Advice on buying a C5
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 100
Likes: 6
From: Mooresville Nc
Advice on buying a C5
I am looking into buying a C5 now that the prices have come down on them. I am just having a hard time deciding on what model to go after. I know I don't want a convertible. What I'm wondrering is if I should go for a z06, frc, or coupe. I was also wondering if there is any particular model year that are better than others and what kind of things in particular to look for when buying one. I think I am sure that I would want an 00 or newer. Thanks for any input.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,365
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver BC
I would hang around here for a while and do a lot of research. If you like pure performance, I'd go for the FRC or Z (remember, the LS1 FRC was only produced till 2000...replaced by the Z06 in 01). If you like the targa, get a 6 speed with the Z51 suspension.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,799
Likes: 1
From: Northern Virginia
St. Jude Donor '08
Recommend you try driving each model and year of car you are interested in. A number of improvements were made in 2001.
FRC and Z06 look the same,except Z06 has much better performance.
Some links to help you in your search.
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...ngths-etc.html
Take your time. Prices are only going down!
Since you don't know much about these cars suggest you find someone knowledgeable when you go to look.
There is a lot of little nuances to know that you can only learn through time and experience.
Good luck with your search.
FRC and Z06 look the same,except Z06 has much better performance.
Some links to help you in your search.
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...ngths-etc.html
Take your time. Prices are only going down!
Since you don't know much about these cars suggest you find someone knowledgeable when you go to look.
There is a lot of little nuances to know that you can only learn through time and experience.
Good luck with your search.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 100
Likes: 6
From: Mooresville Nc
yeah I guess I need to go drive each. What ever I get I will definetly be modding it and plan on using it as a daily driver. I am mainly stuck between the z06 and the coupe. I like all the stuff that the z06 has like the lighter weight and different gear ratios. I just don't know if it is worth the extra price. Thanks for the input guys
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 811
Likes: 0
From: greenville north carolina
Do not be an impulse buyer...my first words of advice. Look at several vettes (here is a good place, lots of honest people on here that will steer you the right way) Have the car throughoughly checked out...so it may set you back a hundred bucks...isnt that much cheaper than finding out that your new 01 Z06 is piston slapping or consuming oil fields of oil? Or that the driver before you wrecked it and is waiting for an impulse buyer to take the bait and then reel them in...
DO what you want but good things come to those who wait~
DO what you want but good things come to those who wait~
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,799
Likes: 1
From: Northern Virginia
St. Jude Donor '08
yeah I guess I need to go drive each. What ever I get I will definetly be modding it and plan on using it as a daily driver. I am mainly stuck between the z06 and the coupe. I like all the stuff that the z06 has like the lighter weight and different gear ratios. I just don't know if it is worth the extra price. Thanks for the input guys
If you like the looks of the Z06 but don't want to pay the extra $$ for the extra performance factors since you are going to mod the car take a look at the FRCs. There are several already modded ones for sale in the C5s for sale section. Buying a properly modded car (emphasis on proper) can save you a lot of time and money.
Suggest you drive a stock Z06. It's quite a car. Most people, myself included, don't have the capability to drive the car to its limits.