[Z06] First Timer - Need input
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 160
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From: Round Rock/Gerogetown Tx
First Timer - Need input
First Timer - Need some input
Hello all from Austin Tx...
I've been an active reader of these forums for a few months now, really think you all are a great community..
First post --
I just got rid of my 350Z Track (Vin #11; sad day) because I've decided to join the big boys and buy a Vette (good decision).
My dilemma is this.
I can get a brand new (20 miles on it) 04 Z06 Black (the color I want) for $43K..(I think that's a good deal)...
Or I can order a new C6 (I actually have $2K down on a C6 currently) and the dealer will be sending in my order today. But I don't know the price there, other than we have agreed to MSRP--whatever that turns out to be.
My emotions won't let me wait for the 06 Z06...
So I need some expert opinions. Having never owned a Vette ands being a first timer, what's going to be the best experience for me?
Like most of you I suspect, my heart tells me I'll be happier with the C6 but my brain says you'll be just as happy with the 04 Z06 and the pocket book will better off...
I'm torn.
I have to make the decision today...
any help is appreciated.
Chris
Hello all from Austin Tx...
I've been an active reader of these forums for a few months now, really think you all are a great community..
First post --
I just got rid of my 350Z Track (Vin #11; sad day) because I've decided to join the big boys and buy a Vette (good decision).
My dilemma is this.
I can get a brand new (20 miles on it) 04 Z06 Black (the color I want) for $43K..(I think that's a good deal)...
Or I can order a new C6 (I actually have $2K down on a C6 currently) and the dealer will be sending in my order today. But I don't know the price there, other than we have agreed to MSRP--whatever that turns out to be.
My emotions won't let me wait for the 06 Z06...
So I need some expert opinions. Having never owned a Vette ands being a first timer, what's going to be the best experience for me?
Like most of you I suspect, my heart tells me I'll be happier with the C6 but my brain says you'll be just as happy with the 04 Z06 and the pocket book will better off...
I'm torn.
I have to make the decision today...
any help is appreciated.
Chris
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,171
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
Re: First Timer - Need input (BishopTx)
Chris: That is a tough one, primarily because there are so many factors that go into that decision. Financially, $43K is a pretty good deal on the 04 Z06. I don't know how $43K will compare to MSRP on the C6. Visually, I prefer the 04, but you and others may feel differently. Performance wise, I think the 2 will be very close, but there is something about having a Z06, and there also is something to be said about avoiding the first model year of any car. I was in the same position as you about 6 months ago. Waiting for the 06 Z06 was not an option. I went with the 04 Z06 and it is rock solid. If I had it to do all over again, I would do the same thing. Best wishes, and let us know how it turns out for you.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 9,713
Likes: 3
From: Sachse Texas
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: First Timer - Need input (BishopTx)
I would say plan on paying probably $10K more for the C6 and you get the first year of the new generation. Gives you two things, the attention you get form the new car being the C6 (this is a positive) and then you also get all the bugs of a first year car (a negative). I chose to cash in on the deep discounts on the '04 versus waiting for the C6. Glad I did as the '04 is a blast and looks good too.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 885
Likes: 1
From: Campbell New York
Re: First Timer - Need input (SPD DMN)
I was in the same boat and bought an 04 Z06. She is the best vette yet of the C5 breed. The C6 has some bugs to work out yet. Price is the best on an 04 right now. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 875
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh PA
Re: First Timer - Need input (BishopTx)
the 04 z's are going at a great price right now, for sure. if you have the $$ i'd say get the c6 and if thats not enough, come 06 then get the z06 and trade in whatever you end up buying now. either way, you can't lose.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 830
Likes: 2
From: VA
Re: First Timer - Need input (smokeyburnouts)
Get the '04 Z06 now, and maybe in a few years upgrade to the C6 Z06. I personally don't like the look of the C6, so it would be a no brainer for me. You can always upgrade the '04 to take care any performance difference you may be worried about. BTW, I'm working on getting rid of my '03 350z too, with plans to get a used Z06. Mmm, torque...gotta have it. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 954
Likes: 0
Re: First Timer - Need input (BishopTx)
if you have *any* interest in open air then i say get the c6 vert with z51 and you will get the same performance as the '04 z06.
the c6 also is more comfortable and has nicer/newer gadgets if you are into that stuff.
problem is you wont get it until winter or spring and like someone said above, it will cost you about $10k more than what you can buy the '04 at. there are still problems at the plant building protos and no dealer can guarantee delivery.
$42k is a hell of a deal. you can be in a vette this weekend, drive it for a year and then see next year what the '06 z06 is spec'd out at and there might be a little movement on c6 vert/coupe pricing.
c5 resale value is pretty bad these days. the poor souls that paid sticker will need extra lube when it comes to trading up in the future.
the c6 also is more comfortable and has nicer/newer gadgets if you are into that stuff.
problem is you wont get it until winter or spring and like someone said above, it will cost you about $10k more than what you can buy the '04 at. there are still problems at the plant building protos and no dealer can guarantee delivery.
$42k is a hell of a deal. you can be in a vette this weekend, drive it for a year and then see next year what the '06 z06 is spec'd out at and there might be a little movement on c6 vert/coupe pricing.
c5 resale value is pretty bad these days. the poor souls that paid sticker will need extra lube when it comes to trading up in the future.
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Pro
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 592
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From: Surf City, USA
Re: First Timer - Need input (BishopTx)
When making an irrational purchase like a Vette, it's always better to go with your heart, not your head. You don't want to go thru the "coulda, woulda, shoulda" stuff. Since you said your heart is with the C6, I'd go with that.
I spent some time riding in the C5 Z06 at the track, and I fell in love with it in an instant, so I picked up my 2004 about 2 weeks ago. I've never had a V8 and this car is more than satisfying. It's amazing. And it's solid. LOVE IT in every way. The discounts make this car the steal of a lifetime!
I spent some time riding in the C5 Z06 at the track, and I fell in love with it in an instant, so I picked up my 2004 about 2 weeks ago. I've never had a V8 and this car is more than satisfying. It's amazing. And it's solid. LOVE IT in every way. The discounts make this car the steal of a lifetime!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,984
Likes: 0
From: Central Coast CA
Re: First Timer - Need input
Pass on the C6 for now and get the Z06. Never a smart idea to get the first model year of a car anyway. Also, I would not agree to purchase a car when they don't even know what MSRP is yet.