Getting my first vette...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 165
Likes: 1
From: Lawrence KS
Getting my first vette...
Well i'm dropping my college hours to 9 (to stay on my parents insurance plan) and am getting a full time job to afford a car loan on my first vette and I had some questions. I currently own a 95 z28 convertible which i'm planning to sell. However, I was curious if insurance was any higher on a vette? I'm looking mainly for a 97-98 c5 convt. If at all possible I'm wondering if I could attain one for arround 17k or less. Preferably with less then 80k. I'm not sure exactly how much my Z is going to sell for so I want to make sure I dont' have to take out a loan over 10k. Also I was wondering if anyone had suggestions on a good exhaust system, i've done a lot of work on my LT1 and I know an LS1 could never sound like it but I was wondering what are the good cheaper setups for C5's. Thanks for your help!
Last edited by Montezumas_Viper; Jan 6, 2005 at 02:04 AM.
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From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
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Welcome!
First of all - the first year for C5 convertibles is 1998. As far as finding one for around 17K....good luck! I doubt if you will find one that cheap. I think they will be more in the low - mid 20's!
Insurance - the best source for this information is your insurance agent. Ask to have a quote on a '98 converitble and see how it compares with what you currently paying.
Exhaust - that a real can of worms!
There are several systems that are very popular, and each has it's advantages. Once you get your car, go to a spot where other Vettes congregate and ask to hear several of the exhaust systems. Remember that the sound at idle is nearly meaningless. Find out what the system sounds like at WOT and cruising at freeway speeds. The LS1 is a different animal than the GenII LT1, but don't discount what a healthy LS1 with an aftermarket system sounds like!!! 
Good luck!
First of all - the first year for C5 convertibles is 1998. As far as finding one for around 17K....good luck! I doubt if you will find one that cheap. I think they will be more in the low - mid 20's!
Insurance - the best source for this information is your insurance agent. Ask to have a quote on a '98 converitble and see how it compares with what you currently paying.
Exhaust - that a real can of worms!
There are several systems that are very popular, and each has it's advantages. Once you get your car, go to a spot where other Vettes congregate and ask to hear several of the exhaust systems. Remember that the sound at idle is nearly meaningless. Find out what the system sounds like at WOT and cruising at freeway speeds. The LS1 is a different animal than the GenII LT1, but don't discount what a healthy LS1 with an aftermarket system sounds like!!! Good luck!
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2003
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St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09
Not to get too preachy...
first off... dont over-extend yourself financially. Make sure college is your #1 priority. Once you start getting a regular paycheck it is hard to go back to school. Many of people I know had the plan to work a year and then go back to school... I cant think of a single one that actually followed through and went back after a year. Dont fall into that trap. Repairs are expensive if you have a problem with a Vette... keep that in mind. Tires are $300+ each for runflats, and you have to use premium gas too... just some things to consider.
As far as the insurance, I went from a '00Z28 to my '97 Coupe and the insurance was just about the same for both.
Exhaust... I have Corsa touring. They are very quiet at idle and cruising speed, and sound great when you want them to.
first off... dont over-extend yourself financially. Make sure college is your #1 priority.
Once you start getting a regular paycheck it is hard to go back to school. Many of people I know had the plan to work a year and then go back to school... I cant think of a single one that actually followed through and went back after a year. Dont fall into that trap. Repairs are expensive if you have a problem with a Vette... keep that in mind. Tires are $300+ each for runflats, and you have to use premium gas too... just some things to consider.As far as the insurance, I went from a '00Z28 to my '97 Coupe and the insurance was just about the same for both.
Exhaust... I have Corsa touring. They are very quiet at idle and cruising speed, and sound great when you want them to.
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Manassas Park VA
St. Jude Donor '07-'08,-'13-'14, '16-'17
Once you start getting a regular paycheck it is hard to go back to school. Many of people I know had the plan to work a year and then go back to school... I cant think of a single one that actually followed through and went back after a year
I did!!! But as you say, I don't know anyone else that has...
Peace
Willfulone
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: NJ
St. Jude Donor '05-'08
Originally Posted by bsmith
Not to get too preachy...
first off... dont over-extend yourself financially. Make sure college is your #1 priority.
first off... dont over-extend yourself financially. Make sure college is your #1 priority.
I think this is Great Advice. School is important so that you can move up into the higher positions and afford more toys. I do know plenty of people that are successful without school, but many mainstream jobs now require a college Degree for even entry level positions so unless you can do it on your own think school first. Plus put off working full time as long as you can because once you start you will have many years of working...
Originally Posted by bsmith
Once you start getting a regular paycheck it is hard to go back to school. Many of people I know had the plan to work a year and then go back to school... I cant think of a single one that actually followed through and went back after a year
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I know for me, Vette insurance is much cheaper than other cars. But, I'm not in the 18-22 year old category anymore either. You need to check with your agent BEFORE you buy to see what the price might be.
Chances are you may be able to find a '97 coupe for around 18K, but it may not be in the best of shape. For the vert, you will probably be looking at a price in the low to mid 20's.
Exhaust - there are so many choices and opinions on which is best that you just need to do some research and if possible, hear the exhaust on a car before you decide.
Chances are you may be able to find a '97 coupe for around 18K, but it may not be in the best of shape. For the vert, you will probably be looking at a price in the low to mid 20's.
Exhaust - there are so many choices and opinions on which is best that you just need to do some research and if possible, hear the exhaust on a car before you decide.
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From: Redsox, Pats, Celts & Bruins !!! Redsox Nation !!!
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12
Here is a few, with a liitle high mileage, but my point is they are out there and for $300-600 have it shipped and have someone here that lives near the lister go look at it for you.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...&category=6168
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...&category=6168
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...&category=6168
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...&category=6168
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...&category=6168
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...&category=6168
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...&category=6168
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...&category=6168
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 831
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From: Traverse City Michigan
I congratulate you on your choice for cars. BUT, I wish to also tell you not to sacrifice your education for a car, no matter the kind of car. An education will last you a lifetime, and in this day and age, without an education, you're toast. Get that education first, then get the car as a reward. If you do it otherwise, the temptations of owning a vette may just derail your education.
So, get that degree first, get a good job, and then buy all the vettes you want.
Mike. B.S., M.A., owner of a vette.
So, get that degree first, get a good job, and then buy all the vettes you want.
Mike. B.S., M.A., owner of a vette.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 707
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From: IA
I'll jump on the band wagon as well. Don't mortgage your future for a nice car now. I drove what I could afford and stayed in school. It sucked at the time, but I also had my fun, and got an education. I traded an '01 Z28 for my '00 vert, insurance stayed about the same, actually a bit cheaper, but nothing worth mentioning. Of course, I haven't beenin the 18-22 range in quite a while. That being said, only you really know what you can afford and how you will follow through on your plan.
KJ, BBA, MS, owner of a Corvette.
KJ, BBA, MS, owner of a Corvette.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 165
Likes: 1
From: Lawrence KS
Well, from what I hear vette insurance is actually cheaper in Z28 insurance, I assume thats because people that drive them are generally older. The Z I have now is not in my name, its in my mothers name and we would do the same thing for a vette. Maybe this sounds crazy but I wouldn't even consider running run flat tires - they suck. I figured since the tire size is the same as my Z it shouldn't be that bad if I have to keep spending $600 on tires every 1 - 2 years. As far as is exhaust I just don't know. After missing a deal a year ago on a 69 stingray w/ a original 350 in excellent condition that was only 7k I've really wanted to get a vette. Being that a C5 seems to be the most reliable, a 97-98 would be a good idea, its seems fisable
