FRC or Vert
Racer
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 454
Likes: 200
From: Chicago
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (stock)
C5 of Year Winner (stock) 2019
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 14,137
Likes: 2,984
From: Iowa
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
What would you do?
99 red FRC with 70k
or
04 gray Vert m6 with 87k
Both exact same price.
FRC has less miles and slightly nicer condition wise and better color
Vert is 5 years newer and value wise is more and topless would be nice.
If prices were different it would be easier.
99 red FRC with 70k
or
04 gray Vert m6 with 87k
Both exact same price.
FRC has less miles and slightly nicer condition wise and better color
Vert is 5 years newer and value wise is more and topless would be nice.
If prices were different it would be easier.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 91
From: Indiana
The FRC spoke to me more and it had less miles and I like red plus condition wise it was nicer. However it sold yesterday so I bought the vert. It is 5 years newer.
This is is my third c5. Last one was in 2013
This is is my third c5. Last one was in 2013
Pro
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 741
Likes: 80
I was noticing if a FRC is priced right they seem to move quick. I think maybe collectability plus with proper mods I think they are the best looking modern Vette since the 60's... Enjoy your car.... You are probably better off with the 04 long term...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,205
Likes: 282
From: NoVA
I don't have all the $$ facts but if I wanted a daily driver I would go with newer. If I wanted a want a fun Corvette with above average collectability then the FRC would be my choice.
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Pro
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 515
Likes: 279
From: Carol Stream (Chicago suburbs) IL
The convertible might have the Z51 suspension. Which if I recall correctly might be as good or better than the FRC's given the '04 year (the Z51 was beefed up over the years...not quite to Z06 standards but close). Also I think the '04 with the manual would put down slightly more hp and a bit torque than the older FRC.
Best advice so far is for the OP to drive the cars and pick the one he likes most (and if one doesn't scream "buy me" keep shopping). What looks good on paper on cars this old, might not translate to the reality of car(s) in question.
Best advice so far is for the OP to drive the cars and pick the one he likes most (and if one doesn't scream "buy me" keep shopping). What looks good on paper on cars this old, might not translate to the reality of car(s) in question.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 741
Likes: 80
I haven't seen anything on the road that I believe looks better than what I bought since I bought it.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 34,479
Likes: 532
From: Central PA. - - My AR15 identifies as a muzzleloader
I believe in the Beer Fairy
I say flip a coin...
I had a C5 Vert for 6 years. Loved that car. One of the very first things I did to it was put a new top on. Did not find it expensive at all, did the job myself. Any of the cars can leak, so that's not restricted to Verts. You'll see threads about coupes and frcs and zs with water in the footwell all the same. It might be a little more prevalent in the vert, but not exclusive.
Fwiw, I now have a c6 vert and MUCH preferred the manual vert top in the C5 to the power top in my C6. I could swap from top up to top down while in the drivers seat while sitting at a redlight, and never leave the seat, and never fear of holding anyone up. Seriously, 10-15 seconds, done....
When I bought my Vert, I'd just completed 25 years of open roof cars and one requirement for the Vette was no roof panels or vert.... Bought a vert.
I enjoyed more top down miles in that car than any other car. Not to say I spent more top down miles, just that I enjoyed them more. 
They're a great car with the top down. That said, they're a great car with the top up!
There is no wrong choice here.
I had a C5 Vert for 6 years. Loved that car. One of the very first things I did to it was put a new top on. Did not find it expensive at all, did the job myself. Any of the cars can leak, so that's not restricted to Verts. You'll see threads about coupes and frcs and zs with water in the footwell all the same. It might be a little more prevalent in the vert, but not exclusive.
Fwiw, I now have a c6 vert and MUCH preferred the manual vert top in the C5 to the power top in my C6. I could swap from top up to top down while in the drivers seat while sitting at a redlight, and never leave the seat, and never fear of holding anyone up. Seriously, 10-15 seconds, done....
When I bought my Vert, I'd just completed 25 years of open roof cars and one requirement for the Vette was no roof panels or vert.... Bought a vert.
I enjoyed more top down miles in that car than any other car. Not to say I spent more top down miles, just that I enjoyed them more. They're a great car with the top down. That said, they're a great car with the top up! There is no wrong choice here.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 273
Likes: 39
From: SC
Depends on how your going to drive the car. As some have said, if cruising the Vert but you may be limited to Spring to Fall. With the top up in chilly weather, you have bad blind spots. Here in SC summer time is great only in the morning or evening with the top down, otherwise it's too HOT. (I have a 2K Vert in triple black, original owner). My Vert is under a carport the last 2 years with a car cover, no problems
Someone mentioned looking at a coupe which is a good option all year.
Someone mentioned looking at a coupe which is a good option all year.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,515
Likes: 96
From: PA
C5 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
I say flip a coin...
I had a C5 Vert for 6 years. Loved that car. One of the very first things I did to it was put a new top on. Did not find it expensive at all, did the job myself. Any of the cars can leak, so that's not restricted to Verts. You'll see threads about coupes and frcs and zs with water in the footwell all the same. It might be a little more prevalent in the vert, but not exclusive.
Fwiw, I now have a c6 vert and MUCH preferred the manual vert top in the C5 to the power top in my C6. I could swap from top up to top down while in the drivers seat while sitting at a redlight, and never leave the seat, and never fear of holding anyone up. Seriously, 10-15 seconds, done....
When I bought my Vert, I'd just completed 25 years of open roof cars and one requirement for the Vette was no roof panels or vert.... Bought a vert. I enjoyed more top down miles in that car than any other car. Not to say I spent more top down miles, just that I enjoyed them more. They're a great car with the top down. That said, they're a great car with the top up!
There is no wrong choice here.
I had a C5 Vert for 6 years. Loved that car. One of the very first things I did to it was put a new top on. Did not find it expensive at all, did the job myself. Any of the cars can leak, so that's not restricted to Verts. You'll see threads about coupes and frcs and zs with water in the footwell all the same. It might be a little more prevalent in the vert, but not exclusive.
Fwiw, I now have a c6 vert and MUCH preferred the manual vert top in the C5 to the power top in my C6. I could swap from top up to top down while in the drivers seat while sitting at a redlight, and never leave the seat, and never fear of holding anyone up. Seriously, 10-15 seconds, done....
When I bought my Vert, I'd just completed 25 years of open roof cars and one requirement for the Vette was no roof panels or vert.... Bought a vert.
I enjoyed more top down miles in that car than any other car. Not to say I spent more top down miles, just that I enjoyed them more. They're a great car with the top down. That said, they're a great car with the top up! There is no wrong choice here.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 66
Likes: 4
What would you do?
99 red FRC with 70k
or
04 gray Vert m6 with 87k
Both exact same price.
FRC has less miles and slightly nicer condition wise and better color
Vert is 5 years newer and value wise is more and topless would be nice.
If prices were different it would be easier.
99 red FRC with 70k
or
04 gray Vert m6 with 87k
Both exact same price.
FRC has less miles and slightly nicer condition wise and better color
Vert is 5 years newer and value wise is more and topless would be nice.
If prices were different it would be easier.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,094
Likes: 3,468
From: Oswego IL
FRC, if you are focused more on performance, if you plan on doing any track use, and if you want a car with a unique appearance.
Convertible, if you are focused more on grandkids, if you plan on doing any Bingo tournaments, and if you want a car that looks like all the others.
.
.
.
Just a joke, guys. Don't get your Depends in a knot.
Convertible, if you are focused more on grandkids, if you plan on doing any Bingo tournaments, and if you want a car that looks like all the others.
.
.
.
Just a joke, guys. Don't get your Depends in a knot.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 134
Likes: 48
From: Fishers, IN
Wow, what a wonderful discussion this has turned into! I just bought my first Corvette last November and I picked a C5 Z06 (FRC). I was a bit torn on whether I wanted a targa top or the unique look. In hind sight, I am so happy with my decision! I absolutely love the look/feel/uniqueness.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 34,479
Likes: 532
From: Central PA. - - My AR15 identifies as a muzzleloader
I believe in the Beer Fairy
FRC, if you are focused more on performance, if you plan on doing any track use, and if you want a car with a unique appearance.
Convertible, if you are focused more on grandkids, if you plan on doing any Bingo tournaments, and if you want a car that looks like all the others.
.
.
.
Just a joke, guys. Don't get your Depends in a knot.
Convertible, if you are focused more on grandkids, if you plan on doing any Bingo tournaments, and if you want a car that looks like all the others.
.
.
.
Just a joke, guys. Don't get your Depends in a knot.
Color reflects too much sunlight. Wheels have 7 spokes but 5 lugs. Antenna is broke. Would not drive.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,094
Likes: 3,468
From: Oswego IL
