C5 regret ?
Pro
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Tuscaloosa AL
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 73,568
Likes: 33
From: Somewhere in Mo
St. Jude Donor '09-'10, '14
From a 73, which is not all that common any more, I would recommend a not so common C5 to satisfy that part of it.
I recommend a 99-2000 FRC. Only built 2 years and the forefather to the Z06. My second choice is the Z06.
yes I am prejudiced as I have a 99 FRC. But IMO only they are better looking of the C5 cars. Unless it's Mag Red, then I like any of them.
You may also prefer a vert though. Nice looking cars.
Just my opinons and what I know about it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 352
From: Carson City Nevada
I've had the same problem. I went from a 93 to a C5 (01) then to a 62, then back to a C5 (02), then a 65 and back to a C5 (99) I currently have another C5 (02). I keep going back to them even after having classic roadster vettes because the C5 is way more fun to drive and a lot more comfortable.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,271
Likes: 1
From: PA
Oh man, I recently went through the exact same soul searching. I had a '68 Camaro as my latest (and LAST) old-school muscle car. I spent thousands upon thousands of dollars and uncounted hours working on that car. It consumed me (and my wallet too, lol). But I was never really happy with the car. It still rode like crap, handled like crap, stopped like crap, etc. It would fry the tires and it was cool, but everything else about it sucked.
So, I went through the same mental examination you're going through. I decided to sell the Camaro. And man, it turned out to be one of the very best decisions I ever made!
Honestly, I have never (not even for one second) regretted selling the Camaro. As I watched it drive off, I was actually happy and relieved. I got rid of a lot of headaches. That car was nothing but money and repairs. It was awful.
I did some more soul searching and decided on trying to find a good deal on a C5. I was ultra-picky. I wanted low miles and something that needed NOTHING, plus I wanted to get it for a good price. I managed to satisfy all of my criteria and ended up with a low-miles 2004. It has been the best 'sports' car I have ever owned. I clean it and drive it. And it gets as many positive comments as the Camaro.
No more old-school muscle for me. I've had enough of the constant wrenching and the crappy ride.
This:
Replaced this:
I will say that when I owned muscle cars in the 70's and 80's, I had a LOT of fun with them. But the thrill is gone for me. I know the Vette is boring to many, but to me, at this stage of life (I'm an old fart at 60), it's like driving a dream.
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So, I went through the same mental examination you're going through. I decided to sell the Camaro. And man, it turned out to be one of the very best decisions I ever made!
Honestly, I have never (not even for one second) regretted selling the Camaro. As I watched it drive off, I was actually happy and relieved. I got rid of a lot of headaches. That car was nothing but money and repairs. It was awful.
I did some more soul searching and decided on trying to find a good deal on a C5. I was ultra-picky. I wanted low miles and something that needed NOTHING, plus I wanted to get it for a good price. I managed to satisfy all of my criteria and ended up with a low-miles 2004. It has been the best 'sports' car I have ever owned. I clean it and drive it. And it gets as many positive comments as the Camaro.
No more old-school muscle for me. I've had enough of the constant wrenching and the crappy ride.
This:
Replaced this:
I will say that when I owned muscle cars in the 70's and 80's, I had a LOT of fun with them. But the thrill is gone for me. I know the Vette is boring to many, but to me, at this stage of life (I'm an old fart at 60), it's like driving a dream.
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wow. identical deal for me. i went from 67 firebird to 73 vette....thinking i might be able to swap the 73 for a 2000 model....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,284
Likes: 235
From: Rockledge FL
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,431
Likes: 3
From: Iowa City Iowa
Sold my 1929 Model A street rod 1 year after I bought my C5. Why did I sell it--well, because I always chose to drive to drive the C5 when I went to the garage and let the rod sit. After building that car and owning it for over 12 years, I really haven't had any regrets. As they say "life moves on". My recommendation, just do it, the C5 is a great car and after 7 years each drive is still a BLAST!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,962
Likes: 254
From: Richmond, Ky
Is your car an investment or a object to be used and enjoyed? I know they can be both but you have to know your priorities in order to make a decision. I believe a 2000 FRC car could be a good buy due to the distinctive styling and low production numbers. I also believe and know from my buying experience that the value of individual cars of the exact same year and model can vary greatly and one of the reasons (I think) is that the C5 cars are driven and some of them are driven hard. Some cared for and some not so much. I am old enough to have lusted for C3's, C4's, and C5's when they were new but couldn't really afford/justify their purchase. Later when they became available on the used market I tried out C3's and C4's and after a test drive I would always ask myself, "Why would I want one of these???". They were/are beautiful cars but neither rode or handled the way a drivers car should. I also know that the C5 still has some shortcomings but I thoroughly enjoy combination of power, handling, ride and ergonomics it provides.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,436
Likes: 14
From: CT
I had a 72 small block that was a money pit. They are a cool looking car and values are going up but they are slow, corner like crap and nickel and dime you to death. If you're looking for a better driving experience and a much, much better car then the C5 is a great option.
Not to mention the ride, the rattles, lack of storage,and reliability compared to the c5.When i sold my mint low mileage c3 last year and got my 2000 I never looked back.
My first vette was a 73 like yours and there was no comparison.
GET THE C5 IF YOU CAN ONLY HAVE ONE!!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,220
Likes: 6
From: www.Z16.org North/West Pennsylvania
I decided to get a C5 and couldn't get rid of the C3 because I had it for 28 years. But I have to say the C3 doesn't get driven like it used to. C5 are a great car. But I would recommend getting the newest one you can afford because refinements were made each year with 2004 being the best of the generation. Good luck with what ever you decide. 
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,888
Likes: 21
From: Olathe, Kansas
I cannot speak for the C3, never owned one. But my C5 still puts a smile on my face every time I drive it! And that's after nearly 8 years of ownership. How many car's can you say that about?
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 76
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From: Plymouth WI
Keep them both. Keep the '73 just to look at. My '69 only gets 2 tank fulls (gas) on average per year. I still smile just looking at it. My problem was space so i stacked them.
1100 hp stack
I also have 2 in college. First son just finished - second son has 2 years left.
1100 hp stack
I also have 2 in college. First son just finished - second son has 2 years left.
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The older Corvettes are nice to own, but if you can't keep the '73 and own a C5, then my recommendation would be go for the C5. So much more comfortable, better economy, better performance, etc.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,564
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From: Communist Colorado
Buy a Z06. The classic cars of the past that you had will be a distant memory very soon. I like you, have had alot of older metal. None of my cars could do what the Z06 does right out of the box. Do yourself a favor and drive a Z06 before you drive anything else so you have a measuring standard. I guarantee whatever you drive after the Z wont be close.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: western NY
I'm 59 and I have owned my share of muscle cars through the years. The last old car I owned was a 57 chevy 350 with a small blower on it. Cool car, I just got tired of always having to fix or rebuild something. I decided to sell it. I always liked the C5 so the search was on. I came upon an 04 torch red Z06. No regrets, by far the best car I've ever owned!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,438
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From: Fairfax Virginia
Although, I have both a C3 and a C5 if I had to chose and could only have one, it would hands down be the C5.
Please note that I am the original owner of my C3 so I have had this car for over 30 years. I started driving C5s in 1998 so I've been driving them for 12 plus years now. The two advantages of the C3 are it's looks and that it is no longer depreciating. Virtually every other advantage goes to the C5. Comfort, power, ride, handling, fuel mileage, reliability, etc.
Please note that I am the original owner of my C3 so I have had this car for over 30 years. I started driving C5s in 1998 so I've been driving them for 12 plus years now. The two advantages of the C3 are it's looks and that it is no longer depreciating. Virtually every other advantage goes to the C5. Comfort, power, ride, handling, fuel mileage, reliability, etc.
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No regrets for me - I own two C5's and I love each of them for different reasons. The C5 is a great car....no strike that, it's a great Corvette.
Good luck with your decision!
Good luck with your decision!
