Which C5 is best
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2005
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Which C5 is best
I'm looking at upgrading to a C5. I have a 69 big block coupe, and I want to sell it and go to a C5 but it has to have a manual transmission. Looking for some opions/facts. Is there any outstanding year for the C5? Is there one year to stay away from. What to look for when looking at the car. Any thoughts?
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Austin, Texas
Read through this thread:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...ngths-etc.html
Lots of good information in there.
The standard, and best, answer is to buy the newest/lowest milage car that you can afford. There were a few improvements over the years, but nothing that would change my mind about buying a well cared for '97 over any onther C5 year.
Man, if I were youi, I'd keep that '69 if at all possible!!!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...ngths-etc.html
Lots of good information in there.
The standard, and best, answer is to buy the newest/lowest milage car that you can afford. There were a few improvements over the years, but nothing that would change my mind about buying a well cared for '97 over any onther C5 year.
Man, if I were youi, I'd keep that '69 if at all possible!!!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2005
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As I thought a common sense approach. I don't have to get rid of the 69 I do know what I have, the car is good runner, looks good, could us a bit of a face; lift nothing major. Just thinking about it, some times change is good. I know why I should keep it, let ask another question why would you keep it if you had one?
Le Mans Master
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From: Palm Harbor not far from Sebring Florida
St. Jude Donor '11
Oldtimer
Just try and find a low milage well kept C5. If you want performance, go with a 02 or later Z06. That is when it jumped from 385 hp to 405 hp.
If thw 69 is in excellent condition, the money you can get for it, I would look at a C6 Z06.
If thw 69 is in excellent condition, the money you can get for it, I would look at a C6 Z06.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Wesley Chapel, FL Las Vegas, NV
As I thought a common sense approach. I don't have to get rid of the 69 I do know what I have, the car is good runner, looks good, could us a bit of a face; lift nothing major. Just thinking about it, some times change is good. I know why I should keep it, let ask another question why would you keep it if you had one?
They are poorly built, rattle and creak, are a pia to work on get terrible mileage and in reality are not very fast cars compared to a C5.
They are cool though. If you have the space and truly enjoy the car then keep it. If not sell to to a C3 enthusiast and move on.
Contrary to popular belief these cars as well are not an investment unless they are very unique in some way.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Knoxville Tn
There is a world of difference between a 69 and any C-5. With that said, the 69 will most likely never be worth less. Almost any C-5 will continue to decline in value for the foreseeable future. If you can figure out any way to own both, do it. There is nothing quite like cruisin' in a real classic, and there is nothing like a long road trip in a car that is comfortable, gets 30 MPG and still draws attention to others. The C-5 will require much less knuckle bleeding and upkeep time. I know I spent a lot of time just keeping my C-3 streetable. I just enjoy my C-5, on top of that it is truely easier to work on than the C-3.
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As I thought a common sense approach. I don't have to get rid of the 69 I do know what I have, the car is good runner, looks good, could us a bit of a face; lift nothing major. Just thinking about it, some times change is good. I know why I should keep it, let ask another question why would you keep it if you had one?
I love my C5. The C5 is fast, dependable and comfortable. Great for trips. The old big block is fast and fun but not something you would use every day. More of a toy. The C5 is a great driver's car but the old Vettes just keep me passionate when I'm driving. As much as I love the new Vettes, I get a little bored with them and always love getting back in an old Vette. If your 69 big block is a nice car I would keep it until you can afford to have both. You may regret it.
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From: Machineguns, because I don’t compromise
I used to sell classic Corvettes (most expensive was $250,000, followed by $199,000)
Let me tell you, in the bumper car years.... the '69/70 is the king. Big Block to the front of the line. Those are the next boomers similar to midyears when the economy gets back on it's feet.
A clapped out '71 with all matching numbers and tank sticker but otherwise a basket case sold for $16... which was a great deal for the person doing a restoration. Once done, he can enjoy it and be certain that it's worth $40k at a minimum in 2007 dollars.
Any clean '69 427 is worth 30k minimum..... don't make one of the biggest mistakes ever.
I love C5's to death, but in terms of value, it's dirt compared to a '69 427
Let me tell you, in the bumper car years.... the '69/70 is the king. Big Block to the front of the line. Those are the next boomers similar to midyears when the economy gets back on it's feet.
A clapped out '71 with all matching numbers and tank sticker but otherwise a basket case sold for $16... which was a great deal for the person doing a restoration. Once done, he can enjoy it and be certain that it's worth $40k at a minimum in 2007 dollars.
Any clean '69 427 is worth 30k minimum..... don't make one of the biggest mistakes ever.
I love C5's to death, but in terms of value, it's dirt compared to a '69 427
Thread Starter
Intermediate
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There is a lot of pros and cons here. You can't compare the handling, comfort, between the 69 and C5, as for power too easy to built up the 5.7. The 69 big cool factor, toss up, I also have a 68 Camaro RS so if I get rid of the 69 vette I still have a classic to drive. Good points about the 69 going up in value compared to the C5.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
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I went from a 69' Roadster to my current 01'. The 01' is far superior in every way but looks. The early cars (97-2000) I would stay away from, the later cars had better TPM systems, better intakes, and several other upgrades. I would stay away from Magnetic ride cars, the shocks cost $4000 to replace.
Last edited by dougbfresh; Dec 10, 2009 at 11:28 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Larkspur Colorado
I have an 01 coupe. I went from a 70 big block 4 speed Chevelle to the Vette. The power is waaaaaaaaay different. What I miss the most is the Shifter feel. The Muncie Rock Crusher with the Hurst Shifter is the standard by which I compare all other trans/shifters. The C5 and C6 shifter is completely different. I have installed a Hurst Shifter and a B&M shifter and they are better than the stock shifter, but I still miss that feel. The difference in the comfort and handling is so much better, I wouldn't go back. Good Luck with your search.............Dave
Melting Slicks
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From: Orangevale California
St. Jude Donor '10
The 2003 Z06 is what I picked. 2003 is of course the 50th year anniversary of the Corvette. I think the 2003, Torch Red Z06 is the best looking car ever made. I might be a bit biased, since it's mine all mine.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Belleville Il
The guys saying "keep it" have never owned or driven a 69 Vette.
They are poorly built, rattle and creak, are a pia to work on get terrible mileage and in reality are not very fast cars compared to a C5.
They are cool though. If you have the space and truly enjoy the car then keep it. If not sell to to a C3 enthusiast and move on.
Contrary to popular belief these cars as well are not an investment unless they are very unique in some way.
They are poorly built, rattle and creak, are a pia to work on get terrible mileage and in reality are not very fast cars compared to a C5.
They are cool though. If you have the space and truly enjoy the car then keep it. If not sell to to a C3 enthusiast and move on.
Contrary to popular belief these cars as well are not an investment unless they are very unique in some way.
!! She is a no #s match,even some wrong body parts,,but looks good and is fun to drive around,,,she STILL gets looks and comments even though she is far from pristine!! She was my first and I'll keep her,,she doesn't eat much!!
