Perceptions
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 945
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Perceptions
Walking down the hall at work ran into a coworker I had not seen in awhile. He asked what's new and I said I retire in exactly four months. He said " well I can see with that corvette you have you'll have an easy retirement ". My point is I really don't think the majority of people know how affordable these C5's are. They really think we paid mega bucks for these.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,820
Likes: 411
From: Somewhere in the middle of Kansas
Agreed!! And the insurance was a whole lot less than I thought it would be. I pay an additional $179 every 6 months for full coverage, decent deductibles. It costs less to insure than my boat!
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 19,980
Likes: 74
They are, without a doubt, the best "bargain" in the sports car world. Which is great because they are cheap to buy (on a relative basis), and when they become an absolute "value" like they are now, prices have finally (or just about) hit bottom.
345 or 350 hp (depending on year), badass LS1 V-8, very good suspension, and stunning, timeless styling...you couldn't ask for anything more.
345 or 350 hp (depending on year), badass LS1 V-8, very good suspension, and stunning, timeless styling...you couldn't ask for anything more.
Every time I take out the C5 and hear that V-8 rumbling (by way of an amazing Corsa exhaust 
) and mash the gas pedal and absolutely soar past other cars (while getting 25+ mpg 
) it reminds me why I love this car. 
) and mash the gas pedal and absolutely soar past other cars (while getting 25+ mpg ) it reminds me why I love this car. 
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The C5 has been affordable for a number of years yet you're right - people still think they cost a fortune to buy and maintain. The C5 is a true sports car bargain these days.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 35
Likes: 12
From: Hendersonville NC
I too am in awe!
I recently purchased my first Corvette. Black/black 02 C5 with all options and BB exhaust. I never dreamed that I would own a Corvette. When I found out what a bargain they were it didn't take me long to jump in one and enjoy. I get the same thing from people that you do about owning this car. Their attitude is like "It must be nice!" I can hear the envy in their voice and it makes me feel like I should apologize for my car. I worked hard all my life and gave up a lot of the luxuries that others enoy every day. This car has been such a joy in the 4 months I have owned it. I, too, love to get in it and hear and feel that rumble when I turn over the engine. C5's are such a good value that many people could afford to own one if they made better daily choices about how they spend their money. Just ignore the haters and don't look back as you roar off into the sunset!
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 26,040
Likes: 157
Agree with all of the above. I have had plumbers and electricians climb out of their $40K 4x4 and say to me they picked the wrong trade. It's never dirty and unless you know Vettes, a detailed, well taken care of '98 can look like a 2013. Awesome car for the money!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,017
Likes: 169
From: SE VA VA
Many people I talk to have no idea how old the C5 is.
I understand part of that is an exterior maintenance thing.
Anyway, they act amazed when I tell them mine is almost 17 years old w/ 117k miles.
The (jealousy?) factor is compounded if they know I also have a C7...but after 12 years with no car payment (savings) , why shouldn't I have a new car
I understand part of that is an exterior maintenance thing.
Anyway, they act amazed when I tell them mine is almost 17 years old w/ 117k miles.
The (jealousy?) factor is compounded if they know I also have a C7...but after 12 years with no car payment (savings) , why shouldn't I have a new car
Last edited by aj98; Feb 4, 2017 at 11:32 AM.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,398
Likes: 769
From: jefferson texas
Its a common misconception among folks regarding C5's. I've heard it often. When I tell interested parties that my vette is 18 years old and probably cost less than a used Passat they are amazed. The C5's timeless styling and great all around performance have kept these wonderful cars very relevant many years after the last C5's were made. A nicely kept C5 going down the road is still, and will continue to be, a beautiful automotive sight to see. Have a good one!
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,754
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From: Youngsville North Carolina
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 5,278
Likes: 539
From: Kelowna BC
Drives me crazy actually. My FIL frequently tells his kids (including my wife) how we must be so well off to afford a Corvette. Recently said (after her brother told him to buy her a coffee once in a while) "she can afford her own coffee, he drives a Corvette"
Coming from a guy who has for his own; an Eclipse vert, Crossfire vert, F150, Chevy pickup, quad, trike, sled, trail bike, dune buggy, and a fork lift for that matter (never mind lawn tractor, back hoe...).
But he can't buy his daughter a coffee because I drive a 13 year old Vette. Sorry, rant over.
Coming from a guy who has for his own; an Eclipse vert, Crossfire vert, F150, Chevy pickup, quad, trike, sled, trail bike, dune buggy, and a fork lift for that matter (never mind lawn tractor, back hoe...).
But he can't buy his daughter a coffee because I drive a 13 year old Vette. Sorry, rant over.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 17,758
Likes: 1,211
From: Aiken, SC
St. Jude Donor '13 thru '26
Absolutely hysterical what people think these are worth. I guess we owe kudos to GM that some of the cars, almost 20 years old, styling wise still look very fresh!!
Racer
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 426
Likes: 129
From: Buffalo, Texas
I get that too, and mainly because I have 2 of them! My business partner just bought a 2017 Chevy Duramax dually High Country truck and he has way more in it than I have in BOTH of my vettes! I keep driving my 2006 Dodge Cummins because it's a gem and still pulls like new. I'd rather have 2 vettes than a new truck.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 158
Likes: 7
99' Nassau Blue convert.
When people ask what year it is and I tell them 99' they usually say WOW I thought it was brand new.
In 1968 when I bought a 65' vette I was paying $100 a month for insurance, plus a car payment. Now I pay less than $200 for 6 months insurance.
When people ask what year it is and I tell them 99' they usually say WOW I thought it was brand new.
In 1968 when I bought a 65' vette I was paying $100 a month for insurance, plus a car payment. Now I pay less than $200 for 6 months insurance.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,820
Likes: 411
From: Somewhere in the middle of Kansas
LOL you would be surprised how much chit there is to run into! I think it is just my age (49), good driving record, and all the discounts so when I add a car to my policy it's not near as much as the first one. My Suburban is around 275 every six months but is my DD. I have my vette insured for 5000 miles/year or less driving.
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,881
Likes: 9
From: Danelaw
99' Nassau Blue convert.
When people ask what year it is and I tell them 99' they usually say WOW I thought it was brand new.
In 1968 when I bought a 65' vette I was paying $100 a month for insurance, plus a car payment. Now I pay less than $200 for 6 months insurance.
When people ask what year it is and I tell them 99' they usually say WOW I thought it was brand new.
In 1968 when I bought a 65' vette I was paying $100 a month for insurance, plus a car payment. Now I pay less than $200 for 6 months insurance.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
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From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
AS a car guy, I always bought a New car. One year I bought two new cars, a 63 Corvette ( a Vert.. yeah who knew ) and a 63 SS 409 Impala. Buying a new car was just what I did.. When both of my kids were in college at the same time, I backed off. I don't think I ever owned a car more than 3 years. To have a new car was always something that got my juices going.. This car still fulfills all of my expectations. It does not have that Buzz of getting the keys for the first time. But after a year that New car appeal is gone. It takes a lot of money after the sale to make your new car, your own personal new car. IN the case of the C7 that's an 80,000 dollar venture. At my age and with my health, it would be very selfish of me to spend that much money on a grocery getter. That 80 grand would be better served and go a long way to help my wife and family after I am gone. If this car was not this car, I would probably have a New car. 20 Years is insane for a car that still gives me a hard on every time I turn the key.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2013
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