C5 First?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 245
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C5 First?
I went to many dealers today, test drove, etc..but when I run numbers I'm still coming out into payments I don't like...Would anyone reccommend starting with a lightly used C5? Like a 2003 or 2004 for low to mid 20s? I know that payment is much more manageable...and I'd probably feel more comfortable with it. Are they THAT much different?
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 8,238
Likes: 0
From: Lakeland, Center of Florida Fl
Personally unless you just dying to have a vette...I would save a little longer and buy a used 05 and by that point they will be in the mid 20s and you will have a little more cash..There is not that much difference in the 04s and 05s as it is now.
I have owned 2 C5s and the C6 overall is so much more of a car...
Jon
I have owned 2 C5s and the C6 overall is so much more of a car...
Jon
Last edited by XCELER8; Jun 14, 2008 at 11:05 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 5
From: Brea CA
Well,
I loved my C5... you can not go wrong... it is a Vette... do the C5, then save up... and get a slightly used C6... there are always a lot.. some people wait too long to buy... and don't end up really driving it... ok.. not me... but a lot do...
The C5, down side for me... was just stupid stuff.. flakey Fuel gage... and .. I love the pop up headlights.. but.. as we get older... I gave them up for the HID's... and driving at night... is WAY better... but... My C5 I really loved... I still like the rear of the C5 better than the C6... so.. if you are young.. with good eyes, LOL you wil fall in lust with the C5.. and save the money... trade up later...
I want to get a 2010... only cause I don' want a "OWE" anything... and a perfect 10 sounds nice... I have not had one thing to complain about on the 06.. other than the roof delamanating... and the rear Diff.. gear thing.
The C5, down side for me... was just stupid stuff.. flakey Fuel gage... and .. I love the pop up headlights.. but.. as we get older... I gave them up for the HID's... and driving at night... is WAY better... but... My C5 I really loved... I still like the rear of the C5 better than the C6... so.. if you are young.. with good eyes, LOL you wil fall in lust with the C5.. and save the money... trade up later...
I want to get a 2010... only cause I don' want a "OWE" anything... and a perfect 10 sounds nice... I have not had one thing to complain about on the 06.. other than the roof delamanating... and the rear Diff.. gear thing.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,364
Likes: 408
From: Greer, SC
Some folks (like me) just did not like the C5's. The fit and finish was awful and the cars I drove made a lot of noise and just felt cheap. When I drove my first C6 I realized this was a totally different Corvette and more than just the skin. I say hold out until you can afford the car you want. With all the deals on the 08's have you talked to any of the forum dealers? Some are offering HUGE discounts. Shipping a car is not a big deal, really.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 5
From: Brea CA
well, again
I am not sure ... what Mike02Z... HAD but it sounds like it was not stock... and a Z... My car was an automatic, QUIET and I had Stock ZO6 exhaust, cat back.. you can ask the guy who owns it now... it was a great car..just buy a car, that is stock, with low miles... they are not bad cars... I put a lot of Smile Miles on mine.. 
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,638
Likes: 1,187
From: Lake Worth Beach, Florida
I really liked my C5 and only purchased my C6 because I wanted a convertible and was not able to buy one when I purchased the C5. I am also a GM subsidiary employee and get true employee pricing, which I found difficult to resist.
I would get the newest C5 you can afford, if you look through the Internet and if you are willing to travel you can find an almost new one. You won't find any under new car warranty at this point, but you might find one still under extended warranty. Not that they are a problem, but nice to have.
I purchased my C5 from a private owner and highly recommend that option, as the dealers don't do anything to the car other than wash it and add to the price.
I don't recommend the 05 C6 because it was very different from the following years and as time goes on it may be a Little harder to get serviced and to locate certain unique parts for.
I would get the newest C5 you can afford, if you look through the Internet and if you are willing to travel you can find an almost new one. You won't find any under new car warranty at this point, but you might find one still under extended warranty. Not that they are a problem, but nice to have.
I purchased my C5 from a private owner and highly recommend that option, as the dealers don't do anything to the car other than wash it and add to the price.
I don't recommend the 05 C6 because it was very different from the following years and as time goes on it may be a Little harder to get serviced and to locate certain unique parts for.
Last edited by Rocketmanwpb; Jun 14, 2008 at 11:19 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 8,238
Likes: 0
From: Lakeland, Center of Florida Fl
I know the A4 tranny but, it was used for YEARS in C5s and can get anywhere very easily. And has proven to be very well built.
The steering wheel 4 spoke..those do not break that often.
So what can break on an 05 that makes it so different from the 06-07 models.?
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 21,847
Likes: 140
From: When all is said and done... there is a hell of a lot more said than done. Riverside,Texas
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '26
The C5 is a good value and if it fits your finances better, go for it. Hope you get one soon.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Plymouth Massachusetts
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I am a proud owner of a 05 C6 and would also like to know what parts he rocketman was talking about on the 05 that is so different from a 06 or 07?
Last edited by Always Red Dave; Jun 14, 2008 at 11:38 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Saint Albans, WV
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,119
Likes: 272
From: SC
Personally unless you just dying to have a vette...I would save a little longer and buy a used 05 and by that point they will be in the mid 20s and you will have a little more cash..There is not that much difference in the 04s and 05s as it is now.
I have owned 2 C5s and the C6 overall is so much more of a car...
Jon
I have owned 2 C5s and the C6 overall is so much more of a car...
Jon
Hell, he might as welll go buy a Yugo now!!! C5's are great cars, but don't get payments that are hard to handle, you need money for mods....
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 10,030
Likes: 10
From: Prescott AZ
St. Jude Donor '04
Some folks (like me) just did not like the C5's. The fit and finish was awful and the cars I drove made a lot of noise and just felt cheap. When I drove my first C6 I realized this was a totally different Corvette and more than just the skin. I say hold out until you can afford the car you want. With all the deals on the 08's have you talked to any of the forum dealers? Some are offering HUGE discounts. Shipping a car is not a big deal, really.
Good luck
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 663
Likes: 0
From: Arvada CO
I went to many dealers today, test drove, etc..but when I run numbers I'm still coming out into payments I don't like...Would anyone reccommend starting with a lightly used C5? Like a 2003 or 2004 for low to mid 20s? I know that payment is much more manageable...and I'd probably feel more comfortable with it. Are they THAT much different?
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
Do it.
CF Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,313
Likes: 25
From: Tucson Arizona
I recall one GM engineer saying the C6 was 80% 'different' from the C5. There are IMO differences as well as certain similarities but I believe the C6 to be a vastly better car.
That said, buy the newest model Corvette you can comfortably afford. Don't be 'car poor'...especially in this uncertain economy.
What???
That said, buy the newest model Corvette you can comfortably afford. Don't be 'car poor'...especially in this uncertain economy.
I really liked my C5 and only purchased my C6 because I wanted a convertible and was not able to buy one when I purchased the C5. I am also a GM subsidiary employee and get true employee pricing, which I found difficult to resist.
I would get the newest C5 you can afford, if you look through the Internet and if you are willing to travel you can find an almost new one. You won't find any under new car warranty at this point, but you might find one still under extended warranty. Not that they are a problem, but nice to have.
I purchased my C5 from a private owner and highly recommend that option, as the dealers don't do anything to the car other than wash it and add to the price.
I don't recommend the 05 C6 because it was very different from the following years and as time goes on it may be a Little harder to get serviced and to locate certain unique parts for.
I would get the newest C5 you can afford, if you look through the Internet and if you are willing to travel you can find an almost new one. You won't find any under new car warranty at this point, but you might find one still under extended warranty. Not that they are a problem, but nice to have.
I purchased my C5 from a private owner and highly recommend that option, as the dealers don't do anything to the car other than wash it and add to the price.
I don't recommend the 05 C6 because it was very different from the following years and as time goes on it may be a Little harder to get serviced and to locate certain unique parts for.