99 Vert and no issues with leaks or wind noise. The tops are adjustable for fit and many leak or wind noise problems can be eliminated with proper adjustment. Safety wise all C5 Corvettes were designed as a convertible to start so I don't think the rag top is a big compromise of safety. Search You tube to see Vert rollovers, they seam to hold up well. It is noisier and with top down there is substantial wind (at highway speed). With all that I would not trade my 99 for a new coupe, down here I can enjoy the top down all year and love it. I'm 5'11" so for me the hight is not an issue, you should check that for yourself and see if it will be a problem for you. Verts are great and I love mine. Good luck with your decision.

 

Thanks so much for all the input. Great info!

I would still like to have the VIN checked. Who do I contact on the forum to do that?

 

We love our vert. Not sure if I would put an aftermarket exhaust on a vert. that might be a bit too loud.

 

Naw. Makes it sound just right.

 

PROS:

Driving with the top down..

CONS:

Your hair will get messed up.


Nothing better than a vert on a nice day - or night.

 

That's what National Corvette Museum ball caps are for ... when you have the top down!

 

One more thing ... the owner says it's not a power top. WTH? You pay that much for a new Corvette back in 1999 and you have to put the top up and down by yourself? Heck, our son has a 1995 Mustang Saleen (clone) and HIS roof is automatic! What gives?

 

I never considered buying anything but a convertible. Haven't been dissapointed yet. I'm 6'3" and have no problems. I've driven it in heavy rain without any leaks what so ever. Mine is box stock so exhaust noise is not a problem, but everyone has a different threshold of tolerence for noise. I did have a problem with the rear window delaminating but caught it early and fixed it my self with istructions from here on the forum. Saved $$$. Roll overs are not good no matter what kind of convertible is involved unless you have a roll bar. Corvette soft tops have always been manual until just recently. I think you can get it either way now. Maybe you should opt for a new one.

 

I've had my '04 vert for almost 2 months. Was looking an coupes mainly. Found this one, drove it, and knew instantly that I wanted a convertible.

No regrets at all. The wind noise doesn't bother me at all. With the top up, a little loud due to the Borla exhaust.

Being in the south, I'd definitely go with a convertible. More time to enjoy it with the top down.

 

That comes in the C6 version of the convertible.

It only takes less than a minute to put it down. You can do it at a stop light!

 

Coupe with targa off is damn noisy and windy, the air off the windsield gets blown into the cargo area and swirls like mad. There are even aftermarket wind deflectors for the top of the windshield and latch props to keep the rear latch open while driving. Riding around in a vert is a much more pleasurable experience than a topless targa.

 

For me it was a no brainer since I live in Florida. If I lived up north, I would have gone with a coupe.

Another thing to consider is where you park/drive the car. If you park outside (apartment complex, etc.), remember that a verte is a lot easier to break into.

My verte is a pleasure car and not my daily driver so that also was a big part of my decision.

As to the aftermarket exhaust, I have a set of Corsa Pro Indys and I love the sound, top up or top down!

 

I think everything has been covered except .........


SUNBURN !!!!

Just don't lose track of time while you're havin' fun cruisin

 

especially those of us with no hair on top! Been there done that a few times!

 

We Love the wifes 98 convt

 

it's added weight.

You either quest for a true sports car.... or your fathers Buick.

 

Yep, been sunburnt in the Miata and the '93 targa. We're used to putting the top up and down manually on the Miata, so no biggie. It's probably a lot easier than one person trying to wrangle the targa by themselves!

This would be a pleasure car for us. It will be garaged and will have classic car insurance on it, like the '93 does. Security is still an issue if you're out somewhere with it and inside a store or restaurant. We realize that.

 

If you like girls with there tops down then you will love your vet (priceless)

 

With your Miata experience you know the general plus and minus of convertibles. I think the top operation in Vette is exceptionally quick and simple to use. It does not need a power top. I've driven various smaller convertibles and although they are nice and fun in there own right, when I get back in the Vette the power, the ride quality, and the comfort for me are just so much better in the Vette. The Miata is more economical, more tossable and has many good qualities of it own, but I definitely prefer the Vette.

 

I have a '99 mag red vert which I bought in 2007 from the original owner. I'm 6'3" and "long-waisted" so it's hard for me to find a car with adequate headroom.. There is ample head, hip and shoulder room in the vert...especially when compared to other sports cars. Unlike a Miata, you and your passenger will sit comfortably in the vert, not "wear" it. As one other poster noted, I run the seat all the way down and back. We just did a 2700 mile road trip through California...almost all of it with the top down... and were very comfortable. There is ample trunk space when compared to other sports car convertibles (or the C6 for that matter). We travel with two full size suitcases that are wheeled/duffle/packs (same ones we take on trips overseas) and a small soft cooler. Shop for the right "shape" luggage and you will be amazed how much space you have. It is noisy with the top down...but we love the open air experience....especially on the back roads and secondary highways which is where we do most of our travel in the car. If you want to reduce noise a bit at high speed or in heavy traffic, put the windows up. With the top up, it's not as quiet as the coupe, but it is easy to talk, listen to the stereo, etc. As to exhaust, the original owner put the B&B Route 66 system on the car. It's one of the "less aggressive" sounds, but still has a great "rumble" and "throat" sound to it when you get on it or downshift, without being overpowering when cruising along. I try not to drive in the rain. I did have a minor leak, but it was cured with a window adjustment. We have a blast in the car...it really enhances our roadtrips... and expect that you will to. Go for it and have fun!