[Z06] C5 As a daily driver??
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: Northern VA
C5 As a daily driver??
Well I have been wanting a corvette ever since I have been 6yrs old. I am turning 25 (Insurance Reduction!!! 
)in March and the time has come to start looking for C5 for a daily driver. I don't know yet if I want a manual due to the fact that No. VA is a 24hr parking lot. 
What do you all recommend I look for when buying a vette? Would a Z06 be a good daily driver? Any advice would help!!!
Thanks All!!
)in March and the time has come to start looking for C5 for a daily driver. I don't know yet if I want a manual due to the fact that No. VA is a 24hr parking lot. What do you all recommend I look for when buying a vette? Would a Z06 be a good daily driver? Any advice would help!!!Thanks All!!
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 5,364
Likes: 38
From: King George VA
I used mine as a daily driver for 18 months and loved it. Easy to drive, easy to use controls, heater/ac both work very well, big trunk. 
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,096
Likes: 153
From: "Atlanta" Ga.
Any Vette makes a good daily driver. I used my 96 6 speed for a daily driver for years, in Atlanta traffic.
That said I now have a Zo6 (6 speed only) but don't use it as a daily driver, you certainly could, many people do.
The Z will give you more performance, while the coupe will give you the option of an automatic, and more creature comforts.
I would use either as a daily driver, but if you are not a big fan of a six speed in traffic the coupe may be better for you.
Either way you will not be sorry
last thought if it is your only car remember you don't have a back seat
That said I now have a Zo6 (6 speed only) but don't use it as a daily driver, you certainly could, many people do.
The Z will give you more performance, while the coupe will give you the option of an automatic, and more creature comforts.
I would use either as a daily driver, but if you are not a big fan of a six speed in traffic the coupe may be better for you.
Either way you will not be sorry
last thought if it is your only car remember you don't have a back seat
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 34,034
Likes: 222
From: Land of Thunder
2018 C2 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15, '19
I tried using my Z06 as a d.d. for a while, but I gave up after a year. It wasn't because it was uncomfortable, but because I was tired of it getting beat up in parking lots, birds and all that.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,299
Likes: 0
From: Stanwood Michigan
I agree that any Corvette would be a great buy. If you don't think that you will get the race bug then a coupe or convet. with an auto would be best. However if you are 26 then the race bug has to be there and you will be disappointed with and automatic and not having a Z06. By the Z you won't regret it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,083
Likes: 0
From: I'm not quite middle aged and I only own one gold chain! San Jose CA
My Z06 is also my DD and I love it. I wouldn't mind giving it weekend status in a year or two, but it works well as a daily car. I drive in the nations 2nd or 3rd worst traffic (depending on which poll you read) and the car functions well in that role. It is one of the things that amazes me about the Z06...it can be docile and it can be ferocious...all a matter of how hard you press the go peddle!
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 693
Likes: 1
From: Centennial CO
Originally Posted by 9Cvette46
Well I have been wanting a corvette ever since I have been 6yrs old. I am turning 25 (Insurance Reduction!!! )in March and the time has come to start looking for C5 for a daily driver. I don't know yet if I want a manual due to the fact that No. VA is a 24hr parking lot. What do you all recommend I look for when buying a vette? Would a Z06 be a good daily driver? Any advice would help!!!
Thanks All!!
)in March and the time has come to start looking for C5 for a daily driver. I don't know yet if I want a manual due to the fact that No. VA is a 24hr parking lot. What do you all recommend I look for when buying a vette? Would a Z06 be a good daily driver? Any advice would help!!!Thanks All!!
I put 153000 miles on a C4 automatic and now have the 2004 Z06. My C4 had mods putting it in the 350 hp range and I enjoyed it. But the 405 hp is nothing but excitement on those occasions when you ask it to respond. Therefore, when I gave my C4 to my daughter I chose between the C6 and the Z06. And for me that was a no-lose situation.
I suggest that you drive the C5, then the Z06 and decide for yourself how much hp you want. How important is the detachable roof? Since you're asking about the Z I assume it is not that critical. I had my roof off my C4 probably ten times in ten years. IMO the Z will drive circles around the C5, but your driving habits will determine how much you notice it.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 693
Likes: 1
From: Centennial CO
Originally Posted by 9Cvette46
Well I have been wanting a corvette ever since I have been 6yrs old. I am turning 25 (Insurance Reduction!!! )in March and the time has come to start looking for C5 for a daily driver. I don't know yet if I want a manual due to the fact that No. VA is a 24hr parking lot. What do you all recommend I look for when buying a vette? Would a Z06 be a good daily driver? Any advice would help!!!
Thanks All!!
)in March and the time has come to start looking for C5 for a daily driver. I don't know yet if I want a manual due to the fact that No. VA is a 24hr parking lot. What do you all recommend I look for when buying a vette? Would a Z06 be a good daily driver? Any advice would help!!!Thanks All!!
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Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Camp Pendleton CA
I use my Z06 as my daily driver, even though I have 2 other cars. It is the most pleasurable driving car I have ever been in. I have to regularly commute from Camp Pendleton to San Diego on crappie roads and in crappie traffic and I find having a manual in traffic is actual easier then my automatics.
After a week or two of shifting a manual it becomes automatic anyway. You sometimes won't even notice your doing it.
But in crappy stop and go traffic I'm still happy in my Z06. Mostly cause, crappy traffic or not, I'm still sitting in a Z06.
After a week or two of shifting a manual it becomes automatic anyway. You sometimes won't even notice your doing it.
But in crappy stop and go traffic I'm still happy in my Z06. Mostly cause, crappy traffic or not, I'm still sitting in a Z06.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 693
Likes: 1
From: Centennial CO
Originally Posted by Marine
I use my Z06 as my daily driver, even though I have 2 other cars. It is the most pleasurable driving car I have ever been in. I have to regularly commute from Camp Pendleton to San Diego on crappie roads and in crappie traffic and I find having a manual in traffic is actual easier then my automatics.
After a week or two of shifting a manual it becomes automatic anyway. You sometimes won't even notice your doing it.
But in crappy stop and go traffic I'm still happy in my Z06. Mostly cause, crappy traffic or not, I'm still sitting in a Z06.
After a week or two of shifting a manual it becomes automatic anyway. You sometimes won't even notice your doing it.
But in crappy stop and go traffic I'm still happy in my Z06. Mostly cause, crappy traffic or not, I'm still sitting in a Z06.
Instructor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville Arkansas
I had a 99 coupe and now I have a 04 Z. They are both great daily drivers. I don't know about you but I am 26 and I love being being the top dog with my new Z. If not a Z then definitely a six speed!! Thats just my 2 cents!
Instructor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Euless Texas
Originally Posted by Marine
I use my Z06 as my daily driver, even though I have 2 other cars. It is the most pleasurable driving car I have ever been in. I have to regularly commute from Camp Pendleton to San Diego on crappie roads and in crappie traffic and I find having a manual in traffic is actual easier then my automatics.
After a week or two of shifting a manual it becomes automatic anyway. You sometimes won't even notice your doing it.
But in crappy stop and go traffic I'm still happy in my Z06. Mostly cause, crappy traffic or not, I'm still sitting in a Z06.
After a week or two of shifting a manual it becomes automatic anyway. You sometimes won't even notice your doing it.
But in crappy stop and go traffic I'm still happy in my Z06. Mostly cause, crappy traffic or not, I'm still sitting in a Z06.
I too was going to drive my Z06 only on weekends, but I love driving it too much for that. I will occasionally give it a break and drive my other car. But I am of the belief that I'm paying for the car, so I'm going to enjoy it. Cars are a lousy investment, the only person that benefits from not driving a car is the next owner.
Ciao,
Rick
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 119
Likes: 19
From: Knoxville TN
I've used one as a daily driver for the last 3 years. As you say the only drawback for the Z06 is the 6-speed in traffic. I'm glad I didn't have to make that choice. I'd just about move rather than give up the Z!
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Camp Pendleton CA
the only person that benefits from not driving a car is the next owner.
I still don't understand you guys that think a manual in traffic is a bad thing.
IMO It is BETTER then an automatic. You just have to adjust your driving style. You can't drive a manual in traffic like an automatic or you'll only be pissed off and limping to the left for days. If your trying to stay on the guys bumper in front of you in stop and go, or are trying to ziggy zaggy your way past traffic getting no where. Then yes a manual sucks. If you except your stuck in traffic leave room in front, watch the traffic AHEAD of the car in front of you, you will see a manual is alot easier to drive in traffic then holding that break in on an automatic.
Just my 2 cents..don't spend it all in one place.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 293
Likes: 0
I to live in Northern Va. and it's not necessarily the traffic you have to worry about, it's the snow. Your car will not be functional what so ever in the snow. If you can afford a winter beater, then I would say go for the Z. Good Luck.
-----
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 21
From: Virginia
I live in Alexandria (VA) and have been driving my QS 02 daily since picking it up about 2 months ago. (it'll stay on the driveway when snow is on the way or already on the ground though.)
Right before that, I got rid of my otherwise perfectly good 95 A4 LT-1 after a year of ownership because the "fun factor" in driving it sort of dissipated... I felt I could get that feeling back in a manual. Driving one in our area is something you **do** get used to, and I find that the less-congested miles and accompanying happiness more than make up for the minor traffic hassle! Best of luck whatever you decide.
Right before that, I got rid of my otherwise perfectly good 95 A4 LT-1 after a year of ownership because the "fun factor" in driving it sort of dissipated... I felt I could get that feeling back in a manual. Driving one in our area is something you **do** get used to, and I find that the less-congested miles and accompanying happiness more than make up for the minor traffic hassle!
Best of luck whatever you decide.
