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I've owned five C5s and all have been coupes. The convertible just never tripped my trigger. Besides, the coupe's targa top comes off and when it doesn't you can see out the roof (transparent top)
I have a coupe and love it. With the top off, it is as open as you need it to be but not quite gale force/full road noise. If you live somewhere warm and mild (FL), vert makes more sense as there is more season. For me in CT, I drive April till it snows and like the option of being open or closed. Also, coupe gives you amazing storage space (Costco run size) if that matters (which it will). Vert is better looking by a small margin though IMO only in certain colors. If I had to do it again, would make the same decision.
I have a thing about being in the open air. So after getting off my Harley permanently (lost to many friends and had to many close calls) I went looking for a vert C5 6M. I can still get the feeling of the open air with the vert but much safer than the scooter. I also do like the roof line of the vert and FRC/Z06 over the coupe. Just personal preference, nothing more. Speaking for myself I find a nice warm evening, top down, rowing through the gears, listening to the exhaust (B&B Bullets), and playing some great tunes, to be some of the best automotive fun to be had.
Personally, I am a convertible fan. Three of my five are convertibles, but I am currently looking for an 80s C4 vert to compliment my 96 CE LT4 coupe. My wife really doesn’t like the looks of my C3 coupe, but when I showed her pics of C3 verts she liked them. That’s one more reason for me to sell the C3 coupe and pick up a C3 convertible. It’s all personal preference though.
Thank You for all the advise the Vert seems to have won. My Plan is to by the best C5 I can afford I hope it is a Convertible, Thank you all
@GREENMONSTER1918 i guess you are aware, but in case you are not, 20years old top will have issue with weather seals (mine did not yet) and probably with rear window getting loose (takes a day to solve). Mine also have some small bites here and there, some wear due to staffing. If you are picky, you should plan to change the clothe or find a queen.
Also cleaning and weather proofing the top take a little bit more time than a hard roof, still it is only every 5-6months.
good luck in your quest.
TCFS
My 98 vert has no leaks, even in bad storms. Those that do may need to tweak the window alignment. I also never take it to a car wash.
QUOTE=kzoo-z;1600913806]Were most of the convertible top leaks on the pre-2001's prior to the changes in materials and seals etc.? I have not had a leak issue "yet" and am just wondering if there was an improvement.[/QUOTE]
From: Ideals are peaceful...History is violent...St.Charles, MO.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C5 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'12 thru'22
Originally Posted by GREENMONSTER1918
I am looking for a C5 when I started looking I was hell bent on a vert only. But I have opened the door to the coupe as of late. How did you come to your Decision to buy a coup/vert. My thoughts are half roof semi convertible, More storage area, Stiffer body, More of a selection in coupe's. Your thoughts please
I've never cared for "VS" threads, when it concerns the same model vehicle with one distinct difference but, in this case it's really a matter of personal choice. Luckily, the C5 was produced in a variety of choices to satisfy just about anyone. You asked for opinions and I'll give you mine. I love the C5 in all configurations however, the convertible was never an option nor ever will be for purchase by me, unless I buy a C1 Vette. My next door neighbor is a Vette guy, and has owned C5's, all verts, amongst a variety of other cars. We get along famously, just one big difference. He likes verts, I like fixed/targa cars. People have their "preferences" for what ever reason. I don't try to take every one apart, to see what makes it tick. Vert vs coupe, is rarely a gray area. People already have that pre-determined.
Styling is a big part of what attracts people to choosing a car, especially a Vette. Looking at the Vert, then the coupe should be enough to determine which you prefer. Both have their advantages. Drive both and that should give you a definitive answer if your still on the fence. Just my .02
Good luck with your search and ultimate decision....
From: Ideals are peaceful...History is violent...St.Charles, MO.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C5 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'12 thru'22
Originally Posted by Yello95
Hello my buddy Tom...
I like both...but how can you not love a vert...lookie lookie...
I use to be this pretty 40 years ago.....
I know you "love" your vert Kenny, just like I "love" my coupe. Your car is beautiful, and like I said before, I like the C5 in ALL configurations, I just prefer a solid roof/targa configuration for my preference in the C5 realm.
I know you "love" your vert Kenny, just like I "love" my coupe. Your car is beautiful, and like I said before, I like the C5 in ALL configurations, I just prefer a solid roof/targa configuration for my preference in the C5 realm.
Yea....i know Tom...i was just stirring your pot.....i had a Vette with t tops and it was more quiet on the inside...warmer in the winter and when I took the tops off, it was similar to my vert....i also felt more secure physically with a solid top..with my vert, .i sometimes feel like some jealous snowflake could knife my top and mess me up...so I really do like the solid roof also... I wouldn't mind getting one of those solid tops to fasten on my vert in the winter but it is a pain in the butt on an off.....and by the way, here's a little secret between you and me...i really don't love the vert that much logically...i just think it looks cool...but I do "love" my MCM high rise hood
....always truly love reading your detailed and informative inspirational posts ....GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and Donald J Trump for making it GREAT AGAIN....can't wait to see the next Trump rally......stay safe my buddy Tom
NOW... watch some facebook radical shifty schiff make a political issue with my post
I wanted the added performance of the Z06, so FRC for me please. If I wasn't in the market for a Z06, I probably would have gone with the convertible. Then I think about the fact that if I wanted to feel the wind through my hair, I'd have to take my shirt off.
Never had a vert before so was open for that option when i looked for my first Corvette i knew it had to be yellow and a manual, found it after some searching.
No leaks previous owner kept it good and i suspect replaced ragtop and weather stripping as it fresh, regarding leaks in footwell it is a known fact that you must check and clean out the small rubber outlets under front skirts as they get clogged over time other wise it can cause leaks into the BCM passenger area.
Ok...holding my breath for ya .....I'll be 110 and hopefully in Corvette heaven with ET...
I'd be honored to have you both at the "passing of your MCM hood" ceremony. I will carry the torch proudly and perform the same at such appointed last lap for myself, to one of our younger brothers or sisters on CF.
I'd be honored to have you both at the "passing of your MCM hood" ceremony. I will carry the torch proudly and perform the same at such appointed last lap for myself, to one of our younger brothers or sisters on CF.
Never had a vert before so was open for that option when i looked for my first Corvette i knew it had to be yellow and a manual, found it after some searching.
No leaks previous owner kept it good and i suspect replaced ragtop and weather stripping as it fresh, regarding leaks in footwell it is a known fact that you must check and clean out the small rubber outlets under front skirts as they get clogged over time other wise it can cause leaks into the BCM passenger area.
WOW thats nice ....it will look 1000% cleaner if you remove the BSMs...just sayin
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.
.....i had a Vette with t tops and it was more quiet on the inside...warmer in the winter and when I took the tops off, it was similar to my vert....i also felt more secure physically with a solid top..with my vert, .i sometimes feel like some jealous snowflake could knife my top and mess me up...so I really do like the solid roof also... I wouldn't mind getting one of those solid tops to fasten on my vert in the winter but it is a pain in the butt on an off.....and by the way, here's a little secret between you and me...i really don't love the vert that much logically...i just think it looks cool
...but I do "love" my MCM high rise hood
..stay safe my buddy Tom 
.....I'll be 110 and hopefully in Corvette heaven with ET...
....it will look 1000% cleaner if you remove the BSMs...just sayin 
