Hi guys, I am a C6 owner, considering adding a nice C5 to my collection. It's a 28k mile '99, auto, coupe with a few nice cosmetic mods in extremely good shape. Also has cat back and CAI. Just reupholstered seats in new shape and some leather upgrades in side. Paint is perfect and drives very well. I am wondering how badly this car might depreciate in, say 2-4 years with the influx of the C7 in the market as well as used C6's seeming more numerous. Always liked C5 look and am considering another toy! The original owner is asking 20k, has health problems. Sorry no pics. What say you C5 experts??

 

20K is high for a 99, but the mileage is next to nothing. Doubt you would find another 99 with 28K.

The biggest problem for the < 2001 models is finding EBCM parts if they Active Handling/ABS module goes out. GM does not make them any more and finding a replacement (or being able to repair them) is almost non existent. Some have been able to repair minor issues with the EBCM modules, but certainly is not guaranteed.

Have the tires been replaced and when? What about regular fluid changes? If I were looking at a 99 with such low mileage I would want the service record.

You should be able to get an 01-02 coupe for around 20-22K with less than 50K mileage.

The C5 values are pretty much holding up, especially the Verts and Z06s with low mileage. Bought my 03 Z06 with 20K two years ago, have another 10K on the odometer, and the value of the vehicle is within 2K of what I paid for mine and I overpaid due to the condition of the vehicle and the high priced accessories (no engine mods other than Vararam and Corsa XPipe and Catback). The SRS wheels were about 800K a piece, so it made mine more valuable, plus all fluids had been changed by Buy A Vette and came with warranty (2 yrs). Tires, brakes, drilled rotors, etc were less than 2 years old, and I had the service records for everything ever done to the vehicle.

C6 coupes are really dropping in value. You can almost get a C6 coupe for what a C5 Z06 or Vert will cost you, mileage and condition being similar. Think it is due to more C6s on the market by those that have traded their C6 for a C7. The 05-07 C5 coupes are selling in the high 20ties now, which puts them on par for a 02-04 Z06 and low mileage C5 Vert.

 

The price seems a bit high for a '99, even with low miles. But, with a little negotiation, you should be able to buy it right.

C6's are definitely on a steeper part of the depreciation curve than C5's are, so you will lose less money to depreciation on a C5 vs a C6. That said, C5's in general are still depreciating.

Be sure to post up some pics if you do pull the trigger!

Good luck!

 

If you have 20K to spend then I'd suggest skipping the generic C5 and look for a C5 Z06. C5 prices are still dropping in my area, but over the past several years it has been the Z06's retaining the most value. Dollar for power and enjoyment the Z will win every time. There's a huge difference in the butt dyno going from a LS3 to a LS1. Seriously, you will mash the gas and ask yourself where the power is. It won't be as noticeable with the LS6. Overall, the Z06 is just a better made car.

Now with that being said. If you don't want a manual and really enjoy having a removable top or convertible, then disregard my above paragraph.

 

In my area c5's seem to be priced about exactly the same as when I started looking 3 years ago. I still think 20k is a little high for a 99 regardless of the mileage.

 

Around here the C5s have been pretty steady in keeping their value up and of course that really depends on the vehicle miles, condition and options. $20K for a '99 may be a bit high, so there could be some room for negotiation.

 

Thanks C5 guys! Appreciate all the feedback. If this car was 16k, I would have already brought it home. Am thinking 18k is about right, considering tires and a bit of fluid work. Am gonna see about maint records as well.

 

Even at 18k you can get a z06. But it wouldn't be as clean as the one you are looking at.

 

Check this one out.. I almost want to trade up..

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/ctd/4523337211.html

 

Man, this looks good. I am gonna have to rethink strategy here... Thanks for sending this link.

 

twinarrow99 - This dealer has been around "forever" and is well respected and trusted. Real straight with everyone. I have seen the car, it's very nice, better than in the pictures...

 

You had me agreeing with you until that last sentence. "Better value" and "better made" are completely different things: it's not like the C5Z came off a different assembly line.

 

You already have a coupe, consider the C5 convertible! you can get some nice top/paint combos that will look good with top up or down. You are already downgrading in the power department and most people with convertibles don't need to go lighting fast because they are looking too cool at any speed!! For me the ragtop is the only way to own a Vette>>>>you cant go wrong either though, as the C5 is and will always be beautiful!

 

Trade in the C6 and put the C5 money toward a 2015 z

 

Better engine
Lighter
Better tranny
Better factory tires-no run flats
Better gears/gear ratio
Lighter weight front windshield
Less noise in cabin
No power antenna
Better swaybars
Better shocks
Better/lighter exhaust

While yes the the nuts and bolts might be the same. Perfomance and overall the car is hands down better than a base C5.

 

I never said it wasn't. And yes, it is significantly better equipped. But the build quality is certainly no better than the base model, which is what almost all people would think of when they hear the phrase "better made".

 

20k makes for a nice downpayment on a C7...

 

...leaving a balance higher than what I paid for my first house. It's all relative.

 

Have to say, that one is quite a buy!!

Partial to Z06s, but with this mileage and at this price, if I were in the market, would have to consider this one!

 

Nice down payment yes, but look at what's left owning:

Corvette C7 = 65K
Downpayment= 20K
Left = 45K

Payments (at 3.39%, 60 months): $ 862.94

Pretty steep payments. Equals most house payments in the Southeast!