I am getting ready to buy my first Vette and have been looking at the C5's. I want to keep it under $35K. I have never even driven a Vette and a friend is telling me that the road noise is terrible in all Vette's. Figured you all would know better. So what's the word on road noise and any advice is greatly appreciated

 

What someone considers to be terrible isn't as bad to others. Next is tires. Some tires are worse than others. Last don't buy a z06 if you are worried about road noise. They took out the sound deadening material out of the zo6. In short go drive one and see for yourself. Don't listen to what someone who may or may not really know what they are talking about.

 

At 1st I was surprised by the road noise but quickly remembered I am driving America's number one sports car that is like driving a fiberglass go cart that is much more sophisticated, don't think I have quit smiling yet.

 

Don't be concerned my boy. Once you drive a Vette, you'll know just what it's like to control the finest sports car on the road today. The noise won't even be a part of the equation.

 

 

Hi there and welcome to the forum! This place has been around for years and is a wealth of knowledge. Take a trip through the search area and you'll find this question gets asked a lot.

It all really depends on what you want. With that kind of money you could buy a nice C6 which will be a bit newer ("nicer" depending on who you ask) or you could buy a nice c5 that's been modded.

Do you want stock? Or do you want a car that has a bunch of mods installed such as a supercharger or heads/cam/intake/exhaust? Coupe (removable top), vert, or z06?

C5's can be had for $17-20 grand depending on what you're looking at.

Stick or auto? What other options do you desire? When I sought out my car, I knew I wanted a torch red, black interior, 6speed coupe with the removable targa tops. In retrospect, I probably should have gone for the z06 since it has more power and probably wouldn't have to deal with leaky tops. That's something that can be fixed, but it's just an annoyance and only happens on rare occasions.

Once you get a taste of the power, stability, and control you wield while driving a vette you won't want to drive anything else.

First advice is to go test drive a few. Try both the C5 and C6.

Your friend sounds he like enjoys a thrilling ride inside a lexus...I'm sure the forum will give him a warm welcome.

You don't buy a sports car for a "quiet ride". That's why commuter cars and luxury cars sound like sewing machines and sports cars / muscle cars scream like banshees and ooze testosterone.


Buy what YOU like. Tell your friend...

 

I have a Z06 and they came with very little to zero insulation, I have not added anything to damping the sounds.My long tube headers with corsa indy exhaust is sex to my ears.road noise does not bother me at all!

 

Good luck with your search and purchase.

 

Welcome

Ban Jobgboy !!

Seems that would put you off to a bad start.

 

After you've looked for awhile, you'll see that you can have a nice C5 for under $30K.

As for the noise, it shouldn't be a problem. If it bothers you, there's always noise insulation kits you could install.

 

You will be getting road noise with any Vette you buy. A lot of the noise has to do with the tires.

The best tires I have run on my Vettes in turns of grip, stability, road noise, and ride comfort is the Michelin Pilot Super Sports, non run flats. Run flats make more noise.

The road noise on my Z06 is not bad (running the Michelins), but it all depends upon what type of roads you are traveling on and what you are comparing the road noise to. Corvettes do not have a great deal of sound insulation to keep the weight low.

If I compare the road noise on my 03 Z06 to my little Ford Focus, the Focus is much worst. If I compare it to my country Cadillac; -- a fully loaded out Silverado Crew Cab, then it is much noisier, but a h*ll of a lot faster and 10 times more fun to drive.

Of course if you are riding in a luxury car, you expect luxury. If you are going to be driving a sports car, you expect power, handling, cornering, and loads of fun.

For 35K, you can buy any C5 you want. If you want power, speed, agility and love the C5 look, I would recommend trying out an ultra low mileage Z06. You should be able to find a pristine 03-04 Z06 with less than 10K miles for around 28K, and bank the extra 7K or use it to add accessories.

If you want a Coupe , then a 03-04 ultra low mileage pristine Vette you should be able to get for 25K or less.

A ultra low mileage 03-04 Convertible will be around 27K.

Another option is to look at a 08-09 C6 Z51 Base Coupe. That is going to run you about 35K for an 07-08 model with less than 45K miles.

The advantage of the C6 is a better interior, more modern electronics, and should be quieter than the C5.

Personally I like the C5 Z06 better, since it has better lines, is more raw, and had more interior and leg room. But the 08-13 C6 Z51 is a nice compromise. Performance wise, the 08 and up Z51 C6 and the 02-04 C5 Z06s are going to be comparable.

Here is an example of a pristine 04 Z06 with 10K miles.
http://www.buyavette.com/2004%20Corv...%204472CTS.php

Bet you could offer 28-29K cash and get it. Nice thing about BuyAvette is all of their Vettes come with a 2 year warranty and are fully serviced.

 

I previously drove a Toyota Camry like an old man: at the speed limit. Got passed by hundreds of cars a day on my commute.

Now my '04 Coupe sees the speed limit very briefly.

Anyway, when I considered the C5, I was worried about the noise and stiff handling. After the boss's (wife's) OK to look, I drove NINE C5s in four weeks, just to get a feel for (and hear) what a Corvette is like, before buying.

Now, after mods, the handling is fantastic! And the noise?

Vroooooomm!!

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Welcome to the Club!!!

 

They do offer a 2yr warranty with a full price offer on the car. They seem to be on the high side for prices though. But I suppose anything is negotiable.

 

Thanks for all the advice/opinions/suggestions. My next step is to get behind the wheel of several and let the fun begin. Much appreciated

 

They are on the high side, but will negotiate.

I did not pay the asking price, but still got the warranty. All they do is sell Vettes, so they have a large selection and lots of knowledgable staff and mechanics.

Give them a try, think you will enjoy the experience whether you buy or not.

 

There is a thread located somewhere on this site that lists the forum members who are willing to lend a hand to prospective owners.

I can't find it right now, so perhaps some of the more experienced hands here can point you to it.

You might consider contacting one of these helpful types and ask them if they can give you a ride in their car so you can get a feel for the road noise first-hand without having to take a test-drive.

 

Sometimes noise is good.

 

With the right exhaust the road noise won't be an issue.

Good luck.

 

It also doesn't hurt to join a Corvette club in your area first. That's what I did. (Of course, they all got a big laugh when I told them I drove a Camry, but in the end, it was worth the join. I've been a member 5+ years now.)

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