Former C5 owner, sold the car when serious health issues arose. At the time, wasn't sure recovery would happen and had one of those "if you ever want to sell" offers. I am thankfully better and would like to buy another Corvette.
Loved the C5, I spent probably six months researching the generation and learning all I could and then a few months looking for a car. I am a female and not a mechanic but felt comfortable looking for a car after reading so much here and elsewhere. I was lucky to have found a well maintained car that was very reliable. I also have an excellent Corvette mechanic who has always treated me well and I trust.
Now, I am comptemplating what generation to buy: another C5, a C6 or I could do an early C7. I want an automatic, can drive manual but don't want to .I loved the heads up display but that is not a deal breaker. I do want a stock car.
Concerns: I know the C5, love the pop up headlights and body style and really everything about them, but know they are older now and finding a good one might be difficult. When reading about the C6 I am concerned about the fuel leak issue and with the C7 it seems the first year has the most reliable transmission and I know the caution about buying the first year of any new generation.
Thank you for reading and any comments, recommendations, etc would really be appreciated.

 

A good c5 isn't hard to find. You can get a great low mileage in the teens. You already know c5s. They're easy to work in and great cars. I got mine and put in c6 seats which helped. Going newer is not a bad idea at all. Maybe go and drive s c6 or a 7 and make up your mind. If sounds like your mind is made up on a c5 and that isn't a bad thing

 

If I were in the market, I'd go for the newest generation I could, C7

 

First, it is definitely still possible to find very nice, low mileage, reliable C5s. If you really like the C5, I wouldn't hesitate. However, with that said if you are looking to keep the car totally stock, and you want an automatic, I really think the C7 would be your best option. You'll get more power, better tech, a better transmission, a nicer interior. Bottom line, it's a newer, nicer car. I chose to Supercharge my C5 instead of getting a C7. However, stock C5 vs stock C7 (especially for automatics) the C7 is better.

 

welcome back and congratulations on better health!
go drive one of all 3 and see which you like
The newest C5 is 16yrs old - getting elderly and dealers are increasingly incompetent to work on them. That may be a consideration. I would suggest a C6 or C7. That said I own and love an 04 C5Z and like it the best of the 3gens.

Good luck!

 

03-4 C5 w/less than 60k miles and that is in tip-top shape is my suggestion. Also, don't assume good condition just because of low miles. Rubber parts and fluids degenerate with time. And cars that have sat for long periods of time can sometimes need more work than one that's been driven and maintained.

 

As much as I like a C5 they are old and sometimes can be a challenge to maintain. I also have appreciation for the C7 but they aren't exactly problem free. When I investigated buying one I learned about common problems with transmissions and wheels among others. Maybe a C6 would be a better choice price wise, performance wise, maintainability and reliability.

 

If you like verts then why not a c6 grand sport vert?