Whats the best used C5 year to buy?
03-30-2008, 02:43 PM
#1
5th Gear
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Whats the best used C5 year to buy?
Hi Guys,
Im new to this forum and i do not have a vette but im saving up to purchase one next year due to getting my azz raked over the coal in a divorce.......lol. I will be looking to purchase a used 97-02 C5 and my long-term goal will be to supercharge it.
Is it smart to buy a high mileage car with 70K on it or not. Where is the best place to buy one, i remenber a big dealership in Ohio that was loaded with vettes all the time. I look on paying no more than 20 K for the car. Thank you for your input.
Im new to this forum and i do not have a vette but im saving up to purchase one next year due to getting my azz raked over the coal in a divorce.......lol. I will be looking to purchase a used 97-02 C5 and my long-term goal will be to supercharge it.
Is it smart to buy a high mileage car with 70K on it or not. Where is the best place to buy one, i remenber a big dealership in Ohio that was loaded with vettes all the time. I look on paying no more than 20 K for the car. Thank you for your input.
03-30-2008, 02:45 PM
#2
Race Director
The lowest mileage newest car you can afford, is the best Corvette to buy.
03-30-2008, 03:30 PM
#4
Safety Car
If you're planning to supercharge it, I might give more importance to lower miles than what year it is; unless there are other glaring reasons to avoid any particular year over another. My reasoning is that I'd rather stress a newer engine, than one that's older and perhaps tired (in terms of mileage, that is)
I remember back when I was looking at blowers for an old Miata I had, the company recommended that I not buy the kit for a Miata with more than 30,000 miles on it. I have no experience with supercharged Vettes... but what I've said above is just the result of me looking at things logically. (I think).
I remember back when I was looking at blowers for an old Miata I had, the company recommended that I not buy the kit for a Miata with more than 30,000 miles on it. I have no experience with supercharged Vettes... but what I've said above is just the result of me looking at things logically. (I think).
03-30-2008, 03:49 PM
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Lowest mileage C5 you can find.
03-30-2008, 04:19 PM
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Why 2000? Seems like 2002 and up would be the best, as you get the LS6 intake and most of the C5 upgrades incorporated at that time. Also of course go for low miles and close to stock.
03-30-2008, 04:44 PM
#12
Team Owner
The best Vette to buy is the one that's exactly what you want. A4 or 6 speed? Coupe, FRC or vert? Z06 anyone? Color (exterior and interior)?
When I moved up from my C4 (Black coupe, 6speed) to the C5 I looked at quite a few, guess what, I would've taken any one of them!
But employing a logical approach instead of an emotional got me exactly what I wanted - a magnetic red convertable, oak top and interior with 24k on it.
You stated that you'll be purchasing in '09 with a 20k budget so my best advice to you is this: Read all you can about these cars here on the forum and ask questions, there are some brilliant people here. Not only the Tech but General, FI (you mentioned SCing), Performance Results, all of the forums. Check out the cars for sale as well, use that as your barometer regarding prices. By doing this you'll be fully prepared when you pull the trigger.
When I moved up from my C4 (Black coupe, 6speed) to the C5 I looked at quite a few, guess what, I would've taken any one of them!
But employing a logical approach instead of an emotional got me exactly what I wanted - a magnetic red convertable, oak top and interior with 24k on it.You stated that you'll be purchasing in '09 with a 20k budget so my best advice to you is this: Read all you can about these cars here on the forum and ask questions, there are some brilliant people here. Not only the Tech but General, FI (you mentioned SCing), Performance Results, all of the forums. Check out the cars for sale as well, use that as your barometer regarding prices. By doing this you'll be fully prepared when you pull the trigger.
03-30-2008, 04:53 PM
#13
Melting Slicks
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St. Jude Donor '08
If you're planning to supercharge it, I might give more importance to lower miles than what year it is; unless there are other glaring reasons to avoid any particular year over another. My reasoning is that I'd rather stress a newer engine, than one that's older and perhaps tired (in terms of mileage, that is)
I remember back when I was looking at blowers for an old Miata I had, the company recommended that I not buy the kit for a Miata with more than 30,000 miles on it. I have no experience with supercharged Vettes... but what I've said above is just the result of me looking at things logically. (I think).
I remember back when I was looking at blowers for an old Miata I had, the company recommended that I not buy the kit for a Miata with more than 30,000 miles on it. I have no experience with supercharged Vettes... but what I've said above is just the result of me looking at things logically. (I think).
Other than blowing out the rearend on my LSD SC Miata after a boost upgrade and subsequent torsen rearend replacement job, no problems to report.
Both are still running strong and Autocrossed throughout the summer months.
Oop's I forgot this is a Vette thread!
Last edited by CJR2; 03-30-2008 at 05:01 PM.
03-30-2008, 04:56 PM
#14
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03-30-2008, 05:17 PM
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Logical answer is buy the newest car with the lowest milesage you can afford.
I did not do this, I am on my 5th Vette and this one is a 98' M6 i bought with 115k on it and didn't hesitate about the miles. Got a good deal and it was from the 2nd owner so no surprises.
~B~
I did not do this, I am on my 5th Vette and this one is a 98' M6 i bought with 115k on it and didn't hesitate about the miles. Got a good deal and it was from the 2nd owner so no surprises.
~B~
03-30-2008, 05:32 PM
#17
Race Director
That's a handful of a question. So many variables, but the simplest answer is to get out there and drive a few and see what you like. However, don't fall in love on the first one! Always be mindful that C5s are a dime a dozen and you can find a good deal.
-Alex
-Alex
03-30-2008, 10:58 PM
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