mmorse

Hi guys,
Haven't been around for some time but I'm getting the bug again for a new Corvette. I've had 6 Vettes including 2 C5 Zs. I have an '08 coupe with 6 speed, Z51, polished rims, NPP, L3 trim package. I've been pretty happy with it except for an annoying buzz in the dash I can't seem to find.

I'm pushing 30K miles and that's about the time I trade them in. I'm interested in the new GS but not happy with the price tag. My '08 is paid for and it's nice not to have a car payment. I have no idea what my car's worth or any deal I could get on a new GS.

I was just wondering what all of you thought regarding making the switch. Obviously, it's going to cost me a fair amount of cash to do so. Do you think it would be worth it? I know only I can really answer that but I was wondering what others thought.

VET4LES

If your happy with the C6 why trade? The new one will still be a C6 and basically the same car with upgrades. Why not wait for the C7 and enjoy the time with no payments?

mtrainer

In your opinion, what do you feel you would be getting if you swapped out the existing car (which still seems pretty new to me) for a new Grand Sport? Doesn't seem like a big enough car change to justify having to go back to making a payment.

Mark

dvilin

I would keep what you have, not enough change in the GS to make it worth the money to trade.

timd38

"Paid for" is the best kind of car to own.

calmtgguy

Here's where to shop, http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-d...-47-500-a.html

Q) I have no idea what my car's worth or any deal I could get on a new GS.

A) With 30K on it, your car is worth about $30K as a trade in. So even if you got that $47,500 GS above, that would be $52,250 OTD, so you would have to come up with another $22,250 to drive it home.

Q) Is it worth it?

A) No. Your car has only 30K miles, if I were you I'd get a GMPP warranty, keep what you have, and be happy it's paid for.

phileaglesfan

I would keep it. I got out of trading cars in every two years or so because you lose tons of money. I much rather have a paid off car and spend the money on more important things in life. Now I just have to pay off my Vette.

Convair580

I've got the same equipped C6, except it's '07, @ 31.5k, and it's just broken in, I can't even think of trading her in, but you'd be helping lots of American jobs. So that would be a good thing.

Good luck and enjoy the ride, older or new.

CO Lightfoot

Of course this doesn't make sense, money-wise. But I understand it all too well.

Although instead of an '11 GS, I'd be very tempted by a great deal on a leftover '10 Z06, like these in Calif: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-d...-pictures.html

AORoads

much as I'd like to convince you it's a great idea to trade up, I can't. and not just from a financial perspective. beside the rattle in the dash, it doesn't sound like anything is wrong with your car.

unless you're just bored with it and switch cars because of that reason. is that it?

if that's the case, then it's "worth it" to you. and that's all that really counts. if I were you, I'd check our various forum new car dealers and see what's the best price on a new Corvette.

Jbal

Somewhat agree with the others to keep the 08'. In April traded my 05', MN6 coupe foir a new GS coupe, MN6, & IMO, & in my humble opinion the GS is a totally different car-much more responsive steering, better performance, huge brake upgrade, improved suspension, but most importantly, you really do feel as though you are GLUED to the car! Its' really amazing, & could not be more pleased. Perhaps you should take a test drive. Tough decision on your part because its' an 08'. Wish you the Best!

tim414

What are you looking to gain? What is giving you the bug? GS has the same frame as your C6....I can tell you I found out by experience that it's the "internals" meaning frame, engine etc....If you buy a GS you are buying essentially the same car.....the only difference is the wide body and wide tire/brakes....those type things which if you only use you Vette for weekend or as DD and do not track it then you don't really need that performance extras....you have a C6 Vette already paid for and in all accounts your C6 may be a tad quicker because it has the SAME engine and HP but is a tad lighter.....(same frame-makes a big difference I found out-had a C6 Z51 Rdstr and sold for Z06)....soooo in my opinion if I were going to take on car payment then go to a Z06 or keep your PAID FOR VETTE!!!! (those are the best kind) because if you get the GS you are essentially buying another C6 with the look of Z06/ZR1.....if your willing to take on car payements for the look and not the real thing then I suppose that's your business.....but frankly why not get a Z06 if ya want the look....get the real McCoy, that's what I'd do, or, did.....that's when I found out the is a HUGE difference in C6 and C6Z....the 'Z is lighter and so it handles somewhat different and drives/rides different....when I first got in my new Z06 I could not believe the difference....(it was also the first time I had driven a Z06...the day I bought my new one and got in it and drove it home) it reaffirmed the fact I had just bought a new car....indeed I DID....everything about it meaning it's character is DIFFERENT.....IMO if your going to buy a NEW car, and take on payments, hell go for it and get/treat yourself to the real thing/Z06 (No offense GS owners)....if it's not in budget you might could find one low mileage anyway just my opinion....if your not going to get Z06/ZR1 then KEEP YOUR PAID FOR VETTE!!

Vasta

Amen

Vette Suspension

Yet another great post. Well said.

Jbal

MMorse;
As I indicated earlier, please, please, take a test drive-you'll be AMAZED!

calmtgguy

There were not many LS3, Z51, MZ6, NPP coupes built, there were only a total of 3,174 of them.

2008 Coupe, Manual, Z51, NPP = 2,277
2009 Coupes, Manual, Z51, NPP = 897

By comparison, through the 2010 model year, there were 26,141, Z06's built.

2006, 6,272
2007, 8,159
2008, 7,731
2009, 3,461
2010, ...518

To put this in perspective, out of the 176,414, C6's built through the 2010 model year, less than 1.8% were C6's equiped like yours, and 14.82% were Z06's.

2005, 37,372
2006, 34,021
2007, 40,561
2008, 35,310
2009, 16,956
2010, 12,194

You just may want to consider yours a keeper.

carjo

It all depends on whether you can afford to take the financial beating involved in trading up. Unfortunately that's the way the money end of the transaction will work. For what its worth, if I could afford to trade up, I'd do it - and when I can, I will. Until then you/I must be patient

On the other hand, if money is not a consideration - then just do it. Don't worry...be happy.

VettinFan

If you try to justify buying a new GS, you'll never buy one. There's just no sound reason to do so. BUT, if that's what you really want and your able to afford the GS, then I say Buy It.

There shouldn't be a terribly large balance on the new GS with your trade. You'll probably have this one paid off soon.

You may want to sell your car privately. You'll probably get more money, but then you need to compare the difference in the gain vs. the decreased sales tax your pay by trading the car. Good Luck.

calmtgguy

In CA we pay sales tax on every car purchase, new or used, and that tax is not off set by a trade in value. He's in Orange county, their sales tax is 8.75%.

mmorse

WOW! What a great response. Thanks guys! I really appreciate it. As I'm sure you have all surmised, it's a question of want vs need. My '08 is running fine with no problems (aside from the dash buzz). Plus, my car is my every day driver. I've been trading in every 3 or 4 years because it's enabled me to get into a new one as cheaply as possible. I hate to sell cars privately and I've found the dealer will give me a decent trade in value if the mileage is around 30K or less.

I haven't driven a new GS. Actually, I've only seen one on the road since they came out. So I don't know much about them. Obviously I would like a performance improvement over what I have but sounds like that may not be the case judging by the responses here. Originally I wanted another Z when I got my '08 but just couldn't justify the additional $25K it was going to take to get one.

Perhaps I should look at a low mileage C6 Z as a better choice. Or just be happy with what I have and wait for the C7. Thanks again everyone.

-mark