1st Corvette got questions
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Slidell La.
1st Corvette got questions
New member here and hello to all, hope to learn a lot from everyone.
I need some input on my 1st corvette purchase, I've been wanting a vette ever since I drove my brother in laws 1970 454 manual 4 speed stingray back in the 70's man was that thing a beast. Any who to get back to why I'm here; I'm about to buy one and I've decided to purchase a C5 with an automatic trans and was wondering what's the pros and cons of the different year models and what should I be looking for before I buy? Any information to help me in knowing what I should be talking about would be apprecated thanks.
Dennis
I need some input on my 1st corvette purchase, I've been wanting a vette ever since I drove my brother in laws 1970 454 manual 4 speed stingray back in the 70's man was that thing a beast. Any who to get back to why I'm here; I'm about to buy one and I've decided to purchase a C5 with an automatic trans and was wondering what's the pros and cons of the different year models and what should I be looking for before I buy? Any information to help me in knowing what I should be talking about would be apprecated thanks.
Dennis
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 7,428
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From: Morristown New Jersey
Oldtimer
I guess I'm a heckuva person to give advice, since I still have 16 days until I get MY first one! However, after doing research online, talking to a good friend who's Corvette purchases I 'lived with' over 30 years, AND joining a club, I also decided on a C5. I was unsure about auto or 6 spd, and figured I would get the base since I was worried about 'wife frightening" noise and/or ride. (Especially since it was her idea). After some test rides, I ended up buying an 02 Z06 with the 6 speed. It was the drive that clinched it for me. They are great cars, and if you do some browsing on this forum, you will see what people think of them. Don't think I've ever seen a complaint! (At least one worrying about). Good luck! Can't wait to post my pix!!
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
There are a few things I will point out.
There are 3 styles of C5 Vettes, Fixed Roof Coupe (Z06) Convertable and the removeable top coupe.
I would look for a 2001 or newer if you can because most of the updates were done by then.
Seeing you are looking for an automatic I would look for a car with the Z51 package, You will get better gearing and suspension, The standard auto has 2.73 gears which is kind of a slug, The Z51 has the 3.15 gears and it makes it a bit more snappy.
The newer ones have a little more HP also.
Mr.Bill
There are 3 styles of C5 Vettes, Fixed Roof Coupe (Z06) Convertable and the removeable top coupe.
I would look for a 2001 or newer if you can because most of the updates were done by then.
Seeing you are looking for an automatic I would look for a car with the Z51 package, You will get better gearing and suspension, The standard auto has 2.73 gears which is kind of a slug, The Z51 has the 3.15 gears and it makes it a bit more snappy.
The newer ones have a little more HP also.
Mr.Bill
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,190
Likes: 4,178
From: Kannapolis NC
The 3:15 performance axle was available in automatics without the Z51 package. Look on the glove box door for G92 code if you want it. First thing to do would be decide on body type and color you want, then start looking. You will have choices of clear tops or painted tops or both on coupes, yes or no on body side molding, wheel and tire types, yes or no on runflat tires, HUD display, and lots more. Decide what you're looking for, there are a lot of cars for sale right now at the best prices yet. My personal preference is either the 03 Anniversary Edition (the real one in anniversary red with shale interior) or 04 Commemorative Edition blue with shale interior. But that's just me, look at everything and pick what you like for yourself.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Buying your first Corvette is an exciting experience - and to paraphrase something I read here - "No red blooded American male should leave this earth without having owned a Corvette".
There are tons of options and opinions as to what to buy. My recommendation is to do a lot of research before you pull the trigger on your purchase. Here's a handy site to help you do just that - click here!
My other piece of advice is don't compromise or settle for your dream car. Get the one you want! There is an extremely rich aftermarket for these cars, and ultimately you can modify the car into what you want to make it your own. Good luck and happy hunting!
There are tons of options and opinions as to what to buy. My recommendation is to do a lot of research before you pull the trigger on your purchase. Here's a handy site to help you do just that - click here!
My other piece of advice is don't compromise or settle for your dream car. Get the one you want! There is an extremely rich aftermarket for these cars, and ultimately you can modify the car into what you want to make it your own. Good luck and happy hunting!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 109
From: Longmont Co
It can be difficult to find replacements for some of the electronics (if they fail) on the earlier models. Later models have a known fuel leak problem that costs a lot to fix if it happens on yours. I think late model autos didn't have the CLB problem.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 219
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From: Tustin CA
http://nhthqnwws111.odi.nhtsa.dot.go...0015-41488.pdf
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
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Good luck finding the right car. I have a lot of Word files that talk about the C5, including a Corvette Buyers Checklist. If you'd like a copy, PM me your e-mail address.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 67
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From: Slidell La.
Thanks guys ya'll have been alot of help,
I can see how addictive this is, the more I read the more I want to know and I don't even have a vette yet
.
I'm a semi old hot rodder from the 70's, you know the story got married, sold the hotrod, had kids, raised kids, kids got married, wife and I are alone again and now I'm wanting another hotrod so I'm just trying to catch up. Thanks for all the information and a special thanks to vetteman for the files.
I can see how addictive this is, the more I read the more I want to know and I don't even have a vette yet
. I'm a semi old hot rodder from the 70's, you know the story got married, sold the hotrod, had kids, raised kids, kids got married, wife and I are alone again and now I'm wanting another hotrod so I'm just trying to catch up. Thanks for all the information and a special thanks to vetteman for the files.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 18,643
Likes: 14
From: Norman Oklahoma - The Only State in the Union with no Blue Counties!
Thanks guys ya'll have been alot of help,
I can see how addictive this is, the more I read the more I want to know and I don't even have a vette yet.
I'm a semi old hot rodder from the 70's, you know the story got married, sold the hotrod, had kids, raised kids, kids got married, wife and I are alone again and now I'm wanting another hotrod so I'm just trying to catch up. Thanks for all the information and a special thanks to vetteman for the files.
I can see how addictive this is, the more I read the more I want to know and I don't even have a vette yet
. I'm a semi old hot rodder from the 70's, you know the story got married, sold the hotrod, had kids, raised kids, kids got married, wife and I are alone again and now I'm wanting another hotrod so I'm just trying to catch up. Thanks for all the information and a special thanks to vetteman for the files.
You are just getting a taste of the info and expertise to be found on this forum!
Keep asking questions and you will keep getting answers, most of which will be spot on! These guys have been awesome teachers in my vetducation!
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
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St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
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1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1
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From: Las Vegas Nevada
Just bought my first Vette!
I just bought a pewter '01 coupe with an automatic transmission. Well technically, I bought it to be my wife's daily driver, but still... she didn't want the 6 speed and really wanted a targa or vert so a z06 was out of the question. I gotta say, living in Las Vegas, the coupe was the only way to go. It came with both the painted and clear tops. As for the automatic vs. manual, I personally would go with the manual tranny, even for in town driving. they are sooo much more fun to drive and allow much more control of your power. Either way, check out the "competitive driving" mode. I did a bunch of research on here both before and after buying it and have to say this site is a wealth of info on just about everything you want to know about corvettes. Good luck with your purchase.
BTW this is my first post on these forums. Hope to post some Pics soon after the mods are done.
BTW this is my first post on these forums. Hope to post some Pics soon after the mods are done.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,724
Likes: 2
From: Holland Landing Ontario
You've already received some great advice and information. I suggest that you decide how you are going to use it first. For instance, if you are planning to do a lot of travel with it, you should consider the coupe because it has a significantly larger trunk. You have already said you want an automatic, so that eliminates the Z06 since it is only available with a manual. Next decide which color and options you want and rate these from "must haves" to "nice to haves". Once you are armed with this information start your search and purchase the newest, lowest milage car that meets your budget and the criteria you established.
Oh, and pics are mandatory once you have your prize.
Good luck.
Oh, and pics are mandatory once you have your prize.
Good luck.
Last edited by 4 KRUSIN; Sep 26, 2011 at 08:05 AM.
