Looking for first CORVETTE
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Looking for first CORVETTE
Ive just started looking at Corvettes. All different years and mileages. Does anyone have any advice for a rookie.
I love the older models 81 and such, but like the looks of the newer models 2002.
Is there a better year than others for Corvettes?
Should I look at mileage more or less when judging Vettes?
Any other advice would be greatly appreciated.
I love the older models 81 and such, but like the looks of the newer models 2002.
Is there a better year than others for Corvettes?
Should I look at mileage more or less when judging Vettes?
Any other advice would be greatly appreciated.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 856
Likes: 6
From: Bradenton Florida
Well, you posted in the C5 section...so you're going to get a C5 bias here...
Mileage is a double edged sword....too little=more value, but it may have not exposed it's mechanical issues yet...too many miles=lower value, but at least most issues have exposed themselves and should've been addressed/repaired
Mileage is a double edged sword....too little=more value, but it may have not exposed it's mechanical issues yet...too many miles=lower value, but at least most issues have exposed themselves and should've been addressed/repaired
Last edited by PryOpenUr3rdEye; Apr 12, 2012 at 03:26 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,754
Likes: 167
From: Youngsville North Carolina
Is there a budget to consider?
What will be the intended purpose of the car? Daily Driver ? Any tracking?
Do you do your own wrenching?
General advice if you have no preference would be look for the newest, lowest mileage, best condition car within your budget.
C5's alot of "factory upgrades" in 2001 - 97-00 have some unique nuances.
Check out the NCM site for year to year changes:
http://www.corvettemuseum.org/specs.shtml
What will be the intended purpose of the car? Daily Driver ? Any tracking?
Do you do your own wrenching?
General advice if you have no preference would be look for the newest, lowest mileage, best condition car within your budget.
C5's alot of "factory upgrades" in 2001 - 97-00 have some unique nuances.
Check out the NCM site for year to year changes:
http://www.corvettemuseum.org/specs.shtml
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,868
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From: Kelso Washington
St. Jude Donor '09, '13, '15
Depends upon whether you like old vintage technology and performance or more modern technology and performance......and the maintenance involved for both.
Huge differences.
For me....for the most dependable, comfortable, performance-oriented Corvette.....I'd do the 2002 or C5.
As far as looks go....which one floats yer boat?
suggest you drive both and then decide.
Good luck
Huge differences.
For me....for the most dependable, comfortable, performance-oriented Corvette.....I'd do the 2002 or C5.
As far as looks go....which one floats yer boat?
suggest you drive both and then decide.
Good luck
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,962
Likes: 254
From: Richmond, Ky
I looked for two years before I bought. That's not necessary, but knowing what "you" want is the key to a good purchase experience. Reading this site is excellent prep for knowing what to look for. Right now your field is way to wide to help much until you narrow things down a bit.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 261
Likes: 6
From: Alva Oklahoma
I looked for a year, saw many many C3 cars in my price range that were complete trash, and lots of C5 that were in good condition that were out of my price range.
The C3 has a very distinctive look and feel, just like the C5 does.
I think it came down to finding the right car in my price range, it happened to be a C5.
The first Corvette I ever remember seeing was a millennium yellow C5, and I knew I would own a corvette right then. I would recommend finding the best one you can and not regret buying someone's project car.
The C3 has a very distinctive look and feel, just like the C5 does.
I think it came down to finding the right car in my price range, it happened to be a C5.
The first Corvette I ever remember seeing was a millennium yellow C5, and I knew I would own a corvette right then. I would recommend finding the best one you can and not regret buying someone's project car.
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Instructor
Joined: Feb 2012
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From: Acworth Georgia
Just know that you won't find a perfect one, all models have issues. My c5z has its nuances, to me they are the cars rebellious personality taunting me, so I have to tame it. Much like breaking a wild horse, if you will. 
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Lots of differences in say the '81 and '02+ models - performance, comfort, ergonomics, fuel economy, reliability, etc. I've owned C3s, C4s and now three C5s and for me, the C5 is be best all around car you can buy for the money. Don't get me wrong, I liked each of my prior cars, but would not go back to one of them at this point.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3
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I think as much as I love the Maco body style from the 70's and 80's I will go newer and look at the 2000 models. From what I understand the ride is much better along with interior design because of advancement of technology.
I wish there was a way to get the perfect blend of both.
I am looking more and more at the range of 2002/2004. The prices seem to be about right, and I am liking the style more and more.
My biggest sticking point is the mileage though. How much is too much.
I wish there was a way to get the perfect blend of both.
I am looking more and more at the range of 2002/2004. The prices seem to be about right, and I am liking the style more and more.
My biggest sticking point is the mileage though. How much is too much.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 528
Likes: 0
From: Chicago IL
I use to hate the C3..... Over the time I am starting to really like them. This is my point of view.. There are less C3 on the road due to their age. There are less things that can go wrong and there restore coast is kinds low.. It is a corvette so there is still some money...
The C5 is an awesome car.. You are in a true sports car but you don't feel the rough bumps. My. Personal best model is the C4...That car was just fun to drive you felt like it was a sports car... There is nothing better than seating on your tires and working on the motor in the C4...
The C5 does have some issues... I have had things that go on that I no longer repair.. I have replaced the fuel gauges two times at the stealership $1500 a pop... key to this is keep driving the car it will start working again. Mine has issues driving over 100 miles... It can take a little while before they start to work again. The tire sensor goes bad.. just replace them when you buy new tires.. Other than that I have had nothing bad happen to it.. I have a 2002 with 75k on it.
I am sure you can go wrong with either car.. Look for a C5 with under 100k on it. There are C5 with over 3000,000 miles on them.. just feel out the car and the seller. Best of luck
The C5 is an awesome car.. You are in a true sports car but you don't feel the rough bumps. My. Personal best model is the C4...That car was just fun to drive you felt like it was a sports car... There is nothing better than seating on your tires and working on the motor in the C4...
The C5 does have some issues... I have had things that go on that I no longer repair.. I have replaced the fuel gauges two times at the stealership $1500 a pop... key to this is keep driving the car it will start working again. Mine has issues driving over 100 miles... It can take a little while before they start to work again. The tire sensor goes bad.. just replace them when you buy new tires.. Other than that I have had nothing bad happen to it.. I have a 2002 with 75k on it.
I am sure you can go wrong with either car.. Look for a C5 with under 100k on it. There are C5 with over 3000,000 miles on them.. just feel out the car and the seller. Best of luck
