Well guys, I'm 20 years old & currently have a 97 WS6 w/ 106k on it. I am working full time this summer & the next 3 summers & finishing up my double major a semester after that. I could probably save $5k each summer. (I owe $2k to my dad on the car) Should I sell my Trans Am for a C5? I kind of want a nice cruiser that I can still do some highway pulls & enjoy the car. Have any guys made the switch from f-bodies to C5's? How do you like it? Thanks, Marc. Sorry sent from my cell phone

 

Save your money, keep the Trans Am and stay in school and graduate!

 

My college is paid for. I'm very lucky in that sense. I would only be working summers. It'll take me 4-1/2 years total (one year down) to graduate w/ a double major & a minor. I have money in investments but that's for a new daily driver after college & a decent sized down payment on a house

 

Most everyone here is going to tell you to save your money and prepare for your future. Well I'm going to tell you the answer you want to hear. Sell the T/A and find a nice 98+ Vette to enjoy through college. You don't have to spend an arm and a leg (14-16k) I can tell you, it will be the best 3 1/2 years of your life. I was 17 when I bought my first Vette, Now I am 20 and onto my 3rd C5. I worker my A$$ off and probably missed out on some fun experiences (Due to Work) but there is nothing better then being in college and cruising around town in your dream car.

So, if you are in a position where you can afford it with relative ease, then GO FOR IT !!!

 

Your join date says you've been thinking about a C5 for almost a year. You'll get the answer you're hoping for from many CF members. I had my 1st Vette at 19, but sold it a year later. I'd already owned 2 TA's and would own 4 more.

You'll find many members here that had f bodies before thier Corvette, and many that still have thier f bodies. They're great cars. I had 2-71's, 76, 77, 78 and a 90 GTA.

Most of us here will tell you to go for it. You only live once, if you're able to afford one (upkeep and mods included) then do it.

But, I'd say to ask your dad and/or mom. they know you better than we do and know your financial standing and personality - plus whats best for you. If you get a green light from dad, go find your C5. Your WS6 is already setup the way you want, why not keep it until graduation? Make the C5 (or C6) a gift to yourself after graduation. You know you'll want to mod the Vette in the same way you modded the Bird. that'll take more $

You might also think about taking that yearly $5K and do some traveling. Do it while you can, before work, family and responsibilities put demands on your own freedom.

Just food for thought. Whats important to you?

 

It would be a few years before I'd get one. I owe my dad $2000 more for my Trans Am (transmission went out so I borrowed the money for the built one while I was paying it off). My uncle wants to sell me his nice 02 c5 (36k now) when I graduate. Not sure what it will be like then. I just love Corvettes & feel like I'd prefer a cruiser that is quick rather than making a drag car. Hell I barely go to the strip now & I'm only working 43-45 hrs a week during summer internships. Imagine when I'm out in the real world lol

 

i say go for it once u comfortably can

 

I would say if there is any way keep the WS6 and get a C5, They are 2 different beasts.
Mr.Bill

 

I look at it this way, you sound like you are definetely thinking it through

You need to talk to your Dad and see how he feels about the balance, that will help you and the decision alot. You will never regret going to a C5 from the F-Body -

The Vette has a lot of class and people really like them no matter what year they are. Performance wise you will absoloutly love it and parts are readily available.

I'd do it but talk with your Dad first He'll respect you for it

Thanks,Matt

 

Sounds to me like you have your "head screwed on right". If you can afford a C5, go for it, you only live ONCE ( as far as I know).

 

Well man, I made the switch from owning multiple F-Bodies to a C5 and I haven't looked back yet. It's a whole new world getting into a vette. Just be ready to pay a lot more for stuff. Especially your exhaust.

 

Here's my deal. I'm 41, my son is 15 this is what I'd tell him. Save your money, buy something practical that is cheap to run, maintain and insure, at least until you are 25.

Here is the reason (this part is the no-fun part), starting life is expensive, you already need one of everything that your parents have. Dishes, pots and pans, tools, lawnmowers, house etc... While you will have a blast in a vette, you already own a toy that is no slouch for a car, be satisfied.

Graduate, save your money, start your life. Things do settle down a bit after a few years and then you'll know what your real priorities are. College life is not reality and you shouldn't throw your money down a hole before you know what your after college life will demand financially.

Not everyone finds work after college, you may need the money.

There, I've pee'd in your Cheerios. The Corvette will always be there there is no use in rushing into it. Instant gratification is a killer. Don't do it.

 

Only you know your full money situation. If you can afford to keep it properly maintained and insured( I have heard insurance can, in some cases, be less because of only 2 seats) I'd say go for it. Took me to about 50 to get my first one. A vette plus a college education,,,a great combination!!

 

I actually called my insurance company & our agent told me it would be half of the insurance rate on my Trans Am. So its realistic there. I honestly don't think I will have a problem getting work after college because I'm currently in an "Emerging Leaders" internship with a local bank and working there this summer and the next 3 summers. If I don't mess up I'm guaranteed a good job and if I sign a contract saying I'd work there for a year and work 40 hour weeks, they will pay for me to go back and slowly get my MBA. I appreciate all of the advice guys! It is good to see multiple viewpoints. Unlike your average 20 year old, I actually DO know how expensive things cost when you live out of school. I have helped my 31 year old half brother develop a personal budget because he spends WAY too much money on entertainment & whatnot for his goals. & yes, exhaust for Corvettes are more expensive because they sound so much better IMO!

 

the insurance will be a heavy burden (even heavier than your trans am), save it up, add a few years and you'll be in good shape for bigger things.

 

Kudos to you for the double major, and it sounds like you are thinking things through I will sprare you the traditional response and lecture of "your too young, or stay in school etc"" blah blah...

You will NOT regret going from an F-body to a C5. I had 3 different Z28's (94, 97, 99) Some of them modded some night. I actually kind of stumbled into the C5.. went to possibly trade in my Z for another one, ended up getting a deal on a new/used (then back in 02) 01 MN6.

You will love it, really different car, looks (obvious) feel, power, handeling.

Good luck and keep on studying!

 

Thanks FrankTank! The c5's handling is no comparison. I drove my uncle's 02 a4 w/ the z51 handling & the suspension package & omg we went to a local circle track & it handled like a pure dream. The feel is completely different. F-bodies are the "raw" power & corvettes are more refined & classy. & it would either be one or the other. I'm more than realistic to say that. Getting out of college (buying a new truck/suv for a reliable daily driver- & camper, boat, or jetski hauler (like father like son)) I can't have both a Trans Am & c5. In a perfect world, yeah, but I need to start saving up for my future kids' college funds and all of that

 

I'm 23 about to be 24. I graduated college last year and got my C5 (actually a few months early cus I couldn't wait any longer ). My advice to you...graduate first. Use the car you got now and save the C5 as a grad gift to yourself when you get a good job making good money. I was in a similar position where I was ready to buy years ago but looking back now, I wasn't ready financially nor was I mature enough. There's a lot of money spending without money coming in in college if you know what I mean. I too worked summers and saved up but it never seemed to be enough. Save your pennies and when you do graduate you may be able to get something a lot nicer than what you could get now, ya never know...

Enjoy your college years, it sucks out here in the real world!

 

Take the money and travel.

You have your entire life to get material goods. Once you're out of college and have a 9-5 though, you have to abide by their rules if you want to keep the job and that means less free time. That's when you start thinking about toys.

Right now though, you still have your freedom. Take that money you earn and go to Europe and Asia and explore. The memories you make there will far outweigh the ones you'll get from driving this car.

.. not to say that the vette isn't a fun experience. It's just not really comparable to drinking a beer in a pub in the Swiss Alps while watching the sun set on the lake below you..



.. or standing in front of several thousand year old columns off the coast of india ..



.. or getting attacked by monkeys ..



.. but still getting the shots you wanted ..

 

Normally I'd say nope....not a good idea....but...

College is squared away money wise, the guy is taking a double major and a minor, he already has an F body with some push and he hasn't killed himself in it, he's got a plan that includes addressing financial priorities and work after college and if he can stay away from the mods () the C5 may cost him less $ in the long run.

As long as you can live comfortably with a vette (only able to take one other person with you, have a place at each end to park where you wont be bothered worrying about the car, and rain/snow aren't a regular part of your driving (not that you cant but its not as enjoyable in a C5 as other cars), it may work out for you

Not the typical twenty year old story

I'd run it by "the Dad" for his opinion, but I do agree with the previous poster, you sound like your head is screwed on straight, hope it works out for you.

Good luck