New Guy
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Lawton OK
New Guy
I have been following this forum for the a couple of months now trying to get information on the c6, I have learned quite alot. The Corvette has always been a dream car of mine since I was a young kid. The question I have is, if you had a chance to buy a new GS C6 with 3LT or a two year old ZO6 with 2LZ which would you purchase? This car will probably be my DD except when it snows.
I am serving in the military in Afghanistan and getting ready to come home on leave in about a month, looking to make the purchase then. I spent 6 years in Germany, so I am trading in my 2008 BMW 750i for the vette, where in your experience do you receive the most value for your trade-in? I know, I know....... Why did I buy the BMW for, well I got it 25% off in Germany and could not turn it down....... Was able to get to 170mph on the Autobahn quite a few times.
I am serving in the military in Afghanistan and getting ready to come home on leave in about a month, looking to make the purchase then. I spent 6 years in Germany, so I am trading in my 2008 BMW 750i for the vette, where in your experience do you receive the most value for your trade-in? I know, I know....... Why did I buy the BMW for, well I got it 25% off in Germany and could not turn it down....... Was able to get to 170mph on the Autobahn quite a few times.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 12,122
Likes: 418
From: Cold Hell, Minnesota...for now
St. Jude Donor '15 thru '26
1st off.. Welcome, and THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE! 2nd of all great choice of car, although neither will drive well in the snow! I LOVE my GS. The GS rides beautifully, as it has a steel frame vs the Z having an aluminum frame. Less weight to, on the Z.
Last edited by Torchsport; Apr 10, 2011 at 11:37 PM. Reason: add
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,641
Likes: 463
From: Houston TX
again, thank you for your service... 
the Z06 is a manual transmission only; the GS is either manual or paddle-shift automatic...
you first need to decide which you prefer (assume you had an automatic in your BMW 7-series).
the Z06 is a manual transmission only; the GS is either manual or paddle-shift automatic...
you first need to decide which you prefer (assume you had an automatic in your BMW 7-series).
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 10,399
Likes: 25
From: Austin Texas
The new GS will have a major depreciation the second you sign the papers, the 2 year old Z06 has already depreciated a bunch. The Z06 will probably hold it's value longer than the GS and be worth more if and when you sell or trade.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 807
Likes: 1
From: Miami Lakes FL
Coming from a Grand Sport owner, buy the Z06. You'll save A LOT of money on the depreciation if you get a good deal on the used Z06. On top of that, the Z06 is just a superior car. No contest....
Former user ID rcthmpsn
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 734
Likes: 14
From: St. Charles Mo
New GS are selling for $11k off msrp right now. Just depends on if you want a two year old Z06 or a new GS. Everyone doesn't look at everything as an investment. BTW Op, what are they asking for the Z06?
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 11,973
Likes: 463
From: Tonawanda New York
Thank you for your service and welcome, I too just bought my Corvette, a dream since I was a boy,been a car guy my whole life. I bought the GS because I wanted an automatic,it was much cheaper,the top comes off,it is almost as fast as a Z06(talking just tenths here)I don't care about depreciation because I am keeping the car and basically it is a Z06 without the engine.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 30
From: Fairfax Virginia
From my perspective I'd recommend the new GS. Better warranty, and a more versatile car because of the removable targa top. I've previously had a Z06 and the fixed roof is primary reason I sold it; on the nicest days I always left it at home and drove the vette that I could take the top off. The power is trill of the Z06, but the GS has plenty of power to keep me entertained and the choice of open air. Also, I disagree with those who think the Z06 will depreciate less, to the contrary I believe it will depreciate more even starting at the two year old point. There is a broader market IMO both new and used for the GS.
Go Canes!
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,975
Likes: 329
From: Boca Raton FL
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21
It will depend on whether you like to go TOPLESS or not. If you can do without the TOPLESS option, and you are going to track your car, I would agree to go with a Z06. However, most guys here do not have a Z06, and seem to be pretty happy with their cars. Either one will put a smile on your face.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Lawton OK
Thank you for all of your feedback... I still am up in the air, every one brings up great points. Seems like my main concerns will be do I want to go topless or do I want all that power (at my age of 41), I am not sure I will use. The ZO6 that I am looking at is a 2009, 2LZ, with only 600 miles, price is 59000, not sure if that is negotiable. With all of the discounts I have seen on-line, I can get a C6 3LT for about the same price.
With all that said, it is a nice problem to have, to have to decide between the two..
With all that said, it is a nice problem to have, to have to decide between the two..
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,791
Likes: 44
From: Loudon/Lake Mary Tennessee/Florida
Unless you really want to be able to take the top off, the Z06 would be my choice. I intend to make my next vette a Z06. I have had a convertible and 3 coupes. I have enjoyed them all. Now I'd like to have the pure performance aspect to play with.
I my opinion you can't go wrong either way.
