Prices going up!
Running Guns & Moonshine
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 12,555
Likes: 7,234
From: CT
Everyone went nuts over that article.
Will they go up over time? Surely so.
Are they some big ticket item right now? Firm no. You can get a C5 Z06 in the high to mid teens with 150-200k miles still. A stock low miles one should net mid 20s. A build one with mid miles should fetch high 20s. Almost none that I have seen should bag 30k. If they do, they are outliers due to the buyer being kind of dumb.
Will they go up over time? Surely so.
Are they some big ticket item right now? Firm no. You can get a C5 Z06 in the high to mid teens with 150-200k miles still. A stock low miles one should net mid 20s. A build one with mid miles should fetch high 20s. Almost none that I have seen should bag 30k. If they do, they are outliers due to the buyer being kind of dumb.
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
Everyone went nuts over that article.
Will they go up over time? Surely so.
Are they some big ticket item right now? Firm no. You can get a C5 Z06 in the high to mid teens with 150-200k miles still. A stock low miles one should net mid 20s. A build one with mid miles should fetch high 20s. Almost none that I have seen should bag 30k. If they do, they are outliers due to the buyer being kind of dumb.
Will they go up over time? Surely so.
Are they some big ticket item right now? Firm no. You can get a C5 Z06 in the high to mid teens with 150-200k miles still. A stock low miles one should net mid 20s. A build one with mid miles should fetch high 20s. Almost none that I have seen should bag 30k. If they do, they are outliers due to the buyer being kind of dumb.
Admittedly, it's not a Z06 so the performance metrics are a bit lower, but being a convertible probably also appreciates the value somewhat as a factor. Either way, I love this car and probably wouldn't sell it at current market prices even if I could turn a good profit on it more or less instantly.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 695
From: Paducah KY
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Pro
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 691
Likes: 317
From: NW OH
Only if you're trying to sell it... otherwise higher insurance, higher road tax (in some states), higher profile (attention/theft/etc), parts costs increasing...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,873
Likes: 2,505
Trying to compare market values using 100k + mile highly modified rebuilt cars as an indicator of overall value simply is not relevant. Traditionally and for the foreseeable future, unmodified low mileage, well kept original cars are ultimately always going to be the true value guide. The experts who actually know the market and predict the trends are not talking about the anecdotal 200k mile blown rebuilt cars once bought at a random sale somewhere. The market is set by the sales and transactions taking place at national auctions and markets.
Instructor
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 136
Likes: 66
From: Long Island, NY
This thought process is nothing new to this forum. For whatever reason, folks here have laughed at rising prices for a long time. Meanwhile, factually, prices continue to rise for the right car.
Trying to compare market values using 100k + mile highly modified rebuilt cars as an indicator of overall value simply is not relevant. Traditionally and for the foreseeable future, unmodified low mileage, well kept original cars are ultimately always going to be the true value guide. The experts who actually know the market and predict the trends are not talking about the anecdotal 200k mile blown rebuilt cars once bought at a random sale somewhere. The market is set by the sales and transactions taking place at national auctions and markets.
Trying to compare market values using 100k + mile highly modified rebuilt cars as an indicator of overall value simply is not relevant. Traditionally and for the foreseeable future, unmodified low mileage, well kept original cars are ultimately always going to be the true value guide. The experts who actually know the market and predict the trends are not talking about the anecdotal 200k mile blown rebuilt cars once bought at a random sale somewhere. The market is set by the sales and transactions taking place at national auctions and markets.
and lets be clear im sometimes one of those guys when i see a particular car sell for a price im like “what in the world was buyer thinkn”… but ive come to conclusion it is what it is and i really dont foresee myself ever having anything but a vette for a toy. If i ever sell my c5 its only to get myself in a c6 or c7
Pro
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 691
Likes: 317
From: NW OH
Also I don't understand the c5z premium. you are stuck the cheapest configuration, fixed roofs and manual transmissions only. The performance improvements are mostly bolt ons. Having the "billy bob" trunk would be a huge turn off for me.
Not like nowadays, where the c8z is practically a Ferrari.
But I also remember beanie babies so *shrug*
Not like nowadays, where the c8z is practically a Ferrari.
But I also remember beanie babies so *shrug*
Last edited by Elektro; Apr 7, 2023 at 08:52 AM.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,873
Likes: 2,505
Also I don't understand the c5z premium. you are stuck the cheapest configuration, fixed roofs and manual transmissions only. The performance improvements are mostly bolt ons. Having the "billy bob" trunk would be a huge turn off for me.
Not like nowadays, where the c8z is practically a Ferrari.
But I also remember beanie babies so *shrug*
Not like nowadays, where the c8z is practically a Ferrari.
But I also remember beanie babies so *shrug*
Instructor
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 136
Likes: 66
From: Long Island, NY
A friend of mine owns a z06… we all say..” yeah chris has a sick z06”… i have a c5 coupe… they all say “gene has a sweet vette”. Z06 model just in its own realm. Just has that swagger and wow factor. Always will
Pro
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 691
Likes: 317
From: NW OH
tbf the only c5z I ride in have the A7s, coilovers, bear brakes, harness, all sorts of motor stuff, etc and I remember thinking "if my vette had hoo hoos"... lol
thinking back now I don't know if it was actually a real z06 or just a regular old frc :/
thinking back now I don't know if it was actually a real z06 or just a regular old frc :/
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,563
Likes: 3,304
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
The Z06 is lighter, has better suspension, and more power than a base model or a convertible. It also has additional cooling and wider tires. There's no mystery why they carry a premium over other C5 Corvettes. Yes, my S/C vert will run circles around a stock Z06. However, if you do the same mods to the Z06, it will be faster in every way. IMHO, the ONLY downside to the Z06 is that you couldn't get the C5 version with a convertible top.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,860
Likes: 4,661
I've actually backed off from commenting on the online postings. On C5 Modified Buy Sell Trade guys have been posting laughable prices frequently of late.
They might have a 60k mile Supercharged Z06 and be trying to sell it for $37,500. I got to a negative point (which I realize I've been doing lately and trying to back off) and got in the habit of roasting them HARD for it.
Some cars are actually worth quite a bit. But they would have to be the same 60k mile, supercharged car while also having RPM trans and diff, driveshaft, brakes, suspension, shortblock, etc and still only scratch a lower 30s number or upper 20s. All of this is especially pertinent when considering that once anyone start pushing a 30s price line there is little incentive to stick to the C5 when the C6 Z06s are not a huge leap away and already have a stronger trans and rear as well as an epic 427 cubic inches and greater ROI when they sell.
They might have a 60k mile Supercharged Z06 and be trying to sell it for $37,500. I got to a negative point (which I realize I've been doing lately and trying to back off) and got in the habit of roasting them HARD for it.
Some cars are actually worth quite a bit. But they would have to be the same 60k mile, supercharged car while also having RPM trans and diff, driveshaft, brakes, suspension, shortblock, etc and still only scratch a lower 30s number or upper 20s. All of this is especially pertinent when considering that once anyone start pushing a 30s price line there is little incentive to stick to the C5 when the C6 Z06s are not a huge leap away and already have a stronger trans and rear as well as an epic 427 cubic inches and greater ROI when they sell.
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 23
Likes: 132
Also I don't understand the c5z premium. you are stuck the cheapest configuration, fixed roofs and manual transmissions only. The performance improvements are mostly bolt ons. Having the "billy bob" trunk would be a huge turn off for me.
Not like nowadays, where the c8z is practically a Ferrari.
But I also remember beanie babies so *shrug*
Not like nowadays, where the c8z is practically a Ferrari.
But I also remember beanie babies so *shrug*
Please tell me- is titanium exhuast cheap? Are lightweight Speedline wheels from Italy cheap? Is adding 55hp to the motor cheap?Not to mention the dozens of other differences which add up (suspension upgrades, thinned glass, different transmission gears, etc.).
Last I checked, manual transmissions have a performance and emotional advantage over automatics.
Last I checked, the fixed roof coupe is stiffer and lighter for better handling and lap times.
I think you need to educate yourself more about the C5Z. "When the C5 Corvette Z06 clocked its 7:56 Ring time, it was a pretty big deal. GM claimed it was the first real production car to break past the eight-minute mark." THAT seems pretty Ferrari-like to me.
Lastly, I'll just leave this here...
Last edited by GM Bureaucrat; Apr 7, 2023 at 02:19 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 6,462
Likes: 4,305
From: Florida
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C5 of the Year Winner- Unmodified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
“Yeah well my car has a thinner windshield, harsh suspension, fewer options, and no sound mitigation…”. Hell, I’m surprised they had radio and heater.
Looking at Vettes in 2003 I test drove a Z, and it rode like a buck board. It was a little quicker, but not something I would drive daily. Ended up buying a vert, stuck 3.90’s in it and loved it. Didn’t miss that Z a bit, but it was an interesting concept as a track ready racer from the factory.
However, the C5 Z06 seems like an afterthought collectible; like after one has a Ferrari 250 GTO, GT40, GT3, Aston Martin DB5, ‘63 Split Window, Jag XKE, any Bugatti, vintage Rolls, ‘63 Lincoln Convertible, Pantera, a few Indy cars, and a Stingray bike…just to name a few.
Are the C5Z’s cool these days? Sure, to a handful of C5 guys, but no more valuable than a Thompson with a drum magazine, in fact probably less. The Z has some relevance, but it not widespread.
Looking at Vettes in 2003 I test drove a Z, and it rode like a buck board. It was a little quicker, but not something I would drive daily. Ended up buying a vert, stuck 3.90’s in it and loved it. Didn’t miss that Z a bit, but it was an interesting concept as a track ready racer from the factory.
However, the C5 Z06 seems like an afterthought collectible; like after one has a Ferrari 250 GTO, GT40, GT3, Aston Martin DB5, ‘63 Split Window, Jag XKE, any Bugatti, vintage Rolls, ‘63 Lincoln Convertible, Pantera, a few Indy cars, and a Stingray bike…just to name a few.
Are the C5Z’s cool these days? Sure, to a handful of C5 guys, but no more valuable than a Thompson with a drum magazine, in fact probably less. The Z has some relevance, but it not widespread.
Last edited by vette4fl; Apr 7, 2023 at 02:46 PM.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 691
Likes: 317
From: NW OH
I also bought the gen-you-wine speedline wheels mainly for looks and price, wish I had taken the kubs recommendation and got the chineeeeese apex wheels instead, or trackspec, or anything else really.. visible defects on the inside of the spokes. But they work and look good.
Main reason for choosing these parts is they are cheaper than most any aftermarket and should have a reasonable guarantee of quality, well maybe not with the wheels... seems like chevy has trouble (recalls) with wheels even on c8 lol
not too concerned about an 385 vs 345 hp, never been much into motors so long as they run... so far I've won scca keychain, set of coasters, and a miniature traffic cone. I'm not out racing for big prize money lol and I still need my car to run well on the road.
Last edited by Elektro; Apr 7, 2023 at 05:33 PM.
Pro
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 655
Likes: 60
From: Tampa
Please tell me- is titanium exhuast cheap? Are lightweight Speedline wheels from Italy cheap? Is adding 55hp to the motor cheap?Not to mention the dozens of other differences which add up (suspension upgrades, thinned glass, different transmission gears, etc.).
Last I checked, manual transmissions have a performance and emotional advantage over automatics.
Last I checked, the fixed roof coupe is stiffer and lighter for better handling and lap times.
I think you need to educate yourself more about the C5Z. "When the C5 Corvette Z06 clocked its 7:56 Ring time, it was a pretty big deal. GM claimed it was the first real production car to break past the eight-minute mark." THAT seems pretty Ferrari-like to me.
Lastly, I'll just leave this here...
Running Guns & Moonshine
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 12,555
Likes: 7,234
From: CT
Please tell me- is titanium exhuast cheap? Are lightweight Speedline wheels from Italy cheap? Is adding 55hp to the motor cheap?Not to mention the dozens of other differences which add up (suspension upgrades, thinned glass, different transmission gears, etc.).
Last I checked, manual transmissions have a performance and emotional advantage over automatics.
Last I checked, the fixed roof coupe is stiffer and lighter for better handling and lap times.
I think you need to educate yourself more about the C5Z. "When the C5 Corvette Z06 clocked its 7:56 Ring time, it was a pretty big deal. GM claimed it was the first real production car to break past the eight-minute mark." THAT seems pretty Ferrari-like to me.
Lastly, I'll just leave this here...
All valid points, yes. And I agree. But they amount to armchair general commentary. I can buy a high miles base frc or coupe for under 10k (my friend is actually about to) and do basic used or new gm suspension or some aftermarket which are cheap, basic brakes and fluid, headers and/or small cam, upload a tune and roll out and eat a C5 Z06 all day long at the drags or the track. So sure the Z has argue topics in its favor, but once you start wrenching they are all equal and you're two blower kits ahead by starting with the base optioned car.
Which car is better then? The stock one with the badge and the price tag? Or the one which is modded ***** out and still not touching that price tag and can afford two seasons of track tires?