One big item,,You did not fill out your profile!!! Where you live would make a BIG difference in an honest evaluation for a daily driver. If you live in an area where really nasty weather is an issue on a frequent basis,light back end rear wheel drive is NOT a very practical choice.If weather is not an issue your choices are much wider. Driven with some prudence C5s can be relatively economical and even somewhat practical for a single person. I got a 55,000 mi 2000 stick for $18,600 so deal are out there if you are willing to look. Where you live and where your going to drive is a major point to evaluate,,Just be honest with yourself,and take a close at your needs and decide accordingly!! We love vets,if it will fit your needs GO FOR IT!!!

 

03-04 Cobra hands down. Whoever is picking a regular 97 C5 over a newer Cobra is borderline insane.

 

Hmmmm.
Well at least they circled the prob.

Just joking... I do like the new Mustangs. But I couldn't own one.
I am sure they are a nice ride, But..

 

As others have alluded to, a C5 is easy to buy (any year) but expensive to maintain/repair. Not going to preach to you on whether an 18 y/o needs to buy a Vette. Don't know you to gauge your maturity level. However, in the context of the choices you presented, the Vette will give more of the WOW factor you are looking for. Just read my sig for advice

 

18 y/o kid still in school? That 03/04 Cobra with a backseat will be the hot sheeeet.

 

My recommendation would be either the C5 or the GTO. The C5 will get better gas mileage, but both will deliver good performance and reliability.

 

18 years old?

I vote for Ford Focus or Mustang V6.

 

I WAS the typical teenager you guys are picturing right now, with a crave for power, and unable to control it.

However, I learned my lesson a month into my first car, A V6 Mitsubishi Eclipse, as I took advantage of the power (Or lack thereof) and totalled the car after taking a turn to quickly. Judge it how it is, but I learned from this mistake and I am now one of the most docile drivers.

My friends crack jokes, because I do the steady 60MPH on the Freeway, and the 40-45 on the street, but I have learned, when you have power, you don't need to prove it every 5 minutes, or when someone looks at your vehicle. There is a time and place.

As I said, I am not worried about insurance because out of every car listed it is the Cheapest to insure, for my 18yr self.

I have never had a speeding ticket, and only have the one accident, I am not (Anymore) an average pedal to the floor teen.

I think I have made my decision, and I feel I can be comfortable enough to purchase my first Corvette, which may be a 2001 Artic White Coupe.

It has 37k Miles, very minimal paint damage (One scratch near the headlight), Grey interior, interior looks well maintained, no sun damage or rips. Leather is in good condition, and drove like a dream.
They are firm at 23K, is it a good deal?

I appreciate everyone's input, and hope to join the Vette community soon.

 

If you smoked a V6 Eclipse, you may kill yourself in a V8. Just hold off and buy a fusion.

 

This was 2 years ago, and I have since owned my SRT-4 which was about as fast, if not faster than a Stock C5.

I have learned my lesson, and I don't mind that you judge me, but I have matured a lot and have found the respect cars, and power deserve.


Edit: Also updated the profile information. I live in Sunny Southern California.

 

Sorry, but totalling a car in a turn as less to do with the cars power and for to do with the driver's skill (or lack thereof). Being an inexperienced driver in a corvette can be disasterous. You can drive it sedately most of the time, but a bad decision would be difficult to correct if you don't have the driving experience to counter it.

Yes, IMO that is a good price if the condition is as you described and is nicely optioned.

After reading more... if you are the docile driver that you claim, why do you need/want a sports car? It's like driving a huge truck that never goes offroad or has anything to tow. At 18, there are some better options. I know a flashy car seems important at that age, but it really isn't. Good luck w/ your decision

 

On the C5 General forum and you ask what we think you should buy??? What are you thinking?

 

Quite a lot of difference between a Neon (SRT4 Turbo Neon) and a C5.

 

Like I said, I don't mind being judged as all but 2-3 people on this forum know me and can vouch for my driving ability and my maturity.

When I totaled my eclipse, I had a month of driving experience, I now have two years (Not claiming this as much, or saying I am an amazing driver), and a new profound outlook on power,driving, and the respect needed to drive a powerful car. However, I guess people can't seem to get past the first sentence....

I am a very Docile driver, and like I said, people even make fun of me. However I do enjoy going to the track or giving the pedal a fairly good romp now and again, and I have the means to drive this flashy car, and don't wish to be uniform rolling in a 2005 Civic.

 

If you truly think you can afford the C5 go ahead and get one.

I think before you buy you need to do some more research about the C5s and take a go slow approach.

FYI, the 2001 vettes had an issue with excessive oil burning because the piston rings did not seal as well as they should have. Since you are looking at a 2001, I would make sure this is not an issue as you have a limited budget.

Here are 2 links to some general info on vettes that you may useful.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=984927

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/

Good luck with your search!

 

18 and in school - Whatever you get - get one with a Warrenty. C5's are good cars.

 

C5 hands down