C5 or C6?
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 11,467
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From: 972 and 405
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: St. George Utah
I also get comments on my car being 'brand new'.. even though its a 99'
The C5 in my opinion just keeps the corvette tradition.. flip-up headlights, aggressive longer stance, smoother body..
Dont get offended but heres why im disappointed in the c6...
The C5 in my opinion just keeps the corvette tradition.. flip-up headlights, aggressive longer stance, smoother body..
Dont get offended but heres why im disappointed in the c6...
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 629
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From: Oceanside CA
If you come across a local car you would like some opinions on, there are several forum members in the Oceanside area who I'm sure would be very happy to help you check them out. Make the request in the Southern California forum and indicate something like "Need opinion on a car in Oceanside, or San Diego, etc. Some of them are very knowledgeable about mods so you can really have fun with your good looking C5 
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 629
Likes: 0
From: Oceanside CA
I am not easily offended!! Here's a good one: I was looking at 1:18 scale models and was holding a Vette in my hand--until my Wife pointed out that the label said Dodge Viper!! (admittedly I did not look closely yet--just grabbed it off the shelf)... :o
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 19,557
Likes: 1,470
From: I love you & miss you Linda
2017 C7 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Contributor
When I pull up to the starbucks in my murdered out 2000 C5..
People always ask about the car..
Its design/style/lines are still fresh/new and modern..
They are always surprised when I tell them its a ten year old car!!
As the old GF said...
The C5 looks long, wide sexy and svelte..
The C6 looks stubby...like someone cut off the front and back!
Dont get me wrong...
I like the C6..
But the C5 is the much better VALUE!!
People always ask about the car..
Its design/style/lines are still fresh/new and modern..
They are always surprised when I tell them its a ten year old car!!
As the old GF said...
The C5 looks long, wide sexy and svelte..
The C6 looks stubby...like someone cut off the front and back!
Dont get me wrong...
I like the C6..
But the C5 is the much better VALUE!!
Racer
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 261
Likes: 23
From: Eden, UT
I was recently in the same boat as you, although looking for a nice weather DD. I ended up going with a low mile (25K) C5 that i picked up for $18K. really hard to justify spending another 10-12K on a C6 with probably more miles in this economy. That being said I'll likely pick up a C6 to start my collection in the next year or two. The value of the C5 is just tough to beat right now.
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 629
Likes: 0
From: Oceanside CA
I was recently in the same boat as you, although looking for a nice weather DD. I ended up going with a low mile (25K) C5 that i picked up for $18K. really hard to justify spending another 10-12K on a C6 with probably more miles in this economy. That being said I'll likely pick up a C6 to start my collection in the next year or two. The value of the C5 is just tough to beat right now.
Sounds as if you found a great deal!!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,902
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From: Oak Hill Virginia
Last edited by cdkcorvette7; Nov 24, 2009 at 09:10 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,617
Likes: 205
From: Westerville Ohio
As the record continues to play, both really are great cars. All within your means and tastes.
Even if I had the money on hand for a C6, I'd probably pass. They just look too small...almost go-kartish. I know that dimensionally it's really not THAT much smaller, but I just don't care for it. The body looks too busy for me, and the euro-looking headlights aren't very attractive at all IMO.
That said, you are gonna get a faster, better handling car, newer options that weren't around in 97, and a factory warranty with a newer C6.
I only use the C5 for gorgeous days, so it's pretty much a cruiser only...no racing, no tracking, etc. As far as cruising goes, the C5 is absolutely perfect for what i'm looking for. Even without money being an issue, I couldn't see the C6 surpassing that.
Even after prices drop on the C6's, I don't plan to ever have one in my garage. Short of totalling my C5, i'll be keeping it till the wheels fall off. Plan on my daughter driving it...and she's not even born yet
Even if I had the money on hand for a C6, I'd probably pass. They just look too small...almost go-kartish. I know that dimensionally it's really not THAT much smaller, but I just don't care for it. The body looks too busy for me, and the euro-looking headlights aren't very attractive at all IMO.
That said, you are gonna get a faster, better handling car, newer options that weren't around in 97, and a factory warranty with a newer C6.
I only use the C5 for gorgeous days, so it's pretty much a cruiser only...no racing, no tracking, etc. As far as cruising goes, the C5 is absolutely perfect for what i'm looking for. Even without money being an issue, I couldn't see the C6 surpassing that.
Even after prices drop on the C6's, I don't plan to ever have one in my garage. Short of totalling my C5, i'll be keeping it till the wheels fall off. Plan on my daughter driving it...and she's not even born yet
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,639
Likes: 8
From: Madison Wisconsin
St. Jude Donor '08
Thanks again to all for the great perspectives & factual info...
so far we have about 13 for the C5, 5 for the C6, and 4 "for either"...
This will be my 1st Corvette. My original idea was to get a New C6, probably the Grand Sport--order it, Museum Delivery, etc. (the whole package)... I really like the wide-body look, but, at this time, don't think I need the Z06...
But then I started thinking: "maybe I should get a used Vette, maybe do some mods, and LEARN more during that car's ownership about my likes/dislikes of the Corvette"... And have some FUN learning--not to mention save some $$...
I DO like the looks of both--but I like the C5's slightly larger size just a little bit more and it's "rounded bottom" is more appealing IMHO... I was at a "Car Lovers Show" this past weekend (sponsored by a local Corvette Club) and the C5's / C6's were numerous... It is truly a challenge to pick one over the other--keeping in mind I have not driven them yet... That's why your info is so helpfull!
You all have made me more comfortable with the knowledge that whichever series Corvette I choose should be thrilling!
The C5 does have the edge regarding Value, and is probably the wiser selection for me to choose for "entry" into the Corvette scene... But, as one of you said, I may end up choosing based upon the year/price/mileage combo--OR--If I get really crazy-spring for the new one (unlikely now)...
Finally: the suggestion to get the Miata--why? Does it fit in the Vette's Cargo area in lieu of having EMT tires??
Looking fwd to more info and, hopefully, an announcement soon!
so far we have about 13 for the C5, 5 for the C6, and 4 "for either"...
This will be my 1st Corvette. My original idea was to get a New C6, probably the Grand Sport--order it, Museum Delivery, etc. (the whole package)... I really like the wide-body look, but, at this time, don't think I need the Z06...
But then I started thinking: "maybe I should get a used Vette, maybe do some mods, and LEARN more during that car's ownership about my likes/dislikes of the Corvette"... And have some FUN learning--not to mention save some $$...
I DO like the looks of both--but I like the C5's slightly larger size just a little bit more and it's "rounded bottom" is more appealing IMHO... I was at a "Car Lovers Show" this past weekend (sponsored by a local Corvette Club) and the C5's / C6's were numerous... It is truly a challenge to pick one over the other--keeping in mind I have not driven them yet... That's why your info is so helpfull!
You all have made me more comfortable with the knowledge that whichever series Corvette I choose should be thrilling!
The C5 does have the edge regarding Value, and is probably the wiser selection for me to choose for "entry" into the Corvette scene... But, as one of you said, I may end up choosing based upon the year/price/mileage combo--OR--If I get really crazy-spring for the new one (unlikely now)...Finally: the suggestion to get the Miata--why? Does it fit in the Vette's Cargo area in lieu of having EMT tires??
Looking fwd to more info and, hopefully, an announcement soon!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 629
Likes: 0
From: Oceanside CA
And "fate" may have input--whichever one that first becomes available & fits within my criteria (color, mileage, condition, etc.)...
this IS really tough!
And I agree that this question in the C6 section would have different results--that's only human! But I wanted to get input from C5'ers first... (I know there will be many in the C6 section who 1) had C5's before or 2) currently have each).... Just like some of you have C6's also..
thanks again for all the info--really, really beneficial!!
this IS really tough!
And I agree that this question in the C6 section would have different results--that's only human! But I wanted to get input from C5'ers first... (I know there will be many in the C6 section who 1) had C5's before or 2) currently have each).... Just like some of you have C6's also..
thanks again for all the info--really, really beneficial!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 766
Likes: 42
From: Laguna Beach CA
I contemplated this six months ago but my situation might be a little different. I have a new 300C that I use as my daily driver, which has all the creature comforts, NAV, heated seats, Bluetooth etc. So for me after selling my C4 the C5 was just too attractive to pass up as a weekend car. However, I have driven both LS2 and LS3 C6 Vettes and the biggest thing I noticed were the seats they are a bit more comfortable but on the street you will not be able to notice the improvements in handling. I actually think my Z51 2001 Vert rides smoother than my best friends 2005 Z51 Vert. The LS3 flat out hauled *** I hit 140 on an overpass like nothing however after bolt ons and a 224 cam my LS1 will be right there. You do notice the increased torque in the LS2 as well. Overall I couldn’t be happier with my low mileage C5 and after I lowered it the look just got sexier. When it’s parked next to the C6 I think it has more of a presence. If I was to do it again I would still buy my C5 but if the Vette was going to be my daily driver than I would probably go with the C6 for the amentias and warranty. Oh yeah and go with a 6spd
Racer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 426
Likes: 1
From: Fresno Ca
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,000
Likes: 2
From: Oklahoma
Love my c5 but the rear on the c6 is dayum sexxy!! Reminds me of the 73' rear...the front on the other hand is butt ugly..and I don't care for coupes....Of course I like the high fenders on the sharks too....maybe it was the era I remember drooling over as a kid