Future C5 Prices
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,473
Likes: 691
From: West Virginia
Yep. And the only C3's that get price are high option cars in top condition. C5's will continue to go down, and end up in C4 territory. So don't spend too much money upgrading your C5, you will never see it back.
The changing demographic referred to above is IMO the #1 long term issue for makers of cars like ours - most youngsters just do not aspire to own one, even if they are interested in cars other than as a "transportation appliance".
I have a young relative who actually is interested in cars in a big way, but despite a good dose of C5 passenger seat time, he has no connection to Corvettes - his motoring aspiration is more Japanese hot hatch - preferably turbo.
The changing demographic referred to above is IMO the #1 long term issue for makers of cars like ours - most youngsters just do not aspire to own one, even if they are interested in cars other than as a "transportation appliance".
I have a young relative who actually is interested in cars in a big way, but despite a good dose of C5 passenger seat time, he has no connection to Corvettes - his motoring aspiration is more Japanese hot hatch - preferably turbo.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,051
Likes: 54
From: Raleigh NC
I dont know about your Area. But around here a C3 cant be bought for as cheap as a C4 can. I see late c4's for 6-7k All day. C3's around here are going to 8-10ish for the regular ones in decent condition. Metal bumper ones go for more. C4's just dont hold Value. Cause of all the issues they had and the missing power
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 78
Likes: 5
From: Howard Oh
The Smile Factor
I may have over-paid when I bought my 2000 FRC with 66,000 miles on it but when I think of what else I could have bought for that money (5 year old Accord) I am instantly reminded of what it's worth when I turn the key and hear it rumble to life. The pleasure we get to enjoy for the money we have to spend is a bargain regardless of how the future value of our cars holds up. There are very few C5's that will ever be considered "collectable" and increase in value but the smile factor is priceless.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 170
From: oregon
LOL yes but not one you want to drive
a clean 96 with 80-90k miles and no issues is still going to run a guy at least 8
i think c5s are that way too though. stuff worth buying usually starts around 12k unless it's an early car then you may get a driver grade car around 10
5k c4s while fairly common, seem to require 5k more to make decent again
a clean 96 with 80-90k miles and no issues is still going to run a guy at least 8
i think c5s are that way too though. stuff worth buying usually starts around 12k unless it's an early car then you may get a driver grade car around 10
5k c4s while fairly common, seem to require 5k more to make decent again
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,510
Likes: 3
From: Life moves pretty fast... if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it!
CI 6-8-9 Veteran
Just my 2 cents, but I didn't buy my C5 as an investment, that would have been a '67 L88 back in the late 70s for investment purposes. This is a very reasonable, reliable car that is really fun to drive. I'm driving mine until the wheels fall off and then if I'm not too old, I'll buy another. But this one suits me just fine no matter its value! A little off topic I know, but it's more fun to drive than to worry about value. 
Zuti
Zuti
Racer
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 367
Likes: 3
From: Albuquerque New Mexico
but if you are modding your car with the intention of seeing it back, you are doing it wrong in the first place
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 12,413
Likes: 502
From: Rio Rancho NM
I dont know but check the other threads about this same topic that comes up a few times a year. It's a c5 man not a Viper or lambo...its a a dime a dozen corvette drive it and enjoy it..early year vettes 10-12k..mid year mid teens. verts and z06 high teens.I know some people still think they are worth some serious cash..but reality
Last edited by Chicago1; Jul 21, 2015 at 06:05 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 165
Likes: 5
From: Phoenix Az.
Just my 2 cents, but I didn't buy my C5 as an investment, that would have been a '67 L88 back in the late 70s for investment purposes. This is a very reasonable, reliable car that is really fun to drive. I'm driving mine until the wheels fall off and then if I'm not too old, I'll buy another. But this one suits me just fine no matter its value! A little off topic I know, but it's more fun to drive than to worry about value. Zuti
ZutiMy car is not an investment car, and I am very happy about that. I still do what I can to keep it minty clean and all that. But I'm not going to sweat over things like rock chips or normal wear and tear that comes with mileage. Screw that. It's a beautiful car to not just look at, but also to drive. I feel friggin' great when I get behind the wheel of my Vette. You can't put a price on that.
S.C.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,185
Likes: 641
From: Garland TX
I find it hard to believe that young people these days aren't into fast cars. I see plenty of them show up every Friday to the local car meet. They only drive what they can afford and most can't afford a C5...... Yet.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,051
Likes: 54
From: Raleigh NC
I dont know but check the other threads about this same topic that comes up a few times a year. It's a c5 man not a Viper or lambo...its a a dime a dozen corvette drive it and enjoy it..early year vettes 10-12k..mid year mid teens. verts and z06 high teens.I know some people still think they are worth some serious cash..but reality
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,051
Likes: 54
From: Raleigh NC
.....and....until another car comes out that has the same performance, gas mileage and reliability as the C5 z06 Z06 for around 20k I dont think the car will be dropping in price that much. I literaly compared every car in the 20k price range. You just can not beat/touch what the C5 z06 has to offer out of the box for 20k or less.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 336
Likes: 40
From: Longview WA
I bought my 2000 C5 for 19.5k...
Had to put new tires on it also... so more like... ~21k.
I probably over paid, but I love it none the less.
Its more of a modding car than not- with lots of bolt-ons and such.
She aint the prettiest, but she makes up with noise :P
I get comments pretty often about being young and driving a vette.. when i take it to a meet they think I'm driving my parents/grandparents ride.... but its mine, and I'm 23.
Had to put new tires on it also... so more like... ~21k.
I probably over paid, but I love it none the less.
Its more of a modding car than not- with lots of bolt-ons and such.
She aint the prettiest, but she makes up with noise :P
I get comments pretty often about being young and driving a vette.. when i take it to a meet they think I'm driving my parents/grandparents ride.... but its mine, and I'm 23.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,124
Likes: 105
From: Pensacola FL
I think C5s have pretty much bottomed out already. You are getting a $50Kish when new car in the $10-20K range right now. There will be examples that go under $10K, but they will generally be very high mileage AND need some work. An average 1997-00 C5 with around 100K miles still fetches $11-12K around here...and this is a very inexpensive area.
Unless the market suddenly dries up due to lack of interest, my opinion is that prices have stabilized.
Unless the market suddenly dries up due to lack of interest, my opinion is that prices have stabilized.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 429
From: Houston TX
This! The problem for all Corvette owners concerned about value/depreciation is supply and demand. There's plenty of Corvettes out there, but not a lot of young owners and young folks are not as interested in performance cars as the older generations. When I joined a Corvette club, expecting to be one of the oldest members, instead I'm one of the younger members. Heck, we don't need member numbers, just show them your AARP card number. If the prices are going to stabilize, then interest in owning a Corvette has to increase otherwise any Corvette, including some of the older versions, will decline in value. GM reflects this by openly stating they are targeting a younger generation with the C7, let's hope it's successful.
Edit: As for the C5, I think prices will continue to decline, but at a slower pace than before and not as much in terms of dollars as the C6.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 170
From: oregon
not so much no, numbers are declining vs people born in 1980 and before
you can even see it at the track and at shows. back in 2000 things were jammed. today. not at all. there are still a few big events and a lot of people in the scene. it just isn't growing like it had been.
modding cars is expensive and prices have inflated a LOT since the fast & furious days
on top of that the generation that is aging came from the fast & furious days. the MKIV supra is still extremely desirable and probably because so many people who are now 40 wanted one when they were 25
you can even see it at the track and at shows. back in 2000 things were jammed. today. not at all. there are still a few big events and a lot of people in the scene. it just isn't growing like it had been.
modding cars is expensive and prices have inflated a LOT since the fast & furious days
on top of that the generation that is aging came from the fast & furious days. the MKIV supra is still extremely desirable and probably because so many people who are now 40 wanted one when they were 25
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 30,363
Likes: 4,582
From: Bonita Springs, Florida
And real low mileage well maintained garage queens are $22k-$25k+ depending on the mode and mileage. As with anything, you get what you pay for.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 65
Likes: 6
From: Schaumburg IL
Future C5 Prices
I just bought my 04 for mid 20k. Good car, 41k miles. I'm 30 years old. Always wanted a vette. Saved my money for 4 years. Friends of mine said I was buying an old persons car. I beg to differ, I get compliments from people my age all the time when. I'm out driving. I plan to keep it for awhile and then get a c7. I agree with gm targeting a younger generation with the c7, problem is people my age don't have the money for a new c7.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,657
Likes: 195
From: Boxford Massachusetts
Three cheers for Aug Air and for those who bought their cars to drive and enjoy them, not to worry about their depreciation. You have to figure that all cars depreciate to zero. It's just a question of when. Meanwhile, enjoy the heck out of it. It's a blast to drive.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 945
Likes: 226
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,423
Likes: 200
From: Atlanta GA
Yep. And the only C3's that get price are high option cars in top condition. C5's will continue to go down, and end up in C4 territory. So don't spend too much money upgrading your C5, you will never see it back.
The changing demographic referred to above is IMO the #1 long term issue for makers of cars like ours - most youngsters just do not aspire to own one, even if they are interested in cars other than as a "transportation appliance".
I have a young relative who actually is interested in cars in a big way, but despite a good dose of C5 passenger seat time, he has no connection to Corvettes - his motoring aspiration is more Japanese hot hatch - preferably turbo.
The changing demographic referred to above is IMO the #1 long term issue for makers of cars like ours - most youngsters just do not aspire to own one, even if they are interested in cars other than as a "transportation appliance".
I have a young relative who actually is interested in cars in a big way, but despite a good dose of C5 passenger seat time, he has no connection to Corvettes - his motoring aspiration is more Japanese hot hatch - preferably turbo.
C4's are considered a door stop Corvette. They can be snatched up for <10K in good condition all day long. Excluding the ZR1's of course.