Newbie considering a C5
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Newbie considering a C5
I am a total newbie to the corvette. I'm afraid to mention it on this site, but, here goes.....My first choice was the Lexus SC430. Please no one shoot me!! lol I have since changed my mind and saw a BEAUTIFUL 2003 C5 convertible 50th anniversary series. I don't even know how to drive a stick, but, would be willing to learn for this automobile!
My question is the asking price is $31,500 reasonable?? Also, one of my main concerns is that I can't find any information on the dealership online. The dealership is also one of the vendors listed on this site. Since I am so "new" to the corvette I'm reaching out to all you professional owners. Any information would be appreciated as well as what things I should be on the look out for.
This is what is being offered on the car:
Xurillic Crystal Red Metallic
Shale Interior
LS1 V8 350 HP
6 Speed Transmission
50th Anniversary Package
Traction Control
Dual Climate Control
Head Up Display
Magnetic Selective Ride Control
Corsa Exhaust
Raised Cowl Hood
Custom 50th Trunk Mat
Painted Taillight Grilles
29,828 Original Miles
My question is the asking price is $31,500 reasonable?? Also, one of my main concerns is that I can't find any information on the dealership online. The dealership is also one of the vendors listed on this site. Since I am so "new" to the corvette I'm reaching out to all you professional owners. Any information would be appreciated as well as what things I should be on the look out for.
This is what is being offered on the car:
Xurillic Crystal Red Metallic
Shale Interior
LS1 V8 350 HP
6 Speed Transmission
50th Anniversary Package
Traction Control
Dual Climate Control
Head Up Display
Magnetic Selective Ride Control
Corsa Exhaust
Raised Cowl Hood
Custom 50th Trunk Mat
Painted Taillight Grilles
29,828 Original Miles
Last edited by jamiec; Jun 7, 2011 at 05:50 PM.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 719
Likes: 2
From: Columbia South Carolina
$31,500 seams a little high (didn't think I would ever say that)....
These are nice cars, but not toys, not the type of car you want to learn how to drive a standard on. The power of these cars is such, that they can get you killed if you as an inexperienced driver of a Vette attempt to show off before you have learned the handling characteristics of the Vette......
Now that we have got that out of your way, if you decide on the Vette, even at that price. Good luck and welcome to the forum....Continue to read the forum posts to learn more about what you want....
These are nice cars, but not toys, not the type of car you want to learn how to drive a standard on. The power of these cars is such, that they can get you killed if you as an inexperienced driver of a Vette attempt to show off before you have learned the handling characteristics of the Vette......
Now that we have got that out of your way, if you decide on the Vette, even at that price. Good luck and welcome to the forum....Continue to read the forum posts to learn more about what you want....
Race Director
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 16,574
Likes: 13
From: Winfield IN
$31,500 is ungodly expensive for those miles. You need to figure out what you really want in a C5 and whether or not the anniversary package is worth it to you. I believe it is just different interior and exterior colors, different wheels, and some badges. I personally wouldn't pay more than $25k for that car. You shouldn't have a problem finding an 01+ vert with <50k miles in the $20-25k range.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,866
Likes: 45
From: Tampa Bay, Go BUCS!!!Go Rays!!!Go Lightning!!!
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
Personally I think that is too much for the car, BUT,,,
You didn't name the dealership. If it is one of three that I can think of it may be an "okay" price. Some of the forum sponsor dealerships only sell the very nicest cars. YOU have to decide whether you are willing to pay a premium for a nearly flawless car.
Good luck,
You didn't name the dealership. If it is one of three that I can think of it may be an "okay" price. Some of the forum sponsor dealerships only sell the very nicest cars. YOU have to decide whether you are willing to pay a premium for a nearly flawless car.
Good luck,
Pro
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 720
Likes: 2
From: Walnut Creek CA
I'll sell you mine for $31,500 and it's an automatic with better/more options and less miles 
In all honesty, that's about $3k-$5k too much for that car and you should be able to find one with an automatic cheaper than the manuals.
I would NOT learn to drive a stick on a Corvette - way too much power for when you are learning how not to dump the clutch. Plus, you'll probably fry the first clutch while learning. Go learn on a Honda or VW (super light clutch and not enough power to get you in trouble).
In all honesty, that's about $3k-$5k too much for that car and you should be able to find one with an automatic cheaper than the manuals.
I would NOT learn to drive a stick on a Corvette - way too much power for when you are learning how not to dump the clutch. Plus, you'll probably fry the first clutch while learning. Go learn on a Honda or VW (super light clutch and not enough power to get you in trouble).
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Thanks Jewjenk for the response. I'm sure the power of this car will be much more than I've ever experienced so extreme care is on the agenda. I am female and will be 50 in a few months, so a speed demon I'm not. I wanted a nice convertible, which is why I considered the Lexus SC430 (I currently own an RX330), my husband encouraged me to consider the vette and after looking at them, I actually like them. However, I want to make sure I get as much information as possibe before I actually make a purchase. Also, I won't be trading in my RX330, the vette will be my "extra" car.
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Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Rob04C5LM, my first choice is an automatic. I have been driving for 30+ years and re-learning how to drive sounds scary. I'm quite comfortable with sticking my key in the ignition pulling into drive and going! Don't have to worry about shifting whatsoever, guess you could say I'm lazy.
7th Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
I would say too high as well. My '02 6 speed with 41K miles was only $21,000 and it was super clean with nearly the same options(minus the obvious annv. package).
And I practically learned to drive a stick on my 'Vette. I took the precautions of NEVER turning the nannies off, never driving in the rain, and keep the revs below 3000. I only stalled it 7 times Now where is that new clutch...
In my opinion, if your not into spirited/track driving, get the auto.
And I practically learned to drive a stick on my 'Vette. I took the precautions of NEVER turning the nannies off, never driving in the rain, and keep the revs below 3000. I only stalled it 7 times
Now where is that new clutch...In my opinion, if your not into spirited/track driving, get the auto.
Last edited by Zujin87; Jun 7, 2011 at 06:17 PM.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 720
Likes: 2
From: Walnut Creek CA
Rob04C5LM, my first choice is an automatic. I have been driving for 30+ years and re-learning how to drive sounds scary. I'm quite comfortable with sticking my key in the ignition pulling into drive and going! Don't have to worry about shifting whatsoever, guess you could say I'm lazy.
Good luck with your vette hunt. You might broaden your search to include other states or other large metropolitan areas near you. I've done that a few times with used car purchases and was surprised that I could save thousands of dollars by looking at the Los Angeles/San Diego markets rather than just the 100 mile halo around San Francisco. You also get more choices in colors and options than you do with a more limited search of just your area.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,284
Likes: 235
From: Rockledge FL
my dad just looked at an 03 vert with 11K originals miles on it for 22K in NC.
I bought my 2000 z51 with 35K miles for 15K. On that note the high end KBB price for a dealer listed model with those options is 29,200.
Keep looking or talk them down a few thousand.
I bought my 2000 z51 with 35K miles for 15K. On that note the high end KBB price for a dealer listed model with those options is 29,200.
Keep looking or talk them down a few thousand.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 716
Likes: 1
From: Albuquerque New Mexico
My gosh - it's not like your learning to fly an F-18 now. The stock power is moderate and only really starts to apprach aggressive when the pedal is all the way down and stays there. The car is much easier to drive than a Honda Civic or VW Bug with a stick. It's just harder to get in and out of so you may want to be more concered with practicing that maneuver.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,454
Likes: 6
From: Pittsburgh PA
Title of the thread caught my eye since I also have been looking. All I can say is there seem to be more autos than manuals to chose from. So if that is what you are comfortable with, why buy a stick?? Lots of cars for sale.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,882
Likes: 234
From: Bangkok, Thailand
WAY over priced.
I bought my 99 you see below for $16K at the beginning of the year. It had less than 54K miles at the time.
These cars are SO easy to drive as a stick, don't even sweat it. In an hour you'll never look back at an automatic again.
Take your time looking and you can find a great deal on an AMAZING car. The coupes/converts drive great and get great mileage - and if you're single, the womins luvz 'em
I bought my 99 you see below for $16K at the beginning of the year. It had less than 54K miles at the time.
These cars are SO easy to drive as a stick, don't even sweat it. In an hour you'll never look back at an automatic again.
Take your time looking and you can find a great deal on an AMAZING car. The coupes/converts drive great and get great mileage - and if you're single, the womins luvz 'em
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 18,643
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From: Norman Oklahoma - The Only State in the Union with no Blue Counties!
Like others have stated,,,the price is too high in this economy. Don't be afraid of the stick, I took my time learning my six speed. No way would I want an automatic. The stick is way too much fun and in hilly terrain or on the track, can't be beat.
Good luck and keep us posted,,,,your are gonna love driving a C5!
Good luck and keep us posted,,,,your are gonna love driving a C5!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Marysville CA
so the good news is for the buyer in todays world - the bad news for me is in todays world my business sucks! I have been at it for over 30 years & it's the worst than I have ever seen it - Tom
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I would not pay that kind of price for that car - probably $5K too high IMO. I agree that the C5 is not that difficult to learn how to drive a stick on. Just take it easy and you should be OK.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 312
From: P-town Baby! Virginia
I would look around a drive a few before you make up your mind. Unless you are stuck on a 50th...I would drop back a year or two and save yourself a ton of $$. You should be able to find a super clean vert w decent miles for low 20's. Keep researching and go test drive a couple vettes. You are on the right track!
Welcome to the forum and hope you are in your new vette soon!
P.S. Research your colors...there are some cool colors out there....nassau blue, electron blue...the list goes on!
Welcome to the forum and hope you are in your new vette soon!
P.S. Research your colors...there are some cool colors out there....nassau blue, electron blue...the list goes on!