I have two SUV's and a Volvo Convertible. Volvo is a third car that never gets driven much. I have always wanted a Vette and went to local dealer today to check out the inventory. Salesman immediately directed me to the new C-6 and went through all the improvements etc.

While he was talking, my attention was diverted to a red '04 C-5 in the corner of the showroom. I told him I liked that body style better and wanted to look at that one. Anyway, I sat in the C-5 and it fit me like a glove, just awesome. We went for a test drive and I was blown away! Nothing like the sound of a "throaty" V-8, and the steering, brakes ride was amazing. This is the first car I have driven in I don't know how long, that put a smile on my face and said "c'mon punch it lets go somewhere!" I test drove several 911's and they were the most uncomfortable ride I've ever been in.

Anyway, I've got "Vette-Fever" in a bad way and was hoping one of you would be kind enough to offer some insight:

I can probably get around $24k trade in on my Volvo, and would prefer not to spend more than $8-10k on top of that for Vette. In the pre-owned C-5 series, are there any years better than others? I am guessing I could look at Corvette model years between 1998 and 2002 in this price range.

Thanks for your help!

 

2003 had the Magnetic ride Control. If I were you I would go for 2001 up. Make sure you get the Z51 Suspension... HUD is a good option to have as well.

Upgrade the exhaust when you buy the car as well... If you thought the stock exhaust was loud your in the minority. We like LOUD.

 

Big discounts and 0% financing for 72 months on the left over 04s the last 3 days of this month, go for it. Sell the Volvo on your own. You can get into a base 04 for 35k.

 

34k puts you in the neighborhood of a new '04 coupe with rebates and all.
It all depends on what you want, auto vs. 6 speed, and a plethora of other options.. For the money you are willing to spend, I would look at 2001+ years. As above, you haven't heard anything yet until you put an aftermarket exhaust on a Vette!

 

I'd say 2002 up is safe. 2001 had the oil burning issues. Really, there were minimal changes throughout, so while newer is better, most all (I'd avoid 2001) will be good.

Most important, get a manual tranny. It is a big performance difference...I'd prefer a 1997 manual over a 2004 automatic.

 

Welcome to the Forum ...and good luck finding the right new ride!

 

There were several improvements made for the 2001 model year. But as mentioned earlier, there's been the oil burning issue that year.

Many of the "optional" features on the "02 models became standard for '03. Sooo...anything from '02 on will be safe and pretty much the same. Get a new Red Top battery before you get your aftermarket exhaust. Do a search on that topic. Trust us on that one.

Good luck and enjoy your new ride!

 

I have a hard time envisioning a Volvo driver going to a Corvette. My mind just doesn't work that way!

 

I'am with Jim on this one!

 

I paid 44K for my '04 coupe with 0% APR for 60 months (listed for 51K) in January. You can do a lot better now.

 

Thanks all for your replies! This is an awesome site and I appreciate your insight. I got the Volvo C-70 converible for my wife- I never drive it, so I can see why you'd find it odd to go from a Volvo to Vette.

Loud is good, so I'll take your advice on the exhaust. Does this include installing headers?

What is the Z51 suspension? Does this offer a stiffer ride?

Thanks

 

Test drive a Z06 also before you decide on one.

So many choices and all of them good

Z51 is a suspension upgrade that makes for a real cornering machine.

 

Definitely test drive a Z06 Corvette before you decide. Be aware of the oil burning issue with the 2001 model year.

 

Z51 option = stiffer springs, meatier sway bars, beefier shocks & power steering fluid cooler.

Here is a link that might help: http://www.c5registry.com/Members/St...o/z51ornot.htm

 

Welcome. You have come to the right place. I would also say stick with 2002 and up. Get all the goodies you can. I just got my 2000 this week after waiting for about 2 years for a C5 and many years for a Corvette. Best of luck.

 

I'm not entirely sure of that, at least not 34K for a new '04. There are still a good number of folks that are attracted to the C5 over the C6 and the dealers know that (case in point). I would guess that the best for a new '04 is probably going to be around 39K - 40K. If 34K is your max, I would indeed look for a preowned car and I would also suggest that you concentrate on the 2001 and up models.

 

 

Thanks for the link! very informative and helpful. Out looking again, trying to find the right one. I did find a base 2004 in Silver I could get for around $39k, but did not have the Z51 option you mentioned. Dealer says that option can be added to this car if I want it. Does that sound right? Seems like that option would be one installed when the car is built. Sounds like the Z51 makes a world of difference in cornering.
Thanks again!

 

Thanks! Can you tell me a little about your 2000? Most of those kind enough to reply have recommended 2002 or newer and to avoid 2001 due to oil issues. Were there major changes between an '00 and '02? If I could save some $$ and find a '00 model, I'm all for that!

 

Hey Sammy1. I presume you mean me since I mentioned a 2000. I'm a new owner - 4 days full of grins now - and am probably not as experienced as most here but I'll try. Some of the differences I've noted are the rear view and side view mirrors are not "auto dimming". Not a problem but would be nice to have. I will probably change the rear view mirror if it is not too much trouble. The exhaust tips on the 2000 look like the engineers kind of forgot about them. They are not "finished" and look a little whimpy. My 2000 does not have the telescopic steering wheel. I have driven several Vettes and this is a great feature. I feel like I have to sit a little closer to the steering wheel to be comfortable, but I'm still playing with seat positions. I think you get an additional 50 hp on 2001's and up. That is basically the extent of the differences I can think of. Look around and see what you want on your car. An Automatic Coupe with HUD and memory seats was what I really wanted in a car. After looking at several I got what I originally wanted in a color too - RED. Test drive different cars and see what you like. You can get a real nice "previously owned" Corvette for the money you are talking about paying. Best of luck on your search.