what compromises did you make?
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 203
Likes: 5
From: Nebraska
Gave up mileage.
I wanted a white convertible with an Oak top C-5. Period.
This one had more miles on it than I would've like, but it was a 1 owner well taken care of DD (after trolling this forum for a few months I was convinced it needed to be a 2001 or newer).
Got it at a good price. No regrets.
I wanted a white convertible with an Oak top C-5. Period.
This one had more miles on it than I would've like, but it was a 1 owner well taken care of DD (after trolling this forum for a few months I was convinced it needed to be a 2001 or newer).
Got it at a good price. No regrets.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 15,057
Likes: 1,613
From: Holly Springs NC
St. Jude Donor '16-'17,'22,'24
There was a list of how to buy a Vette on these forums not long ago. It said one of the items you should stick to what you like is the color. The theory is if you don't like the color, you'll not enjoy the car as much as one that was one on your list of choices. IMHO, don't buy a car that's a color you don't like or you're only OK with. Find one that is on your list. Doesn't have to be first, but it should be on your list.
My only compromise was price. I spent more than I said I would. Funny, I don't regret it at all.
My only compromise was price. I spent more than I said I would. Funny, I don't regret it at all.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,868
Likes: 770
From: Kelso Washington
St. Jude Donor '09, '13, '15
I "compromised" on color only.
I was looking for a torch red six-speed coupe but when I first saw my Pewter beauty, red wasn't important any more.
Besides I had a "bright red" chev pickup that was a total cop-magnet anyway so Pewter seems to be a real blessing so far.
Otherwise, I got my six speed coupe with all the options and a two-tone interior to boot. And I still don't have one lick of regret in the purchase.
Had an awesome "spirited" drive to the coast yesterday that just reaffirmed this was a great purchase.
I was looking for a torch red six-speed coupe but when I first saw my Pewter beauty, red wasn't important any more.
Besides I had a "bright red" chev pickup that was a total cop-magnet anyway so Pewter seems to be a real blessing so far.
Otherwise, I got my six speed coupe with all the options and a two-tone interior to boot. And I still don't have one lick of regret in the purchase.
Had an awesome "spirited" drive to the coast yesterday that just reaffirmed this was a great purchase.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,798
Likes: 8
From: It's true money can't buy happiness, but it is more comfortable crying in a Corvette than on a bicyc
St. Jude Donor '13
My wanted list was a loaded blue 6 speed coupe with chrome thin spokes. Ended up with a loaded 6 speed torch red coupe with wagon wheels. Always hated the oak interior it came with. Swapped it out for red and black for under a grand. Still need the wheels I wanted.
My only advice is get the body style you want, in the color you want, in good shape mechanically and cosmetically. Wheels and interior are easy to change. HUD is easy to add. Sport seats easy. Z51 suspension, easy.
If you're too picky you'll never find it.
My only advice is get the body style you want, in the color you want, in good shape mechanically and cosmetically. Wheels and interior are easy to change. HUD is easy to add. Sport seats easy. Z51 suspension, easy.
If you're too picky you'll never find it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,718
Likes: 2
From: Flower Mound TX
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Contributor
Fast forward a few years and 39k miles...My car looks nothing like it did on delivery but I'm very happy with how it turned out!
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 9,296
Likes: 1,531
From: Oviedo Florida
2024 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Color???............who cares...??
Racer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 377
Likes: 3
From: Cudahy WI
Must haves: Coupe, (after driving a few convertibles), 6 speed
Nice to haves: Artic White and/or tan or red interior, a few easy-to fix mechanical issues to drive down price, Z51 suspension, a few mods (exhaust, intake, stereo), 02 and up.
Did not wants: Torch Red, Silver, Beige/Tan, Black, Convertible, Adjustable Suspension, 97-99 unless in a rare color like Fairway Green.
Deal breakers: Auto trans, Fixed Roof
Ended up with a Mag Red 2002 Coupe 6 speed Z51 needing a trans but with a ton of nice parts and great shape. Only downside was it wasnt white and had a black interior.
Nice to haves: Artic White and/or tan or red interior, a few easy-to fix mechanical issues to drive down price, Z51 suspension, a few mods (exhaust, intake, stereo), 02 and up.
Did not wants: Torch Red, Silver, Beige/Tan, Black, Convertible, Adjustable Suspension, 97-99 unless in a rare color like Fairway Green.
Deal breakers: Auto trans, Fixed Roof
Ended up with a Mag Red 2002 Coupe 6 speed Z51 needing a trans but with a ton of nice parts and great shape. Only downside was it wasnt white and had a black interior.
Drifting
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,839
Likes: 390
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,798
Likes: 8
From: It's true money can't buy happiness, but it is more comfortable crying in a Corvette than on a bicyc
St. Jude Donor '13
Everybody except you I guess.
Like I said I wanted blue, here's why I didn't want other colors.
Red= cop magnet
Black= fingerprint magnet
White= shows dirt/plain looking
Silver= notorious faders
Yellow would have been cool with a black interior but hard to find.
It's bs that red cars are cop magnets I've learned
Like I said I wanted blue, here's why I didn't want other colors.
Red= cop magnet
Black= fingerprint magnet
White= shows dirt/plain looking
Silver= notorious faders
Yellow would have been cool with a black interior but hard to find.
It's bs that red cars are cop magnets I've learned
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,390
Likes: 24,795
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
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St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Didn't compromise at all on my latest C5. It did require me to travel from mid-Missouri to New Jersey to pick it up, but it was well worth it and the drive home was a blast. Wait for the right car - it is out there.
Racer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 454
Likes: 19
From: Prescott AZ
I compromised on the first one I got in August 2012, a 99 Couple with 73k original mileage. It had everything I wanted for features but it wasn't the LeMans Blue paint I was after. But the pewter color of it was extremely nice, and after some "upgrades" it's all dialed in and is a fine car. I found it 9 miles from my house after a 3 month search.
The 04 CE I just bought in March was in New Mexico. Sat on a dealer lot for almost five years without selling, even though it only had 29K miles. So I had a fellow Corvette owner inspect it, drive it and send me pics. I flew almost 1000 miles to go drive it back, and wound up getting it well under KBB since no one wanted it in New Mexico.
I did get them both fully loaded with magnetic select ride control, telescoping steering wheel and all the power options, so it took a little longer to find them.
But they're out there, you just have to be patient and look for them.
The 04 CE I just bought in March was in New Mexico. Sat on a dealer lot for almost five years without selling, even though it only had 29K miles. So I had a fellow Corvette owner inspect it, drive it and send me pics. I flew almost 1000 miles to go drive it back, and wound up getting it well under KBB since no one wanted it in New Mexico.
I did get them both fully loaded with magnetic select ride control, telescoping steering wheel and all the power options, so it took a little longer to find them.
But they're out there, you just have to be patient and look for them.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 17,756
Likes: 1,211
From: Aiken, SC
St. Jude Donor '13 thru '26
None. I got real lucky when I bought mine. Yellow, 6 spd, HUD and the Corsa was already on it!!
Best part was only 1,900 miles so it was like new!!
Good Luck on your journey!
Best part was only 1,900 miles so it was like new!!
Good Luck on your journey!
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
My only compromise was in color ... got everything I wanted on my '04 but the color I preferred. Wanted MY/black vert like the '01 I had before but couldn't find a nice one with a 6spd - they all were autos as all 6spd verts were sold in a flash. So I took my second choice in silver/black vert almost like new with 43K on it. Color has grown on me since so I'm happy. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,270
Likes: 29
From: Chilliwack B.C.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
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From: oregon