Hypothetical Vette purchase going from C5Z to C6
08-27-2012, 07:35 PM
#1
Racer
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Hypothetical Vette purchase going from C5Z to C6
Looking for some opinions. I currently drive an 03 Z06 w/54K miles in near perfect condition. Mechanicllay and cosmetically. I figure Ill get better insight from the c6 guys than the loyal C5 forums. Ive got friends with C6's and Im really finding myself intersted in them.
If YOU were to have $35K what would YOU do?
My car has a payoff of $21K and Id be selling or trading and financing the 35K....but, I know I can get into an 08 LS3 around that price.
Just cant find any C6Z06s....like I REALLY want....
Any suggestions?
Comparisons?
Personal experience from stepping from a C5 to a C6?
If YOU were to have $35K what would YOU do?
My car has a payoff of $21K and Id be selling or trading and financing the 35K....but, I know I can get into an 08 LS3 around that price.
Just cant find any C6Z06s....like I REALLY want....
Any suggestions?
Comparisons?
Personal experience from stepping from a C5 to a C6?
08-27-2012, 07:40 PM
#2
Race Director
Went from a C5Z to a C6Z here. 1st let me say that Im still a fan of the C5Z as I had nothing but the best of luck with mine even after heavily modding it. The C6Z was a def move up and I never really looked back. Im not sure I would make the move from a z to a non z however. Now Im considering the move to a ZR
What do you mean (C6)Z06's you like...?
What do you mean (C6)Z06's you like...?
08-27-2012, 07:40 PM
#3
Team Owner
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St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
no experience driving it as an owner, but drove my friend's '03 Z for an entire afternoon. thought it was a great car compared to what I gave him to drive, an '03G35coupe. what should you do? I personally think you are on the right path, an '08 LS3. I might be biased, but it is a very competent car w. 430-436 chp.
wait a few more weeks, and as the "winter" approaches for the rest of the nation, the number of C6s for sale starts to drop, and so do the prices. so, you can start looking now but look to purchase later. just be ready to buy when it's available. maybe even sell your car sooner than later, altho you could be left with nothing suitable for awhile, or a long while if you don't find something you like at the right price.
wait a few more weeks, and as the "winter" approaches for the rest of the nation, the number of C6s for sale starts to drop, and so do the prices. so, you can start looking now but look to purchase later. just be ready to buy when it's available. maybe even sell your car sooner than later, altho you could be left with nothing suitable for awhile, or a long while if you don't find something you like at the right price.
08-27-2012, 08:03 PM
#6
The Consigliere
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If a widebody C6 is not in the equation, I'd stick with the C5Z. Great car, with a lot of soul and strong performance.
Just MHO - and I may be in the minority, but's that what I would do.
Just MHO - and I may be in the minority, but's that what I would do.
08-27-2012, 08:11 PM
#7
Melting Slicks
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St. Jude Donor '13
I went from a killer C5Z to a 12 GS vert. Two different cars completely. The Z was raw and more fun to drive honestly, but I had headers and a tune on it. Cant wait to see what the LS3 feels like with the same set up.
From this:
to this:
Bottom line, I wish i could have both. No way I would have traded my Z for a narrow body.
From this:
to this:
Bottom line, I wish i could have both. No way I would have traded my Z for a narrow body.
Last edited by Zap City; 08-27-2012 at 08:14 PM.
08-27-2012, 08:27 PM
#8
Race Director
I had a c5 z06 and I think I'd recommend you keep your car the z06 was so raw race car like it was more intense.
My 2008 c6 manual z51 with NPp is a better daily driver but less passionate compared to the z06. Jmo
My 2008 c6 manual z51 with NPp is a better daily driver but less passionate compared to the z06. Jmo
08-27-2012, 08:37 PM
#9
Drifting
Went from a c5z to a c6z......a definate upgrade all around...... If I were you, I would save up some more for a c6z....... No coupe, no GS..... Go for the gusto!!! You will not regret it!!!!! I would love a zr1 but that's not in the cards for me right now....... Bottom line, either keep the c5z or get the c6z.......
08-27-2012, 08:38 PM
#10
Racer
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Thats just it. I love the little improvements in even a BASE C6. Better insulation. Push botton start. DD Navigation. 2 tone seats. Non Popups. Etc.... Guess Im getting to the point where Ive had so many loud, fast, rough cars that Im starting to lean towards GTOs, G8s, CTS-Vs, but I still have to have that speed. C6Z is PERFECT, but out of price range... 
08-27-2012, 09:00 PM
#12
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St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
I'll assume you're in the "Grandview" not far from Cleburne (where I was this past April for a visit), which isn't far from DFW (but closer to "FW"). That being the case, there are dozens of dealers with C6 08s on the lot. Find one, test it, test drive another one just in case the first one was beat to death. Then, see how it fits your "performance profile."
Maybe it'll have you keeping your car and, as others have said, saving for a C6 Z. Maybe. And maybe not.
Maybe it'll have you keeping your car and, as others have said, saving for a C6 Z. Maybe. And maybe not.
08-27-2012, 09:32 PM
#13
Burning Brakes
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St. Jude Donor '12-'13-14
The C5Z is a great looking car, I like the looks better than the narrow body C6. Maybe look into someone's wide body conversion for sale if you can't get into a C6Z
08-27-2012, 10:12 PM
#14
Drifting
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St. Jude Donor '13
I went from a killer C5Z to a 12 GS vert. Two different cars completely. The Z was raw and more fun to drive honestly, but I had headers and a tune on it. Cant wait to see what the LS3 feels like with the same set up.
From this:
to this:
Bottom line, I wish i could have both. No way I would have traded my Z for a narrow body.
From this:
to this:
Bottom line, I wish i could have both. No way I would have traded my Z for a narrow body.
08-27-2012, 11:27 PM
#15
I've had both and there is not a c5 of any kind on the planet that I would trade my "base" c6 for....if you get a base car try to find a z51 car. You can find c6z's though for $35k if you keep your eyes peeled.
08-27-2012, 11:53 PM
#16
Racer
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Yessir. That be me! Small world! I think I will do some shopping around tomorrow. Fact is, I could just be suffering from "the grass is greener" syndrome. Guess I should prob drive some to make an EDUCATED decision. I have driven an 06 GTO and LOVED that car! I cannot imagine how quick a LS3 equipped C6 would be. My C5Z just doesnt feel all that quick to me.
08-28-2012, 07:30 AM
#17
Melting Slicks
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I've been fortunate enough to own both a C5Z and a C6 at the same time. The early C6s with the LS2 from 05 to 07 are in theory close to the C5Z in horsepower, but the C5Z simply feels quicker. However, when you get to the 08 and newer C6s with the LS3, then C6 will outshine the C5Z. On the C6 you should try to get the NPP dual mode exhaust, and I think you would also prefer the Z51 performance handling package. The Z51 on the C6 is smoother and more refined feeling than the C5Z, but still with excellent turn-in and responsiveness. I know your target is 35K but don't be afraid to spend just a little more if you can get a well equipped, low mileage car in a color combo that's just what you like.
I had my C5Z for 5 yrs, it was an '04 Commemorative and I had it until '09. During that same time I also had C6s. After I got my 09 C6 coupe with 6-speed manual, Z51 suspension and NPP exhaust, I sold my 04 C5Z. At that point the C6 had surpassed the C5Z, in both performance and comfort. Hope this helps, since I've had considerable experience with both.
Best of luck in your decision.
I had my C5Z for 5 yrs, it was an '04 Commemorative and I had it until '09. During that same time I also had C6s. After I got my 09 C6 coupe with 6-speed manual, Z51 suspension and NPP exhaust, I sold my 04 C5Z. At that point the C6 had surpassed the C5Z, in both performance and comfort. Hope this helps, since I've had considerable experience with both.
Best of luck in your decision.
08-28-2012, 11:11 AM
#19
Burning Brakes
I agree with 3genvettes, I had a 04 commemorative z06 also. When the c6 came out I wasn't impressed by the base car in 05. The c6 is a more refined car. If i were in your shoes and you really want to upgrade, I would sell your car sooner then later. You mention your still making payments, so every month you're losing money. That being said if you sold now and saved your monthly payments it might put you in a better position for when you find the right car. If a base car fills your needs the forum dealers are selling in the low $40's right now. If you wait the discounts will defiantly be better down the road as the C7 is released. I say this because you still plan on making payments. I myself wouldn't make payments on a older used car. Thats my 2cents.Best of luck in your search.
