Keep the c6 or move on....
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: Buffalo Ny
Keep the c6 or move on....
Hello all, I am the current owner of a an 05 Corvette Coupe. Recently I have been on the fence about selling it for an 03 Viper convertible. I am really undecided because I do love the look of my c6 and they aren't a dime a dozen in Buffalo, but Vipers will always be more exotic. IMO, the Viper looks more aggressive than the Vette does. At the same time, sometimes the viper looks a tad bloated or really rounded (maybe because the style is getting older) or to better put it, a heavy car. I really like the Viper because of how much the fenders flare. I had the Z06 in my also but ruled that out because most people cant tell the difference between the regular c6 and z06 and the targa top is a plus. I also like the Viper because I like the 14 inch wide rubber. My absolute favorite thing about the snake it the attention it commands. Basically, tell me how you feel about the c6 coupe compared the the 03 Viper in terms or styling, general feelings, etc. Thanks!
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,364
Likes: 408
From: Greer, SC
I love my 08 coupe but if I could trade my 08 straight up for a Viper 03 Convertible I'd do it in a heartbeat.
Now, my situation may be totally different than yours. I would not want a Viper as my only car and I certainly would not want the Viper as a daily driver. I also would not throw a lot of cash on a trade. If it were my car plus 10k, no way. I'll keep my vette but straight up? As a weekend cruiser? Yup, I'd do it if the 03 Viper had low miles and was in perfect condition like my vette is.
Now, my situation may be totally different than yours. I would not want a Viper as my only car and I certainly would not want the Viper as a daily driver. I also would not throw a lot of cash on a trade. If it were my car plus 10k, no way. I'll keep my vette but straight up? As a weekend cruiser? Yup, I'd do it if the 03 Viper had low miles and was in perfect condition like my vette is.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
From: Crownsville Maryland
Sounds like you are primarily concerned about aesthetics and what others perceive the car to be. Personally I would much rather have the Z06 over a viper, I think it looks way more streamlined and who really cares if people think it is a "base" Corvette.
Personally I'd upgrade to the Z06 (seeing as I have no use for a targa) but if I did go to the Viper it wouldn't be a convertible. Just not my thing. Good luck with whatever you decide to do and hopefully you'll get someone who owns both to post in here and give you some better feedback!
Personally I'd upgrade to the Z06 (seeing as I have no use for a targa) but if I did go to the Viper it wouldn't be a convertible. Just not my thing. Good luck with whatever you decide to do and hopefully you'll get someone who owns both to post in here and give you some better feedback!
Last edited by Callsign_Jester; Aug 4, 2009 at 04:22 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 21
From: Durham NC
I've been having thoughts similar to yours as well. I currently own an '05, but am considering the possibility of trading for an '06-up Viper or Z06. With both of these cars being available in the 40-50K range, I can hardly see modifying my car. It just doesn't seem like it would be worth it. Here is what appeals to me about each:
Z06:
A little faster than the Viper
Could make a great daily driver
Maintenance and repairs probably comparable to my '05 coupe
Viper:
Very rare
Probably won't depreciate much more
Nice seats
Gets a lot of attention (and be honest, we all like attention when we drive our cars)
A lot of torque
However, one thing that I may enjoy more than a Viper or a Z06 is an '05 coupe that's paid for. Good luck with your decision.
Z06:
A little faster than the Viper
Could make a great daily driver
Maintenance and repairs probably comparable to my '05 coupe
Viper:
Very rare
Probably won't depreciate much more
Nice seats
Gets a lot of attention (and be honest, we all like attention when we drive our cars)
A lot of torque
However, one thing that I may enjoy more than a Viper or a Z06 is an '05 coupe that's paid for. Good luck with your decision.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,250
Likes: 768
From: Lindenhurst, IL
If your anything like me, you'll be getting bored of your car after 3 or 4 years.
I say - GO FOR IT.
What do you have to lose?
The advantage to buying a used car is that it won't depreciate very much.
So, if you don't like it, you can just sell it.....no big deal.
If you end up coming back to a Vette, you'll probably get something newer & nicer.
Nothing wrong with that, right?
As long as you're gonna buy used, have some fun & buy the Viper.
I say - GO FOR IT.
What do you have to lose?
The advantage to buying a used car is that it won't depreciate very much.
So, if you don't like it, you can just sell it.....no big deal.
If you end up coming back to a Vette, you'll probably get something newer & nicer.
Nothing wrong with that, right?
As long as you're gonna buy used, have some fun & buy the Viper.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 29,085
Likes: 14
From: Cary IL and Parrish FL
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
If I could trade my C6 on a Viper, I would do it in a heart beat. DO IT DO IT!
You can always get a C6, but vipers are gonna be hard to find.
You can always get a C6, but vipers are gonna be hard to find.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,707
Likes: 555
From: St. Peters MO
C7 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
2018 C7 of Year Finalist
2nd generation Viper is a looker and it certainly has plenty of HP but a few things to consider would be:
2003 was the first year for the new bodystyle and may have teething problems associated with a new model.
12 mpg City and 21 mpg highway isn't very impressive.
And last but not least, you may want to give your insurance agent a call for a quote.
2003 was the first year for the new bodystyle and may have teething problems associated with a new model.
12 mpg City and 21 mpg highway isn't very impressive.
And last but not least, you may want to give your insurance agent a call for a quote.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 14,006
Likes: 26
From: JawJa
2nd generation Viper is a looker and it certainly has plenty of HP but a few things to consider would be:
2003 was the first year for the new bodystyle and may have teething problems associated with a new model.
12 mpg City and 21 mpg highway isn't very impressive.
And last but not least, you may want to give your insurance agent a call for a quote.
2003 was the first year for the new bodystyle and may have teething problems associated with a new model.
12 mpg City and 21 mpg highway isn't very impressive.
And last but not least, you may want to give your insurance agent a call for a quote.
But it is a looker. 
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: Buffalo Ny
I love hearing all of your advice! Keep it coming! I have a 05 corvette and an 05 escalade. I am thinking about selling both. The escalade has 65k on it now and I was thinking of selling, getting somthing cheap, reliable, newer and safe for kids (in the future, I am only 22) and then selling the corvette and buying the viper. I just hope the 03 vipers hold up as well as the 96 gts did.I want a vehicle that will still look great in years to come since my fiancé and I will have many other future expenditures.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City MO
go for it. My goal is a daily driver vette and a weekend viper. one down one to go. love the 4th gen vipers and they are getting cheaper. also love th efirst gens. keep both if you can. two different cars.
aka allbottle¬hrottle
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 13,759
Likes: 0
From: Brooklyn New York The DVL and the chicken sleep with the fishes....
St. Jude Donor '08
How are the roads in Buffalo ?
The Viper is a hard riding , scary bitch to drive , and forget about doing more than a crawl in the rain .
If you dont care , and only want to for nice sunny days , then get the Viper .
If you value ride quality , and comfort , it aint for you .
The Viper is a hard riding , scary bitch to drive , and forget about doing more than a crawl in the rain .
If you dont care , and only want to for nice sunny days , then get the Viper .
If you value ride quality , and comfort , it aint for you .
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: Buffalo Ny
for me the rougher, louder the better. I have the Z51 suspension and I wish it felt like more of a racecar. I would plan on driving it on sunny days in the summer and rackin as many miles as I could up a year. People are talking up the 4th gens a lot, but why no love for the 3rd gens? Am I missing something other than the hood and wheels and the obvious performance differences. The c5 to the c6 I can understand.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 7,163
Likes: 1
From: central OH
How are the roads in Buffalo ?
The Viper is a hard riding , scary bitch to drive , and forget about doing more than a crawl in the rain .
If you dont care , and only want to for nice sunny days , then get the Viper .
If you value ride quality , and comfort , it aint for you .
The Viper is a hard riding , scary bitch to drive , and forget about doing more than a crawl in the rain .
If you dont care , and only want to for nice sunny days , then get the Viper .
If you value ride quality , and comfort , it aint for you .
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: Buffalo Ny
How are the roads in Buffalo ?
The Viper is a hard riding , scary bitch to drive , and forget about doing more than a crawl in the rain .
If you dont care , and only want to for nice sunny days , then get the Viper .
If you value ride quality , and comfort , it aint for you .
The Viper is a hard riding , scary bitch to drive , and forget about doing more than a crawl in the rain .
If you dont care , and only want to for nice sunny days , then get the Viper .
If you value ride quality , and comfort , it aint for you .