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I purchased my 1999 Coupe, Z51, 6 speed new. After almost 25 years and 180k miles it needed some tender loving care and it was decision time............fix it or buy new one. I talked it over with my wife and family but in the end it was really my decision. I'm 78 years old now and the Vette has given me many years of joy and excitement. I know many of you may think I'm foolish, it comes with age, but the Vette will stay. I've invested $10k+ to bring her back to good health and can't be happier. I guess at my age resale value isn't as important as memories.
I don't think many of us think that's foolish at all, I plan on keeping mine for a very long time as well. It's even more admirable and understandable when it's actually been driven like yours has
When the 'real' time to let it loose, you will know as I did with my first Vette, 1964 Vert with hard top, when the kids wanted a swimming pool. I never regret ed the sale only wished I could afford both.
It is 10K well spent when it makes you happy, I think you made a good choice from a financial stand point but only you can tell us if it was the right decision. Sounds like it was. Beautiful Vette by the way
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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When you have a car that you really enjoy and have made a ton of memories with, nothing wrong with a refresh and continued driving. to many more miles with the car.
I think the time to let my 2001 Yellow, 6 spd, convertible, with other mods go is when my boys read my will. I'm 69 now with my right shoulder totally torn up and contemplating total shoulder replacement. I told my surgeon to give me opioids when shifting becomes too painful.
I am in the same position. I think it's great the OP is redoing his C5. I figure I'll have about 10k-11k in mine. My 2000 is at 137,000 miles. Amazing how many things deteriorate in 23 years, including ME!!! From 10 feet, it looks like new. Can't say that about me, however!! Memories are the only thing that has me keeping and fixing it up. Financially, it's not the smart thing to do. Emotionally, it IS the right thing to do!! Glad my C5 can't talk!! However, knowing the C5s electronics, it wouldn't surprise me totally if it'd say "thank you" when it's redone!!!
I could never sell mine. You did the right thing in keeping it! I have to much time blood sweat and tears lol into mine to get rid of it. Plus once I'm gone one of my kids is getting it. But I'm building a total of 4 different cars to leave each one of my kids once I am gone. That way they all get a piece of me. Keep enjoying your car you deserve too
It IS tempting sometimes. This morning there's an '09 A6 vert for sale here for $24,900. Only 80,000 miles. Loaded with mag ride, power top, memory. A mag red tintcoat. But I just can't bear the thought of getting rid of my car, and buying it. Wife would have a baby if I kept mine and bought it!! There's currently a guy here on the forum looking at a salvaged titled C5 for $11,500. I know I can't spend other people's $$$$$, and wouldn't want to. But to me, for another 13k, this '09 is head and shoulders above the salvaged titled car. My C5 is like an old, best friend. Happy Easter everyone.....
Last edited by grinder11; Apr 9, 2023 at 11:58 AM.
I'm not too sure at our age, I'm 71 and I take driver improvement courses ever few years, and I enjoy driving and most of all driving my 2003 50th Anniversary convertible. So I'm all in on fixing your Corvette and enjoy it. At our age I've got a lot of worries, but if I allow them to impact me, then I'm the one who loses. Drive on !
My parents had the same issue with their 2000 Coupe. Bought new when dad retired (he was a structures engineer on the C5 platform) however at 83 and 81 respectively both mom and dad really didn't drive it anymore, it sat in their garage for a few years. Much to my surprise it was given to me last October shortly before my dad passed away, it will now stay with me until I pass it along.
Almost 72 here. I'm sticking with what I got too. Seems foolish to go for a more expensive toy when I might not be driving a low-slung car for many more years.
With $10K invested so recently, our OP might want to consider agreed value insurance!
As you well know, knowing a car by living with it for twenty years is the key!.. No need to start over with a questionable Corvette and all the questions and that learning monkey business!
$10K is a small investment in any car that is special and especially since you plan to keep and drive for many years to come. It is less than just the markup that many have paid on their new C8's and probably as much as the sales tax, dealer fees, doc fees and dealer add-ons on a new C8 as well.
Time for a hard decision
to many more miles with the car.
Memories are the only thing that has me keeping and fixing it up. Financially, it's not the smart thing to do. Emotionally, it IS the right thing to do!! Glad my C5 can't talk!! However, knowing the C5s electronics, it wouldn't surprise me totally if it'd say "thank you" when it's redone!!!
