New Guy with a BIG Decision
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Wichita Falls Texas
New Guy with a BIG Decision
So a while ago I was going to buy a 03-04 cobra (had my loan and everything!!) and my girl was getting a 06 gto for her after much back and forth car combinations... Well she got accepted in a program for her Master’s Degree and now it will be one or the other since her income will be reduced. We''re considering a 03-04 Cobra (my choice), a GTO, or even a lower priced C5 (which she loves). If anyone has had experiences with a couple of these please pass on your advice.. I do know that her MBA will make a great future in a little over two years!!
More info for what we need... The car will more or less be a DD. It will be taken on trips and all kinds of stuff. So quality of interior and maintenance is a factor.
So if you had to live with one of these which would it be? Should I just save some money and go with a C6?
More info for what we need... The car will more or less be a DD. It will be taken on trips and all kinds of stuff. So quality of interior and maintenance is a factor.
So if you had to live with one of these which would it be? Should I just save some money and go with a C6?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,469
Likes: 4
This being a Corvette forum, I think you'll find most of us will suggest the Cobra. It's a better car. 
No, seriously, get the C5. It will cost you less, it will make your GF happy, and it really is the best all-around performer of the 3.
No, seriously, get the C5. It will cost you less, it will make your GF happy, and it really is the best all-around performer of the 3.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,592
Likes: 959
From: Palm Harbor not far from Sebring Florida
St. Jude Donor '11
Oldtimer
Well you are on the C5 forum, so I would expect that you will receive mostly buy the C5 low milage auto. I am not a big Ford fan, so I would not even consider a Cobra, but as I said I am not a Ford fan. GTO's are nice, but they were only around few a few years, so that maybe something to consider.
Again C5 forum, but the C6's are also nice. You mentioned that you had a loan already for the 03-04 Cobra. I have no idea what they are selling for, but I would think it is less then the same year range in a C5, and well under the C6.
I suggest that you stick to what is in your price range. If a C5 lower milage 01-04 is not there and it is not that big of a deal to have a Corvette, then get what you can afford and you will be happy, but also don't just by a Cobra because it is what you can afford if you truely want the C5 or C6. Live with what you have now and wait till you can afford the vette.
Again C5 forum, but the C6's are also nice. You mentioned that you had a loan already for the 03-04 Cobra. I have no idea what they are selling for, but I would think it is less then the same year range in a C5, and well under the C6.
I suggest that you stick to what is in your price range. If a C5 lower milage 01-04 is not there and it is not that big of a deal to have a Corvette, then get what you can afford and you will be happy, but also don't just by a Cobra because it is what you can afford if you truely want the C5 or C6. Live with what you have now and wait till you can afford the vette.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,360
Likes: 1
From: West Grove Pa
It depends on the need for a back seat. The C5-especially a cpe offers plenty of room for gear but none for passengers. If more room is needed get the goat or the stang but for sheer fun factor get the Vette. (and your girl will love ya for it-you can even use the "I did it for you" line) 
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 293
Likes: 0
From: Maryville IL
I had an 04 GTO, put 86,420 miles on it, and loved each and every one of them. It is a quality car, and great on long trips. The seats are amazing. Only reason I traded it in for a Vette was because I wanted a convertible again. Of the two, I'd say the GTO is the better car.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 10,781
Likes: 15
From: Hurricane Alley
From what Ive read on the GTO forums, the C5 gets better gas mileage than the GTO. I dont know about the Cobra but I would bet that the C5 gets better gas mileage than the Cobra as well. If you dont need a back seat then definitely get the Vette, if you do then go test drive the GTO and Cobra and see which one you like the best.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Wichita Falls Texas
Thanks for all of your answers. I'm on all the forums so I expected the biased answers. The 03-04 Cobra's are the same price as C5's. The vette's do get better mileage. They also have cheaper insurance. I have done my research and we can afford any of them. I just wanted to hear some first hand advice.
Thanks,
James
Thanks,
James
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 10,179
Likes: 2,306
From: Wesley Chapel, FL Las Vegas, NV
In your situation I would suggest the Cobra.
Why? Honestly the Mustangs are great cars for the money.
Also this gives you 4 seats.
If you decide to do a few mods the parts are less then 1/2 the price of Vette parts.
My son was in a very similar situation. Still in college he had Vette as his daily driver. His fiancee starting her masters.
The Vette was just not practical.
Sold it bought a Trailblazer SS and the fiancee is in a 2001 Mustang Vert. V6. Just picked it up for $6K with 40k miles on it.
Be practical for now get your eduacations and there will be plenty of opportunities for Vettes in your future.
Hey just a dad giving dad advice.
Why? Honestly the Mustangs are great cars for the money.
Also this gives you 4 seats.
If you decide to do a few mods the parts are less then 1/2 the price of Vette parts.
My son was in a very similar situation. Still in college he had Vette as his daily driver. His fiancee starting her masters.
The Vette was just not practical.
Sold it bought a Trailblazer SS and the fiancee is in a 2001 Mustang Vert. V6. Just picked it up for $6K with 40k miles on it.
Be practical for now get your eduacations and there will be plenty of opportunities for Vettes in your future.
Hey just a dad giving dad advice.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Wichita Falls Texas
I probably shouold have given some more personal info.. I have ten years in the US Air Force and my girl is 34 with loads of banking experience going back to finsh her MBA so the $$ should be way better!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,464
Likes: 2
From: Cedarburg, WI
In your situation I would suggest the Cobra.
Why? Honestly the Mustangs are great cars for the money.
Also this gives you 4 seats.
If you decide to do a few mods the parts are less then 1/2 the price of Vette parts.
My son was in a very similar situation. Still in college he had Vette as his daily driver. His fiancee starting her masters.
The Vette was just not practical.
Sold it bought a Trailblazer SS and the fiancee is in a 2001 Mustang Vert. V6. Just picked it up for $6K with 40k miles on it.
Be practical for now get your eduacations and there will be plenty of opportunities for Vettes in your future.
Hey just a dad giving dad advice.
Why? Honestly the Mustangs are great cars for the money.
Also this gives you 4 seats.
If you decide to do a few mods the parts are less then 1/2 the price of Vette parts.
My son was in a very similar situation. Still in college he had Vette as his daily driver. His fiancee starting her masters.
The Vette was just not practical.
Sold it bought a Trailblazer SS and the fiancee is in a 2001 Mustang Vert. V6. Just picked it up for $6K with 40k miles on it.
Be practical for now get your eduacations and there will be plenty of opportunities for Vettes in your future.
Hey just a dad giving dad advice.
But get a Vette someday down the road!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,592
Likes: 959
From: Palm Harbor not far from Sebring Florida
St. Jude Donor '11
Oldtimer
Thanks for all of your answers. I'm on all the forums so I expected the biased answers. The 03-04 Cobra's are the same price as C5's. The vette's do get better mileage. They also have cheaper insurance. I have done my research and we can afford any of them. I just wanted to hear some first hand advice.
Thanks,
James
Thanks,
James
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 8
From: Belleville Il
It would help if you filled out your profile!! Info such as where you live in particular.. If you are looking at lots of snow,a vet might not be the best choice. otherwise you cant beat them, comfort ,style,great MPG (if you can behave sometimes)and overall performance. All your choices are RWD so DEEP snow would be a major factor. 2 singles # of seats is irrelevant,,or a cheap 4door beater could help in that area (used cobalt,focus etc) Fill out your profile,,at least with the basics!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,749
Likes: 20
From: Liberty Hill Texas
Let's see.. lower income.. Personally, I think I would get the GTO. Newer, probably a decent warranty can be on it.. has a little more room ( i.e. back seat) and you man need that for now. You can always get the corvette after finances come back up a little bit.
But, if you have another car that you can use (truck, car, etc..) with more space, then Vette would be good to go.
But, if you have another car that you can use (truck, car, etc..) with more space, then Vette would be good to go.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 24,921
Likes: 0
From: Knoxville, TN
CI 3-4-5-6-7-8 Veteran
St. Jude '03 thru '26
Grew up at the end of Barksdale AFB in Shreveport, LA...but that shouldn't influence your decision
I cannot tell you the times I have have seen the shock of telling people I can get 28+ in city MPG and 30+ interstate MPG with my Vette. Performance, styling, fun, and economy do not seem to go together.
They can believe it all but the economy! I quit driving my Jeep (15 mpg) in favor of my 127K mileage Vette (30+ mpg) to work and back even using premium gas!
While Mustangs appear to be fun, it seems like everyone has one. Find a good deal on a C5 and I don't think you will be wrong.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Wichita Falls Texas
I can't seem to find a low mileage cobra that hasn't been molested for less than 25-28K. I have found quite a few C5's in this range...
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,876
Likes: 0
From: Edmond OK
No contest the GTO is the best daily driver of the three. It's also the slowest, but has the best interior. The Cobra is the fastest, but the interior is cheap. The vette will get the best mileage and be the most fun to cruise, but it's a daily.
I'd get the GTO.
FWIW, I have a C5, a 2001 Mustang GT, and have almost bought 2 different GTOs...by point being that my comparison is valid.
I'd get the GTO.
FWIW, I have a C5, a 2001 Mustang GT, and have almost bought 2 different GTOs...by point being that my comparison is valid.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 538
Likes: 2
From: Beaverton OR
Cobra over the GTO no question. C5 over the Cobra? Granted this is Corevette Forum, but a Cobra is nice too. Now if your budget will allow for a 2003 Z06 Corvette than there's no decision. Shop around and you can get one under $30k. That'd be my opinion. Your getting a loan, so can you swing the extra $150 per month on the Z06 over the Cobra?