Notices
C5 General General C5 Corvette and C5 Z06 Discussion not covered in Tech

[Z06] '02 or '03??

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 12, 2013 | 02:52 PM
  #1  
Sguernsjr's Avatar
Sguernsjr
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
Default '02 or '03??

Whats up everybody, its my First time posting here. I'm trying to decide between a 2002 Z06 with 66k miles and an aftermarket cam and an '03 with 47k miles. I'm not sure what kind of cam the '02 has as it's from a dealer, but It does come with a 6mo/6k mile warranty and looks to be in great shape from the pictures. The '03 has lower miles, is the 50th anniversary, and is only $200 more than the '02, but from the pictures there looks like there is a very small hole in the driver's seat on the side and the intake tube looks like it rubbed on the hood and has worn down along with leaving a spot on the undercovering of the hood. The '02 looks a lot cleaner all around especially under the hood. The '02 is listed at $22,991 and the '03 is at $23,198. Any thought on which one would be the better bet? Oh yeah, they are both electron blue with black interior. Thanks.
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2013 | 03:52 PM
  #2  
amlarson2001's Avatar
amlarson2001
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 726
Likes: 15
From: Newport MN
Default

Because its worth more i would get the 03. You can repair the seat or replace it for very little money. The under the hood thing wouldn't bother me since my cold air did the same thing.
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2013 | 03:53 PM
  #3  
envyz06's Avatar
envyz06
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 8
From: Denton Texas
Default

I personally would go with the 02 if it is cleaner most likely better taken care of. But the 03 is stock and lower mileage so really what are you looking for in the car?
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2013 | 04:09 PM
  #4  
Sguernsjr's Avatar
Sguernsjr
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
Default

The '02 was just really clean under the hood. Other than the seat the cars looked to be in the same condition. I'm really leaning towards the '03 as long as the intake rubbing deal isn't going to be a problem. Could it become a problem at all?
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2013 | 04:59 PM
  #5  
Sguernsjr's Avatar
Sguernsjr
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
Default

Are the '01's not worth it? I have a good deal worked out for one.
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2013 | 05:09 PM
  #6  
zeevette's Avatar
zeevette
Race Director
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
Likes: 291
From: Pasco WA
Default

Originally Posted by Sguernsjr
Are the '01's not worth it? I have a good deal worked out for one.
'01s are fine, but if it's stock, you are giving up 20HP, and no HUD. Buy the newest and nicest. Anybody can get the engine compartment detailed, so not a reliable way to judge. If color isn't important, I'd go with the lower mile '03, which, depending on whether it's a late model year production, will have a better transmission. BTW, all '03s are 50th Anniv.
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2013 | 07:16 PM
  #7  
BilldMyC5's Avatar
BilldMyC5
Advanced
 
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Default

I just bought an 02. I wanted an 03 bad. They just dont show up much. I bought the first car that had the best look and was totally square. If you find an 02 like I did that is in perfect shape, I would jump on it. If you have to have an 03 wait for one. You will pay full asking for it. The anniversary year gives the owners a total boner for some reason. From what I can tell the 02 and 03 look identical. Just drive them a lot. You have to like the way they feel. Good luck. Either car is a winner in my opinion.
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2013 | 11:04 PM
  #8  
knr13's Avatar
knr13
Instructor
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 121
Likes: 12
From: missouri city/sugarland texas
Default

the 02 is faster and ready to go why spend extra coin when you have a 02 with a cam and im sure more stuff go with the faster car
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-5

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Sep 12, 2013 | 11:07 PM
  #9  
racebum's Avatar
racebum
Race Director
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,027
Likes: 170
From: oregon
Default

i've always considered 2001 as its own thing and least desirable, 2002-2003 as the same thing and 2004 as the most desirable. there aren't really any changes in 2003 worth talking about compared to 2002

in 2004 there is a greatly improved pcv system and much better shocks. it also is, of course, newest
Reply
Old Sep 14, 2013 | 04:27 PM
  #10  
zeevette's Avatar
zeevette
Race Director
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
Likes: 291
From: Pasco WA
Default

Could it be the attraction of silver badges?
Reply
Old Sep 16, 2013 | 04:10 PM
  #11  
Zmeister's Avatar
Zmeister
Drifting
15 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,479
Likes: 33
From: Jacksonville Florida
Default

With the info that you've been able to offer I'd go with the '03.
It's newer, it's lower miles and it's the anniversary edition. All of these make it more valuable and desirable.
I'd avoid the '01. Unless the deal is really too great to pass up.
The later models had many improvements in the engine.
Good luck in any case and let us know what you decide.
We'll all want to welcome you to the Family when you make the purchase!!
Reply
Old Sep 16, 2013 | 04:25 PM
  #12  
Sguernsjr's Avatar
Sguernsjr
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
Default

Well I went with the '01. I picked it up Saturday. I plan on doing mods later so this made sense. It was about $5k cheaper than the other too. It has about 72k miles, which I didn't think was too bad. Thanks for all of the input!!!!
Reply
Old Sep 18, 2013 | 12:16 PM
  #13  
Z06ness03's Avatar
Z06ness03
Instructor
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: Bristol CT
Default

I would find out exactly what cam is in the 02 and be sure its up to spec with what you're looking for. Not every cam is made the same lol. Personally, I'd go for the 03 with lower mileage and higher retail value.
Reply
Old Sep 18, 2013 | 12:17 PM
  #14  
Z06ness03's Avatar
Z06ness03
Instructor
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: Bristol CT
Default

Guess I'm a little late.. *walk of shame*
Reply
Old Sep 18, 2013 | 01:13 PM
  #15  
dangerz's Avatar
dangerz
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,166
Likes: 48
From: DC
St. Jude Donor '09-'10
Default

Originally Posted by Z06ness03
Guess I'm a little late.. *walk of shame*
You've failed us all.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To '02 or '03??





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:41 PM.

story-0
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-3
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE