My first Corvette
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Joined: Jan 2010
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My first Corvette
Hmmm.....How do I start? I guess I'll just blurt it all out, eh? Looking for my first corvette, always loved them, just couldn't find the time. Now, as I enter my 50's and look back, why didn't I buy one long ago?
I'm looking for some advice. I've begun my search for a C5, love the look. Looking for a car to drive couple times per week during good weather, hassle-free and fun driving to the golf course. You know, the typical 50-something, balding corvette guy in the Pacific NW (WA).
I'm pretty sure I'd like a 6-spd, low miles (30k?) coupe and reasonably loaded. Not looking to make a "killing"; just want good value for my money (btw, $15-20k)What works? e-bay, dealers, this forum, etc. shipping?
In your opinion, is this what am I looking for? Or, truly am I way off base? Flipside, what should I look out for? Any specific model or year with issues, mileage, maint records, etc., etc.?
Thanks in advance. Jim
I'm looking for some advice. I've begun my search for a C5, love the look. Looking for a car to drive couple times per week during good weather, hassle-free and fun driving to the golf course. You know, the typical 50-something, balding corvette guy in the Pacific NW (WA).
I'm pretty sure I'd like a 6-spd, low miles (30k?) coupe and reasonably loaded. Not looking to make a "killing"; just want good value for my money (btw, $15-20k)
What works? e-bay, dealers, this forum, etc. shipping?In your opinion, is this what am I looking for? Or, truly am I way off base? Flipside, what should I look out for? Any specific model or year with issues, mileage, maint records, etc., etc.?
Thanks in advance. Jim
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 5,414
Likes: 25
From: Texas
there are some sticky threads at the top of this section....read those, and there are plenty of threads on here about things to watch out for..
the C5 is a great vette for the money, find the nicest, well kept one that you can for the $$$ your willing to spend...
plenty for sale on here, evilbay, craigslist and autotrader...
good luck with your search!!
the C5 is a great vette for the money, find the nicest, well kept one that you can for the $$$ your willing to spend...
plenty for sale on here, evilbay, craigslist and autotrader...
good luck with your search!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 5,280
Likes: 1
From: PALM COAST Flordia
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 906
Likes: 2
From: Cornwall ON
Hmmm.....How do I start? I guess I'll just blurt it all out, eh? Looking for my first corvette, always loved them, just couldn't find the time. Now, as I enter my 50's and look back, why didn't I buy one long ago?
I'm looking for some advice. I've begun my search for a C5, love the look. Looking for a car to drive couple times per week during good weather, hassle-free and fun driving to the golf course. You know, the typical 50-something, balding corvette guy in the Pacific NW (WA).
I'm pretty sure I'd like a 6-spd, low miles (30k?) coupe and reasonably loaded. Not looking to make a "killing"; just want good value for my money (btw, $15-20k)What works? e-bay, dealers, this forum, etc. shipping?
In your opinion, is this what am I looking for? Or, truly am I way off base? Flipside, what should I look out for? Any specific model or year with issues, mileage, maint records, etc., etc.?
Thanks in advance. Jim
I'm looking for some advice. I've begun my search for a C5, love the look. Looking for a car to drive couple times per week during good weather, hassle-free and fun driving to the golf course. You know, the typical 50-something, balding corvette guy in the Pacific NW (WA).
I'm pretty sure I'd like a 6-spd, low miles (30k?) coupe and reasonably loaded. Not looking to make a "killing"; just want good value for my money (btw, $15-20k)
What works? e-bay, dealers, this forum, etc. shipping?In your opinion, is this what am I looking for? Or, truly am I way off base? Flipside, what should I look out for? Any specific model or year with issues, mileage, maint records, etc., etc.?
Thanks in advance. Jim
Tim
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From: Oklahoma City OK
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Northern Virginia
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Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,412
Likes: 115
From: Chandler AZ
Determine what style you want...obviously I'm partial to the FRC......
Once you make this decision & you know absolutely what your top dollar will be (consider always having to put some money into the purchase), maybe wheels, exhaust, tires, etc., you can start the hunt. Sometimes that can be the most fun....
Make a list of what you want to ask about each car.
I have a list of specific "Corvette buyer questions", let me know & I can scan a copy & email....
Be patient, the right car is out there at the right price.
Feel free to PM me if you wish. Good Luck.....
Once you make this decision & you know absolutely what your top dollar will be (consider always having to put some money into the purchase), maybe wheels, exhaust, tires, etc., you can start the hunt. Sometimes that can be the most fun....
Make a list of what you want to ask about each car.
I have a list of specific "Corvette buyer questions", let me know & I can scan a copy & email....
Be patient, the right car is out there at the right price.
Feel free to PM me if you wish. Good Luck.....
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 2
From: Houston TEXAS
Bump it up about 2000 more and you'll find a jewel of a car!! Be sure to post pics of the new addition for the rest of the family on the forum to see
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 6
From: Granite Falls WA
check out this thread in the PNW forum
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/paci...g-meeting.html
come on out this saturday and meet the local forum members! and see quite a few very hot vettes!
some of them may even be for sale? never know.
btw, i bought mine on craigslist.
jeff
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/paci...g-meeting.html
come on out this saturday and meet the local forum members! and see quite a few very hot vettes!
some of them may even be for sale? never know.
btw, i bought mine on craigslist.
jeff
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 312
From: P-town Baby! Virginia
welcome and congrats on deciding to go w a vette! You will love it. Just start reading, talking to people and get out and look. You should find a nice C5 coupe in the mid to upper teens and will be great for what you are looking to do. You may want to look at a convertible....fun! C5's are pretty reliable and mainly require regular maint. just like any other car....although they do have a few quirks. Where to purchase.....where ever you find the right car that make you comfortable. Take your time, do your homework and watch for the right vette for you to come your way! 
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
From: Mesa AZ
Jim,
I was pretty much in your shoes about a year ago. Late fifties, always wanted a Corvette, just not sure exactly what model. I know I didn't want to purchase new but looking for something that was in great shape. Did a lot of looking and finally found a C5 at a local used Corvette dealer. It was a one owner, 2000 convertible and had 51K miles on it. Paid just over $20K. I've subsequently added a lot of modifications (performance and bling) and absolutely love my ride. I have a daily driver, so my vette gets out of the garage mostly on weekends.
My advice is to spend sometime hanging out at local car shows. There must be several Corvette clubs in your area (Seattle?) and I bet you'll find some really nice souls who will help you with your decision. Chances are you may find a guy just like us who is looking to sell his baby. Check out the Pacific Northwest section of this forum. I'm sure you'll get info on gathering places for Corvette owners. Good luck!
Bill
Here's a couple of Pixs of my baby!
I was pretty much in your shoes about a year ago. Late fifties, always wanted a Corvette, just not sure exactly what model. I know I didn't want to purchase new but looking for something that was in great shape. Did a lot of looking and finally found a C5 at a local used Corvette dealer. It was a one owner, 2000 convertible and had 51K miles on it. Paid just over $20K. I've subsequently added a lot of modifications (performance and bling) and absolutely love my ride. I have a daily driver, so my vette gets out of the garage mostly on weekends.
My advice is to spend sometime hanging out at local car shows. There must be several Corvette clubs in your area (Seattle?) and I bet you'll find some really nice souls who will help you with your decision. Chances are you may find a guy just like us who is looking to sell his baby. Check out the Pacific Northwest section of this forum. I'm sure you'll get info on gathering places for Corvette owners. Good luck!
Bill
Here's a couple of Pixs of my baby!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,066
Likes: 0
St. Jude Donor '06
I would start with the for sale section on these boards:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-c...s-for-sale-52/
You will at least be able to gauge what you get for the price range you have.
Good luck
Nick
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-c...s-for-sale-52/
You will at least be able to gauge what you get for the price range you have.
Good luck
Nick
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,617
Likes: 205
From: Westerville Ohio
Sounds to me like the C5 will fit the bill easily!
Only snag I saw from your thoughts is that (like others had mentioned) for a 30K-ish mileage C5, you'll need to raise your roof about $2-3K. If you're not looking specifically for a convertible, you might be able to get one just a lil over the $20K mark if you look hard enough.
There's a lot of variables within the C5 tho, and you have to figure out which one is your best fit. All have V8s, but you have coupes (aka targa-tops), convertibles and FRC (fixed-roof coupes). If you'd like a lil more grunt, a Z06 could be something to look for (385HP in 01, 405HP from 02-04) but only comes in FRC.
There's a few options to look out for that seem to strike a cord with many Vette owners, some of those being Heads-up display (HUD), F45 or Z51 suspension, Heated seats/mirrors and Polished "Chrome" Rims.
I personally would stick or local or Autotrader/Cars.com when being picky on something like a nice sports car, but any means you feel comfortable with will work. I paid $25K for my 2002 last sping with 18K on the tick. With the prices still falling, you should be able to find some very reasonable deals if you're willing to look now before spring jumps into full effect!
Good luck
Only snag I saw from your thoughts is that (like others had mentioned) for a 30K-ish mileage C5, you'll need to raise your roof about $2-3K. If you're not looking specifically for a convertible, you might be able to get one just a lil over the $20K mark if you look hard enough.
There's a lot of variables within the C5 tho, and you have to figure out which one is your best fit. All have V8s, but you have coupes (aka targa-tops), convertibles and FRC (fixed-roof coupes). If you'd like a lil more grunt, a Z06 could be something to look for (385HP in 01, 405HP from 02-04) but only comes in FRC.
There's a few options to look out for that seem to strike a cord with many Vette owners, some of those being Heads-up display (HUD), F45 or Z51 suspension, Heated seats/mirrors and Polished "Chrome" Rims.
I personally would stick or local or Autotrader/Cars.com when being picky on something like a nice sports car, but any means you feel comfortable with will work. I paid $25K for my 2002 last sping with 18K on the tick. With the prices still falling, you should be able to find some very reasonable deals if you're willing to look now before spring jumps into full effect!
Good luck
Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 539
Likes: 4
From: Jeffersonville IN
i spent many hours looking hard on every forum, craigslist, and ebay. finally found what i wanted on ebay. a tastefully modified '01 Z06. it has heads, cam, CAI, forged internals, full exhaust, full T1 suspension, and ace slick chrome wheels. picked her up for $18,800. supposedly put down 462whp to the wheels, but i'll found out for myself soon enough. it sure feels like it!
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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Jim - best bet is to just go out and start test driving C5s and see just what you want in terms of colors, options, etc. Lots of cars available and don't be afraid to travel a bit to get the right one.
I've got a few Word files that might help you out, including a Corvette Buyers Checklist. If you'd like a copy, PM me your e-mail address.
I've got a few Word files that might help you out, including a Corvette Buyers Checklist. If you'd like a copy, PM me your e-mail address.