Thanks for your input. I have been doing a lot of research on the FRC and it looked to me that you described was the Sales department at GMs plans and Engineering had a performance version stripped down to the corvettes essence for the purest. In the eleventh hour Engineering won and Sales lost. GM sales ate crow because they issued to dealers brochures on their version and that wasn't what was delivered.

I do understand that holding out for a Z06 might be wiser, I just had reasons for an FRC as well. A hatch back has its attractions, convertible doesn't really interest me.

I do appreciate your opinion on it being a stripped down Vette.

 

 

Get a loan, if you can’t it’s probably a huge mistake to put it on your CC.

 

This is a strange statement. Your definition of a "regular" corvette is different from mine. Just because it doesn't have a couple of options and the top doesn't come off it's not a real vette? The platform and engine is the same.... so? The reason your "regular" c5 is devalued is because its 15-20 years old now.

To the OP, buy what you like, but the FRC is a great corvette, and it's not one you see everyday due to lower production numbers. Just my 2 cents

 

Six years ago I bought an 02 vert and there was talk about C5 prices bottoming out. We as we all know now that didn't happen. I predict C5 prices will continue to decline especially when the C8 arrives and both C7 and C6 car prices fall rapidly. Borrowing money on a depreciating asset is never a good idea. Wait a while for better prices and better personal finances.

 

[h2=left]1999 Chevrolet Corvette HARDTOP ( AKA FRC )[/h2]

1. Model: 1999 Chevrolet Corvette
2. MSRP: $38,320 ·
3. Fuel economy (MPG): 18 city 28 highway
4. Dimension: 179.7″ L x 73.6″ W x 47.7″ H
5. Fuel tank capacity: 19.1 gal
6. Seating: 2

 

I see it differently. Compare this to the Mustang GT and LX of the 90's. The LX was also put out for a cheaper model. But like the FRC, it was lighter, faster, and... better looking.
Still see a nicely done LX around these parts every so often. GT's are usually half falling apart.
The FRC is the predecessor of the quickest, and IMO nicest C5 put out

 

I also don't agree with the FRC being a 'lesser' corvette. It's just a different configuration. If there are certain aspects of that configuration that made it cheaper to produce, fine. I really don't care. I've seen too many FRC's tearing up AutoX and HPDE's to think of them as 'lesser'. Outwardly, the only easily viewed differences are the badges, and the brake ducts. The wheels are lesser so because there's so much mixing/changing of wheels among models.
My first C5 was an '02Z. Very easy car to live with as is my coupe. Don't think any further about the body style regarding room. I made many Costco runs with my Z, and paper towel bundles fit very nicely in that VERY deceiving with plenty of room for the rest of the bulk items we can't live without. It also swallowed suitcases easily and provided an 'out of sight' area for tools, or whatever you wanted to drop in there.
I'm also not concerned about whether prices bottom out. I have mine for the long term and whatever it's worth when and if I sell it is no concern for me now. The important thing is that there are, and will be plenty out there. Like others stated, don't compromise your financial status at this point. When you are ready, you may find a Z. It's not a bad thing. Good luck, you came to a great place for info!

 

This is what's wrong with America. If you cant get a prime rate small loan for it, you can't afford it. 13% that's ******* suicide.

 

I agree.... don't be so fast to discount the FRC Vettes. I have heard the theory that they were a budget version, but since the FRCs all came with Z51 suspension and manual 6 speeds, I don't think they are a lesser version at all for performance. Some of us even like the looks better than the coupes, I think the Z06s prove that. Plus, the trunk is much more practical than the coupes and maybe even more spacious. Nothing wrong with the Coupes either if you prefer the looks. The 2000 FRC is also one of the rarest production Corvettes made next to the 53 and 55 Vettes. They might be a sleeper on value. So, based on that, your finances are none of my business, and I won't begin to tell you what to do, but the FRCs are a great car for a great price these days.

 

I was responding from my phone so I didn't comment in too much length. I have a credit card with no interest for a little less than a year now that with that and cash I wouldn't put much on a credit card with interest right now and would plan on paying it off quickly. I work a hectic day job and run my own business (mornings, lunch hour, evenings, weekends....) and can control how much work I do versus people working for me, so I can always make things work out, but try and really investigate things before to help temper the "WANTS" and try to make an educated and rational decision. I have passed on several Corvettes the last six months because something didn't feel right and it could be that if I went to check this out I might feel the same. But I wanted input, as this one as far as how things sit really feels like something I want. My wife basically said do what you want, but I would hate to see you stressed out and working more than you already do. So that hit home a bit.

My hope was that I hear back that the FRC has negligible performance increase or very undesirable... Initially the post were kind of like that or sound advice about not going into debt and have your house in order..... [ But it appears that I will always be paying for kids education, or cars, or others medical and dental bills, or family vacations, weddings..... It never ends and my toys are my 47 Chevy that was my first car and my 944 Turbo that actually my wives boss dropped off in my driveway because he needed garage space for his new custom ordered Audi S8 and had me work for it, basically bartering for my services when I told him I shouldn't take on the responsibility of purchasing a car. My point being, I never go into debt on something for me, it is always for someone else and the selfish side of me is wanting a daily driver that I want, so if it seemed like I was being a bit juvenile in my finances, I probably was/am! Thanks for the input and voices of reason.]....

Or that people would chime in and say how awesome the FRC is and some of the later comments have been a bit along those lines. As it is if I can't find a better way to finance it I will probably pass, but I still want it, but trying to exercise restraint and do the wise thing.

Thanks again everyone for your voices of reason, this is a great forum and some great participation and I consider everyone's points of view valid perspectives.

Merry Christmas!

 

I usually don't like to be negative and reply on certain posts, but this is probably the dumbest comment in this thread.

 

Soooooo, in summary you're saying "I wore my credit rating out and I got a promotional card that I want to buy another project car with, but it's ok I can pay for it if I work 70 hours a week!"

Sorry but what world do you live in?

 

LOL That might be a valid perspective but in my defense I have no late payments, have available credit on all my cards, my credit issue is my debt to the income I make at my day job ratio is bad. The debt besides the house payments and credit cards are step kids college parent plus loans, three extra car loans in my name for family members who make payments and loans and care credit to cover family members medical and dental bills.

I am not looking for a project car, I was looking for a fun daily driver to keep for a long time, I still have my first car and keep cars 12 to 20 years typically .

But you are right, I do have a promotional credit card and the world I live in is the architectural world where you can approach 80 hour weeks. However, I can definitely find some merit in your summarization of what I said and realize that I should change something in my finances and that maybe buying the car isn't the most responsible thing to do.

Thanks for sharing how my narrative appears to you, sometimes I get selfish and don't make wise decisions. My response is not meant in sarcasm .

 

OP, would you want to share the ad for the particular car? Maybe one of us might spot something. FWIW, the EBCM on pre 2001’s is not repairable and not made anymore either.

 

Sorry to seem like a dick but sometimes you need to be one to get the point across. I think you get what I mean. Also I have owned a fully paid off C5 Z06 for the last 5 years and a $13,000 FRC will be needing just as much work as the one I bought. I may be bursting your bubble but these cars are anything but reliable, however when they work they are wonderfully fun sports cars. Source: I've turned every single bolt in my now LS3 powered C5Z, and my road course C6Z with built everything.

 

I find that people in general, and that of course includes me, tend to create and image of themselves that they want to portray and to see themselves as. With that in mind, I try to take what people see/say about me or my situations as a valid perspective from outside the box of my own self identity construct. Hence, I find value in it and try finding valid points and reflect on them. So nothing you said bothered me other than maybe making me digest it and take stock as it were.

When I mentioned reliable, from my experience the LS1 enginee is pretty reliable and parts not too expensive compared to a Porsche, but it is something for me to think on. I was under the impression that Corvettes were pretty hardy, am I wrong? My first car a1947 Chevy Fleetmaster came on a flat bed truck with the body off the frame and engine and parts in apple boxes. I put a 1967.5 large journal Vette 327 fuelie motor and earlier Vette front end under it, it took me 5 years to get on the road and I did everything from fabricating braces, mounts and converting to 12 volt. Point being, I understand what you mean about the joy of working on a car you love. Problem now is finding the time to work on them now.

Once again, thanks for your input, it is all good an valid.

 

Sure:

https://www.apxauto.com/inventory/details/46886308

 

The engine and drivetrain itself is sturdy and will last a long time between repairs/maintenance. However, things like changing the clutch require dropping almost the entire drivetrain, which means huge labor costs unless you're able to do the work yourself. There are minor issues that are usually cheaply and easily resolved.

The C5 often has electrical gremlins that can be rack up large repair bills. In particular is the EBCM. It is no longer made, and only 2001 and newer EBCMs are repairable. 2000 and older will need a junkyard replacement. Weatherstripping goes bad, and that's an expensive replacement.