buying first corvette
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 50
Likes: 4
From: Merritt island Florida
buying first corvette
Greetings:
I caught the Corvette bug.
I want to buy a corvette, preferably a slightly used low milage one C6, stock, not to race, but to drive.
I would like some advice on this.
What should I look for?
Where is the best way to buy one?
Thanx in advance
Norton
I caught the Corvette bug.
I want to buy a corvette, preferably a slightly used low milage one C6, stock, not to race, but to drive.
I would like some advice on this.
What should I look for?
Where is the best way to buy one?
Thanx in advance
Norton
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,641
Likes: 464
From: Houston TX
a few suggestions:
read the various C6 sections (incl. the for sale sections) here on the CF to learn as much as you can about the car, in general;
use the Chevy website and build you own 2011 to become familar with the different models/option packages;
research edmunds.com and KBB, etc. to gauge used car values in your area;
decide on a total purchase price budget (incl TTL) once you are knowledgeable and go shopping; also get quotes on insurance costs;
do all your due diligence on a specific car you locate that you want to buy, incl. a thorough pre-purchase inspection;
ask questions here that you cannot find answers for...
happy hunting and welcome to the forum !
read the various C6 sections (incl. the for sale sections) here on the CF to learn as much as you can about the car, in general;
use the Chevy website and build you own 2011 to become familar with the different models/option packages;
research edmunds.com and KBB, etc. to gauge used car values in your area;
decide on a total purchase price budget (incl TTL) once you are knowledgeable and go shopping; also get quotes on insurance costs;
do all your due diligence on a specific car you locate that you want to buy, incl. a thorough pre-purchase inspection;
ask questions here that you cannot find answers for...
happy hunting and welcome to the forum !
Last edited by Gary '09 C6; Oct 20, 2011 at 10:56 PM. Reason: sp
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 966
Likes: 14
From: Chicago IL
I would consider '08 and newer for the improved steering, interior, and NPP exhaust.
There a lot of cars out there, you should find a great deal.
Good Luck!
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,331
Likes: 148
From: 1000 Islands Ontario
Hi.
I bought my '08 coupe new in March of '08 after spending several months on this forum. After reading a ton of posts, I was able to make my decision on which year, and which options.
I would highly recommend getting an '08 and up. In '08, the LS3 engine was introduced, the steering was improved, NPP exhaust option was available, some interior niceties like fake carbon fiber console cover, and in anticipation of the ZR1, an improved MSRC (F55) suspension.
I would suggest looking for a C6 with the NPP and F55 options.
I would suggest getting an "unmodded" C6.
Check the tires out carefully. They can tell some of the story on how the vehicle was driven. If you are going to replace the tires, I would recommend a 4 wheel alignment and Michelin PS3's.
Have a peek at the engine dipstick. Take a LOOONG test drive - city AND highway. Use your ears.
My C6 has 14,000 easy miles - done over 3 summers. This would be considered a low mileage car.
Get the newest one you can afford. Each year offers more subtle improvements and more warranty.
The C6 is an awesome machine. Most are trouble free and will give you smiling pains.
You are on the right track by looking for a C6. Good luck.
M...
I bought my '08 coupe new in March of '08 after spending several months on this forum. After reading a ton of posts, I was able to make my decision on which year, and which options.
I would highly recommend getting an '08 and up. In '08, the LS3 engine was introduced, the steering was improved, NPP exhaust option was available, some interior niceties like fake carbon fiber console cover, and in anticipation of the ZR1, an improved MSRC (F55) suspension.
I would suggest looking for a C6 with the NPP and F55 options.
I would suggest getting an "unmodded" C6.
Check the tires out carefully. They can tell some of the story on how the vehicle was driven. If you are going to replace the tires, I would recommend a 4 wheel alignment and Michelin PS3's.
Have a peek at the engine dipstick. Take a LOOONG test drive - city AND highway. Use your ears.
My C6 has 14,000 easy miles - done over 3 summers. This would be considered a low mileage car.
Get the newest one you can afford. Each year offers more subtle improvements and more warranty.
The C6 is an awesome machine. Most are trouble free and will give you smiling pains.
You are on the right track by looking for a C6. Good luck.
M...
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 212
Likes: 3
From: Melbourne Florida
You may even want to think of getting a new one. I was planning on buy A used 08 or newer but now you can get a 2011 for 45k and you get a better interest rate and warranty. It all depends if you want all the options or something that is newer.
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Cruising
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Hampton Va
Definitely do your homework on what options you would like. I researched and waited 5 months for the perfect deal. I bout my 2006 3LT C6 from a forum member Aug 2010. I had to have the HUD and power seat options. I also wanted to buy a garage queen to ensure it wasn’t driven too hard. My C6 only had 6700 mi on it and the seller only wanted $29K since he had multiple toys. Be patient, do your due diligence, and know what you want so you won’t have any regrets!
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 12,122
Likes: 419
From: Cold Hell, Minnesota...for now
St. Jude Donor '15 thru '26
Do what I did...A LOT. Go to youtube, and search Corvette tests. Tons of professional independent, and popular magazine tests/comparisons. Search certain years if you know what your thinking. Just searching "Grand Sport Corvette tests" kept me occupied forever. So many related videos, and tests. Very helpful. 
Last edited by Torchsport; Oct 21, 2011 at 07:45 AM. Reason: edit
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,342
Likes: 464
From: Raleigh/Cary NC
Get a GM mastercard and you'll get a 5% (is it still 5?) rebate good toward your car as well.
Pro
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 692
Likes: 99
From: greenville sc
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Good Luck
Do your due diligence on what you want and check the For Sale forum here - there are some great low mileage generally cared for cars available !!
Do your due diligence on what you want and check the For Sale forum here - there are some great low mileage generally cared for cars available !!
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,779
Likes: 6
From: LOS ANGELES CA.
Welcome
Welcome to the Vette disease! Now that you have the affliction you are in for one hellava lot of fun.The guys gave you the real scoop on how to decide what to purchase.You received a wealth of suggestions and they were all in the ball park.Be patient,do your homework and I am sure you will find the right car for your wants. Now that you have the Vette disease,BEWARE of the MOD disease.It is the aftermath of the Vette Disease. Hard to cure and expensive to have. Now that you have read my gibberish,have fun and welcome to poverty. Rod
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,939
Likes: 2
From: Danielsville Georgia
Lot of nice vettes for sale on this site in the for sale section. I'd fly and drive back a car of my choice if needed.http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...-33-000-a.html
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 203
Likes: 67
From: Erie PA
How much $ are you willing to spend. Knowing that will answer many questions as to what you should get (if you want to spend $25k, advice will be much different than if you want to spend $50k!).
As previously mentioned, this site has tons of info and will be able to answer all your questions, it did when I bought the two I have.
As previously mentioned, this site has tons of info and will be able to answer all your questions, it did when I bought the two I have.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,554
Likes: 158
What Mile Green9 said. Do your research, test drive suspensions and evaluate all options and packages. Buy the car that YOU want. Fine to talk with other Vette owners but it is your $ and you have to live with the decision. I do favor new as possible in C6. Main thing is to take your time so when you buy the car you get it right and don't have to say "I wish I would have gotten....yada yada."
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
From: Louisville KY
As others have suggested look into if you can purchase a new one. Should get 10% plus 3,000 off a 2011 and 10% plus 1500 from a 2012.
In any event consider the following...there are 4 models of corvettes
base
GS
Z06
ZR1
GS is a mix of base and Z06. It has the same engine and steel chassis of the base but the brakes, tires and suspension of the Z06. I have driven both, the GS is a little flatter around corners but I went base because I drive my corvette 12,000 miles a year...the GS has much softer rubber meaning new tires every 12,000. They are also larger so more expensive about 2,000 vs 1,500 for base model.
Must have options are NPP (dual exhast) and F55 (magnetic ride control) and the logos on the top of the seats.
In any event consider the following...there are 4 models of corvettes
base
GS
Z06
ZR1
GS is a mix of base and Z06. It has the same engine and steel chassis of the base but the brakes, tires and suspension of the Z06. I have driven both, the GS is a little flatter around corners but I went base because I drive my corvette 12,000 miles a year...the GS has much softer rubber meaning new tires every 12,000. They are also larger so more expensive about 2,000 vs 1,500 for base model.
Must have options are NPP (dual exhast) and F55 (magnetic ride control) and the logos on the top of the seats.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,168
Likes: 2
From: Saint Johns Florida
I just got my new '11 2LT for $41k +ttl