When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
For me personally, I’m shocked that the Z’s I posted previously eclipsed the $35k mark. I occasionally watch the post sale prices and I thought they were on a decline but I was wrong. I feel $35k is fair pricing for a low mileage (10k mile or less) Z. It’s apparent Hagerty has some influence on the market or they own a crystal ball.
Both BAT auctions has me seriously thinking about throwing mine on there. I have 9,083 miles, VIN is beyond the recall range (#128xxx) minor additions done to it (albeit… I have all the OEM parts packaged and stored away and it can be put back to as delivered to the dealership over the weekend). Would I miss it? Yes but money talks. I will see what the 9k sells for then go from there.
On another note… it is extremely important to know what the VIN # is when buying a ‘04 Corvette. For instance, the VIN on both Z’s fall within the range of recalled corvettes for the ‘fuel tanks crossover tube’ issue. To the uninformed buyers of both of the Z’s if the recall was not done it won’t be good news if it leaks or if it has to be replaced/repaired. If it was replaced/or fixed (not necessarily @ a GM dealership) - great news for them.
Been looking today. My buddy got the big approval from his wife to grab a C5 for track play. We already had one slip his grip for $9,500 with 98k miles, intact body, bad paint. So the bottom end of the market is pretty strong out there.... being able to score a mid/high miles stick shift for under 10k is awesome for whoever scored it. Even better when you consider we can put this pig on the track for about 2000 between suspension, tires and brakes.
SO - if any of you come across something cheap but intact send me a PM because we're actively shopping.
Paint condition, salvage history, miles - don't matter. We do want the body intact and the interior not totally gacked. Beyond that it just has to be a stick and not a vert.
Finding a stick at all seems ungodly hard amongst the sea of 4-speed automatics.... yuck.
Here is my take on the C5 prices as a watcher for 5 years. They have bottomed out and are on a slow but steady rise. Car in general are up about $5k.
Here are the specifics. Stock low mile Z cars can be $8k to $10k more than the convertibles.
The coupes are still a couple grand less than the Convertibles.
Stock accept for exhaust cars hold a better price. Low miles are extra value but not always condition.
The point for the C5 is that it is styled in the old wat with the old style lights so the popularity here has held on styling. But the fact the C5 is still an an analog car has played a big role appealing to tuners or guys who actually work on their cars.
The C5 was a car where many bought it and just wiped it with a diaper. But those cars are now being sold and driven. The supply of low mile cars is dropping. Also the stored cars are not always in great shape.
I just bought a 2002 convert with 31k miles. I also looked at a 10 k mile car just like it. The seats were cracked the tires were old and the car was dinged up from garage abuse. It was not worth the extra money.
Even mine sat too much as it had a mouse nest in the AC but no wire damage.
I made my move now as just a few years ago a low mile car could be had for $17k but today the same car is $30k.
I got mine at the low end of the price range as it need detailed and things like the rocking seats fixed etc. To be honest I have it in show cars condition now in just 3 days work. I could see it was a good car. I looked for every reason not to buy it but could not find one.
I was also able to beat the spring rush.
Now none of us will be one rich on these cars. There are no real copo cars or rare combinations that everyone has to have.
The stock unmolested cars will always see a premium and well documented modified cars will also see extra value over cars with not documented history of work. That is the market for any car.
I feel I will see steady slow growth with my car and I will make a modest profit should I sell in the future.
Note inflated C8 prices also are driving the used market up too.
Onlyba major economic crash will bring things down.
IMO, condition is MUCH more important than mileage, especially with C5s since they can last up to 773,000 miles on original motor with no rebuilds (https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cul...rvette-museum/). So to me, any C5 with <100k miles is "low miles" when you factor in the longevity/durability of these cars. The items that fail on these cars is mainly due to age, not enough use, or abuse- rather than mileage.
Some low mile cars have problems from not being driven enough.
Too many people focus on low mileage (yes, low mileage can be a good proxy for condition, but not always) or even sillier, a low # of owners. A low # of owners could mean complacency of long-term owners, whereas a car that has a few owners gets refreshed enthusiasm for taking care of the car each time it changes hands.
I think you make great sense. All of your points could be valid. Factually though, low mileage cars ultimately set the value in the marketplace. Original low mileage cars sell high raising the prices ultimately of the more "driver" variety car with miles as well.
IMO, condition is MUCH more important than mileage, especially with C5s since they can last up to 773,000 miles on original motor with no rebuilds (https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cul...rvette-museum/). So to me, any C5 with <100k miles is "low miles" when you factor in the longevity/durability of these cars. The items that fail on these cars is mainly due to age, not enough use, or abuse- rather than mileage.
Some low mile cars have problems from not being driven enough.
Too many people focus on low mileage (yes, low mileage can be a good proxy for condition, but not always) or even sillier, a low # of owners. A low # of owners could mean complacency of long-term owners, whereas a car that has a few owners gets refreshed enthusiasm for taking care of the car each time it changes hands.
Two factors that will play a roll in the C5 since there are so few COPO like cars.m
Condition is a no brainer.
Second lower miles but not no miles.
Third The Z06 and coupes due to the low volume vs high demand. Some added value to special editions.
Fourth original cars. Custom is nice but unless it is the taste of the buyer or if it has a built engine it needs documentation. Smart buyers want invoices band photos of mods.
Finally #5. 2002 and 2003 are the two prime years to buy as they have the least issues to face. I made it my mission to buy one of those two years.
The big issue is there are still tons of C5 model and will be for years to come. They mostly have the same options and people do not generally drive daily and do take extra care of them.
It is like the Fiero market. They are facing the same thing. The 88 has a bit more value due to the one year suspension but parts are hard to find. Yet they are now worth in good condition a little more than their original sticker. Few cars in that era can do that and the C5 will enjoy the same thing.
Also being the last analog Vette and the first of the new platform it hold an advantage in better platform but easy to work on.
In November, I bought a loaded C5 with 35000 miles and full bolt ons for $17000. Its came with some extra stock parts which I sold for $1000 bucks. I added a double din alpine radio with front and rear camera, fixed a couple recalls on it, and gave the car to my son. I felt it was a good deal. No issues or accidents.
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.
For me personally, I’m shocked that the Z’s I posted previously eclipsed the $35k mark. I occasionally watch the post sale prices and I thought they were on a decline but I was wrong. I feel $35k is fair pricing for a low mileage (10k mile or less) Z. It’s apparent Hagerty has some influence on the market or they own a crystal ball.
Both BAT auctions has me seriously thinking about throwing mine on there. I have 9,083 miles, VIN is beyond the recall range (#128xxx) minor additions done to it (albeit… I have all the OEM parts packaged and stored away and it can be put back to as delivered to the dealership over the weekend). Would I miss it? Yes but money talks. I will see what the 9k sells for then go from there.
On another note… it is extremely important to know what the VIN # is when buying a ‘04 Corvette. For instance, the VIN on both Z’s fall within the range of recalled corvettes for the ‘fuel tanks crossover tube’ issue. To the uninformed buyers of both of the Z’s if the recall was not done it won’t be good news if it leaks or if it has to be replaced/repaired. If it was replaced/or fixed (not necessarily @ a GM dealership) - great news for them.
$35,000 for a C5Z?? I like them a lot, and would pay that price......IF the car had 5,000-10,000 miles on it, AND IF I wanted one bad enough. BUT-Keep in mind there are now quite a few C6Zs out there with 50,000 miles on them for around $40,000. IMHO, it would be $5,000 well spent. But, that's ME!! Many wouldn't want the engine risk that comes with the LS7. Get a bad one, and your 40k investment just became a nearly 60k investment. Get a good one, and it's pure magic. Like Dirty Harry asked, 'Do you feel lucky?'
I'm looking forward to the ti exhaust, mainly because PO put the "straight pipe" muffle on my car and it too damn loud for me
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.
One thing some guys don't realize is this:
That first year Z, 385hp car, can be made to actually nose out the later 405hp Zs. I've seen it a few times at the track. All it took was aome 1.85 SLP rockers. IDK if they're still made, or not. I'm sure you can still get some brand name 1.85s, or 1.8s. Reason being the cam in the '01 models had tighter LSAs, and a bit more duration, than the '02-up models. But it was down around .025"-.030" on the lift.
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 I can say is I'm sure glad my vert always has the top off and blows.
One thing some guys don't realize is this:
That first year Z, 385hp car, can be made to actually nose out the later 405hp Zs. I've seen it a few times at the track. All it took was aome 1.85 SLP rockers. IDK if they're still made, or not. I'm sure you can still get some brand name 1.85s, or 1.8s. Reason being the cam in the '01 models had tighter LSAs, and a bit more duration, than the '02-up models. But it was down around .025"-.030" on the lift.
I had forgot about this. I doubt ill ever do anything to mine, but I'll have to save this bit of info. 👍
Here is my take on the C5 prices as a watcher for 5 years. They have bottomed out and are on a slow but steady rise. Car in general are up about $5k.
Here are the specifics. Stock low mile Z cars can be $8k to $10k more than the convertibles.
The coupes are still a couple grand less than the Convertibles.
Stock accept for exhaust cars hold a better price. Low miles are extra value but not always condition.
The point for the C5 is that it is styled in the old wat with the old style lights so the popularity here has held on styling. But the fact the C5 is still an an analog car has played a big role appealing to tuners or guys who actually work on their cars.
The C5 was a car where many bought it and just wiped it with a diaper. But those cars are now being sold and driven. The supply of low mile cars is dropping. Also the stored cars are not always in great shape.
I just bought a 2002 convert with 31k miles. I also looked at a 10 k mile car just like it. The seats were cracked the tires were old and the car was dinged up from garage abuse. It was not worth the extra money.
Even mine sat too much as it had a mouse nest in the AC but no wire damage.
I made my move now as just a few years ago a low mile car could be had for $17k but today the same car is $30k.
I got mine at the low end of the price range as it need detailed and things like the rocking seats fixed etc. To be honest I have it in show cars condition now in just 3 days work. I could see it was a good car. I looked for every reason not to buy it but could not find one.
I was also able to beat the spring rush.
Now none of us will be one rich on these cars. There are no real copo cars or rare combinations that everyone has to have.
The stock unmolested cars will always see a premium and well documented modified cars will also see extra value over cars with not documented history of work. That is the market for any car.
I feel I will see steady slow growth with my car and I will make a modest profit should I sell in the future.
Note inflated C8 prices also are driving the used market up too.
Onlyba major economic crash will bring things down.
I can agree on most everything you said. EXCEPT the C5 is an "analog" car. How would that be? These things have enough wire and modules in them to create a copper and solder shortage if they were all built in one years time. I'll agree to disagree....
I can agree on most everything you said. EXCEPT the C5 is an "analog" car. How would that be? These things have enough wire and modules in them to create a copper and solder shortage if they were all built in one years time. I'll agree to disagree....
The C5 is seen by the experts as the one Corvette you can modify and change with out major reprogramming. The new cars take a Tech 2 tool or too often a reprogram of the computer to make even some simple changes anymore. Tuners love the C5 was it is cheap and easy to make changes to the engine and suspension in most cases. The 02-03 cars are the prime targets.
The options to make changes on later models are tougher as the flash computers are a whole different ball game.
He means "analog" in feel and driving experience. ie. manual transmission, lightweight, hydraulic steering rack, ability to turn nannies like traction control off, etc.
That is part but due to the less complex nature of the computers they are using. The later cars even a simple change to the engine tune will result with a lean feature dialing the engine back again unless you program out the learn feature.
Case in point My HHR SS I had with the learn feature would negate most changes till I used the GM tune that disabled the Learn Feature. This moved my boost up to 23 PSI and kept it there. If the Learn Feature remained the boost would have dropped back.
Apples to oranges- if you mod the 2002-2004 Zs you can also easily add 20hp over stock to get to 425hp, still beating out the 2001 Z. See what I did there?
'See what I did there??' You think I'm unable to think of that without guidance?!? I STILL disagree. It may be apples to oranges, but the early cam still has the tighter LSA AND duration advantages. You wont gain 20hp with .025" more lift on the later cams. You might gain 10hp-15hp, and yes, then you may have a 10-15hp advantage. The extra lift really helps the early cars, more than the later cars. BIG difference is if you do 1.8s on the later cars, you'll also need different valvesprings on them when you're up at .570"-.575" lift. AFAIK, the early cam doesn't need different springs. The later cam would..
Last edited by grinder11; Apr 12, 2023 at 02:19 PM.
Please tell me- is titanium exhuast cheap? Are lightweight Speedline wheels from Italy cheap? Is adding 55hp to the motor cheap?
