Please help with buying choices
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Cherry Hill NJ
Please help with buying choices
I am browsing over the dealerships website today and found three cars coupes/hardtop that look interesting.
1) 2000, 46,000 miles, $21,500
Sebring Silver, HUD, Active Control, Polish wheels
2) 2003, 18,000 miles, $32,000
Yellow, not sure what options it has, they were not listed
3) 2003, 28,000 miles, $31,000
Z06, Black
Which one would be a better value? Just how much better is a 2003 Z06 versus a 2000 base (non Z51) car? Is the extra $10,500 worth it to pay for the 2003 yellow with 18,000 miles versus the 2000 with 46,000 miles?
1) 2000, 46,000 miles, $21,500
Sebring Silver, HUD, Active Control, Polish wheels
2) 2003, 18,000 miles, $32,000
Yellow, not sure what options it has, they were not listed
3) 2003, 28,000 miles, $31,000
Z06, Black
Which one would be a better value? Just how much better is a 2003 Z06 versus a 2000 base (non Z51) car? Is the extra $10,500 worth it to pay for the 2003 yellow with 18,000 miles versus the 2000 with 46,000 miles?
Jacks996
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,667
Likes: 12
From: eagle mountain lake tx
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
You can do a lot better with a private seller. Where you are located makes a big difference in price. Need to decide exactly what you want and than look for that car. I love my vert 6sp with HUD. The 2003 Z06 is the best value of the 3
Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 676
Likes: 2
From: Amherst VA
decide EXACTLY what you want, THEN go looking. don't be overly concerned with miles, just the overall condition of the car. I also agree that a private seller is your best bet, unless you need to trade or do dealer financing.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Cherry Hill NJ
Thanks. I have added my location - NJ near Philadelphia.
What is the best way for me to tell if the Z06 is worth the extra money? I have read here about the FE1 suspension on the base model versus the FE4 on the Z06. I have read the specs on the engine as well. Last year, I rode on the track with one guy with 2003 Z06 and thought it had an excellent ride (at least compared with my Miata) on the Pocono Raceway. So, I don't think I will find the ride harsh at all. I also do have a sedan for long distance driving needs. So, I guess my question is, how much better is the C5 Z06 suspension versus a C5 FE1 suspension?
I know many of you would suggest a test drive. A test drive on the street thought won't be able to push the car at all, so I am skeptical on how much use. I would like to hear from those who have owned both (base and Z06) versions.
What is the best way for me to tell if the Z06 is worth the extra money? I have read here about the FE1 suspension on the base model versus the FE4 on the Z06. I have read the specs on the engine as well. Last year, I rode on the track with one guy with 2003 Z06 and thought it had an excellent ride (at least compared with my Miata) on the Pocono Raceway. So, I don't think I will find the ride harsh at all. I also do have a sedan for long distance driving needs. So, I guess my question is, how much better is the C5 Z06 suspension versus a C5 FE1 suspension?
I know many of you would suggest a test drive. A test drive on the street thought won't be able to push the car at all, so I am skeptical on how much use. I would like to hear from those who have owned both (base and Z06) versions.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,135
Likes: 23
From: Joplin, MO, USA
If you are looking in the $30k range, make sure that you want a C5-you are real close to a C6. A friend just bought a 2008 C6, used, from a dealer with 600 miles for $38k. Drive a few, decide for sure what you want-good luck!
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,658
Likes: 25
From: Rochester Minnesota
If those are advertised dealer prices, they have some extra margin baked in to give you a "big" trade-in on your car. If you're not trading anything in, you should be able to get at least another 10-15% off----maybe as much as 25% if you don't drool too much or look too excited and are willing to walk after giving them a low-ball price. I've had a number of call-backs after I've walked when the dealer wouldn't initially take my low offer.
That all said and done, I like the yellow one at $25-27,000.
That all said and done, I like the yellow one at $25-27,000.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,136
Likes: 7
From: queens Newyork
In the classified section there is a 12k mile red vert for 27,500, I say buy that 1...
And by the way dont buy the car from a dealer, most likely an auction car, get it from a private owner.
And by the way dont buy the car from a dealer, most likely an auction car, get it from a private owner.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Cherry Hill NJ
427435, I think I am going to try and low ball the dealer and see what happens.
Last edited by opua; Feb 7, 2008 at 10:11 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 0
From: Deerfield VA
St. Jude Donor '07
If you buy a coupe, go for the FE3 (Z51) package. In my (and most) opinions the FE1 is WAY TOO SOFT. They call it the soft ride option.
My car actually floated and pogoed over bumps and dips with the FE1. I changed springs to Z51, shocks and sways to Z06. It isn't hard to do, but if you have a choice, go Z51 in the coupe!
John
My car actually floated and pogoed over bumps and dips with the FE1. I changed springs to Z51, shocks and sways to Z06. It isn't hard to do, but if you have a choice, go Z51 in the coupe!
John
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,009
Likes: 491
From: South Florida
opua, I recommend searching a little harder. I live down in Vineland and I waited until I found the perfect car. I ended up scooping a 99 Z51 coupe, 6 speed, 22k miles, sport seads, HUD, pretty much every option available. The car also came with stock wheels + chrome Z06's, seat covers, mats, car cover, etc. etc. I ended up paying $22k. The car is flawless. If you want to find some vettes look down towards me. Most people can't afford them so they sit. I would only get the Z06 if you don't plan on modding the car. Otherwise just get a base C5 and throw a heads/cam package and spank around a Z lol. Either way good luck. I'll keep my eyes open for you. Do you want 6speed or auto?
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,009
Likes: 491
From: South Florida
No problem... the Z51 package handles great, I love it. It's like driving a go cart. I have heard if you put non run-flats on a Z51 it will pretty much handle as well as a stock Z06. I'll keep my eye open for you. Let me know if you want me to look at a car with you.
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
Tough call. You really have to opt out all your wants, likes, dislikes and see what you are willing to compromise on. There are enough options to be had that with a little searching and a lot of patience, you can find the car that fits.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,009
Likes: 491
From: South Florida
Opua, I sent you a pm.... I know Jennifer Kerbeck so if you want to buy a new 08 let me know, maybe we can set something up and see what we can come up with. I also have been checking other places for you..
Dave
Dave
