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As the title says, would taking a corvette to college (Go Raiders) be ideal? Or would practicality weigh heavily in a situation here? Maybe even parking? Maintenance on it wouldn't be an issue obviously but for larger unforeseen incidents what would you all take if you knew you were at least 2+ hours from your tools and theres no option of keep large tools around? (dorms aren't meant for tool hoarders damn it) I already carry an emergency kit in the event i'm ever stranded like a blanket and medical kit but other than that I cannot think of anything else I can fit in the back in the event of an emergency. I'm not real **** retentive as most people with corvettes appear to be (no harsh feelings guys) after all they are just material items, but there is always that sense of security that comes with just about any car especially in a parking lot full of other students who might not share the same mentality as oneself of keeping their vehicles in good working AND looking order.
Well enough with background.
My main question: Taking a corvette to college practical or no? Note: I'm already pretty familiar with the car as it's two years with it in October
Great looking car! Take it to college and enjoy if you are willing to assume the risks of exterior dings etc and or parking far away from everyone. You only live once. If I were to live my early years over again, I would, they are too much fun not to!
Depends on how you view the car - if it is just a car to do vs. if it is your baby.
College environment is tough on decent vehicles - lots of drunks in close proximity, often with raging testosterone. Better off having a vehicle that does not stand out from the crowd, less it become a target. Keys, slashed tires, dings etc.
Last year there was a C5 convertible in the parking areas of college apts in my area. I would see every so often, it's been done. It was the bright yellow like I used to have. It was parked on the street, it seemed ok when I saw it last year
I had a 94 firebird formula (at the time it was 10 years old) and then a 2000 Trans AM (at the time it was 4 years old) for college. It was fine, the extra seats came in handy to cram extra girls in the car One time I had like 8 in the firebird for a short trip across campus. I went to College Park in MD and stayed off campus off route 1 in Laurel down the street. It was PG county, really ghetto, but they never touched my cars. My roommate had an Integra and they stole his rims and tires right in front of our apartment building. I guess they leave GM stuff alone.
-they're pretty reliable and easy for maintenance
-having a two door/seater is kind of an advantage, you don't really want to always be roped in to DD duty/giving everyone rides to get groceries, etc.
-if it's a manual, that's a good thing, you don't really want people asking to borrow your ****
-the hatch is actually huge for dorm room moves
-chicks will think you're rich because everyone seems to think C5s are way more expensive than they are and that could help you get laid
The only downside I see is door ding risk and that the dump truck-esque turning radius/width of the C5 could make parking in tight spots a chore. Otherwise, it'll be fun, enjoy it!
Since it's probably going to be sitting outside a lot, make sure there are no water leaks. If you can handle the parking and won't freak out at the first door ding or keying then go for it.
I had a 94 firebird formula (at the time it was 10 years old) and then a 2000 Trans AM (at the time it was 4 years old) for college. It was fine, the extra seats came in handy to cram extra girls in the car One time I had like 8 in the firebird for a short trip across campus. I went to College Park in MD and stayed off campus off route 1 in Laurel down the street. It was PG county, really ghetto, but they never touched my cars. My roommate had an Integra and they stole his rims and tires right in front of our apartment building. I guess they leave GM stuff alone.
Sounds like you were there the same time I was, what year you graduate?
I had a 70 GTO when I was at school. The issue I had was no one else respected the car quite like I did. Everyone expected the keys, treated it like it was Moms station wagon, expected me to drive everywhere...
All I can say is it didn't nearly look as good after college as it did before.
Cars are cars, and vettes are vettes.. They will attract all kinds of positive and negative influences.. Should your vette be a car then love your college experience but if you decide it is a vette you might want to leave the vette off campus and drive a ford or chevy..
I had a 70 GTO when I was at school. The issue I had was no one else respected the car quite like I did. Everyone expected the keys, treated it like it was Moms station wagon, expected me to drive everywhere...
All I can say is it didn't nearly look as good after college as it did before.
Good Luck with your decision.
I fixed up a 66 Mustang... new paint, wheels, motor etc. to drive to college. It was really nice. After three years of college it was ready for the boneyard.
I used to drive my 01 Z-28 Convertible to college at both Embry Riddle in Daytona and FAU in S.Florida. I had 4 sets of blackouts broken/stolen, beer cans dumped in the car and on the top, someone back into the front bumper and take off without leaving a note, and at least 2 sets of valve stem covers stolen. It got so bad that I had to engineer locks for everything that could be taken off of the exterior. I would suggest against it and get a cheap beater.
You may want to talk with you r insurance company/agent to see what parking outside in a college dorm lot will do to your premiums. Your insurance premium rates are determined in part by the ZIP code where you live and whether or not the car is garaged.
How often would you be driving the car? Corvettes are notorious for discharged batteries if the car isn't used for 3-4 weeks. If you don't have a way to connect a battery maintainer, you should invest in a jumper pack and keep it in the rear storage compartment. A basic set of hand tools can also be kept in the rear compartments. It would be a good idea to join AAA for their road service!
I had mine in college. I went to Iowa state (9hrs from my tools lol) and drove it in any weather. And you will find out exactly how much stuff and people it can hold! It was fun to have, never had the moment of regret!
I would not take a Corvette to college. Too many bad things can happen. Too much testosterone mixed with alcohol. Not you, but too many idiots in college.
Keep in mind, some of those college kids are only three months out of high school, and not very different.
I didn't go to college in Texas, but I recall I didn't need a car the first two years. After I moved off campus and worked part time, then I needed a car.
My advice, leave it at home until you've had a chance to get acclimated.