Difference between 2000 and 2004
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 25,044
Likes: 1,265
From: Virginia
St. Jude Donor '11
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 27
Likes: 4
I search for the garage queen because I had luck before doing that. Bought my first vette (95 with 24,000 miles on it-) bought from original owner. Drove it for 5 summers, now have 33,000 miles on it. I have put NOTHING into it but gas and oil changes (and air into the tires). 5 summers of great times. I am hoping to get this with a C5. My corvette is my escape- I really don't want to be wrenching on it on the weekends.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,340
Likes: 2,082
From: Lehigh Valley PA
A few thoughts:
1) Do you have to sell the C4? I ask because I had (2) C4's, a 92 and a 94 and I regret selling them still to this day...and I upgraded to a mint/show C5 convertible... If you dont need the cash, keep the C4 - they are such amazing cars and VERY different than a C5 (not better or worse, just different).
2) I agree with the folks that stated those prices seem VERY high. I bought my 02 convertible (again in show condition) with 45k miles for $18,000 (from a dealership too). According to Corvette DNA, the 04 in EXCELLENT condition is worth around $17,000 (add $1200 if its a 6-speed). Definitely negotiate...
3) To avoid having to (always) wrench your Vette on the weekend, make sure you take it to a Corvette mechanic or even a dealership to have it checked out. Regardless how perfect it is, you will need to maintain a Vette - its a guarantee you have to know upfront when owning a car like a Vette...if you want zero maintenance, you should be buying a Lexus.
Good luck - you will LOVE the C5 once you get one!!
1) Do you have to sell the C4? I ask because I had (2) C4's, a 92 and a 94 and I regret selling them still to this day...and I upgraded to a mint/show C5 convertible... If you dont need the cash, keep the C4 - they are such amazing cars and VERY different than a C5 (not better or worse, just different).
2) I agree with the folks that stated those prices seem VERY high. I bought my 02 convertible (again in show condition) with 45k miles for $18,000 (from a dealership too). According to Corvette DNA, the 04 in EXCELLENT condition is worth around $17,000 (add $1200 if its a 6-speed). Definitely negotiate...
3) To avoid having to (always) wrench your Vette on the weekend, make sure you take it to a Corvette mechanic or even a dealership to have it checked out. Regardless how perfect it is, you will need to maintain a Vette - its a guarantee you have to know upfront when owning a car like a Vette...if you want zero maintenance, you should be buying a Lexus.
Good luck - you will LOVE the C5 once you get one!!
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 367,271
Likes: 24,567
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 '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Beginning in 2001 the C5 platform has a lot of changes made to it. Something to consider. Plus parts availability is better with the 01+ cars, but who knows for how much longer. You also get a bump in HP/torque.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 394
Likes: 27
I'd go for the '04
I regret selling my red/black '95, only had 21k on it. Even though the C5 is a better car, the C4 is still great in its own.
If you don't have space to park side by side, what about getting a lift and stacking them?
I regret selling my red/black '95, only had 21k on it. Even though the C5 is a better car, the C4 is still great in its own.
If you don't have space to park side by side, what about getting a lift and stacking them?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 27
Likes: 4
I wish I could keep the 95 AND have add a C5- just not that time (yet). I looked at the 04 Black and went ALL over it. The interior is "OK"- leather was in rougher shape. Dealer just brought in a 02 Red Vert with Black interior- so new he has not posted pics yet. I saw it the hour it came before dealer touched it- looks showroom. A vert did not cross my mind. I am going there early this week. I WILL POST PICS when I make my decision.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski