....
Manual vs Automatic
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,346
Likes: 5
From: Mustang OK
Originally Posted by c5freak
I've found over the years that I'm always sorry if I don't get exactly what I want. If I make concessions, it always comes back to bite my ****.
If you want a stick car, then wait until you find the right one. I waited and found it.
If you want a stick car, then wait until you find the right one. I waited and found it.
Sounds like very sound advice to me. 
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
From: Parker CO
Originally Posted by TrackAttack!
This is a Vette, you need to sit down and write out a list of must haves,would like, and don't wants. When I shopped, I knew exactly what I was looking for and did not stray. Other things not on the list (Mods!) were bonuses. Get what you want, there are enough nice Vettes out there for sale. Good luck with your search!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 5,035
Likes: 931
From: Bonney Lake Washington
Is it a sports car without a manual?
I too held out for the 6 speed....my wife's Saturn has a four speed auto, unless specific needs call for it (owner with back concerns) then wait for the manual...then again an automatic vette is still a vette......
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 367,704
Likes: 24,674
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
If you really want a manual, then you may want to hold out for one. However, the automatic C5 is still a very good performer and can be modified just as well as a 6-speed. Change the rear gears along with some other general mods, and you will be surprised how well the A4 will run.
Good luck with your search.
Good luck with your search.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 3
From: Ventura, CA Fight On Forever
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05
There's nothing more to say. But in summary:
1. Go with your basic instincts.
2. Don't comprimise on the very most important components.
3. It's better to pay a little more and have exactly what you want, than to pay a little less for something you don't really want, but is a good deal.
Best,
mtv
1. Go with your basic instincts.
2. Don't comprimise on the very most important components.
3. It's better to pay a little more and have exactly what you want, than to pay a little less for something you don't really want, but is a good deal.
Best,
mtv
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 6,454
Likes: 3
From: Hells Sister City Phoenix AZ
St. Jude Donor '03
If mine weren't a daily driver I'd have a 6spd but being a DD I love my auto. I drive the freeway in rush hour every day and you can't beat the auto. Bottom line, you've got to do what your heart tells you!
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 764
Likes: 0
For ease of finding what you want, you might want to check out www.thevettenet.com . Ken will find you the car you're looking for and you can be sure at a good price.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington NC
Originally Posted by ssmpala
I'm looking for a little help here. I currently drive a 6 speed LT4 C4 but I'm looking to get a C5. I've found one I really like but it's an automatic. I would like to get another manual but the C5 is in good shape and possibly a really good deal.
Here is the link... http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...lor=&cardist=9
What do you guys and gals think?
Here is the link... http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...lor=&cardist=9
What do you guys and gals think?
You are not very far from Virginia International Raceway. If you ever decide you want to get into some track days you will appreciate holding out for the manual.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: Mechanicsville Va
Made my decision based on your suggestions. I will wait until I find exactly what I want. I plan on taking my time and finding exactly what I want. I'm in no hurry. There is a really nice LT4 in my garage that really appreciates it's Zaino massage.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
From: Miami Lakes FL
I say get exactly what you want. I wanted a manual as well, but had lots of trouble finding them...to the point that I didn't think I was going to get one at all. I even test drove an automatic at the dealership...it was nice, but I couldn't justify trading my '99 manual Trans Am for an auto vette; there wasn't enough of an improvement in driving enjoyment for me. I happened to find my car by chance, and it ended up becoming my first vette.
I do suggest that you drive both auto and manual C5's to see how they feel when you drive them. You may end up liking the A4, or you may be further convinced that you need the MN6. I went the MN6 way.
I do suggest that you drive both auto and manual C5's to see how they feel when you drive them. You may end up liking the A4, or you may be further convinced that you need the MN6. I went the MN6 way.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
From: NY
One of the most exiting cars I ever drove was an M6 LT4. I would keep what you have until the right one comes along.
I have an A4 , but it was a compromise so my wife could drive it too.
If it was my choice alone it would have been a Z06
I have an A4 , but it was a compromise so my wife could drive it too.
If it was my choice alone it would have been a Z06
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Ocean Twonship NJ
I just bought a 2004 Automatic. In 1986 I bought a Porsche 944 Turbo in manual. I sold it 13 years later and picked up a Volvo C70 coupe in manual. I felt bad selling the 944 so I figured a Volvo in manual may make up for it (it didn't, even though I really like the Volvo).
I just picked p the 2004 in automatic because it had all the options I wanted and white wasn't so easy to find. I was mixed on manual or automatic. Since this is a thrid car my wife said to get it in automatic so she could drive it as well. I now have a Volvo in manual and a Corvette in automatic - go figure
.
I am definitely enjoying the automatic. Would I enjoy the manual any more - I can't say for sure. I don't regret the automatic. The car is simply fun to drive and I kind of like just to cruse with the tops off and not have to worry about shifting.
Either way you can't go wrong
I just picked p the 2004 in automatic because it had all the options I wanted and white wasn't so easy to find. I was mixed on manual or automatic. Since this is a thrid car my wife said to get it in automatic so she could drive it as well. I now have a Volvo in manual and a Corvette in automatic - go figure
.I am definitely enjoying the automatic. Would I enjoy the manual any more - I can't say for sure. I don't regret the automatic. The car is simply fun to drive and I kind of like just to cruse with the tops off and not have to worry about shifting.
Either way you can't go wrong
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,562
Likes: 5
From: South East coast Florida
Originally Posted by ssmpala
I'm looking for a little help here. I currently drive a 6 speed LT4 C4 but I'm looking to get a C5. I've found one I really like but it's an automatic. I would like to get another manual but the C5 is in good shape and possibly a really good deal.
Here is the link... http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...lor=&cardist=9
What do you guys and gals think?
Here is the link... http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...lor=&cardist=9
What do you guys and gals think?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 5,216
Likes: 1
From: Vette Doctors Performance RX450 - 466RWHP !!!
With the C6 coming out soon, you should be able to get some great deals on a C5. I would hold off until you find the 6 Speed car you so desire.
Good Luck....
C5 2004 Torch Red 6 Speed!
Good Luck....
C5 2004 Torch Red 6 Speed!
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 23,234
Likes: 4
From: All that glitters is Gold - Hockey Is CANADA'S game
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Originally Posted by Stock Man
If you like a stick, get a stick. There are lots of cars out there sooner or later you'll find the right one.
