csdude

I'm currently driving a 2012 Fisker Karma, but I've had it for a few years and I'm thinking about trading for a car in the same price range.

I'm looking at 2 Corvettes:

2009 Z06, orange, with 3LZ (is that a typo?)
31,181 miles
$38,995 USD

2014 Z51, black, with 1LT
29,582 miles
$44,995 USD

Which of these do you think would be the better buy, for both performance, longevity, and eventual resale value?

Or are neither that well priced, meaning I should shop around a bit more?

Frankie15

I'm not sure about C7 prices, but that C6Z price is definitely fair. I personally think the C6Z looks quite a bit better than the base C7, but that's just me.

Performance: Z06. 505hp/475tq compared to 450hp/450tq. Plus the Z06 is substantially lighter.

Longevity: Both are probably equal in this regard in regards to the mileage. I would definitely suggest getting the heads inspected for the LS7 in the Z06. Research this issue if you are not aware of it. You will add at least $2,000 to your total cost if this hasn't been done.

Eventual Resale Value: I will give the nod to the Z06. The Z06 already took most of it's depreciation hit. The 2014 Z51 will continue to fall.

csdude

Cool, thanks for the feedback! I checked on CarGurus and it thinks the Z51 price is about $2k too high, too.

It feels weird to go from a 2012 to a 2009, and I think I'm going to lose some new gadgets that I might miss. But right now I'm leaning towards the Z06, too.

I don't love the orange (just a bit too flashy for my taste), but I'm already concerned about losing the 980 ft/lbs of torque in the Fisker. So the performance of the Z06 is calling my name...

I'll definitely do some research on the heads, I wasn't aware of that. Thanks for the tip!

Frankie15

Glad to help! I personally love the AO color. I think it is one of the best colors on the C6, but I get how some people could think its a bit too flashy. I prefer the brighter, attention grabbing colors on the C6.

The Stingray will definitely have a much nicer interior and more creature comforts than the C6.

3LZ also is not a typo. That's the highest trim package for the Z06. It includes everything from the 2LZ trim of course (Bose premium audio, heated seats, telescoping wheel, memory seats etc) and also adds a leather wrapped dash and door panels.

J3TVETTE

Get the Z06. Think of it this way, that C7 is a base model 1LT vs a fully loaded 427 beast of a C6 Z06. The only thing is you will have to have the heads inspected/changed which is an additional cost.

myredhead1

Get the 3lz Z06 all day, every day. Gorgeous color too!

Adam Cifonelli

Oh man... thats a hard one. Z06 is faster.. but I think the C7s looks/interior are pretty sexy.

vetten76

I agree. The Z is still a valid car. So is a ZR1. I'd go backwards for that. Heads are a problem. Make that a priority.

extrapilot

But your shedding 1000+ lbs. curb weight in the purchase of the Z car.

EVILFACE

The Z06.

In a few years that Z51 is still basically a base model while the Z06 is a Z06....

ben dover

I vote for the Z06 at 2k less.

jbc1995fb

If you're not in love with the orange then I'd suggest you look for another Z06 in a color that is more appealing to your taste.

What color is your Fisker?

J3TVETTE

https://www.wired.com/2013/01/vlp-destino/

Do this

vetten76

Every time I see a Fisker I think of this conversion. This came up with Bob Lutz about 3 years ago. I looked at a Fisker a couple of weeks ago. Bitchen car. But with a blown motor? How cool is that?

Corvette_Ed

Red Devil Z51

for that kin of $ you could almost get a brand new c7 so why even look at used

buckmeister2

"concerned about losing the 980 ft/lbs of torque in the Fisker." Regardless of which Corvette you choose, you will not notice the loss of torque. Your car runs a 5.9 0-60. while the base 2014 runs it in about 3.9 seconds. The Z06 runs it in 3.6.

I guess it is possible the Vette is a tad slower 0-20, but you are doing 40 before you can even think about it...You should not be the least bit concerned about "performance" from either car you choose, as it will be quite a shock to you when you first feel the performance of either of the Vettes.

The Vette's weigh about 2500 pounds less. It is likely the ride will not be as smooth as you are used to. For that reason, I would consider the '14 over the Z06.

CECoupe

You won't be sorry choosing the Z06. If the head work hadn't been done, I would set aside $3K to $4K for their replacement at a reputable shop. I just had mine done on my '11 Z06 and it was $4K.

LMB-Z

Z06, no questions asked. Plus the Atomic Orange Metallic is pretty rare

Frankie15

Used C6 Z06 >>>>>>>>>>>>> Brand new base C7.