Current C4 considering adding C5/6
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 144
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Current C4 considering adding C5/6
I posted initially in the C6 section as that's the newest I could afford right now but many asked why skip C5. My reasoning is that I was trying to get the latest lowest mileage vehicle. So what should I be looking at and what are best years to consider? All input greatly appreciated.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 353
From: Little Rock Arkansas
Just read the stickies. Ton of info there. Lots of fun things to deal with C5s including;
- Column lock issues (2005 model C6s have this also since they use C5 column).
- EBCM issues
- Parts starting to be discontinued (97-00 SWPS, some body parts, etc).
- etc etc etc
If you want it and can afford it buy a C6. If you want it and want to save a little money buy a C5
- Column lock issues (2005 model C6s have this also since they use C5 column).
- EBCM issues
- Parts starting to be discontinued (97-00 SWPS, some body parts, etc).
- etc etc etc
If you want it and can afford it buy a C6. If you want it and want to save a little money buy a C5
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 4,346
Likes: 755
From: Greensboro Nc
You can have fun with either, in a lot of ways they're very similar, but also very different.
Best recommendation is going to be to drive both a c5, a c5z, and a c6, and go with whatever feels best. The one that was the best fit for me was the c5z, but for many a c6 or c5 coupe is preferred.
Best recommendation is going to be to drive both a c5, a c5z, and a c6, and go with whatever feels best. The one that was the best fit for me was the c5z, but for many a c6 or c5 coupe is preferred.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2015
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Everybody will have a different opinion on the merits of C5 vs C6. But my take is that a base C6 doesn't look as good as a C5. Unless you are going for a Z06 or Grand Sport, I would stay in the 5th gen cars. For base C6 money you can get a nicely done C5Z that will outperform the newer car (unless LS3, then it's close) and look much better.
Again, just my opinion.
Shakey
Again, just my opinion.
Shakey
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Puyallup Washington
1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
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From: Buffalo Texas
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2013
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The C5 is a great platform. You can get into a C5 Z06 for the same or less than a base C6. This was my rational and I searched exclusively for a C5 Z06 after driving both.
Then I somehow found my FRC C5, priced at almost half of the average asking price of Z06's that were not in anywhere near as nice of shape and I jumped on it. The FRC is basically a Z06 minus the LS6 engine and the manual trans is geared differently. The FRC also has the same suspension as the C5 Z06. Mine has Z06 wheels and 99% of people think it is a Z06... I threw on LG Longtubes and a Vararam which puts me on par with a stock 01' Z06 for power.
Food for thought. I think the Z06 and FRC C5's are the best choice.
Then I somehow found my FRC C5, priced at almost half of the average asking price of Z06's that were not in anywhere near as nice of shape and I jumped on it. The FRC is basically a Z06 minus the LS6 engine and the manual trans is geared differently. The FRC also has the same suspension as the C5 Z06. Mine has Z06 wheels and 99% of people think it is a Z06... I threw on LG Longtubes and a Vararam which puts me on par with a stock 01' Z06 for power.
Food for thought. I think the Z06 and FRC C5's are the best choice.
Last edited by Roddy13; Sep 8, 2017 at 03:32 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 4,346
Likes: 755
From: Greensboro Nc
The C5 is a great platform. You can get into a C5 Z06 for the same or less than a base C6. This was my rational and I searched exclusively for a C5 Z06 after driving both.
Then I somehow found my FRC C5, priced at almost half of the average asking price of Z06's that were not in anywhere near as nice of shape and I jumped on it. The FRC is basically a Z06 minus the LS6 engine and the manual trans is geared differently. The FRC also has the same suspension as the C5 Z06. Mine has Z06 wheels and 99% of people think it is a Z06... I threw on LG Longtubes and a Vararam which puts me on par with a stock 01' Z06 for power.
Food for thought. I think the Z06 and FRC C5's are the best choice.
Then I somehow found my FRC C5, priced at almost half of the average asking price of Z06's that were not in anywhere near as nice of shape and I jumped on it. The FRC is basically a Z06 minus the LS6 engine and the manual trans is geared differently. The FRC also has the same suspension as the C5 Z06. Mine has Z06 wheels and 99% of people think it is a Z06... I threw on LG Longtubes and a Vararam which puts me on par with a stock 01' Z06 for power.
Food for thought. I think the Z06 and FRC C5's are the best choice.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 498
Likes: 100
From: New Jersey
It all depends on what you want out of it. An LS3 c6 will have much better HP potential than any c5 (depending on if you mod, and how much you want to spend). BUT if you're a sucker for 80s/90s styling like I am, you'll love a c5. I'm going to ASSUME you are, what with that c4 you have. I love c4 styling and the only reason I have a c5 is because it just out performs the c4 by that much. At any rate, whether you go 5 or 6 they're all solid performance beasts and will be a blast to drive.
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Take a few examples of each out for a test drive and see which one really feels good to you. It may be the C5 or it may be the C6 - only you can make that decision. Read the stickies mentioned above too - they will give you a lot of information on which to base your decision.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 80
Likes: 23
From: Guthrie, oklahoma
c5
i have been through 3 c4s, and now have a very nice c5 for 20k. the only downer has been the harmonic balancer, and i have just changed it out simply because of the reputation of the balancer and did not want to worry about it ever again. the c5s are bigger, ride better, have more room, and my wife was really impressed even though she was very hesitant at first. good luck.
Last edited by cherokee433FL; Sep 9, 2017 at 07:47 PM. Reason: missing words
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You can have fun with either, in a lot of ways they're very similar, but also very different.
Best recommendation is going to be to drive both a c5, a c5z, and a c6, and go with whatever feels best. The one that was the best fit for me was the c5z, but for many a c6 or c5 coupe is preferred.
Best recommendation is going to be to drive both a c5, a c5z, and a c6, and go with whatever feels best. The one that was the best fit for me was the c5z, but for many a c6 or c5 coupe is preferred.
It's hard to go with someone else's preferences. I liked my C4 as much as my C5, but many others feel differently. I also selected the C5 over C6s and C7s I drove, but that's just me. Go with dbdoodwin's suggestion and try "one of each" and see what YOUR best choice is.
Best wishes with your search (plus the fun of driving several Vettes).
