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It brings me with a heavy heart that I'd like to jump up to a C6. I haven't determined a year just yet. I have a 2003 Black on Black 50th Anniversary Convertible M6 with 50k miles.
Small electronics issues here and there mostly, can't keep up. Small things bother me, like a crack here and there in the finish. (Namely one on the passenger side by the hand brake, and on the HUD bezel)
I want to know ALL your thoughts on one vs the other. Problems you have heard? Trade offs? Reasons I should go to the C6 vs C5?
My budget is 25k-40k so it leaves me with lots of C6 options. Anything I should steer clear of?
I've owned the C5, my fourth Corvette to about a year. I'd break even on the trade in vs the lien. I guess if I'm being honest, I'd like to see 25k-30k and trade in for a C7 in a year or two. But really, let's not worry about price and just draw actual ownership comparisons between the two platforms.
I had a C5 also -- loved it. But then I saw a C6 Grand Sport -- knew I had to have one. Found a 2013 and made a deal. Love every minute of it and don't look back at all. C5 is Nice and wonderful but a C6 is Great and Sensational - specially with a M6 in a GS.
I had a C5 also -- loved it. But then I saw a C6 Grand Sport -- knew I had to have one. Found a 2013 and made a deal. Love every minute of it and don't look back at all. C5 is Nice and wonderful but a C6 is Great and Sensational - specially with a M6 in a GS.
I would say get the newest/lowest mile Corvette you can afford. If you're moving into a C6, I recommend a '08 or newer. Chevrolet made a lot of upgrades to the C6 in 2008. (http://www.corvettemuseum.org/specs/2008/)
I purchased a new 13 4LT GrandSport back in September,and I just love the car! Got flamed real good for giving up a C7,but it's my money and in my eyes the 11,12 and 13 C6 is a perfect Corvette.I had a 13 1LT that was my daily driver 2 years ago and it was trouble free in 6000+ miles.
i have 3 c5z's and a z6z, currently have a 2011 GS..love it, very happy ...every vette is unique, and if i could afford it i would have kept them all..but i don't have that kinda $$$, so i sell one to get the next one...good luck
for now
bud
We have always considered the C5's the most beautiful body style. Alas, they are aging gracefully, but aging nonetheless. For those of us who have no interest/apitude in wrenching, the upkeep on an older car can be a hassle. If you enjoy your C5, then you will most assuredly enjoy a C6. Suggest you look at the wide body C6's.
I would say get the newest/lowest mile Corvette you can afford. If you're moving into a C6, I recommend a '08 or newer. Chevrolet made a lot of upgrades to the C6 in 2008. (http://www.corvettemuseum.org/specs/2008/)
This ^^^
Improvements and refinements are made every year.
You can never go wrong purchasing the very latest model year you can afford.
For the reasons stated above, start with the 2008 model year.
Good Luck!
08 or newer gets you the LS3 a little more HP, which is nice.. 10 or newer if you want the Grand Sport wide body, 12 or 13 gets you the latest computer algorithm in the automatic transmission which makes the shifting much quicker.
Lots of low mile C6s out there and now is the best time to buy. Get the newest one you can find. You won't be sorry. Not meant as a slam of the C5, but there's very little to compare, performance-wise, between the two. The C6 is a great car. Go for it.
I don't think there is any year to stay clear of. I have the 05 which has so far been a great Vette. It all comes down to your "must have options" once you determine that, get the newest/lowest miles your budget allows. 40k gives you plenty of room to decide.
BTW. I bought the 05 because it was the best value: lowest miles, best options (HUD/Vert), and was the cleanest compared to all the others I looked at. If I was going to track it, I probably would have gone with a Z06.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
Had an 03 C5 Z51 vert, and test drove an 07 Z51 C6 vert. Wasn't enought to get me to switch. Totally different story with the 13 GS, of course part of that was the end of model run deals they were offering. Still, it would tell you that you'll be very happy going to a C6 GS, especially the 12/13 models with 3LT or 4LT. I did my 13 with 4LT, NPP and MSRC, and to me the 4LT interior is WAY nicer than the C5 or even regular C6 interior.
I would say get the newest/lowest mile Corvette you can afford. If you're moving into a C6, I recommend a '08 or newer. Chevrolet made a lot of upgrades to the C6 in 2008. (http://www.corvettemuseum.org/specs/2008/)
We traded in a 2001 A4 Z51 for a 2006 A6 Z51. I liked (and still do) the paddle shifter and the built in Nav, but performance-wise I couldn't tell any difference. All the tests said the '06 was faster, but I couldn't feel it. And it wandered on the highway even after alignment, the steering was vague but heavy.
We traded that one in for a 2009 A6 Z51, wow! Noticeably quicker, A6 shifted better and blipped the downshifts, steering was both more precise and lighter. Etc.
It brings me with a heavy heart that I'd like to jump up to a C6. I haven't determined a year just yet. I have a 2003 Black on Black 50th Anniversary Convertible M6 with 50k miles.
Small electronics issues here and there mostly, can't keep up. Small things bother me, like a crack here and there in the finish. (Namely one on the passenger side by the hand brake, and on the HUD bezel)
I want to know ALL your thoughts on one vs the other. Problems you have heard? Trade offs? Reasons I should go to the C6 vs C5?
My budget is 25k-40k so it leaves me with lots of C6 options. Anything I should steer clear of?
Alternatively, any suggestions would be awesome!
Thanks for your help everyone! Long live the C5!
At that budget, you are in the ballpark for a Z06 in good shape C6 and knocking just a bit below a no optioned C7.
If you really are heartbroken about the C5 going, then this is what I'd do if I were in your shoes. I'd consult with an indie expert on Vettes. Ask if it's possible to recondition your car to one which suits your eyes and has a shot at reasonable reliability. Then decide if this is for you.
I'm in a similar boat with my 15 year old Toy Taco. I have no desire to get a new model Taco. They're gross, oversized, overweight and not improved in any area I care about so I put money into not only maintaining my Taco, but appearance items too.
If you are unwilling to throw money into an open pit (your C5) you can throw a bit more and get a C7 or you can real soon now. Or you can find a very low miles C5 for a fraction of your budget.
I have a C6 and of course, think it's better than any other gen Vette but that's me. If you are stuck on a C5, then get or make your C5 work for you. If not, then why not throw a bit more on the pile and get a C7 with less depreciation than the C6 will see now as the C7's stalk the land.
had 2 c4's then a c5, the difference was huge, in a c6 now and there is quiet a bit of difference in the ride and less road noise. not as much from the 4 to the 5, but still a alot better. no regrets. worth the jump
Sounds like you are more frustrated with the minor problems with your current ride. I'd suggest you find a newer used model that still has the warranty. If you trade up and get a "lemon" you're going to be in the same boat that you are in now but deeper in debt
Every and any year C6 is better the every and any year c5.Make the leap.You won't regret it. With the budget around 40 you can get a fairly newer C6,almost a used c7 actually with a few more grand.
Switch to C6 from C5? - Open Thread
This ^^^
