grantv

I even bought springs and all years ago for my 04Z. Never did install them, but if I had an 02 or 03 you can be sure they'd be under my valve covers, not in a box.

Z0SIS

Dang I really don't want to have to deal with that straight away...what's the cost $800 to have the springs done? Maybe I go for the '01 virgin bone stock with 18k on it.

grantv

Or DIY for MUCH less.

I’m Z one

I would look for 2004 Z. No worries about valve springs, PCV system is much better, no oil consumption issues and the shift forks are stee, FI system is improved and better shocks. Pony up an extra thousand or two and buy the 2004. You could find one with moderate mileage probably around the same price as what you’re looking to spend for an ‘03.

pbergmann

phew!!!!
I got an 02Z with 9k miles. Clean as a whistle... all records etc. Paid $25k I thought I over paid.
taking it through ncrs next year.

PeteZ06

I would not buy a car with 4 previous owners.

The oil consumption issue on '01 LS6 engines was rare and most were taken care of right away. I would not hesitate buying an '01 because of oil consumption issues.

I would buy the '01. Do a CAI and a tune and you're over the 405hp with many less miles.

WA 2 FST

Z0SIS

I've now found an '01 all stock with 12k miles for roughly the same price...hmm a third car has entered the fray. Only thing with these low mileage rides is the ABS, BCM and column lockout type issues probably haven't been addressed...

WA 2 FST

Column bypass is very easy to install yourself, even if you have little, to no, mechanical skills. It's also not expensive.

As far as the ABS and BCM, my one-owner '02 has 26k miles on it, and I have not had any issues, except one of the wheel speed sensors got a little loose, which threw the code you are concerned about. Cleaned it up, re-seated it, and all is good.

Whichever car you end up with, you're getting great performance for the $$.

KnightDriveTV

I was more than that though really...it was the stupid fender badges as well, plus the 20hp. The HUD being standard equipment I think is a big part of it also. I know when I focused on what C5Z I wanted, I won't lie...I wanted the 20hp and I wanted the HUD. I realize the 20 is almost a moot point, but...if you have the option, 99% of people will take the 20...lol. The suspension continually got better though, so the newer the C5Z the better...just the way it is.

IMXCITD

couple nice options but I would try to get the prices down....it's winter, the holidays and then tax time....so you can do better on price. Once you narrow it down to one vette....I'd pay the 1xx.00 for an inspection....esp buying sight unseen.....will save you a ton of headaches later. There is a private owner on here w a black Z the has an s/c and CCW's....look bada$$ for not much more $$. Keep looking.

Z0SIS

I'm down to two:

'01 18k with new tires all stock $22,500
'01 12k with original tires all stock $23,000

ahh what to do???

WA 2 FST

Doubt you can go wrong with either! Part of the fun in buying is chasing the perfect car. It can also be paralyzing. I know... I recently purchased a vehicle, and spent 2-3 months looking for it.

If all things (wear/tear, maintenance history, etc) are equal, then go with the color you will enjoy the most for the longest time. If they are the same color, flip a coin.

Shakeydeal

Go for the one with new tires. It's a grand cheaper, and you will save another grand by not replacing the original tires on the other car.


Seems like a no brainer to me.


Shakey

Z0SIS

Yeah this is where I am leaning now. Despite 6k more miles, they are brand new tires which is nice....they are both black, and both in fantastic condition.

socal_Dad

You sure you don't want to drive it before buying? I test drove about 8 Z06 cars before I bought one and they were all very different. Some nice and some clunky. They all looked good in the pictures.

Shakeydeal

My post was predicated on assuming the OP had driven both cars. I agree that one might be more solid than the other and the price might not bear that out. Drive both, then decide. All things being equal, I still say the one with new tires for less money.


Shakey

Z0SIS

One's in Chicago the other in Indiana so its a bit far for me (in CT). Each has had 2 owners and do look immaculate. I've received full walk around videos of each one. At that low mileage given the condition, I'm taking a bit of a leap of faith that both were treated very well to date. This will have to be a sight unseen purchase and probably shipped back to me.

Z0SIS

Bit of an update! It's still down to two:

2001, 19k, 100% stock, 2 owner, $22,000
2003, 54k, MGW flat stick, Borla exhaust, intake, 4 owners

I like the '01 for the low miles and stock, I like the '03 for the mods which I'd just spend money on anyway.

Only additional thing I will be adding to either is CCW SP500 19/19. What say everyone?

02BlownZ06

It's a good deal. I bough my '02 Z last Fall going into Winter from a party in Wisconsin who didn't want to sit on it over the Winter. It had 19k on the clock, in absolute mint condition and had a Magnuson Supercharger installed on it. I paid $24K.