Base model
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Base model
Did anybody buy one? They're hard to find. I'm in the market for my first Corvette and I'm looking hard at a black C5 Targa with ZO-6 wheels. One owner, all receipts, very nice, but it's got gizmos that worry me. I don't think I need ride control and an information display, and I definitely don't need dual climate control. All of that stuff sounds like unnecessary money down the road. I would like to hear from owners of low-option cars. Are there other things you lose with the Base that you miss?
Drifting
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,712
Likes: 1
From: Seekonk MA / RI border
The only way to buy a base model is to order a brand new one from the factory (through a dealer of course). So, will a brand new base be cheaper than the one you're looking at?
As far as a base model goes, you're probably looking at 2.73 gears, painted wheels, no HUD. However, they come (base - standard) with more 'stuff' (like pwr windows, locks, traction control, tire pressure sensors, etc) than a LOT of cars come with.
As far as a base model goes, you're probably looking at 2.73 gears, painted wheels, no HUD. However, they come (base - standard) with more 'stuff' (like pwr windows, locks, traction control, tire pressure sensors, etc) than a LOT of cars come with.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,253
Likes: 9
From: Northwest CT
This is a unique time where you can get a nicely optioned C5 for a very low price (compared to just a year ago). IMO I would enjoy those options and not worry about something that might never happen. 
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
THAT, my friend, is good advice. You're right, there's no way I could afford the car I'm looking at last year. I know, I looked. Best to stop worrying and start livin' the dream. Thanks for the reality check.
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 more options the car has the higher the resale/trade-in value will have.
Don't worry about having too many options. You'll enjoy it.
Don't worry about having too many options. You'll enjoy it.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 8
From: Belleville Il
About the only option that I would hesitate on,would be the magnetic ride control. Replacement shocks= big bucks!! Climate control,,I've read lots of threads and with the exception of the famous fading read out(an easy 1 hr.DIY fix) I have not seen many problems with it. For all practical purposes all the goodies are no less reliable than any modern car and not worth worrying about. As a matter of fact it was these very creature comforts that allowed me to get a C5!!! After a very hot July trip in out BB Shark to the NCM with our club,,the wife said,"I want air conditioning if we do that again"!! TA DA,,2000 FRC joined my shark!! Drive it everywhere,,all the time!!LOVE IT!!
Last edited by itzza427; Apr 10, 2009 at 09:07 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
I'm the second owner of a base 2004 coupe. The only options it has are body side mouldings and polished aluminum wheels.... I don't race the car around, so the 2.73 gears are fine for me. The only option I really wish I had is the HUD, (which I had in a Bonneville SSEi in the 90's).
All that aside, it doesn't make me love driving the car any less.... if you can get one with more options, go for it. The only reason I bought this one over a vette with more options was that there was nothing around in my price range that had what I exactly wanted, when I was ready to buy...
All that aside, it doesn't make me love driving the car any less.... if you can get one with more options, go for it. The only reason I bought this one over a vette with more options was that there was nothing around in my price range that had what I exactly wanted, when I was ready to buy...
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 54,204
Likes: 180
From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
And the base 1SA package changed during the C5 run. For my 2002 coupe, the 1SA had the standard seats and manual HVAC controls... exactly what I wanted.
In 2003, the sport seats became standard.... as well as the dual climate control.
