The coupe sounds like the most practical choice for you. Good luck 
C5 base vs. Z06?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Allentown PA & Elk Twp NJ HPDE Addict
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,257
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From: Appleton WI
The best advice I can give you is drive several Vettes. As stated, have patience while looking and don't settle. I looked at 30 - 40 cars before I found the one I wanted. It turned out to be a 2003 Z06.
Don't let miles turn you away. Maintenance and condition are key. I bought mine with 167k miles and it is currently hibernating 247k miles. The only repair I had to do was a slave cylinder. Everything else has been by choice.
Something to consider... when I was in college and not driving a vette, my car took a beating from all the azzhats on campus. The parking structure was patrolled and considered the safest place to park but I still had crap happen to my car. You may want to wait on the Vette or at least be willing to accept some damage.
Good luck on your decision. If you do decided to buy one, you are now obligated to share a picture to two.
Don't let miles turn you away. Maintenance and condition are key. I bought mine with 167k miles and it is currently hibernating 247k miles. The only repair I had to do was a slave cylinder. Everything else has been by choice.
Something to consider... when I was in college and not driving a vette, my car took a beating from all the azzhats on campus. The parking structure was patrolled and considered the safest place to park but I still had crap happen to my car. You may want to wait on the Vette or at least be willing to accept some damage.
Good luck on your decision. If you do decided to buy one, you are now obligated to share a picture to two.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 32
Likes: 3
The best advice I can give you is drive several Vettes. As stated, have patience while looking and don't settle. I looked at 30 - 40 cars before I found the one I wanted. It turned out to be a 2003 Z06.
Don't let miles turn you away. Maintenance and condition are key. I bought mine with 167k miles and it is currently hibernating 247k miles. The only repair I had to do was a slave cylinder. Everything else has been by choice.
Something to consider... when I was in college and not driving a vette, my car took a beating from all the azzhats on campus. The parking structure was patrolled and considered the safest place to park but I still had crap happen to my car. You may want to wait on the Vette or at least be willing to accept some damage.
Good luck on your decision. If you do decided to buy one, you are now obligated to share a picture to two.
Don't let miles turn you away. Maintenance and condition are key. I bought mine with 167k miles and it is currently hibernating 247k miles. The only repair I had to do was a slave cylinder. Everything else has been by choice.
Something to consider... when I was in college and not driving a vette, my car took a beating from all the azzhats on campus. The parking structure was patrolled and considered the safest place to park but I still had crap happen to my car. You may want to wait on the Vette or at least be willing to accept some damage.
Good luck on your decision. If you do decided to buy one, you are now obligated to share a picture to two.
Great advise! I will be living off campus so hopefully that will not be an issue! Great perspective though!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 32
Likes: 3
Save more $ imo. You aren't far off from some really nice ones at 18k. It's easily worth the extra 3k
I chose coupe, I would chose it again being I like targa. It's that simple to me.
The z06 is a better bang for the buck overall. I also think they will hold value better.
That said, it's hard to put a price on enjoyment. If you like the sun and open air; all argue nets are null. Someone in here will copy paste some slew of differences; but if you read the FAQs here you will find that 01+ Z51 coupes are damn near a z06 with a targa.
I chose 03 z51. It has a full exhaust and intake- runs bottom 12s @ 118. A z will handle better right up until I add coil overs.
Basically the options only matter if you DO keep it stock. So buy what you will enjoy most if not modding.
I chose coupe, I would chose it again being I like targa. It's that simple to me.
The z06 is a better bang for the buck overall. I also think they will hold value better.
That said, it's hard to put a price on enjoyment. If you like the sun and open air; all argue nets are null. Someone in here will copy paste some slew of differences; but if you read the FAQs here you will find that 01+ Z51 coupes are damn near a z06 with a targa.
I chose 03 z51. It has a full exhaust and intake- runs bottom 12s @ 118. A z will handle better right up until I add coil overs.
Basically the options only matter if you DO keep it stock. So buy what you will enjoy most if not modding.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 312
From: P-town Baby! Virginia
If you are set on a 15k budget...then a coupe is the way to go. If you can wait a little while and save up....you may like a Z better. Get out and drive all three bodystyles and see what moves you. 
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 184
Likes: 6
Coupe will likely be the better bet but go with what you like. I would also like to reiterate the be prepared for possible damages at college part. Off campus or not you are likely in a college town where there may be a time someone dents / dings / scratches your car.
Also is that 15k tax, tag and title? Not sure what the taxes are like in your state but mine were easily another 2-3K on top of the price of the car.
Also is that 15k tax, tag and title? Not sure what the taxes are like in your state but mine were easily another 2-3K on top of the price of the car.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: NJ
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The time has come for me to purchase my first vette! I am interested in hearing feedback from previous vette owners as to which road I should go, and here is the rundown:
The corvette I purchase will never see a track (neither 1/4 mile or circuit) and will only be used as a daily driver. With this in mind I will be keeping the car very close to stock (with the exception of a cold air and obviously an exhaust stystem). I am attending college currently so any modifications are out of the question.
What I'm really looking for is if you were me, would you purchase a C5 base coupe vs. spending a few thousand more on a z06?
$15,000 cash to spend.
The corvette I purchase will never see a track (neither 1/4 mile or circuit) and will only be used as a daily driver. With this in mind I will be keeping the car very close to stock (with the exception of a cold air and obviously an exhaust stystem). I am attending college currently so any modifications are out of the question.
What I'm really looking for is if you were me, would you purchase a C5 base coupe vs. spending a few thousand more on a z06?
$15,000 cash to spend.
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 32
Likes: 1
From: Tallahassee FL
Coming from a 25 year old college student (grad school) with an 02z, I'd say get the coupe. I love the performance aspect of the z, but the ride isn't exactly forgiving, I'd kill for some extra storage room, and I seriously regret not being able to take the top off (of the car at least).
I happened to get a deal on a mine with 93k on it for 16.5, but that was with it needing some clutch and tranny work. Just save the money, get the coupe, go over to doubledmods and get a nice head unit so you can stream from your phone, and call it a day. At this stage in the game, it's more than enough.
I happened to get a deal on a mine with 93k on it for 16.5, but that was with it needing some clutch and tranny work. Just save the money, get the coupe, go over to doubledmods and get a nice head unit so you can stream from your phone, and call it a day. At this stage in the game, it's more than enough.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,855
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From: Sammamish WA
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For those of you complaining about a Z06's ride, you either need new shocks or you got it so low it has hardly any travel to handle bumps. My '04Z is lowered about as low as it can go on stock bolts and it soaks up the major crappy roads up here in WA very well. I'm 56 with not the best lower back, and my Z never bugs me. Much better ride then my ex-track DD 95 M3....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,423
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From: Atlanta GA
For those of you complaining about a Z06's ride, you either need new shocks or you got it so low it has hardly any travel to handle bumps. My '04Z is lowered about as low as it can go on stock bolts and it soaks up the major crappy roads up here in WA very well. I'm 56 with not the best lower back, and my Z never bugs me. Much better ride then my ex-track DD 95 M3....
I would recommend a Z06 over a coupe, but not with only 15K to spend out the door. In that case, I would recommend the Coupe. You will be able to get a much nicer car. A 15K tax, title, and carrying charges Z06 will be a high mileage machine, probably not in the best of shape either.
Nothing wrong with a coupe at all. All Corvettes are great American Sports cars.
Last edited by bikeriderga; Jan 24, 2016 at 08:17 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2016
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Would like to thank everyone for the advise so far- still on the hunt and quite honestly expect to remain so for 2-3 months before a fantastic deal comes across that I am fortunate enough to receive!
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Jeremy - I live a little over 2 hours south of you. If I run across any nice cars for sale in your budget range, I'll let you know. As others have said, take your time and thoroughly check any car over. You'll be glad you did.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 28
Likes: 1
From: Detroit MI
I was in a very similar position as you. Also a college student, had a lower budget myself, and just picked up a '99 FRC. My advice is don't be in a rush. Figure out what you want and take your time to find the right car. It took me almost 7 months of looking and test driving 10+ cars before I found one. The test driving really helps weed out which options you do and don't want/need. That being said, when you do find one, move on it. The good deals don't last long.
Good luck on your search!
Good luck on your search!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 32
Likes: 3
Coupe will likely be the better bet but go with what you like. I would also like to reiterate the be prepared for possible damages at college part. Off campus or not you are likely in a college town where there may be a time someone dents / dings / scratches your car.
Also is that 15k tax, tag and title? Not sure what the taxes are like in your state but mine were easily another 2-3K on top of the price of the car.
Also is that 15k tax, tag and title? Not sure what the taxes are like in your state but mine were easily another 2-3K on top of the price of the car.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 32
Likes: 3
I was in a very similar position as you. Also a college student, had a lower budget myself, and just picked up a '99 FRC. My advice is don't be in a rush. Figure out what you want and take your time to find the right car. It took me almost 7 months of looking and test driving 10+ cars before I found one. The test driving really helps weed out which options you do and don't want/need. That being said, when you do find one, move on it. The good deals don't last long.
Good luck on your search!
Good luck on your search!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,200
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From: Honolulu, HI
If you have to really ask, you'd probably be better with the coupe.
The Z06 is not a hard car to live with as a daily, but is more hardcore oriented and would attract the more performance types right away.
The Z06 is not a hard car to live with as a daily, but is more hardcore oriented and would attract the more performance types right away.