Corvette Generational Advice
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 138
Likes: 1
Corvette Generational Advice
I'm exploring my options between two generations of Corvettes. I understand the basics of what to look for, minimal owners, documented maintenance, clean title, etc. And familiar with the saying "buy the newest lowest mile you can afford." But on a firm sub 20k budget does that mean :
<80k mile late year C5
<110k mile early year C6
I started strictly looking at C5s with a tighter budget (15k), but I stumbled on a local 1 owner, all history, bone stock Z51 05 C6 with slightly over 100k miles for $18.5k. This told me if I bump up a few thousand more I can be in C6 range with only a few more miles than the C5's I've been considering?
I know for "a few thousand more" on top of my first "few thousand more" I can be at a moderate mile early year C6 but I need to stop the bank account abuse and $20k is that.
No stranger to a wrench and this will be used as my daily driver. Any suggestions?
<80k mile late year C5
<110k mile early year C6
I started strictly looking at C5s with a tighter budget (15k), but I stumbled on a local 1 owner, all history, bone stock Z51 05 C6 with slightly over 100k miles for $18.5k. This told me if I bump up a few thousand more I can be in C6 range with only a few more miles than the C5's I've been considering?
I know for "a few thousand more" on top of my first "few thousand more" I can be at a moderate mile early year C6 but I need to stop the bank account abuse and $20k is that.
No stranger to a wrench and this will be used as my daily driver. Any suggestions?
Last edited by Hob; May 24, 2015 at 03:46 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,706
Likes: 539
From: Hampton VA
I got my 08 for 20k, had 89k miles on it It is a ZHZ which was a hertz special edition, I thought it was a great deal has 2lt npp f55 rear spoiler and special 7 spoke chrome wheels and black stripe over the hood roof and back. Car hasn't missed a beat and now has 99K miles so there are good deals to be found and getting as new as you can gets you more car
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 11,351
Likes: 2,445
From: Eastern
In my opinion, buy the newest generation that you can afford in your budget. Each generation has improved in many ways. the C5 better than the C4, the C6 more advanced than the C5, the C7 more advanced and improved in many ways over the C6.
Higher mileage C6's are not uncommon. I have a 2006 with 7oK + miles, and it's been very reliable. The LS2 engines are pretty much bullet proof. All the minor maintenance I've done to the C6, I've done it myself. The mechanical stuff is easy to do on a C6. The electronics, not so much.
I have many PDF files of DIY's for many mechanical repairs, and the complete wiring diagrams if ever you need them.
If you can find a C6 in your price range, buy it over a C5.
Higher mileage C6's are not uncommon. I have a 2006 with 7oK + miles, and it's been very reliable. The LS2 engines are pretty much bullet proof. All the minor maintenance I've done to the C6, I've done it myself. The mechanical stuff is easy to do on a C6. The electronics, not so much.
I have many PDF files of DIY's for many mechanical repairs, and the complete wiring diagrams if ever you need them.
If you can find a C6 in your price range, buy it over a C5.
Last edited by 4SUMERZ; May 24, 2015 at 10:57 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,118
Likes: 122
From: Madison (Huntsville) Alabama
CI 6-7-8 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '09
Just got an "offer" from the dealer I bought my C6 from and they will give me "up to $21,500 for" my 2009 C6. 
I think it's worth more like $30K, but you may be able to do better than you think you can.
I think it's worth more like $30K, but you may be able to do better than you think you can.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 19,574
Likes: 167
From: Frederick, MD
That is real low but makes sense because they look at auction prices and want to make money from that.
Last edited by phileaglesfan; Dec 30, 2015 at 02:13 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 412
From: Miami FL
I saw you were in Arizona, just chose a random area code in there and set a 500 mile range. There are 41 C6's.
ABSOLUTE STEAL OF A DEAL
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...16816365&Log=0
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...18663367&Log=0
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...13804128&Log=0
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...14457140&Log=0
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...89389285&Log=0
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...09655692&Log=0
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...13851763&Log=0
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...18776042&Log=0
ABSOLUTE STEAL OF A DEAL
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...16816365&Log=0
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...18663367&Log=0
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...13804128&Log=0
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...14457140&Log=0
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...89389285&Log=0
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...09655692&Log=0
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...13851763&Log=0
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...18776042&Log=0
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,321
Likes: 220
From: Woodbridge, Virginia
I, like many others, have owned both a C5 and C6, both with high miles, C5 was solid engine wise but interior was not so. 2006 C6 currently has 157k and feels as solid as my wife's 09 with 5k on the odo. You can see where GM improved on the C5 formula, interior, brakes, etc all better.
If you can, go for the C6, I feel it's better in every aspect of ownership. Good luck and post pics when you can.
If you can, go for the C6, I feel it's better in every aspect of ownership. Good luck and post pics when you can.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 11,351
Likes: 2,445
From: Eastern
I'm sure the OP has purchased one by now. The original post was in May of this year.
If you want a great deal, now is the time to buy a used C6 from Canada. The US Dollar is now worth about 30% more, so therefore you will save 30% on a car bought from Canada.
It's really not difficult to import one into the US. I imported one from the US into Canada in 2009...Piece of cake, and I did it myself. No broker was involved.
IE: If you find a 30K car in Canada, you will pay 21K US Pretty good deal...
If you want a great deal, now is the time to buy a used C6 from Canada. The US Dollar is now worth about 30% more, so therefore you will save 30% on a car bought from Canada.
It's really not difficult to import one into the US. I imported one from the US into Canada in 2009...Piece of cake, and I did it myself. No broker was involved.
IE: If you find a 30K car in Canada, you will pay 21K US Pretty good deal...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,309
Likes: 2,211
From: San Antonio, TX
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,576
Likes: 237
From: Murphy NC
You are where I was three years ago. The C5 is nice but not as nice as a C6.
I personally prefer the 2007 6.0L Base. You are the only only who will know the difference. No one else cares. They just see a Corvette.
Since I use mine for work, I like the better fuel mileage. 30-32mpg I mainly drive highway.
If you are mechanically inclined, you will fine the C6 very easy to wrench on.
I have done all of my own maintenance except tires and alignment.
That includes, harmonic balancer, axle shafts and wheel bearings.
All fluids have been changed three times since I have owned the car.
It idles down the interstate so I don't foresee any major problems in the future and somebody will get a nice 300K miles C6 when I am done.
Good luck and happy shopping.
I personally prefer the 2007 6.0L Base. You are the only only who will know the difference. No one else cares. They just see a Corvette.
Since I use mine for work, I like the better fuel mileage. 30-32mpg I mainly drive highway.
If you are mechanically inclined, you will fine the C6 very easy to wrench on.
I have done all of my own maintenance except tires and alignment.
That includes, harmonic balancer, axle shafts and wheel bearings.
All fluids have been changed three times since I have owned the car.
It idles down the interstate so I don't foresee any major problems in the future and somebody will get a nice 300K miles C6 when I am done.
Good luck and happy shopping.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,750
Likes: 172
2015 C6 of the Year Finalist
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,079
Likes: 98
From: York PA
