 1
From: Thousand Oaks CA.
My .02
I also have a 98 vert and it is also low mileage.....
If you got yours just like you want it. I don't see going for pretty much the same car and not knowing what you will end up with. Could be shiny on the outside and a POS everywhere else.
Want to go for a C6, that's different.
But, your just trading an apple for an apple..................And you might get a rotten one.............
I also have a 98 vert and it is also low mileage.....
If you got yours just like you want it. I don't see going for pretty much the same car and not knowing what you will end up with. Could be shiny on the outside and a POS everywhere else.
Want to go for a C6, that's different.
But, your just trading an apple for an apple..................And you might get a rotten one.............
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 836
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs, Colo., USA
Given the direction that emission controls and CAFE requirements are going, I believe that we may be driving one of the last generations of high-performance reciprocating piston-engined cars. You have a gem, especially at nearly a decade old with approximately 24,000 miles.
My '02 has about 22,000 so you are way ahead of me.
Drive it and love it!
My '02 has about 22,000 so you are way ahead of me.
Drive it and love it!
Race Director
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 11,334
Likes: 136
From: Out of Site...Out of Mind. Corvette: anything else is just transportation.
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
The only thing you'll gain is a car payment & higher insurance.
You can do anything to your '98 that can be done to a later C5.
Take the money you'd be plunking down for a "newer" C5 and go mod wild!!!
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Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
I recently purchased a NEW 98 Coupe. I call it new because it had less than 800 miles when I picked it up. It is silver with a Firethorn Red gut and every option. If I were to buy a 2008 I would order it the same way as my 1998, but you could not get the Firethorn Red which I feel is an awesome color. As for the wagon wheels, I'm swapping them out this week for chrome C6 wheels along with new sensors. I figured I got a NEW car and saved about 25 grand !!
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,561
Likes: 33
From: Clark NJ
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '26
With your ’98 you have a sure bet…….why spend the extra bucks for a ’03 or ’04?.... You never really know how good a car is until you have it a while. Replace the wagon wheels and add the HUD and you’ll be all set.
Last edited by Johnny_B_Good; Dec 16, 2007 at 12:16 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 54,204
Likes: 180
From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
true... but only to a point.
I bought my 2002 Coupe brand new; in July 2001. Shortly afterwards Yvonne bought her 1973.
Then in fall of 2007, Yvonne sold the 1973 and bought a low mileage 2003 Anniversary vert: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1802820
and you know what... compared to my 2002 there is a helluva difference
the Magnetic Ride suspension (the updated version offered on 2003 and 2004's) has really improved the ride; bumps are soooo smooth now.
I'd ask the OP if his 1998 has Active Handling; because this is another advancement within the C5's run that makes a difference.
Heads Up Display, two tone interiors, and other minor additions can really make one feel they traded-up enough to warrant the hassle of selling a 1997/1998 and then purchasing of a 2003-2004.
Last edited by Mike Mercury; Dec 16, 2007 at 01:25 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,383
Likes: 6
From: hagerstown md
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Gary if you sell that car I'll come down there and kick your azz. 
Get you some new wheels, engine bling, and then drive that baby. It really is damn near perfect. You got a great ride, nice color, and an awesome interior color combo. That firethorn sets off the white like crazy man.
Like I said, get some new shoes and you won't believe how it will change your mind. You'll see just how sweet that ride is.
Tim D.
Get you some new wheels, engine bling, and then drive that baby. It really is damn near perfect. You got a great ride, nice color, and an awesome interior color combo. That firethorn sets off the white like crazy man.
Like I said, get some new shoes and you won't believe how it will change your mind. You'll see just how sweet that ride is.
Tim D.
Race Director
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 11,334
Likes: 136
From: Out of Site...Out of Mind. Corvette: anything else is just transportation.
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
true... but only to a point.
I bought my 2002 Coupe brand new; in July 2001. Shortly afterwards Yvonne bought her 1973.
Then in fall of 2007, Yvonne sold the 1973 and bought a low mileage 2003 Anniversary vert: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1802820
and you know what... compared to my 2002 there is a helluva difference
the Magnetic Ride suspension (the updated version offered on 2003 and 2004's) has really improved the ride; bumps are soooo smooth now.
I'd ask the OP if his 1998 has Active Handling; because this is another advancement within the C5's run that makes a difference.
Heads Up Display, two tone interiors, and other minor additions can really make one feel they traded-up enough to warrant the hassle of selling a 1997/1998 and then purchasing of a 2003-2004.
I bought my 2002 Coupe brand new; in July 2001. Shortly afterwards Yvonne bought her 1973.
Then in fall of 2007, Yvonne sold the 1973 and bought a low mileage 2003 Anniversary vert: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1802820
and you know what... compared to my 2002 there is a helluva difference
the Magnetic Ride suspension (the updated version offered on 2003 and 2004's) has really improved the ride; bumps are soooo smooth now.
I'd ask the OP if his 1998 has Active Handling; because this is another advancement within the C5's run that makes a difference.
Heads Up Display, two tone interiors, and other minor additions can really make one feel they traded-up enough to warrant the hassle of selling a 1997/1998 and then purchasing of a 2003-2004.
A friend of mine has a 50th and the MRS is awesome.
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,515
Likes: 14
From: Gig Harbor WA
Newer is not necessarily better -- just more expensive, with higher insurance rates. If you put on thin spokes, it'll look just like my 02 or an 04. The only one who would know what year it is -- is you. Keep what you have and enjoy!