I hope to be buying a Vet here in a year or so and I keep wavering between a modded C5Z or vert (in the low $20s) or a restored C2 (in the low $40s).

What I really, really want a c2 but the price for what I want (vert with side pipes and knockoffs) is going to kind of tough to swallow. However in 10 years the C2 will still be worth what I pay for it (or more) and I'm guessing the C5 will be worth way, way less than I paid? Then again, I like the thought of better ride quality, more creature comforts, much lower price and having a much newer car with the C5, I just hate depreciation.

Thoughts from the group?

 

Which vette will put a bigger smile on your face?

 

I never really understood the concept of depreciation, but in my opinion, if you're planning on keeping it for a while and not selling it, choose whichever you'll love to drive more. If you are planning on selling, might as well go with a C2 and sell it down the road.....good luck!

 

If you're buying the car for an investment, go for the C2.

If you're buying the car to drive and have fun, go for the C5.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

Depends on how you are going to use it.If you plan to drive and enjoy your car,C5 hands down.If you want to be a waxer and drive just short distances to shows etc,then go for the C2.

 

I have a restored '64, which is awsome, and I love it. It looks cool, and wins awards in every show I enter, but honestly, it's not that fun to drive very far. After all, it is 40+ year old technology.
I have to worry about the depreciation of actually driving it, rock chips, some moron pulling in front of me (45 year old brake systems are not the best), and constantly tinkering with it after driving. Plus, it only gets about 10 mpg.
My C5 is soooo nice to drive. I can get in at and go wherever I want, drive in the rain, get good mileage, and enjoy using it.

 

Mid years Rule value wise,,,,C5's Rule driving wise!

 

You answered your own question.
You said you really, Really want a C2.
If you don't get your C2 you will always regret not getting it....
Simple.

 

Fresh out of university, I was driving to work one day in Pasadena (not known for safe traffic) and saw a buddy in his '57 Chevy Bel Air 2 door hardtop, black and in mint condition. I saw him at the office and asked if his daily drive was broke. He said no, the '57 was his daily driver. He went on to explain:

1. It gets everyone's attention.
2. People are generally careful parking near him, giving the respect for the car.
3. It burns regular gas.
4. It's not made out of plastic.
5. It goes up in value regardless what happens or the miles.
6. He looks cool in it.
7. Ample repo parts are available for a good price.
8. He can work on it himself without aid of much tecnhology other than a timing light.

I've driven classic sports cars all of my recent 20 years, until I bought the C5 I now have. My last was a 1970 Porsche 911 S targa with 6 webers. These have been my daily drivers. I've always taken my friend's approach to this issue.

But know what, I love my C5. It's easy to drive, gets good gas mileage, not as leaky (still leaks!!), not as 'manly' handling to drive, has more safety equipment than just a seatbelt, and my wife doesn't have to scream at me to be heard. Unfortunately, it does go down in value, doesn't get the respect of the classic (always used to get notes on the windshield complementing or wanting to buy it), needs a specialized mechanic or plumber to work on it (I used to tune those 6 webers myself weekly!!), parts are relatively expensive, people could care less about door dinging it, etc.

Depending on your age, go for the C2 and drive it daily. If you're old and with a bad back and looking for 'creature comforts', get a C5 with the automatic.

Padrino

 

My C2 is a toy and I love it but for long trips the C5 can't be beat. If you are looking at it from an investment standpoint, go C2. From a driving perspective, go C5. It all depends on how you plan to drive it.

 

I heart C2s! I prefer the hardtop though. You already stated which one you want so don't shoot yourself in the foot by buying a car you are using to compensate for what you really want. For the C2... 427 or bust!

-Alex

 

I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, I believe the 1967 C2s were offered with the 427.

 

Uh, WHAT!?

http://corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/c2/

http://corvetteactioncenter.com/spec...66/66prod.html

http://www.supercars.net/cars/3076.html

-Alex

 

My sincerest apologies on this. I'm so dingy right now after too many hours of being 'up' (I'm in the middle east, can't tell you where or what's going on, but the natives have been very restless these last few days). Too quick on the trigger, slow on the brain on this one. Luckily, quick on the trigger for other reasons.

Yes, it was the C2's. Duhhhhhh!!!! Too many series of Vettes out there to keep track of.

 

This seems like the same dilemma I had when I was about to buy my current corvette. I was stuck between a c5, and a 69-71 camaro. I've always loved the camaro much more, but it was expensive to find one that was kept in the condition and style I enjoyed, and wasn't just a cheap resto job looking to flip profit.

In the end, I took the sensible route and bought a faster, cheaper, more accessible car, but everytime I see a nice first gen camaro, I regret the vette.

It's hard to say, but I'd go for the c2, it already sounds like what you've been wanting.

 

LMAO it happens. You being out there, I am sure you have better things to worry about

-Alex

 

Many great opinions! I can only add that a C2 if set up properly can be used all the time if wanted! I own both and I feel that you ride in a C5 and Drive a C2. The wife and I go on 4hrs drives all the time with no issues. Are you a little more worn out afterwards, Yes! The other thing that no one has mentioned based on your age and year is insurance. A C2 is much cheaper to insure through a collector car insurer. You do have restrictions such as no track racing autoxing or parking at malls. Best of luck in whatever you decide. One more thing prices have never been better to pick up either. Although I would hire someone to inspect whatever year you look at!
Sixty4.......

 

Have you driven both? Drive them BEFORE you decide. The C2, by todays standards is a bucket of bolts. The old cars look great BUT drive like old covered wagons. They are Hot inside, uncomfortable, poor gas mileage, poor brakes, STIFF clutch if it's a 4 speed. I loved my 69' roadster but gave it up for a C5 roadster and have NEVER regretted it. I put lots of time and money in the 69' and it RAN-but the C5 still beats it in EVERY category except looks. Higher top speed, better acceleration, better brakes, AC that ACTUALLY COOLS THE INSIDE OF THE CAR, glass back window, 20+mpg, and the list goes on and on.

Buy 2 nice C5's for the price of the C2.

 

QUOTE-What I really, really want a c2 but the price for what I want (vert with side pipes and knockoffs) is going to kind of tough to swallow. However in 10 years the C2 will still be worth what I pay for it (or more) and I'm guessing the C5 will be worth way, way less than I paid? Then again, I like the thought of better ride quality, more creature comforts, much lower price and having a much newer car with the C5, I just hate depreciation.

Thoughts from the group?[/quote]





I really, really wanted a C3 chrome bumper (70-72) and sort of settled for the C5 because the wife loved it so much and probably would have hated riding around in the C3.

I am so, so happy I bought a C5, the car is fast, great looking and has everything I need, even installed the HUD which is a great mod.
I drive it to work, in the rain, etc. If I would have purchased the C3 I probably would have spent the summer working on it instead of driving all summer like I did.
I was thinking about the investment part of the C3 too, the Hell with that, life's too short and the C5 will be much more fun!

 

You have to buy the car you want. I's pretty obvious that a C5 is a much better car to drive so there's not even really a point in doing that comparism to help your decision.

You have to decide why you want the car and which one is a better fit.


Be honest, this isn't exactly true now. If you drive it a lot and let it weather and rust set in then the classic won't be worth as much as it was when you bought it. Same as the people who believe that leaving the old car parked out on the lawn or in a field will make it worth more in the future. It becomes junk that no-one wants.

A solid near "showroom" condition C2 won't appreciate if you buy it and then drive it all summer (or all year depending on where you are) every day and leave it parked outside rain or shine. You'll have a hard time keeping it looking the same. Even simple things that you have no control over like body cracks can happen with use which will lower the value.

Peter