2004 question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 234
Likes: 63
From: Phoenix (Fall/winter/spring); Seattle (summer)
2015 C5 of the Year Finalist
If you didn't know already, I guess you've found out that a lot of guys here find it hard to believe that all Corvette owners & prospective owners aren't obsessed with speed, drag racing, street racing, and doing burn-outs. Some of us are more than happy to buy a stock Corvette and maintain it's originality and just enjoy the great car as GM designed it.
Find you a good low mileage, well maintained C5 that hasn't been modded & abused, and there will be no looking back. You'll love everything about it.
Find you a good low mileage, well maintained C5 that hasn't been modded & abused, and there will be no looking back. You'll love everything about it.
And yes, I'm all about originality, although tasteful mods don't bug me. As for getting out of the Mustang market, l'll still be in it. I also own an all-original numbers-matching 1969 Mustang SportsRoof that's in perfect condition. I've always said the only reason I'd sell my Mustang was to get a Corvette. I've had lots of offers for the '69 but it's not going anywhere but my garage.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,740
Likes: 5
From: Central FL
OP what exactly are you looking for in a car? Price?Miles?Color?Body style? Etc... Just FYI 01-04 cars are nearly identical with minimal improvements so the 01-02 cars are the best bang for the buck..and if you like Blue 01 came in a Dark Navy Blue and 02 had a bright Electron which are just as nice as Le Mans without paying the premium for the collector aspect of the commemorative package..
Last edited by F&Yb0dluvr; Dec 28, 2014 at 08:50 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 203
Likes: 2
From: alabama
I have all the respect in the world for the racers. I love all forms of racing, but only as a spectator. I joke that my idea of fun is to take a fast car and drive it slow.
And yes, I'm all about originality, although tasteful mods don't bug me. As for getting out of the Mustang market, l'll still be in it. I also own an all-original numbers-matching 1969 Mustang SportsRoof that's in perfect condition. I've always said the only reason I'd sell my Mustang was to get a Corvette. I've had lots of offers for the '69 but it's not going anywhere but my garage.
And yes, I'm all about originality, although tasteful mods don't bug me. As for getting out of the Mustang market, l'll still be in it. I also own an all-original numbers-matching 1969 Mustang SportsRoof that's in perfect condition. I've always said the only reason I'd sell my Mustang was to get a Corvette. I've had lots of offers for the '69 but it's not going anywhere but my garage.
I have a Mustang background, too.....but don't currently own one. Even though I grew up in a family of Chevy devotees my first car was a '66 Mustang fastback that I bought in '69 for $1600. Sure wish I still had it today. Also had a new '03 GT that was a fun car at the time, but little did I know what I was missing out on by not having a C5 Vette. Glad I finally wised up & got one.
If you have any pics handy of your 69, I'd be interested in seeing. Thanks.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 361
Likes: 55
From: Los Angeles CA
Why not get an '02 coupe instead? Some who are more technical than I am say they are more reliable than the '04, you can find a never-been-raced, one owner example with relatively low miles for $14-$16k, and yeah...when you take off the targa top, it's truly the best of both worlds. My black '02 coupe has been with me for three months and we've had a blast so far.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 234
Likes: 63
From: Phoenix (Fall/winter/spring); Seattle (summer)
2015 C5 of the Year Finalist
I like it; pretty close to the way I behave these days, as well. I got the fast driving/risk taking out of my system long ago, and am probably lucky to be alive.
I have a Mustang background, too.....but don't currently own one. Even though I grew up in a family of Chevy devotees my first car was a '66 Mustang fastback that I bought in '69 for $1600. Sure wish I still had it today. Also had a new '03 GT that was a fun car at the time, but little did I know what I was missing out on by not having a C5 Vette. Glad I finally wised up & got one.
If you have any pics handy of your 69, I'd be interested in seeing. Thanks.
I have a Mustang background, too.....but don't currently own one. Even though I grew up in a family of Chevy devotees my first car was a '66 Mustang fastback that I bought in '69 for $1600. Sure wish I still had it today. Also had a new '03 GT that was a fun car at the time, but little did I know what I was missing out on by not having a C5 Vette. Glad I finally wised up & got one.
If you have any pics handy of your 69, I'd be interested in seeing. Thanks.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 234
Likes: 63
From: Phoenix (Fall/winter/spring); Seattle (summer)
2015 C5 of the Year Finalist
OP what exactly are you looking for in a car? Price?Miles?Color?Body style? Etc... Just FYI 01-04 cars are nearly identical with minimal improvements so the 01-02 cars are the best bang for the buck..and if you like Blue 01 came in a Dark Navy Blue and 02 had a bright Electron which are just as nice as Le Mans without paying the premium for the collector aspect of the commemorative package..
I'd like to spend close to what I can get for the 06 Mustang GT Premium. Which would be hopefully about 15k (ballpark). Only colors I don't care for are black, yellow and green. Looking for a coupe, automatic, hasn't been raced or heavily modded.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 590
Likes: 57
From: Aurora Colorado
If you didn't know already, I guess you've found out that a lot of guys here find it hard to believe that all Corvette owners & prospective owners aren't obsessed with speed, drag racing, street racing, and doing burn-outs. Some of us are more than happy to buy a stock Corvette and maintain it's originality and just enjoy the great car as GM designed it.
Find you a good low mileage, well maintained C5 that hasn't been modded & abused, and there will be no looking back. You'll love everything about it.
Find you a good low mileage, well maintained C5 that hasn't been modded & abused, and there will be no looking back. You'll love everything about it.
I bought a 10k mile,one owner,never in the rain,and no modifications C5--and just love it and have had no major problems with it.
Last edited by phoneman91; Dec 28, 2014 at 02:34 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,740
Likes: 5
From: Central FL
The 04' Commemorative you looked at was around 15k? If so that sounds like a steal..for $15k personally I would look for a 01-02 car with lower miles as opposed to 03-04 with higher miles..I gave a quick look on autotrader.com and it looks like there are several Black ones in your area with your description and everything else looks farther..craigslist might be your best option..
Last edited by F&Yb0dluvr; Dec 28, 2014 at 02:50 PM.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 234
Likes: 63
From: Phoenix (Fall/winter/spring); Seattle (summer)
2015 C5 of the Year Finalist
The 04' Commemorative you looked at was around 15k? If so that sounds like a steal..for $15k personally I would look for a 01-02 car with lower miles as opposed to 03-04 with higher miles..I gave a quick look on autotrader.com and it looks like there are several Black ones in your area with your description and everything else looks farther..craigslist might be your best option..
Here's a photo:
Racer
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 361
Likes: 55
From: Los Angeles CA
The 04 Commemorative was priced at $18,990 at a local dealer. It piqued my interest now than anything because the miles were decent -- 66,000 -- and it's one of the few 04s I've noticed at a dealer that wasn't priced in the low to mid 20s. With a clean history -- two owner, no accidents, features I'm looking for in a C5 -- I decided to take a look while I was near the dealership. I've never bought a used car from a dealer but, like I said, this one caught my attention.
Here's a photo:
Here's a photo:
By the way, you'll probably be looking at servicing all fluids other than engine oil on that car. A Chevy dealer will charge you around $1,000 for the A/C, brake fluid, read differential, filters, etc., and new plugs. Just the fluids and the plugs alone will run you around $300 if you used AC Delco parts.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 234
Likes: 63
From: Phoenix (Fall/winter/spring); Seattle (summer)
2015 C5 of the Year Finalist
If you're set on an '04, that sounds like it could be a great one. If I were you, and I was sure this was the car for me, I'd go into the dealer on December 31st and offer them $17,000 for it. As I said earlier, I'd find an '02 and save around $2-3K. I paid $14,500 for and '02 black coupe with 71K miles, back in September.
By the way, you'll probably be looking at servicing all fluids other than engine oil on that car. A Chevy dealer will charge you around $1,000 for the A/C, brake fluid, read differential, filters, etc., and new plugs. Just the fluids and the plugs alone will run you around $300 if you used AC Delco parts.
By the way, you'll probably be looking at servicing all fluids other than engine oil on that car. A Chevy dealer will charge you around $1,000 for the A/C, brake fluid, read differential, filters, etc., and new plugs. Just the fluids and the plugs alone will run you around $300 if you used AC Delco parts.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 203
Likes: 2
From: alabama
Racer
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 361
Likes: 55
From: Los Angeles CA
Good call Harley. Be patient and you'll find the perfect C5 for what you're looking for. And, this is probably a better time of year to get a great deal, as compared to spring or summer months.
Race Director
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 11,331
Likes: 136
From: Out of Site...Out of Mind. Corvette: anything else is just transportation.
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
For the 8 years that I owned my '04, I never had a single issue. I traded it for a '14 back in July and it was purchased in less than a week by another dealer. I haven't located it, I have all the stock items, and would like to think it went to a good home. If you come across it; silver, auto, Z06 motorsport wheels, Callaway Power Groups 1&2, silver seats with stingray's embroidered on headrests, it'll make a great trouble free C5.
It made for some great memories for me and I'm sure the next owner will enjoy it too. It's pretty easy to tell if a C5 you're looking at has been cared for with a good trustworthy mechanic checking it out and hooking it up to a computer to check for codes thrown.
Good luck in your search.
It made for some great memories for me and I'm sure the next owner will enjoy it too. It's pretty easy to tell if a C5 you're looking at has been cared for with a good trustworthy mechanic checking it out and hooking it up to a computer to check for codes thrown.
Good luck in your search.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 234
Likes: 63
From: Phoenix (Fall/winter/spring); Seattle (summer)
2015 C5 of the Year Finalist
Quick update: I just noticed that in the week since I looked at the car, the dealer has dropped 1 grand off the price, to $17.9k.
Made me look because ithe car shows really well from a cosmetic standpoint, but I'd still be nervous with the uncertainty of the gas tank among other things.
Made me look because ithe car shows really well from a cosmetic standpoint, but I'd still be nervous with the uncertainty of the gas tank among other things.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,938
Likes: 498
From: Fords, NJ
Quick update: I just noticed that in the week since I looked at the car, the dealer has dropped 1 grand off the price, to $17.9k.
Made me look because the car shows really well from a cosmetic standpoint, but I'd still be nervous with the uncertainty of the gas tank among other things.
Made me look because the car shows really well from a cosmetic standpoint, but I'd still be nervous with the uncertainty of the gas tank among other things.
If you really love the car take it out for a test drive and see how she is, pull the codes to see if there is anything stored. Then i'd do what 8VETTE7 said and offer them $2500 less citing the potential tank issue and the cost and time involved to get it repaired. Walk away if they don't want to play. wait a couple of days and then go back. Chances are the longer they have their money tied up on the lot with it sitting there unsold the more "understanding" they will be towards your counter offer
BTW: My VIN was higher up so I didn't have any fuel tank issues to deal with
Last edited by SG Lou; Jan 4, 2015 at 12:17 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 25,044
Likes: 1,265
From: Virginia
St. Jude Donor '11
Quick update: I just noticed that in the week since I looked at the car, the dealer has dropped 1 grand off the price, to $17.9k.
Made me look because ithe car shows really well from a cosmetic standpoint, but I'd still be nervous with the uncertainty of the gas tank among other things.
Made me look because ithe car shows really well from a cosmetic standpoint, but I'd still be nervous with the uncertainty of the gas tank among other things.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,423
Likes: 200
From: Atlanta GA
You're correct on all the items. The C5 will hold its value better. Also, a Z06 is not the "smooth rider" you're looking for. Instead, the stock or Commemorative Edition will probably have a smoother ride but be aware, they're sports cars and they will not be riding like a Caddy. If the ride is of primary concern, a C6 might be a better choice. Road noise will still be there as well. It's a fiberglass car with balsa wood floors. Noise WILL be coming in. Lastly, the "cool" factor you're looking for.... I'll quote from another thread. If you pull up to a red light with a Mustang, a Challenger, a Camaro, a Charger and a Vette all sitting there, all eyes will be drawn to the Vette. That's just a given. The Vette wins the "cool" prize. Good luck on what ever decision you make. There's a lot of fun cars out there. 
Having owned a coupe and a Z06, I have to say that the Z06 actually rides better, Only when you get on very rough roads do you notice the stiffer suspension. You definitely know the difference when you are in the twisties, but on good road, the major difference in the Z06 is more road noise. But the ride is actually smoother. This is one reason I made the switch, after riding in a bud's Z06 for a 200 mile road trip. I noticed it rode better (less movement and better planted) than my coupe and no rattles from the t-tops.
Of course no Corvette is going to ride like a Cadillac! Very few cars will!
