Please help me decide
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Please help me decide
I know what I am going to ask has been discussed over and over. I have been reading non-stop for a month. Here it is, I’m ready to buy my first Vette. I have found two that I want. However, wife says I can only have one. First is a 2002 eb/mod red with all the mods I would ever want to do. IE, long tubes, X pipe, car back, cam, valve springs, HB, and all the other stuff that needs done. 68k miles. Number two is a 2005 vert. It has tasteful visual and interior mods, upgraded stereo and electric top. It is 3LT with M6 with Z51. It is a beautiful orange color 35k miles. I have always liked the looks of the C5 but this c6 vert has really caught my attention. I will daily drive whichever one I get. I will also use it to take road trips. No track time or racing at all. I have had many “hot rods” in the past but I have just now reached the point I can give 12 year old me the Vette I promised myself. I very much enjoy raw powerful cars but I also appreciate modern niceties. I do think my wife would like to c6 better and I know I would be happy with either. I really need help deciding between raw or refined. I know when I went from my 6.4 F250 to my 6.7 F250 the refine won out. But again, we are talking about a sweet sweet Corvette. This will s the ONLY C6 that I have seen and liked. I have been a C5 guy from the drop. I also really like verts. My current play car is a very build SAAB vert. Very built. I know either Vette will be a huge step up. Each car is six hours from me in opposite directions. I will only drive one. Each car is a good buy IF they are what they are presented to be. C5 has 5k miles on mods, third owner. C6 has two owners. Please don’t frag me and say drive and buy what you like or tell me to use search. I have read several hundred pages. I’m just looking for input because I know I could buy either and be thrilled. Thanks in advance for your thoughtful insight. I will be a regular here before long.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,023
Likes: 387
From: Port Charlotte Florida
My vote is for the C5, because I have owned three of them (one vert. and, currently, two modified coupes) and because I prefer horsepower over whatever else (although I don't race or track my cars).
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 5,027
Likes: 834
From: Rotonda West, FL 2015 Z51 M7 3LT
Oldtimer
You're missing key data points; how much? How many miles? Service history? Where do you live? (apparently you haven't filled in your profile).
But given your statements in your post it seems to me like you've already decided on the C6 and are seeking validation of that choice. You need to make the decision that suits you.
But given your statements in your post it seems to me like you've already decided on the C6 and are seeking validation of that choice. You need to make the decision that suits you.
Last edited by calvins; Oct 24, 2018 at 06:41 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,473
Likes: 546
From: Orlando & Flagler Beach FL
May want to also consider who will do all mechanical upkeep on the Vette.
If you are not a mechanic and do not have one knowledgeable and can trust, you may be at their mercy in regards to the modded engine in the C5.
If you are not a mechanic and do not have one knowledgeable and can trust, you may be at their mercy in regards to the modded engine in the C5.
Administrator
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I love my C5, but in this case I think I would probably go with the C6. It sounds like you really like the C6 so I would concentrate on that one first. If it doesn’t turn out like you expect, you can always look at the C5.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 5,278
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From: Kelowna BC
I would start by not narrowing your search to 2 cars that you haven't seen either of. Next, if it were me... no vert, so the C5. Is the C5 a stick? If not, both are off the list. Plus mod red, not a fan. I'd start a new search.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Leesburg Fl
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Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Thanks for the responses. I am an aircraft mechanic and will be doing most if not all of the wrenching on the Vette. I have thought long and hard on this and I am going to stick to my original desire and try for the 2002 Z06. Like I said I have wanted a C5 since they came out. I think I would enjoy the vert but it just wouldn't be a C5 Z06.
The C6 vert is beautiful and caught my eye and I started thinking of traveling with the Mrs. and her comfort. I am going to go to the city and see if i can find a C5 and a C6 to drive but I do believe the Z06 is my heart's desire.
I will fill out my bio information when I get the chance to sit in front of a computer and not on my phone. Again thank you for the input.
The C6 vert is beautiful and caught my eye and I started thinking of traveling with the Mrs. and her comfort. I am going to go to the city and see if i can find a C5 and a C6 to drive but I do believe the Z06 is my heart's desire.
I will fill out my bio information when I get the chance to sit in front of a computer and not on my phone. Again thank you for the input.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2017
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From: Hickory NC
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If your wife is going to do a lot of traveling with you in whichever of the Corvettes you chose, you may want to include her in the decision making. Your wife may surprise you and like the C5 Z more than you think. I've talked a few times about swapping our C5 for a C6 and my wife is clear that she likes the C5 over both the C6 and C7. She also really likes the sound and performance of our slightly modded engine. (Of course she was driving our '70 Chevelle SS396 and '69 Z/28 when she was 19! 
)
)
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 987
Likes: 224
From: Motor City, MI
How about a C5 vert? This one looks VERY well sorted. And the best C5 color combo 
Good luck with your search!
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-included.html
Good luck with your search!https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-included.html
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,511
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From: "Once you have flown, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward; for there you have been
I went from a 04 Z to a 06 Z51 'vert. Had no regrets. The Z was Procharged, the 'vert was stock. Get the C6... you and the wife will be happy!!
Last edited by XmentalPilot; Oct 24, 2018 at 11:07 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,366
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From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
My wife was influential when I got my 03 Z06. I was deciding between the Z and a C5 convert, C6's weren't around yet. She preferred the Z's extra power. We've done a lot of long distance traveling in it, I've got 164,000 miles on it now. The C5 has a much bigger trunk, never had to ever leave any of her things at home and still had room to bring more things home. It's also been very reliable on the road.
