When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I was looking at buying a c6. I saw a 2005 z51 convertible, pewter, black, automatic with 13,500 miles- overpriced- I think- at 29K. Then I ran across a 2003 convertible- black, black,black with 6000 miles on it. Also automatic-I still think overpriced at 27K. Is the 2005 a much better car or would the first year be something to be more cautious of?
With these low miles I am somewhat concerned that any real issues may not have even surfaced yet.
Do you want a C5 or C6 is the big question. Talk to the Vette tech and service manager at Chevy dealer for their opinion, they have the most experience between the two. Low mileage well maintained stock cars are worth more. The prices are high but everything is negotiable. Be prepared with comparables for sale.
Lots of difference. Which is 'better' is very subjective. The 6 has more engine, some of the electronics are better (the 5 has a 1.5 DIN radio -- try finding something to fit that hole) and other features. Can't speak (and don't want to) for the autos, but the manual trans feels the same. The 6 has electric door latches -- push a button to open the door. Kind of neat, but just something else to go wrong later on. But then again you can still get most of the parts for the 6 -- less so for the 5.
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C8 of the Year Finalist Unmodified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C1 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist
2016 C2 of Year
2015 C3 of Year Finalist
Alot of electrical issues with the 05. I bought one new in 2004. It was an electrical nightmare that ended up being a GM buy back. Fast, capable car but too many headaches. Bought an 06 Z06 after that. Great car. My advice: go C5 or go C6 Z06.
Did you see them at a stealership/private sale/internet? I do not know how many used or new cars you have bought, but the asking price vs. the selling price is usually 10% + different. Do you homework on the net to determine value and be patient. Remember, the worst thing that can happen is that they refuse your offer. Do not let thrill up your leg interfere with good bargaining skills when it comes to buying autos.
Did you see them at a stealership/private sale/internet? I do not know how many used or new cars you have bought, but the asking price vs. the selling price is usually 10% + different. Do you homework on the net to determine value and be patient. Remember, the worst thing that can happen is that they refuse your offer. Do not let thrill up your leg interfere with good bargaining skills when it comes to buying autos.
all good advice. The 2005 was at a dealer the 2003 was private.
I guess I might prefer the 2005 because it is newer, however, I am a bit put off by all of the hotter stories about the 2005 model year. Is it the whole year or only early year, etc. with all of the issues?
Did you see them at a stealership/private sale/internet? I do not know how many used or new cars you have bought, but the asking price vs. the selling price is usually 10% + different. Do you homework on the net to determine value and be patient. Remember, the worst thing that can happen is that they refuse your offer. Do not let thrill up your leg interfere with good bargaining skills when it comes to buying autos.
Originally Posted by michaelpri
all good advice. The 2005 was at a dealer the 2003 was private.
I guess I might prefer the 2005 because it is newer, however, I am a bit put off by all of the hotter stories about the 2005 model year. Is it the whole year or only early year, etc. with all of the issues?
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 '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
I much prefer the looks of the C5 over the base C6, and I do think both cars are priced high. But, best thing for you to do is drive each and see which one you like and then talk price.
A base c6 is a plain Jane looking car , if your going to get a c6 get a wide body grandsport or the z06. Both of the car values you listed are way high . 05 c6 is not very desirable . It was the first year
I would not buy a '05 auto as once you drive a '06 or newer with the A6 you will know why. Bought this 40k mile 2007 for the wife back in January for $22,900 and she loves it, I try and not drive it as I do like my '98 just as well but the C6 is that much more refined for sure, my next one will be a '11-'13 GS or even a C7. Good luck with your hunt.
There are tons of super lo mi vettes of any year take your time
If they are too proud on price keep looking noones knocking down thier doors to pay big $ except the uninformed.
I much prefer the looks of the C5 over the base C6, and I do think both cars are priced high. But, best thing for you to do is drive each and see which one you like and then talk price.
wayyy over priced....keep searching.
Better deals will be had in the fall.
I have owned both. 98 02 06 08.
Settled on a very nice 04 mag red conv. 41k miles $17.5 now that
I'm retired. My opinion alot of C5's are overpriced reaching into C6
territory.
There all great cars just get it inspected before purchase.
I agree with everything that has been posted by everyone thus far - great advice for sure...
I suggest you go look on Craigslist of some local C5s and C6s that are for sale...and go DRIVE them...then the obvious choice for YOU will become clear.
I can tell you all the things I love about my C5, and someone can tell you all the things they love about their C6. Im not a fan of the C6 (looks a bit plain to me) but again, that's MY opinion...the Grand Sport C6 is a much better looking car... You may love the look of the C6, and how it drives - or you may love how the C5 handles... Either way, get your butt in some cars...the right one will call out to you once your in it - trust me it just works out that way.
Good Luck - you really cant go wrong either way - cause at the end of the day - your driving a VETTE!!!
I really appreciate all of the feedback. I have been trying to research pricing but I obviously can only find asking prices. Can anyone share what should be a fair buying price for a 2005 convertable with z51, nav, manual top and polished wheels from a dealer. It has 13,500 miles on it. Also a 2003 with manual top and polished wheels and 6000 miles on it. Both are automatics and appear to show the low mileage. The 2003 is private.
Thanks so much.
Anybody? Any input is greatly appreciated. Seeing all of the asking prices is not really as helpful as knowing what might be a reasonable price to buy at.
Thank you.
Anybody? Any input is greatly appreciated. Seeing all of the asking prices is not really as helpful as knowing what might be a reasonable price to buy at.
Thank you.
In Sept of 2014 I bought my triple black 04 vert with 31K. The dealer would not budge from $26K (selling) on my offer of $24K (what I found on the net as a reasonable offer for the mileage). So I walked even though I knew it was the car for me. A week later, we settled on $25K. I would pay now $25K for this car. It has been a great ride. As Trump says, the whole transaction is the "art of the deal".