Future C5 Prices
Racer
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 277
Likes: 10
From: West Palm Beach FL
I am gonna say they are bottomed out. I just purchased mine at 12k for 80k mile 6sp convertible 1 owner car. I was offered by carmax 14k the next day when i took it to see what the value was. I doubt they will go less than 10k for a clean car
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
From: Sandy Hook CT
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
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,214
Likes: 1,140
From: Santa Rosa Beach FL
Am I the only one that thinks they already have? I mean, its based on mileage but I can't see a clean c5 coupe with say 100k miles selling for much less than $10k and that's about where they are. Of course you will find cheaper with high miles or bad titles but your everyday average 100k vett seems to have stopped at $10k for the last few years.
(Z06 excluded on the 10)
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 118
Likes: 17
From: Cedar Rapids Iowa
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.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 691
Likes: 19
From: Los Angeles
Uhh...... who cares?
Personally, I feel the earlier C5's bottomed out years ago. Bought my 120k mile '98 for $11k 6 years ago and at 181k today, I think I could sell for $10k. That's probably the cheapest driving you can do.
Personally, I feel the earlier C5's bottomed out years ago. Bought my 120k mile '98 for $11k 6 years ago and at 181k today, I think I could sell for $10k. That's probably the cheapest driving you can do.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 886
Likes: 87
From: Largo FL
I think a big part of C5 prices has to do where you live, here in FL they are everywhere and prices are low. I paid $7500 (he started at $9500) for a 97 about 6 months ago with 135k miles, but car was in very good condition in and out. I wouldn't consider it a show car, but nice, runs and drives perfect. I doubt they will go any lower than that, $10 to $12k is the norm.
I feel for the guys that paid top dollar or bought new and are trying to sell for $16k to $18 or more, or put a lot of money into mods thinking they are going to get that back out. The last thing I wanted when buying was modified car, in fact, considered it a negative, especially some loud exhaust.
Just for the record, you can buy C4's around here for about $5k and C6's for $20, have seen some lower. I think at some point the C5's will stabilize around $9 to $10k. Most younger people don't want them, around here it's mostly 50/60 year olds. Of course, super low mileage, special editions and conv will get more money.
http://sarasota.craigslist.org/cto/5133197193.html
http://ocala.craigslist.org/cto/5096454152.html
I feel for the guys that paid top dollar or bought new and are trying to sell for $16k to $18 or more, or put a lot of money into mods thinking they are going to get that back out. The last thing I wanted when buying was modified car, in fact, considered it a negative, especially some loud exhaust.
Just for the record, you can buy C4's around here for about $5k and C6's for $20, have seen some lower. I think at some point the C5's will stabilize around $9 to $10k. Most younger people don't want them, around here it's mostly 50/60 year olds. Of course, super low mileage, special editions and conv will get more money.
http://sarasota.craigslist.org/cto/5133197193.html
http://ocala.craigslist.org/cto/5096454152.html
Last edited by ronwc; Jul 24, 2015 at 10:27 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 945
Likes: 226
I paid $23K last summer for a 35,000 mile coupe in excellent condition outside of Washington DC. I agree with you about the mods and returns. I think if you accept its for fun and not part of your 401K, than more power to you if mods are what you want.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 501
Likes: 44
From: Aurora Colorado
That's about what I paid for my 03 coupe last summer. Had 29K on the odometer when I bought it.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,341
Likes: 233
From: Placitas NM
St. Jude Contributor '03 & '04
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,628
Likes: 3,333
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 16,106
Likes: 473
Too funny. When I got my '04 Z06, I was trying to stretch to buy a Ford GT. Used at the time they were another $20-30k or so over the MSRP of my Z06, which I just couldn't swing at the time.
Boy, looking back...I shoulda found a way to make that happen! Seen GT values of late? They have gone thru the roof!
Eh.....whatever. I own the Vette because I'm a Vette fan. Would have one regardless. Love the looks of my C5, and hope to have it for many years to come. Past couple years been driving it more than I have in the past 10, fixing stuff, taking good care of it. Next project is a seat and stereo upgrade. Only have 40k or so miles on it. Can't really fathom having something that goes faster, practically speaking, since it goes like a bat outta hell with just very minor mods.
Boy, looking back...I shoulda found a way to make that happen! Seen GT values of late? They have gone thru the roof!
Eh.....whatever. I own the Vette because I'm a Vette fan. Would have one regardless. Love the looks of my C5, and hope to have it for many years to come. Past couple years been driving it more than I have in the past 10, fixing stuff, taking good care of it. Next project is a seat and stereo upgrade. Only have 40k or so miles on it. Can't really fathom having something that goes faster, practically speaking, since it goes like a bat outta hell with just very minor mods.
Last edited by SLO VETTE; Jul 25, 2020 at 09:10 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 6,480
Likes: 556
As a regular shopper (and I have been for 5 years) I can say the bottom was a while ago. I am now clearly seeing C5 prices going up. I am looking for an '01 or newer targa top coupe with an M6, and low mileage versions of these have asking prices north of $20K. Many, if not most sellers are asking as much for these cars as Z06s. I don't know if lack of availability, increased demand, or a combination of the two is driving up prices, but they are definitely going up. I'm seriously considering including pre-'01 models in my searches from now on just to give me more cars to look at. There seems to be plenty of low mileage pre-'01s out there, and they are usually priced several thousands less then the '01 and newer models...I know, they are less desirable than the newer models, but I'm getting discouraged with my lack of being able to find what I want in the newer models...the way I see it, owning a pre-'01 model is better than not owning a C5 at all...
Last edited by grampi50; Jul 25, 2020 at 11:31 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,496
Likes: 475
From: New Jersey
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,496
Likes: 475
From: New Jersey
I paid $12k for my ‘98 convertible. Assuming that I maintain it in its current pristine shape and add nothing but miles, repairing what’s needed as I go, I can’t see it ever being hard to sell for $10k.
