what compromises did you make?
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 84
Likes: 14
From: Cincinnati OH
what compromises did you make?
Looking for a C5 and at the recommendation of a forum member, I made a list of what I wanted in the car. Of all the cars I have seen the top 3 in condition were all in colors (both exterior and interior) that are not my ideals. I know color is not the most important factor by far, but on the other hand I am not looking for anything that is rare either. My ideal car is an automatic, convertible, low mileage, in very good condition with either red, white or blue exterior and tan interior. I am ready to buy but can be patient. Just curious, what (if any) compromises did you make in buying your C5 and have you been sorry in any way? Thanks everyone, the forum and members are great ! Enjoy the weekend.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,995
Likes: 9
From: Camdenton MO
2024 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Well, I went to a used lot to look at a '99 Pewter FRC and came home with a 2000 Arctic White coupe. So, I made a few compromises in order to get the better overall car. Lower miles, and better condition won out over a fixed roof and a stick. No complaints.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 65
None, wait for the correct one, if anything look for a motivated seller, I did and saved a bunch. If you are looking for a Vert, in a few months the sellers will be more anxious to sell rather than holding on all winter.
Good luck
Don't be afraid of a little work on the interior Vetts are notorious for interiors that do not wear well and replacement seat covers are easily installed.
Good luck
Don't be afraid of a little work on the interior Vetts are notorious for interiors that do not wear well and replacement seat covers are easily installed.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 17,767
Likes: 3,695
From: The Sunshine State
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
Finalist 2020 C7 of the Year -- Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
Also, don't be afraid to look out of state. Florida is full of low mile garage queens that waxers only drive to local shows. 
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 4,831
Likes: 21
From: The Voice of Reason!
St. Jude Donor '14
I made no compromises. Took the time to find what I wanted even if it was 1000 miles away. Probably paid top dollar for it. It is truly a car I can say I really like this car without having to say "but".......as in, I'd preferred a different color, I'd rather had a different transmission, I'd rather it have fewer miles......no buts with this car! I've never been sorry about the choices I made with this car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 5,037
Likes: 846
From: Rotonda West, FL 2015 Z51 M7 3LT
Oldtimer
None. I made a list of
Must haves ( blue ext, HUD, targa, etc....)
Must NOT have (selective ride control, etc...)
Would be nice (Z51)
My '03 coupe has all of the "must have" list, none of the "NOT have" list and the only thing on my "would be nice" list was the Z51 and it does not have that. But it will next year as it's easy to do.
Whether you settle for something less than what you really want is totally up to you. I didn't.
Must haves ( blue ext, HUD, targa, etc....)
Must NOT have (selective ride control, etc...)
Would be nice (Z51)
My '03 coupe has all of the "must have" list, none of the "NOT have" list and the only thing on my "would be nice" list was the Z51 and it does not have that. But it will next year as it's easy to do.
Whether you settle for something less than what you really want is totally up to you. I didn't.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
Looking for a C5 and at the recommendation of a forum member, I made a list of what I wanted in the car. Of all the cars I have seen the top 3 in condition were all in colors (both exterior and interior) that are not my ideals. I know color is not the most important factor by far, but on the other hand I am not looking for anything that is rare either. My ideal car is an automatic, convertible, low mileage, in very good condition with either red, white or blue exterior and tan interior. I am ready to buy but can be patient. Just curious, what (if any) compromises did you make in buying your C5 and have you been sorry in any way? Thanks everyone, the forum and members are great ! Enjoy the weekend.
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Drifting
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,839
Likes: 390
When I was shopping, my requirements were very specific: 2004 base coupe in completely stock condition, torch red w/black interior, body color roof, non-smoker previous owner(s), auto, hud and memory package a plus but not required, low mileage (under 30K), exterior/interior must be in excellent condition. Most of the ones I saw in person had some degree of rock chips and spidering of paint along the front bumper area. It took me about six months to find the one that came very close to my requirements. I eventually found an '04 with less than 24k miles that was formerly an AZ/CA car. It did take me a little over my initial budget, but am very happy with the purchase. My only compromise was that it came with Borla Stingers, which are louder than the Corsa I was used to. Good luck with your search.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,858
Likes: 30
It was amazing how mine came to me exactly as I would have desired it. One owner, lower miles, priced right. I'm very pleased. There was a short time I wised it was manual but with all the calls, traffic distractions I'm happy its as she sits. Mods made it more to my taste but that's another thread. I wish you good luck finding her
Btw A well to do friend of mine Frank has a 05 anniversary red, tan interior vert with white top, purchased new with only 800 miles
He says he wants to part with her . I asked him to send my some pics we plan to post it in the for sale forum. Car is mint. Take a looksee see what you think.
almost
Btw A well to do friend of mine Frank has a 05 anniversary red, tan interior vert with white top, purchased new with only 800 miles
He says he wants to part with her . I asked him to send my some pics we plan to post it in the for sale forum. Car is mint. Take a looksee see what you think. almost
Last edited by PeterB; Sep 20, 2013 at 04:19 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 4,309
Likes: 13
From: FW/d Texas
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. 
Last edited by C5Txfan; Sep 20, 2013 at 04:53 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,962
Likes: 254
From: Richmond, Ky
My only compromise was budget. If not for that, I'd be in a C6 Z06 with a C7 on order. The car I bought met all my criteria. Torch red, FRC, all the options available that I wanted were on this car. With 49k on the car it wasn't perfect, but for the money I got a great (no issues in 3 years) car that I thoroughly enjoy.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
I had a list of must haves, wants, and do not wants.
On my '99 navy blue targa, I compromised on a gray interior when I wanted black one. I would have preferred HUD too. The rest of the car is in pretty good condition and most of what I wanted (even the mods). I have thought about adding HUD since it looks like for about $400 I could install it, but I haven't gotten around to it. The interior color still bothers me a little, but I can live with it.
On my '99 FRC, I wanted nassau blue, but compromised on pewter. I still drool over the blue ones and would love to trade for a blue one comparable to mine. Mine has been a great car and was such a good price that I think I would still buy it again.
I did not compromise any of the must haves or do not wants.
On my '99 navy blue targa, I compromised on a gray interior when I wanted black one. I would have preferred HUD too. The rest of the car is in pretty good condition and most of what I wanted (even the mods). I have thought about adding HUD since it looks like for about $400 I could install it, but I haven't gotten around to it. The interior color still bothers me a little, but I can live with it.
On my '99 FRC, I wanted nassau blue, but compromised on pewter. I still drool over the blue ones and would love to trade for a blue one comparable to mine. Mine has been a great car and was such a good price that I think I would still buy it again.
I did not compromise any of the must haves or do not wants.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 35
Likes: 1
From: Columbia, Missouri
My only compromise was on the miles. There are slightly more than I would have preferred. Otherwise I was lucky to find what I was looking for, white exterior, grey interior and an auto.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,734
Likes: 232
From: Youngstown Ohio
I made no compromise. 
I went and bought a C5 coupe, manual and then modded the heck out it to make it. 
Only problem, the modding bug is seasonal and that time of the year is right around the corner. 
Being a bit more serious though, wait and get what you want and you will be happy and regret free for many years to come. Now if the auto trans isn't so important to you take a look at this:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-c...e-6-speed.html
Beautiful car, taken very fine care of and I know the seller. The car is in NE Ohio and about a five hour drive from you.
Good luck,
PC
I went and bought a C5 coupe, manual and then modded the heck out it to make it. Only problem, the modding bug is seasonal and that time of the year is right around the corner. Being a bit more serious though, wait and get what you want and you will be happy and regret free for many years to come. Now if the auto trans isn't so important to you take a look at this:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-c...e-6-speed.html
Beautiful car, taken very fine care of and I know the seller. The car is in NE Ohio and about a five hour drive from you.
Good luck,
PC
Instructor
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 249
Likes: 1
From: Denver North Carolina
St Jude Donor '15
I was looking at C6's for the Heated Seats and the HID lights.
My wife also liked the C6 Body style. I kept getting lured back to the C5 ZO6 then I drove one and that was it.
I love the ZO6 2003 Quick Silver Mod Red Interior 33K miles.
What I gave up HID Healights and Heated seats which can all be added to the ZO6.... I am very happy and so is the wife because of the unique look it has grown on her. I have not done the upgrades yet and probaly will only upgrade the Headlights they are pretty bad.
My wife also liked the C6 Body style. I kept getting lured back to the C5 ZO6 then I drove one and that was it.
I love the ZO6 2003 Quick Silver Mod Red Interior 33K miles.
What I gave up HID Healights and Heated seats which can all be added to the ZO6.... I am very happy and so is the wife because of the unique look it has grown on her. I have not done the upgrades yet and probaly will only upgrade the Headlights they are pretty bad.