1st Corvette Experience
Racer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 493
Likes: 3
From: East Moline Illinois
It's good to be cautious. I grew up threshing what ever I could get hold of. I've owned three Chevelles, 396, 454, and a 68 with a 327 I built (360 hp) plus a Camaro 350 and my Vettes. When giving my son and son-in-law turns in the vette I went with and coached them. My son-in-law is a big car buff in heart but had only driven tame sedans. When he got on the vette hard he scared the cr@p out of himself and was glad I was with. Keep looking for opertunities to experience vettes and try out the power a little at a time until you are comfortable with your ability to handle it.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Shreveport louisiana
i want a h1 hummer one day, did you enjoy it and what kinda issues you had. for as vettes its a lifestyle normally it's a second car and hardly ever see rain, for most people and while i'm on my second one "first being a c4 while in college" i got the bug !!! trust me you need to drive it on a pretty day with out the sales person... ( and please keep the traction control on)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,246
Likes: 5
From: West Coast
I got to ride in a Z06 and I own a base coupe. I believe if you drove a Z06, it would make you feel differently about the Corvette.
In a Z car, when you drop the hammer, they are two different cars. The Z car is not only faster but it has a different vibe to it. Not that the base car is a slouch, it is just not the same as a Z06.
With a base car you have know how to drive it to make it "wake-up". Also, taking it through the curves is when the car starts to show what it is made for.
In a Z car, when you drop the hammer, they are two different cars. The Z car is not only faster but it has a different vibe to it. Not that the base car is a slouch, it is just not the same as a Z06.
With a base car you have know how to drive it to make it "wake-up". Also, taking it through the curves is when the car starts to show what it is made for.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,860
Likes: 5
From: Tampa FL
I've been spending WAY too much time on this forum trying to get an understanding of what Corvette ownership is like, learning some of the nuances of this vehicle, etc. May be the midlife crisis that some have referred to, but recently (the past year or so) I've had urge to get a sports car. Other than a '77 MGB I had in the mid 80's (actually was purchased for my wife), I've had no experience with sports cars and, clearly, that one was far from a performance car. Almost everything I have driven has been in the utility category - Jeeps, trucks, a K style Blazer and a Hummer H1.
So, Saturday was an open date for me and the weather was great so I took a 45 minute ride to a used Corvette dealer (who some on here have advised to stay away from) to see first hand what the Corvette experience was all about. This dealer has models from C1's through C6's so it was quite like going to a museum. After talking with the sales guy for about an hour, we took a spin in a 2007 3LT auto coupe.
I'm wondering now if I'm cut out to be a Corvette guy. Don't get me wrong - I enjoyed the experience but I did not get the grin I expected. After always sitting rather high in most of my past and current vehicles, I almost felt vulnerable sitting so close to the ground. And, squatting down to get in the seat (instead of climbing up) was a little odd for me. Understandably, I was not in a position to test the acceleration or handling that the Corvette offers. But even just driving normally - I expected more of a rush.
I left there wondering if I was just a little nervous driving such a capable vehicle and was concentrating too much on things that I do instinctively in my own vehicles (thus diminishing the enjoyment) or, am I really just not a Corvette guy?
I doubt my 15 minute test drive can really provide the answer to this question and I really do not expect to be psychoanalyzed on a discussion forum. Just thought I would share the experience with you folks. Maybe its an acquired taste.
BTW, the sales guy tossed the keys and said go have some fun. I asked him to go with me in case something came up with the car and because I was not familiar with the area. Still, I thought the offer to take it out solo was pretty generous. Usually (at least with new vehicles, in my experience) the sales person always wants to ride along.
I'll keep reading, keep shopping and make a decision whenever it feels right.
So, Saturday was an open date for me and the weather was great so I took a 45 minute ride to a used Corvette dealer (who some on here have advised to stay away from) to see first hand what the Corvette experience was all about. This dealer has models from C1's through C6's so it was quite like going to a museum. After talking with the sales guy for about an hour, we took a spin in a 2007 3LT auto coupe.
I'm wondering now if I'm cut out to be a Corvette guy. Don't get me wrong - I enjoyed the experience but I did not get the grin I expected. After always sitting rather high in most of my past and current vehicles, I almost felt vulnerable sitting so close to the ground. And, squatting down to get in the seat (instead of climbing up) was a little odd for me. Understandably, I was not in a position to test the acceleration or handling that the Corvette offers. But even just driving normally - I expected more of a rush.
I left there wondering if I was just a little nervous driving such a capable vehicle and was concentrating too much on things that I do instinctively in my own vehicles (thus diminishing the enjoyment) or, am I really just not a Corvette guy?
I doubt my 15 minute test drive can really provide the answer to this question and I really do not expect to be psychoanalyzed on a discussion forum. Just thought I would share the experience with you folks. Maybe its an acquired taste.
BTW, the sales guy tossed the keys and said go have some fun. I asked him to go with me in case something came up with the car and because I was not familiar with the area. Still, I thought the offer to take it out solo was pretty generous. Usually (at least with new vehicles, in my experience) the sales person always wants to ride along.
I'll keep reading, keep shopping and make a decision whenever it feels right.
Oh and you'll get used to being low to the ground. If you're going to spend that much money then it should certainly be something you want badly.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 16,684
Likes: 1,193
From: La Center WA
Yup, that was going to be my suggestion to you. I'm not in any way knocking automatic-equipped Corvettes but driving one with a manual transmission is a VERY different experience. It might be exactly what you need in order to become hooked beyond the point of no return; it definitely played out that way for me. 
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,760
Likes: 69
From: Fayetteville Arkansas recently moved from Oakland Ca
St. Jude Donor '06
[QUOTE=vettedoogie;1576003652]If you have to ask, you probably aren't.
Might want to try something else. There is alot to choose from. Hope you find it 
Might want to try something else. There is alot to choose from. Hope you find it
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 892
Likes: 1
From: westport ct & port st lucie fl.
I don't see the level of excitement in you that most Vette owners or wanabees exhibit when they see, drive, own a Corvette. It isn't a car for everybody as most of my friends can't understand my love affair with Americas sport car now over 53 years in the making.
I have always been a sports car addict but not always the Vette as the C3 and C4 generally didn't make my heart beat faster. Particularly when HP was cut in half. I was used to rough brute power, Mn trans and a blast to drive. If you don't feel that way with todays line up, then the Vette is just not for you. If you have to ask what all the fuss is about then your own questions are answered for you. Don't let others try to influence you as it can be an expensive exercise.
I have always been a sports car addict but not always the Vette as the C3 and C4 generally didn't make my heart beat faster. Particularly when HP was cut in half. I was used to rough brute power, Mn trans and a blast to drive. If you don't feel that way with todays line up, then the Vette is just not for you. If you have to ask what all the fuss is about then your own questions are answered for you. Don't let others try to influence you as it can be an expensive exercise.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,285
Likes: 14
From: Iowa
Dear OP,
There is no such thing as a single kind of Vette Guy. Lots of folks love how they look. Lots of folks love how they drive. Lots of folks love the sheer power/grunt. Lots of folks love the comparative luxury. But if there isn't anything you love about a C6, you ain't a Corvette guy!
Based on what I've heard you say, you should look elsewhere. The clear lack of desire for the HP alone tells me that. Good luck in your search.
There is no such thing as a single kind of Vette Guy. Lots of folks love how they look. Lots of folks love how they drive. Lots of folks love the sheer power/grunt. Lots of folks love the comparative luxury. But if there isn't anything you love about a C6, you ain't a Corvette guy!
Based on what I've heard you say, you should look elsewhere. The clear lack of desire for the HP alone tells me that. Good luck in your search.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,314
Likes: 4
From: Cape May, NJ; Guntersville, AL; Orange Beach, AL
I think this forum represents a smaller portion of vette owners than we all realize. For the most part everyone on here loves to talk, play with, mod, track, or tinker (for the lack of a better term) with our cars all the time. I know several owners, mostly some of my parents friends, that if I said LS2/LS3 they wouldn't have a clue what I was talking about. They could care less if the car has 430hp or 200hp. They purchased the car because they like they way it looks and its fun to take on a Sunday drive. All of my parent's friends that are like this have vert's and just wanted something to drive on nice days thats sporty and fun. You just might be one of these owners. I'm not saying that one way of ownership is better than the other but there are plenty of people that just consider their Corvette just a car and nothing more. Just because you drove a corvette and didn't go out of your mind doesn't mean you won't enjoy being a Corvette owner. You might just be a Corvette owner that enjoys owning the car but doesn't let it consume your life. Just my .02.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,655
Likes: 15
From: Jeffersonville In
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Cruise-In III Veteran
This is coming from a 67 year old retiree. If you love to drive, then taking a Vette on the twisty, hilly, back roads near you is what a Vette is all about. A convertible, 6 speed manual trans, cruising the back roads on a pretty sunny day is awesome. Hell, on any sunny day cruising the back roads in a Vette is awesome. lol. Good Luck with whatever you decide.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Newnan GA
i want a h1 hummer one day, did you enjoy it and what kinda issues you had. for as vettes its a lifestyle normally it's a second car and hardly ever see rain, for most people and while i'm on my second one "first being a c4 while in college" i got the bug !!! trust me you need to drive it on a pretty day with out the sales person... ( and please keep the traction control on)
It was fun to own, but I really did not use it for its intended purpose - extreme off-roading. Clearly, not good as a daily driver but many do that. I did not have many issues and those that came up were covered under warranty. In the end, as I drove it less and less, I could not justify keeping it for occasional use so I got rid of it.
In the spectrum of motor vehicles, the H1 is probably as far as one could go in the opposite direction from the Corvette.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,791
Likes: 44
From: Loudon/Lake Mary Tennessee/Florida
I hope that you find a way to rent one and try it out. I love the power but from my first vette - 1973 black coupe - i have loved just cruising. I had the '73 when I was a young Marine. I'd get away from the base and just cruise. I'd find curvy roads and have fun. Aside from the power, the handling is great fun. Taking curves at safe speeds is a lot of fun. At those safe speeds most other cars have slowed and are getting smaller in the mirror. Just take the top off and have fun. If it gets too hot, just put the top back on. The a/c works great.
Buying a vette is a pretty substantial purchase. Maybe taking a mini vacation and traveling to a location that does rent vettes would be fun and worth the experiment. Get used to the car a little and then in a safe area, put your foot down (just leave the traction control and active handling on). You will experience what is known here as perma-grin.
Good luck.
Buying a vette is a pretty substantial purchase. Maybe taking a mini vacation and traveling to a location that does rent vettes would be fun and worth the experiment. Get used to the car a little and then in a safe area, put your foot down (just leave the traction control and active handling on). You will experience what is known here as perma-grin.
Good luck.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Newnan GA
I think this forum represents a smaller portion of vette owners than we all realize. For the most part everyone on here loves to talk, play with, mod, track, or tinker (for the lack of a better term) with our cars all the time. I know several owners, mostly some of my parents friends, that if I said LS2/LS3 they wouldn't have a clue what I was talking about. They could care less if the car has 430hp or 200hp. They purchased the car because they like they way it looks and its fun to take on a Sunday drive. All of my parent's friends that are like this have vert's and just wanted something to drive on nice days thats sporty and fun. You just might be one of these owners. I'm not saying that one way of ownership is better than the other but there are plenty of people that just consider their Corvette just a car and nothing more. Just because you drove a corvette and didn't go out of your mind doesn't mean you won't enjoy being a Corvette owner. You might just be a Corvette owner that enjoys owning the car but doesn't let it consume your life. Just my .02.
I appreciate all of the feedback, folks. As I reflect on some of the comments and read the experiences many of you have shared, I'm thinking that maybe I'm just not a CAR guy to the extent most of you are, as gunterwalker suggested. I can't say I've ever had a love affair with any vehicle I've owned. Now, with the list of my previous vehicles, that is easy to understand. But, it seems like most of the contributors here are, first and foremost, car guys. This is your passion.
To vettedoggie, I do love the styling of the Corvette. I like the ride and the "comparative luxury". The performance aspects are something that I might never take advantage of (although, once I experience it, I might get the thrill you folks enjoy so much).
In the end, should I purchase a Corvette I will have, at the very least, checked one more thing off my "Bucket List" - owning a performance sports car. And, who knows. I might even experience the "perma-grin"
Thanks to all for sharing your comments and suggestions.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,681
Likes: 2
From: Mooresville (Race City USA) NC
I Think We have A Winner!!!!!!
I appreciate all of the feedback, folks. As I reflect on some of the comments and read the experiences many of you have shared, I'm thinking that maybe I'm just not a CAR guy to the extent most of you are, as gunterwalker suggested. I can't say I've ever had a love affair with any vehicle I've owned. Now, with the list of my previous vehicles, that is easy to understand. But, it seems like most of the contributors here are, first and foremost, car guys. This is your passion.
To vettedoggie, I do love the styling of the Corvette. I like the ride and the "comparative luxury". The performance aspects are something that I might never take advantage of (although, once I experience it, I might get the thrill you folks enjoy so much).
In the end, should I purchase a Corvette I will have, at the very least, checked one more thing off my "Bucket List" - owning a performance sports car. And, who knows. I might even experience the "perma-grin"
Thanks to all for sharing your comments and suggestions.
I appreciate all of the feedback, folks. As I reflect on some of the comments and read the experiences many of you have shared, I'm thinking that maybe I'm just not a CAR guy to the extent most of you are, as gunterwalker suggested. I can't say I've ever had a love affair with any vehicle I've owned. Now, with the list of my previous vehicles, that is easy to understand. But, it seems like most of the contributors here are, first and foremost, car guys. This is your passion.
To vettedoggie, I do love the styling of the Corvette. I like the ride and the "comparative luxury". The performance aspects are something that I might never take advantage of (although, once I experience it, I might get the thrill you folks enjoy so much).
In the end, should I purchase a Corvette I will have, at the very least, checked one more thing off my "Bucket List" - owning a performance sports car. And, who knows. I might even experience the "perma-grin"
Thanks to all for sharing your comments and suggestions.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,381
Likes: 1
From: Forestville CA
JKA
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,378
Likes: 11
From: St Louis MO
I rented a Hertz ZHz for a week two years ago, fell in love with the car and spent the next two years learning and searching for my dream Vette here. I found an excellent 2008 JSB F55 LT3 from a great forum member a couple of weeks ago, bought it, shipped it 1,600 miles, took it off the truck, got it inspected/licenced, and drove it 1,000 mi to Daytona the next two days and hang out with family and spend a little time at the Turkey Rod Run. Life is good!
The only thing I might add that I don't think I've seen in this thread is consider trying one of the Corvette performance driving schools. You really have no idea what the car is capable of without some serious instruction at speed on the track. Since the car is supplied, they are a little expensive but spending $2-$4K to improve the driver could be one of the best investments you can make.
Or if you have a Vette, hook up with SCCA, NASA or one of the many clubs for a High Performance Driving Experience (HPDE). You will get classroom instruction and an instructor in the car with you. Generally there are 3-4 classroom sessions and 3-4 20-30 minute driving sessions per day over a weekend for something in the $350 range. You can start in any car (Some actually recommend starting in a low HP car with poor tires as the best initial learning experience).
The driving during and HPDE is very safe and controlled with professional safety people on site. The instruction is all about making you a better driver. As you build skill they move you through advancing groups with drivers of similar capability. Great fun and great people plus the instruction will save your bacon (and probably someone else) on the road at some point. Track insurance is available to cover you car, it is rare, but accidents can happen. I always felt safer on the track with a bunch of people who had a pretty good idea what they were doing, driving the same direction with instructors and flaggers monitoring everything than I did on the drive to the track with people concentrating on everything but their driving.
The only thing I might add that I don't think I've seen in this thread is consider trying one of the Corvette performance driving schools. You really have no idea what the car is capable of without some serious instruction at speed on the track. Since the car is supplied, they are a little expensive but spending $2-$4K to improve the driver could be one of the best investments you can make.
Or if you have a Vette, hook up with SCCA, NASA or one of the many clubs for a High Performance Driving Experience (HPDE). You will get classroom instruction and an instructor in the car with you. Generally there are 3-4 classroom sessions and 3-4 20-30 minute driving sessions per day over a weekend for something in the $350 range. You can start in any car (Some actually recommend starting in a low HP car with poor tires as the best initial learning experience).
The driving during and HPDE is very safe and controlled with professional safety people on site. The instruction is all about making you a better driver. As you build skill they move you through advancing groups with drivers of similar capability. Great fun and great people plus the instruction will save your bacon (and probably someone else) on the road at some point. Track insurance is available to cover you car, it is rare, but accidents can happen. I always felt safer on the track with a bunch of people who had a pretty good idea what they were doing, driving the same direction with instructors and flaggers monitoring everything than I did on the drive to the track with people concentrating on everything but their driving.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,378
Likes: 11
From: St Louis MO
I Think We have A Winner!!!!!!
I appreciate all of the feedback, folks. As I reflect on some of the comments and read the experiences many of you have shared, I'm thinking that maybe I'm just not a CAR guy to the extent most of you are, as gunterwalker suggested. I can't say I've ever had a love affair with any vehicle I've owned. Now, with the list of my previous vehicles, that is easy to understand. But, it seems like most of the contributors here are, first and foremost, car guys. This is your passion.
To vette doggie, I do love the styling of the Corvette. I like the ride and the "comparative luxury". The performance aspects are something that I might never take advantage of (although, once I experience it, I might get the thrill you folks enjoy so much).
In the end, should I purchase a Corvette I will have, at the very least, checked one more thing off my "Bucket List" - owning a performance sports car. And, who knows. I might even experience the "permagrin"
Thanks to all for sharing your comments and suggestions.
I appreciate all of the feedback, folks. As I reflect on some of the comments and read the experiences many of you have shared, I'm thinking that maybe I'm just not a CAR guy to the extent most of you are, as gunterwalker suggested. I can't say I've ever had a love affair with any vehicle I've owned. Now, with the list of my previous vehicles, that is easy to understand. But, it seems like most of the contributors here are, first and foremost, car guys. This is your passion.
To vette doggie, I do love the styling of the Corvette. I like the ride and the "comparative luxury". The performance aspects are something that I might never take advantage of (although, once I experience it, I might get the thrill you folks enjoy so much).
In the end, should I purchase a Corvette I will have, at the very least, checked one more thing off my "Bucket List" - owning a performance sports car. And, who knows. I might even experience the "permagrin"
Thanks to all for sharing your comments and suggestions.