Thinking about getting into a corvette
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 0
From: Chico CA
I was just in the market for a used vette with the same kind of $ you are talking about. In the end I went with a new 2011 Grand Sport for about $50k (fully loaded). The other option was a slightly used GS or Z06, I gave up on the Z because I want to add a blower and I absolutely can't stand hard top sports cars. With the amount of money you are willing to spend I would definitely go with new, even if it's a model year or two old (better discounts). I've driven quite a few vettes and I have to say the GS may not have the motor of a Z but it sure as hell handles great, maybe not quite as good but the vast majority of drivers (myself included) will never need that extra few percent. Good luck with which ever car you buy!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 41,732
Likes: 1,718
From: Springfield MO
I'm on the bandwagon of "buy a new one". I have personal opinions like anyone else, I tend to offend Corvette owners because I hold a slight disdain for "vette owners" who've never bought at least one "new". GM built an absolute dream ride in the Corvette; The price tag is a bit much for middle America living on a budget. It's not used Corvette owners I feel don't have the "right" to be Corvette owners or anything like that. I just think if you're going to enjoy the ride, at least pay some appreciation to the company that built it for you. If you buy it used, or from a private seller you get to drive the dream without at least paying a thank you to GM for it. It's my opinion sure; it's how I feel about it. So if you can actually finance 50k+ do GM a favor and buy one new.
These opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of anyone on this webforum other than myself.
These opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of anyone on this webforum other than myself.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Thanks for all the feedback, guys. This will be my daily driver, at least for the foreseeable future. The thing with a grand sport is A.) I don't like buying cars new due to the depreciation hit, and B.) I have a feeling after driving a Z06, I'm going to want the extra performance having experienced it. I guess I could always try out a grand sport to see if the performance is really that noticeable compared to the Z06.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: North East North Carolina
Instructor
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 207
Likes: 0
Thanks for all the feedback, guys. This will be my daily driver, at least for the foreseeable future. The thing with a grand sport is A.) I don't like buying cars new due to the depreciation hit, and B.) I have a feeling after driving a Z06, I'm going to want the extra performance having experienced it. I guess I could always try out a grand sport to see if the performance is really that noticeable compared to the Z06.
I suggest the GS mostly because of a) the magnetic ride control. You state that this is a daily driver and it is very nice being able to soften the suspension when you just want to get to where you're going w/o feeling every crevice in the road. I have it and it works very well. In fact I'm in tour mode mostly and it's a cushy ride. I suspect that the tour mode is a bit softer than a base C6 and when in sport mode quite a bit stiffer as you do not need to find a compromise in handling. It's also quite good for the track and spirited driving. b) The removable top the Z06 lacks. c) slightly better mileage.
If it wasn't daily driver I would likely recommend the Z.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
The deep discounts combined w/ interest free money should more than make up for new vehicle depreciation. Combine that w/ a 5 year 100,000 mile warranty and the cost drops a bit more.
I suggest the GS mostly because of a) the magnetic ride control. You state that this is a daily driver and it is very nice being able to soften the suspension when you just want to get to where you're going w/o feeling every crevice in the road. I have it and it works very well. In fact I'm in tour mode mostly and it's a cushy ride. I suspect that the tour mode is a bit softer than a base C6 and when in sport mode quite a bit stiffer as you do not need to find a compromise in handling. It's also quite good for the track and spirited driving. b) The removable top the Z06 lacks. c) slightly better mileage.
If it wasn't daily driver I would likely recommend the Z.
I suggest the GS mostly because of a) the magnetic ride control. You state that this is a daily driver and it is very nice being able to soften the suspension when you just want to get to where you're going w/o feeling every crevice in the road. I have it and it works very well. In fact I'm in tour mode mostly and it's a cushy ride. I suspect that the tour mode is a bit softer than a base C6 and when in sport mode quite a bit stiffer as you do not need to find a compromise in handling. It's also quite good for the track and spirited driving. b) The removable top the Z06 lacks. c) slightly better mileage.
If it wasn't daily driver I would likely recommend the Z.
