If he wanted a C6 he wouldn't be on this board now would he? I've seen C6 cars in the low 20s don't mean a thing.

Verts are worth more than a coupe, no matter what gen it is. If it is an AE Vert with those low miles it'll probably bring high 20s with those low miles. When we were looking last early spring we seen a few that were asking low 30s for AE Verts with very low miles.

 

You're comparing apples to oranges here. You're comparing a high miles coupe to a very low miles Vert. Don't work that way. Even if you find a 100,000 mile vert it'd be 3 grand more than a coupe.

 

3rd. owner of 2003 vert, 6-sp here. 42K miles no big deal on that many owners. My sticker was $53,900, did not have mag ride option other wise had the 1SB package, so unless its a true Anniv. Addition not sure it would get up to $60K originally.

 

Maybe so but a $3k spread seems unlikely on a car with higher miles. Some cars are worth less as verts, not everyone wants them.

 

look for signs of the mileage being correct, very easy to alter mileage on a c5

factory paint in near perfect condition would be one thing you should see, oem brake rotors also in great shape, interior leather, few other things.

just unusual you would have 4 owners and none of them drove the car

 

If it helps, here is the "approximate base values" for C5's as printed in the january 2015 issue of corvette magazine.

2003 R show ready 33500 good 27000 average 21000 needs TLC 17000 down 3% from last year

Show ready is defined as near factory original condition
good includes older restorations and lightly worn originals
average regularly street driven examples
TLC need major overhaul.

I always feel these prices slanted because of the venue, but then I am always suspicious about money advice, since I am the one with exposure to loss.
I don't see those prices reflected around my town, Corvettes are far from the fashion of the time, BMW, but this area still draws cars from other areas in the Southwest because of the large market.

I bought my 03 convertible for cheap, right around this time of year as it needed mechanical work and I had set aside a budget for fettering the car. Most high skill owners select a low milage car as a starting point, I now know very well why this approach is favored, it is spelled GM.

It is very unusual to find a good deal that can not be duplicated . A once in a life time car is not on the plate often, and I have never read here about a guy who regretted taking a considered approach. If you think the price is high, tell the seller about this problem. It up to him to fix the price, so no worries for you. They made plenty of cars, if the guy wants to sell, he will. If you insists on fair price, you will get one, from a fair seller of an honest car.

I find the blue book is only useful for insurance companies to set coverage rates, not as a retail price guide. While some are sold to the public for the use stated on the cover, every insurance desk in America has a new copy every year. So high values are a benefit to the main customer base, which might explain why my price area in Southern CAlifornia also includes Guam, where I would expect Corvettes cost more all around.

 

 

Wow. Those top prices are ridiculous in my mind. I've seen a lot of C5s at prices lower than that sit. Maybe my definition of good and average are different than Corvette Magazine. But I always thought those numbers were inflated to make the Corvette owner (the primary reader of the magazine) feel better about their car.

Without any specifics (like is it an anniversary edition, original tires, etc.), I'd say low 20s would be more appropriate.

 

I've had others argue that with me, and just like how an 04 is generally "worth" more than an 02, generally a C6 is going to be "worth" more than a C5. A lot of people on this board don't like to hear it, but it's just the way things are.

 

That may depend on what part of the country you live in. I've seen several C6s for less than some C5s. I would personally pay more for a real nice C5, because I don't like the looks of a C6 and will never have one. My son-in-law bought a 06 C6 coupe with 11455 miles on it 2 years ago for $24000.00 from the 2nd owner and he knows the first owner too.
Generally a C6 is going to be "worth" more than a C5. I would agree with your statement here BUT that don't mean a very nice C5 isn't worth high 20s.

 

The argument could be made that 'verts' are the least popular of all the C5's.

I personally like them all , but many people do not.

 

I didn't say he wants a C6 or that he should get a C6, im just putting it into perspective that paying 30 grand for a regular C5 is just a little over the top at this point.

Ive seen C4's with low mileage selling for $15 - $20k, and I would say the same thing to them, buy a C5, its called SMART SHOPPING.

 

First time I ever heard that argument. So verts are worth less than a coupe even though they cost more initially?

 

I didn't comment on the original cost of a vert, I just commented on their popularity.

 

Seems you need to do some more research.

 

lolvert M3s are worth considerably less than coupes even though they cost more initially.

In performance based cars, manual transmission hardtops will almost always be worth the most by the time they are older and appeal to a specific audience.

I see you have a convertible in your avatar, so I'm sure you'll disagree.

 

Just gotta jump in. I would not own a Corvette unless it is a convertible. A car that is not my DD has to be a convertible. I don't think its just me either otherwise they would not build them.

For OP if you like the car...buy it, the previous number of owners would not turn me off. The low mileage and condition and being the vehicle you like would be my decision maker. Good luck.

 

Why have a "Sports Car" and not have it be a "Roadster"??? Seems like the only real thing to do. Want a hard top, get a Muscle Car.

 

Probably because most "sports cars" that are convertibles give up a lot to become convertibles. Usually they are hit with high weight penalties, lose their structural rigidity and end up squeaking and rattling over time.

Yes, I know that C5+ Corvettes were designed as convertibles from the ground up. The same can't be said for all makes and models though.

Another thing to consider is that most tracks don't allow convertibles to participate unless significant safety mods are present.

 

If you're buying it to be your daily driver I believe it would be a mistake to buy a low mileage '03 C5 and pay the premium price for the low miles. It will depreciate in value a lot if you put 50-60,000 miles on it in a couple of years. You'd be much better off finding a nice, well maintained, one owner C5 that already has that many miles on it and is available to purchase for 10-12K less.

On the other hand, if you're buying a weekend toy & only intend to put 3,000 to 5,000 miles on it a year, then go ahead & pay the premium price. Good luck!