Notices
C5 General General C5 Corvette and C5 Z06 Discussion not covered in Tech

New to the Corvette World

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 5, 2016 | 01:06 AM
  #1  
patchen32's Avatar
patchen32
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 39
Likes: 9
From: Spokane Washington
Default New to the Corvette World

Hello! I'm a 20 year old currently living in Washington, but moving down to California. My dream car for as long as I can remember has been a corvette! Since i'll be on an athletic scholarship I'll be 44K a year which means it's only right I finally get my dream car. I really like the '05 and up years, but don't really want to spend more than 28k on a car like this at my age. Any ideas or thoughts on what I should be looking for and what not to look for in a corvette? Thank you for the help!!
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2016 | 01:14 AM
  #2  
patchen32's Avatar
patchen32
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 39
Likes: 9
From: Spokane Washington
Default

I don't know why it's just under the C5..C6 are more preferred, but do like '03 and up as well.
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2016 | 02:21 AM
  #3  
Vetteman Jack's Avatar
Vetteman Jack
Administrator
Supporting Lifetime
Veteran: Navy
St. Jude 20 Year Donor
25 Year Member
Veteran: Reserves
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 367,656
Likes: 24,661
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Default

Read the stickies at the top of the page, in particular the ones on buying a Corvette and things every newbie should know. Lots of very good information on them to help you with a purchase.

That said, what happens should you unfortunately get hurt while on your scholarship - does the money end? If so, think carefully before making a large purchase unless you can still cover the payments as well as school expenses.

Lots of really nice, low mileage C5s out there for much less than what you say you'll have to spend. Just be patient and really look a car over. Best of luck in whatever you do.
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2016 | 02:36 AM
  #4  
patchen32's Avatar
patchen32
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 39
Likes: 9
From: Spokane Washington
Default

Originally Posted by Vetteman Jack
Read the stickies at the top of the page, in particular the ones on buying a Corvette and things every newbie should know. Lots of very good information on them to help you with a purchase.

That said, what happens should you unfortunately get hurt while on your scholarship - does the money end? If so, think carefully before making a large purchase unless you can still cover the payments as well as school expenses.

Lots of really nice, low mileage C5s out there for much less than what you say you'll have to spend. Just be patient and really look a car over. Best of luck in whatever you do.

As far as I'm aware of as long as it happens during season under their supervision like practice or games I can't lose the scholarship.

Thank you, I'll be sure to wait to find one that really sticks out the most to me. Do you have any personal preferences when it comes to these cars?
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2016 | 05:54 AM
  #5  
strand rider's Avatar
strand rider
Safety Car
10 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,704
Likes: 239
From: Redondo Beach CA
Default

California has some smog requirements that might be useful to consider in your buying decision, I don't know, but think the deal is different in your area, so any license costs for an out of state car need to be considered. Plenty of cars in California whereever you go.

I would not buy a high maintenance , two seater car while in school, but then one only lives once. I can't offer financial advice, but you will probably have more than one friend .

OF course, a beige toyota is a wildly different deal then my black vette convertible.
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2016 | 06:15 AM
  #6  
patchen32's Avatar
patchen32
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 39
Likes: 9
From: Spokane Washington
Default

Originally Posted by strand rider
California has some smog requirements that might be useful to consider in your buying decision, I don't know, but think the deal is different in your area, so any license costs for an out of state car need to be considered. Plenty of cars in California whereever you go.

I would not buy a high maintenance , two seater car while in school, but then one only lives once. I can't offer financial advice, but you will probably have more than one friend .

OF course, a beige toyota is a wildly different deal then my black vette convertible.
Totally agree. But any car is a high maintenance car if you take care of it. Might as well enjoy is while I'm young.

I'll be sure to look into the requirements you're talking about too.

Thank you
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2016 | 09:39 AM
  #7  
JR-01's Avatar
JR-01
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
Default

From what I understand you will be getting 44K a year. How much of that will go for school?
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2016 | 11:09 AM
  #8  
patchen32's Avatar
patchen32
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 39
Likes: 9
From: Spokane Washington
Default

It's 22k each semester. But I won't get to touch any of it..goes straight to tuition, housing, and a food card.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-3

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-4

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Jun 5, 2016 | 11:59 AM
  #9  
bikeriderga's Avatar
bikeriderga
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,423
Likes: 200
From: Atlanta GA
Default

Originally Posted by patchen32
Hello! I'm a 20 year old currently living in Washington, but moving down to California. My dream car for as long as I can remember has been a corvette! Since i'll be on an athletic scholarship I'll be 44K a year which means it's only right I finally get my dream car. I really like the '05 and up years, but don't really want to spend more than 28k on a car like this at my age. Any ideas or thoughts on what I should be looking for and what not to look for in a corvette? Thank you for the help!!
28K qualifies you for any of the following:

01-04 C5 Coupes (low mileage, excellent shape). Plan on 20K tops (and that is a <15K car)

01-04 C5 Convertible (low mileage, excellent shape) Plan on 25K top (and that is a <20K car)

01-04 C5 Z06 (low mileage, excellent shape). Plan on the entire 28K for an ultra low mileage (<20K) at the top. Average <40K should top out around 25K.

05-07 C6 Corvette Coupe (fairly Low mileage 30-50K, excellent shape): Plan on the entire 28K for a low mileage C6. Also consider Z51 option.

05-07 C6 Corvette Convertible (mid to upper mileage 60-80K) Plan on the entire 28K

08-2010 Corvette Coupe (mid to high mileage 50-80K) Plan on the entire 28K.

If I were looking for great looks and performance, if I were you, the two I would strongly consider are the 02-04 C5 Z06 and the C6 2008+ coupes. Personally, I would opt for a very low mileage, excellent condition, C5 Z06. More a performance/driver's car.

If performance is not what you care about, consider the 06-07 C6 Coupes or the C5 Coupes and Convertibles.
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2016 | 12:06 PM
  #10  
JR-01's Avatar
JR-01
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
Default

Originally Posted by patchen32
It's 22k each semester. But I won't get to touch any of it..goes straight to tuition, housing, and a food card.
How do you plan on paying for the C5?
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2016 | 12:40 PM
  #11  
patchen32's Avatar
patchen32
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 39
Likes: 9
From: Spokane Washington
Default

Performance doesn't really matter that much to me. Well it does that's why I'm looking at getting a corvette. But mostly one that looks good because it'll be my only car I'll have with me. Convertible for sure though. Not the same without it
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2016 | 01:18 PM
  #12  
Trkdrvr's Avatar
Trkdrvr
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,721
Likes: 67
From: Redding ca.
Default

Welcome me to corvette got cash? Bought 2000 c5 91k miles, $13,000 beautifull
Dealer had no info on work done. Lol,
Looks fabulous inside and out.BUT! First thing needed front breaks n calipers, new tires Bridgestone run flats,complete tune up all the fluids changed trans n diff,handles like yuk so new c6 zo6 shocks
C6 z51 sway bars metal end links anybody think of anything else I should fix before I go broke ��
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2016 | 01:27 PM
  #13  
Macleod52's Avatar
Macleod52
Drifting
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,267
Likes: 347
From: Iowa
Default

Originally Posted by Trkdrvr
Welcome me to corvette got cash? Bought 2000 c5 91k miles, $13,000 beautifull
Dealer had no info on work done. Lol,
Looks fabulous inside and out.BUT! First thing needed front breaks n calipers, new tires Bridgestone run flats,complete tune up all the fluids changed trans n diff,handles like yuk so new c6 zo6 shocks
C6 z51 sway bars metal end links anybody think of anything else I should fix before I go broke ��
Start a new thread.
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2016 | 01:44 PM
  #14  
Trkdrvr's Avatar
Trkdrvr
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,721
Likes: 67
From: Redding ca.
Default Just starting

Ok love my c5 and all the fun it's being trying to make it feel like I'm driving a corvette, going broke doing it but it's fun
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2016 | 09:03 AM
  #15  
Trkdrvr's Avatar
Trkdrvr
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,721
Likes: 67
From: Redding ca.
Default What's a Thred sorry

Originally Posted by Macleod52
Start a new thread.
Sorry don't know how but at least I got a response thanks
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2016 | 09:09 AM
  #16  
73Corvette's Avatar
73Corvette
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,644
Likes: 479
From: OK
Default

Originally Posted by Trkdrvr
Sorry don't know how but at least I got a response thanks
If you go to the TOP of the General Forum Page on the left side it say NEW THREAD... Fill in the title space then make your thread/post welcome to the forum...
Read the Stickies at the top of that same page ... they will be very helpful
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2016 | 09:12 AM
  #17  
Trkdrvr's Avatar
Trkdrvr
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,721
Likes: 67
From: Redding ca.
Default

Just found it thank you very much
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To New to the Corvette World

Old Jun 6, 2016 | 04:57 PM
  #18  
patchen32's Avatar
patchen32
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 39
Likes: 9
From: Spokane Washington
Default

Originally Posted by JR-01
How do you plan on paying for the C5?
A great uncle of mine. He gave my brother his 2011 chevy silverado 2500hd and now wants to get me a newer car and a corvette has been my dream car for as long as i can remember.
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2016 | 05:00 PM
  #19  
patchen32's Avatar
patchen32
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 39
Likes: 9
From: Spokane Washington
Default

Originally Posted by bikeriderga
28K qualifies you for any of the following:

01-04 C5 Coupes (low mileage, excellent shape). Plan on 20K tops (and that is a <15K car)

01-04 C5 Convertible (low mileage, excellent shape) Plan on 25K top (and that is a <20K car)

01-04 C5 Z06 (low mileage, excellent shape). Plan on the entire 28K for an ultra low mileage (<20K) at the top. Average <40K should top out around 25K.

05-07 C6 Corvette Coupe (fairly Low mileage 30-50K, excellent shape): Plan on the entire 28K for a low mileage C6. Also consider Z51 option.

05-07 C6 Corvette Convertible (mid to upper mileage 60-80K) Plan on the entire 28K

08-2010 Corvette Coupe (mid to high mileage 50-80K) Plan on the entire 28K.

If I were looking for great looks and performance, if I were you, the two I would strongly consider are the 02-04 C5 Z06 and the C6 2008+ coupes. Personally, I would opt for a very low mileage, excellent condition, C5 Z06. More a performance/driver's car.

If performance is not what you care about, consider the 06-07 C6 Coupes or the C5 Coupes and Convertibles.
why are they so cheap where you live? The best deal i've found here in Washington State is a 2004 70,000 miles for $20k
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2016 | 05:01 PM
  #20  
JR-01's Avatar
JR-01
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
Default

Originally Posted by patchen32
A great uncle of mine. He gave my brother his 2011 chevy silverado 2500hd and now wants to get me a newer car and a corvette has been my dream car for as long as i can remember.
So he's giving you 28K to buy a Vette? You might want to look into a C6.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:30 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-1
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette buyer's guide

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-17 16:41:08


VIEW MORE