C5 Choices
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,423
Likes: 200
From: Atlanta GA
Get the one you want. Do a KBB look up and do not pay above that.
For the 04 Comm. Edition, KBB has that at 25K low to 28 High.
I would say 25K would be about max for me with 30K miles, since you can get the Z06 about the same price (maybe a grand higher), with the same mileage.
I paid 27K for a pristine 03 Z06 with 20K miles, SRS wheels, Vararam, custom tune, and corsa X pipe and Pace car exhaust.
Good deals are out there, be patient and be aware of true prices.
For the 04 Comm. Edition, KBB has that at 25K low to 28 High.
I would say 25K would be about max for me with 30K miles, since you can get the Z06 about the same price (maybe a grand higher), with the same mileage.
I paid 27K for a pristine 03 Z06 with 20K miles, SRS wheels, Vararam, custom tune, and corsa X pipe and Pace car exhaust.
Good deals are out there, be patient and be aware of true prices.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 4,831
Likes: 21
From: The Voice of Reason!
St. Jude Donor '14
Go look at and drive some cars. Tell yourself to start with you aren't buying.....yet. It's part of educating yourself and figuring out just what you want. Once you figure it out there will be a few things you will not settle for, other things not so important. Focus on what's important to you and start your search. Don't look just locally. I found 5 cars that met my criteria, they were in Virginia, Florida, Texas, Kansas and Colorado.
Don't be afraid to consider cars they are asking a ridiculous price. My car was ridculously priced but I ultimately paid $8k less than their asking price and they paid for the shipping to deliver it to my front door. That was the way I made the offer, no other fees, they pay shipping and it had to pass an inspection that I arranged at a place of my choice before I send the cash.
If you choose to go get the car yourself, get them to accept an offer before you go. If you are already there, they won't be as motivated to work on the price if they know your choices are buy the car or get back on a plane fly home. You always have the option of flying home if the car doesn't meet your expectations.
Don't be afraid to consider cars they are asking a ridiculous price. My car was ridculously priced but I ultimately paid $8k less than their asking price and they paid for the shipping to deliver it to my front door. That was the way I made the offer, no other fees, they pay shipping and it had to pass an inspection that I arranged at a place of my choice before I send the cash.
If you choose to go get the car yourself, get them to accept an offer before you go. If you are already there, they won't be as motivated to work on the price if they know your choices are buy the car or get back on a plane fly home. You always have the option of flying home if the car doesn't meet your expectations.
Last edited by Suthunman; Mar 16, 2013 at 11:56 PM.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 654
Likes: 1
From: Prescott Valley Arizona
Colors
Dont let the "Black" turn you off. They are beautiful when clean and the sun raises no more havoc on the color than any other darker color. Using a temp gauge at a car show and checking various vets for interior temp, showed no difference between cars other than 3-5 degrees. Having lived in Lake Havasu, AZ where the temps reach as much as 120 degrees, no matter what you get will be hotter than hell when you return to your car from shopping. Best add on to get is auto start to help cool down the car as your leaving the store! Works great and I've seen the cost range from $50.00 to $300.00.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 229
Likes: 2
From: Charleston South Carolina
Thanks again....been reviewing and test driving for a few months now. I know I dont want Z06...dont want red or yellow...dont want smoker car or one that was tracked if I can help it.
Prefer the Commemorative and Anniversary colors.....
I really want the C5...I love the look and looks like the last of the true corvettes and think it follows the STINGRAY lines better than even the C4 that came after the C3...just my opinion. Wife loves C6.....but I dont like getting early years of anything....so no 98-2000 C5 and no 05-08 C6. Yeah I am weird...haha
The black on black is great....other than worry about seals and gaskets from sitting so much with only 2k miles....
I am going to drive all of them and have them put up on lift for me.... the reason they are higher in price is likely they are at BuyAVette. Found a couple in South Carolina...one in Georgia, NC and Florida that are nice....and then these four at BuyAVette. I am sure a couple will be sold by time I arrive Saturday and lessen the choices for me...hahaha
I will update after my return...
Prefer the Commemorative and Anniversary colors.....
I really want the C5...I love the look and looks like the last of the true corvettes and think it follows the STINGRAY lines better than even the C4 that came after the C3...just my opinion. Wife loves C6.....but I dont like getting early years of anything....so no 98-2000 C5 and no 05-08 C6. Yeah I am weird...haha
The black on black is great....other than worry about seals and gaskets from sitting so much with only 2k miles....
I am going to drive all of them and have them put up on lift for me.... the reason they are higher in price is likely they are at BuyAVette. Found a couple in South Carolina...one in Georgia, NC and Florida that are nice....and then these four at BuyAVette. I am sure a couple will be sold by time I arrive Saturday and lessen the choices for me...hahaha
I will update after my return...
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 4,831
Likes: 21
From: The Voice of Reason!
St. Jude Donor '14
Thanks again....been reviewing and test driving for a few months now. I know I dont want Z06...dont want red or yellow...dont want smoker car or one that was tracked if I can help it.
Prefer the Commemorative and Anniversary colors.....
I really want the C5...I love the look and looks like the last of the true corvettes and think it follows the STINGRAY lines better than even the C4 that came after the C3...just my opinion. Wife loves C6.....but I dont like getting early years of anything....so no 98-2000 C5 and no 05-08 C6. Yeah I am weird...haha
The black on black is great....other than worry about seals and gaskets from sitting so much with only 2k miles....
I am going to drive all of them and have them put up on lift for me.... the reason they are higher in price is likely they are at BuyAVette. Found a couple in South Carolina...one in Georgia, NC and Florida that are nice....and then these four at BuyAVette. I am sure a couple will be sold by time I arrive Saturday and lessen the choices for me...hahaha
I will update after my return...
Prefer the Commemorative and Anniversary colors.....
I really want the C5...I love the look and looks like the last of the true corvettes and think it follows the STINGRAY lines better than even the C4 that came after the C3...just my opinion. Wife loves C6.....but I dont like getting early years of anything....so no 98-2000 C5 and no 05-08 C6. Yeah I am weird...haha
The black on black is great....other than worry about seals and gaskets from sitting so much with only 2k miles....
I am going to drive all of them and have them put up on lift for me.... the reason they are higher in price is likely they are at BuyAVette. Found a couple in South Carolina...one in Georgia, NC and Florida that are nice....and then these four at BuyAVette. I am sure a couple will be sold by time I arrive Saturday and lessen the choices for me...hahaha
I will update after my return...
Good Luck!
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 758
Likes: 0
From: Neosho MO
This is a forum car, 03 Anniversary Red, and from the pics looks really nice...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-c...37k-miles.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-c...37k-miles.html
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,186
Likes: 1
From: North Topsail Beach NC
I'm a little surprised that given your location you're not more inclined toward a convertible. You live in great place for nearly year `round top down motoring.
I agree with all who have said that the asking prices are too high. I purchased a 2003 M6 50th Anniversary Edition convertible in March 2010 with 11,575 miles for $28,000. Keep in mind that was 3 years ago.
Here's some additional info on the 50th Anniversary Special Edition:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...were-made.html
http://www.50thregistry.com/
I agree with all who have said that the asking prices are too high. I purchased a 2003 M6 50th Anniversary Edition convertible in March 2010 with 11,575 miles for $28,000. Keep in mind that was 3 years ago.
Here's some additional info on the 50th Anniversary Special Edition:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...were-made.html
http://www.50thregistry.com/
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,170
Likes: 48
From: Yuma CO
Senior Member
Cruise-In V Veteran
Just sayin'......the 50th AE Magnetic Red w/ Light Shale interior is absolutely breathtaking!!!!!!! Your car, your choice!! 
Mine is a black on black '99 and I absolutely love it!!! And, YES, it does get VERY hot in the summer, no matter what you do!!!!!!
Swore that I would never own another black one, but their little voices just keep whispering to me when I am shopping!!
DSTURBD
Mine is a black on black '99 and I absolutely love it!!! And, YES, it does get VERY hot in the summer, no matter what you do!!!!!!
Swore that I would never own another black one, but their little voices just keep whispering to me when I am shopping!!
DSTURBD
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 229
Likes: 2
From: Charleston South Carolina
I am also a little timid based on comments the tops tear easily in upper corner...and can have some leak issues though not as bad as a FRC/Z06. LOL Lastly...not sure how much will be living in garage as I like to drive...and one side is taken by my motorcycle and other is by wifes car...so we shall see.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,186
Likes: 1
From: North Topsail Beach NC
I have owned two other convertibles here as I was born and raised in Charleston....I only really enjoy the verts in late Fall and early Spring...too much rain and cold in Dec-Feb....too hot with humidity in May-Sep....sitting in traffic on way to beach just too hot for me and that was in my 20s for one car and 30s for other...now 49. LOL
I am also a little timid based on comments the tops tear easily in upper corner...and can have some leak issues though not as bad as a FRC/Z06. LOL Lastly...not sure how much will be living in garage as I like to drive...and one side is taken by my motorcycle and other is by wifes car...so we shall see.
I am also a little timid based on comments the tops tear easily in upper corner...and can have some leak issues though not as bad as a FRC/Z06. LOL Lastly...not sure how much will be living in garage as I like to drive...and one side is taken by my motorcycle and other is by wifes car...so we shall see.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 229
Likes: 2
From: Charleston South Carolina
Thanks for the info...yeah I had a Triumph TR4A and a TR7 and a Jeep CJ. Yours is a great looking vette and may be talking to you again in near future still. Thanks...
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 170
From: oregon
prices look really high. just yesterday a gem mint 11k mile z16 z06 sold for 29.9k
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/04-Commemorative-Edition-Z06-11k-MILES-since-new-LOADED-2-Owner-Clean-Carfax-/380597331706?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item589d5e66fa#ht_21297wt_1165
imo this would mark the top of the c5 market
it was also sold by a very specific corvette dealership that generally only moves mint cars. they have a 350 mile c4 zr1 going now. yes 350 miles
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/04-Commemorative-Edition-Z06-11k-MILES-since-new-LOADED-2-Owner-Clean-Carfax-/380597331706?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item589d5e66fa#ht_21297wt_1165
imo this would mark the top of the c5 market
it was also sold by a very specific corvette dealership that generally only moves mint cars. they have a 350 mile c4 zr1 going now. yes 350 miles
Pro
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 629
Likes: 0
From: Grain Valley MO
Everyone is right about the hunt!! I looked for several months and my choice came down to what I could afford more than what I wanted 
But I was able to find a decent car that had been well taken care of I only paid 13.5 for mine with 70K on it they needed cash and I had it , but after that I am still looking almost daily at what is out there and how much vettes are going for its fun for me to look all the time
I am still looking for a 80 or 81 driver or ?? The wife loves those years so it will be hers , but buy the one you will want to keep and enjoy for years to come.
Mike
But I was able to find a decent car that had been well taken care of I only paid 13.5 for mine with 70K on it they needed cash and I had it , but after that I am still looking almost daily at what is out there and how much vettes are going for its fun for me to look all the time I am still looking for a 80 or 81 driver or ?? The wife loves those years so it will be hers , but buy the one you will want to keep and enjoy for years to come. Mike
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 363
From: Midland TX
If money is not an object and YOU PLAN TO KEEP the car, then those prices are on the high side, but I would pay $30k for the black on black '04 in a minute if I had the cash (I have a black on black '01 that I have driven every day for 13 years and it looks and runs better than the day I bought it).
The biggest roadblocks for "me" at this point would be:
(1) No credible extended warranty available and some parts already discontinued - so certain breakdowns could be costly (but if you can "afford" $30k for a used car with no warranty, you can probably afford the maintenance). I finally realized what the DIC on the C5 stands for "Daddy Insert Cash". Every time it lights up it is politely asking for at least $1000. I am surprised it does not have a slot next to it!
(2) Roads here are in such dis-repair, I will not be buying anything nice in the foreseeable future - that is why the C7 is off my list. Time to accept the fact that we are quickly becoming a 3rd world country. I will let someone else dodge the pot-holes, pickup trucks and gravel in the future (on my 3rd windshield!). I am already stressed to the max trying to survive these streets with my C5.
The biggest roadblocks for "me" at this point would be:
(1) No credible extended warranty available and some parts already discontinued - so certain breakdowns could be costly (but if you can "afford" $30k for a used car with no warranty, you can probably afford the maintenance). I finally realized what the DIC on the C5 stands for "Daddy Insert Cash". Every time it lights up it is politely asking for at least $1000. I am surprised it does not have a slot next to it!
(2) Roads here are in such dis-repair, I will not be buying anything nice in the foreseeable future - that is why the C7 is off my list. Time to accept the fact that we are quickly becoming a 3rd world country. I will let someone else dodge the pot-holes, pickup trucks and gravel in the future (on my 3rd windshield!). I am already stressed to the max trying to survive these streets with my C5.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 229
Likes: 2
From: Charleston South Carolina
Well found out that mother in law is giving my wife her car (2000 Merc C320) as she is in final stages of cancer fight and losing...Dealer maintained and just repainted....looks and drives like brand new...
well anyhow, now I will need to sell the wifes Toyota Camry as I dont need the extra car before I can get a vette...so looks like hunt is on hold temporarily until I get rid of the Toyota Camry.
Thanks everyone....much appreciated. Sorry for wasting your time....
well anyhow, now I will need to sell the wifes Toyota Camry as I dont need the extra car before I can get a vette...so looks like hunt is on hold temporarily until I get rid of the Toyota Camry.
Thanks everyone....much appreciated. Sorry for wasting your time....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,789
Likes: 3
From: Jacksonville FL
Well got some choices to work through the next week or so and then might be making a purchase....but as always it is money vs options vs mileage vs year...etc.
each has its strong points....each has a negative. looking for some experience on similar vehicles with similar mileage from the masses;
What I want.....50th Anniv Edition or a Commemorative Edition...prefer coupe but would consider vert....want auto but would take M6 if right car...prefer mileage below 60k.
Here is what I am going to be choosing from unless I back off and wait longer--
04 double black coupe, 2k miles, auto trans, 1SB, coupe, 1 owner car, good records, all original....everything operational with good deep shine on paint and good to very good interior. $32k (price a little high but car is not even broken in yet and already out of warranty...black on black can be hot but some good ceramic tint or other will fix that a bit...but like a new car, literally)
04 Comm Edition, 1SC, 30k miles, auto trans, 1 owner, great all around, convertible, new top....$30k (price is a little higher than I want but great car...but vert is second behind coupe...how are they for being in weather...as will be driven regular here in southeast)
03 1SC 50th Anniv Edition, Auto trans, coupe, good records, 83K miles, great paint and interior with deep shine and no tears or rips, 2 owner car, daily driver, $24k (everything I want except higher mileage but paint and interior condition suggest very well taken care of with no smoking or musty smells..immaculate car)
03 1SB, Elec Blue with Lt Gray, auto trans, 32k miles, coupe, great interior and very good paint, 2 owner, $28k (about right on everything...price a little high for mileage I think...)
I really want a nice 50th coupe....but even though these small blocks are outstanding and this car appears to be pampered...it does have some miles. Thoughts?
The 03 in Elect Blue is great care, about right on mileage...not a 50th but a striking car......but not a Commemorative Edition...just a pretty car.
The 04 Comm Edition is beautiful...deep shine, great interior...everything looks perfect...just worry about convertible that wont be in the garage 100% of time, little higher but might be able to get them down a little...but then again it is a vert. if it was a 6 speed I would move it to top of list actually.
Then the double black...price little high but car is virtually brand new...and that black paint has great shine now but how will it handle our hot summers here in South Carolina....haha
Appreciate any feedback....with personal experience based on mileage, colors, convertible vs coupe (car will not be garage queen but 3-4 day a week driver...maybe more...I drive and ride my vehicles and bikes...cant stand to let them sit and dry rot)......
Thanks...
each has its strong points....each has a negative. looking for some experience on similar vehicles with similar mileage from the masses;
What I want.....50th Anniv Edition or a Commemorative Edition...prefer coupe but would consider vert....want auto but would take M6 if right car...prefer mileage below 60k.
Here is what I am going to be choosing from unless I back off and wait longer--
04 double black coupe, 2k miles, auto trans, 1SB, coupe, 1 owner car, good records, all original....everything operational with good deep shine on paint and good to very good interior. $32k (price a little high but car is not even broken in yet and already out of warranty...black on black can be hot but some good ceramic tint or other will fix that a bit...but like a new car, literally)
04 Comm Edition, 1SC, 30k miles, auto trans, 1 owner, great all around, convertible, new top....$30k (price is a little higher than I want but great car...but vert is second behind coupe...how are they for being in weather...as will be driven regular here in southeast)
03 1SC 50th Anniv Edition, Auto trans, coupe, good records, 83K miles, great paint and interior with deep shine and no tears or rips, 2 owner car, daily driver, $24k (everything I want except higher mileage but paint and interior condition suggest very well taken care of with no smoking or musty smells..immaculate car)
03 1SB, Elec Blue with Lt Gray, auto trans, 32k miles, coupe, great interior and very good paint, 2 owner, $28k (about right on everything...price a little high for mileage I think...)
I really want a nice 50th coupe....but even though these small blocks are outstanding and this car appears to be pampered...it does have some miles. Thoughts?
The 03 in Elect Blue is great care, about right on mileage...not a 50th but a striking car......but not a Commemorative Edition...just a pretty car.
The 04 Comm Edition is beautiful...deep shine, great interior...everything looks perfect...just worry about convertible that wont be in the garage 100% of time, little higher but might be able to get them down a little...but then again it is a vert. if it was a 6 speed I would move it to top of list actually.
Then the double black...price little high but car is virtually brand new...and that black paint has great shine now but how will it handle our hot summers here in South Carolina....haha
Appreciate any feedback....with personal experience based on mileage, colors, convertible vs coupe (car will not be garage queen but 3-4 day a week driver...maybe more...I drive and ride my vehicles and bikes...cant stand to let them sit and dry rot)......
Thanks...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,789
Likes: 3
From: Jacksonville FL
Well found out that mother in law is giving my wife her car (2000 Merc C320) as she is in final stages of cancer fight and losing...Dealer maintained and just repainted....looks and drives like brand new...
well anyhow, now I will need to sell the wifes Toyota Camry as I dont need the extra car before I can get a vette...so looks like hunt is on hold temporarily until I get rid of the Toyota Camry.
Thanks everyone....much appreciated. Sorry for wasting your time....
well anyhow, now I will need to sell the wifes Toyota Camry as I dont need the extra car before I can get a vette...so looks like hunt is on hold temporarily until I get rid of the Toyota Camry.
Thanks everyone....much appreciated. Sorry for wasting your time....