Help with buying decision!!
#1
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Help with buying decision!!
Hello, this will be sort of long so I apologize. I debated a long time before deciding to ask this because I didn't want to be the one beating a dead horse. I researched the forum for answers to my question and was able to find useful but unfulfilling information. My dream car for as long as I can remember was a C6 Corvette and here in the next month or so when my training ends, I'll have enough funds to make the plunge. My current debate is getting a 2013 Base Coupe fully loaded with about 50,000 miles or a 2008 Z06 fully loaded with about 80,000 miles on it. I could also consider a 2010 Z for 3 grand extra. All 3 cars are in the $30,000 range which is about what I am sitting with. I know its been said to get the newest corvette possible with the lowest miles so that would be the 2013, plus the 2013 would be more practical and driveable all the time, and it would make the SO happier lol... but at the same time I feel because I can get a Z for the same price, well, that would make sense. But also this car will be my daily driver and also my first sports car. I know the Z will be more expensive to maintain but how big is that cost difference actually? I've checked insurance prices between the two and with USAA the difference wasn't that much, but I will check again. So given all that info, what would you guys do? Thank you all so much and once again, I'm sorry it's so long and kind of repetitive.
#2
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The tires for the base car will be cheaper and available in more variety than those for the Z06, and be sure to think about items which may require "normal maintenance" at the mileages of each of the respective choices.
Also, the Z06 may need to have the valve guides at least inspected for wear. Falls into the model year range where there has been reported issues.
Good luck with your decision, as long as there still is time, you never know, maybe another one or two will catch your eye.
Also, the Z06 may need to have the valve guides at least inspected for wear. Falls into the model year range where there has been reported issues.
Good luck with your decision, as long as there still is time, you never know, maybe another one or two will catch your eye.
Last edited by rkj427; 11-12-2017 at 02:12 PM.
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CorvetteZ0607 (11-12-2017)
#3
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The tires for the base car will be cheaper and available in more variety than those for the Z06, and be sure to think about items which may require "normal maintenance" at the mileages of each of the respective choices.
Also, the Z06 may need to have the valve guides at least inspected for wear. Falls into the model year range where there has been reported issues.
Good luck with your decision, as long as there still is time, you never know, maybe another one or two will catch your eye.
Also, the Z06 may need to have the valve guides at least inspected for wear. Falls into the model year range where there has been reported issues.
Good luck with your decision, as long as there still is time, you never know, maybe another one or two will catch your eye.
#4
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#6
If you have never had a sports car before then I think the base C6 will be enough power for you. I have owned several Corvettes, a twin turbo BMW and V8 Mercedes and Jaguar cars. The power and acceleration of the LS3 still amazes me. Good luck.
#7
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I agree with that definitely. Thank you for sharing your experience with the cars! Typing it up really helped me kinda make more sense of the decision. Take care!
#8
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I had been looking over the last year and a half. Loved the wide body look and narrowed it down there but as rkj427 said, you really can't go wrong. The base has a lot of power and surprised me when I first drove it and as I'm sure you've read if you want more power it's easy to do with these cars.
I'd lean toward a slightly earlier model year base with lower miles. You're not going to find a ton of difference if you get a 2010 base vs 2013, so IMO lower the mileage and enjoy the car longer before having to address any normal wear items.
Once I drove a Z06 though, I was hooked . I have another car that I was/could use as a daily driver but the Vette is just so much fun it gets driven most days. It's great as a daily driver but an automatic may make that easier if you deal with a lot of traffic. For me, my Vette had to be manual regardless of trim or traffic.
Especially if it's your first "real" sports car, you'll love the hell out of driving it. You'll get a ton of compliments and questions, almost all from guys...that should make the SO happy lol! My wife was worried this car would be a panty dropper, but with the exception of a lady at the store with a Roush Mustang, it's been all dudes. My neighbor and another friend are die hard Mustang guys and never seriously considered a Vette. They're both amazed and drool over mine
Take your time and be comfortable with your purchase. You'll probably know when you find "the one." There are a lot out there to choose from so don't buy just to have one. Enjoy your search!
I'd lean toward a slightly earlier model year base with lower miles. You're not going to find a ton of difference if you get a 2010 base vs 2013, so IMO lower the mileage and enjoy the car longer before having to address any normal wear items.
Once I drove a Z06 though, I was hooked . I have another car that I was/could use as a daily driver but the Vette is just so much fun it gets driven most days. It's great as a daily driver but an automatic may make that easier if you deal with a lot of traffic. For me, my Vette had to be manual regardless of trim or traffic.
Especially if it's your first "real" sports car, you'll love the hell out of driving it. You'll get a ton of compliments and questions, almost all from guys...that should make the SO happy lol! My wife was worried this car would be a panty dropper, but with the exception of a lady at the store with a Roush Mustang, it's been all dudes. My neighbor and another friend are die hard Mustang guys and never seriously considered a Vette. They're both amazed and drool over mine
Take your time and be comfortable with your purchase. You'll probably know when you find "the one." There are a lot out there to choose from so don't buy just to have one. Enjoy your search!
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CorvetteZ0607 (11-12-2017)
#9
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I had been looking over the last year and a half. Loved the wide body look and narrowed it down there but as rkj427 said, you really can't go wrong. The base has a lot of power and surprised me when I first drove it and as I'm sure you've read if you want more power it's easy to do with these cars.
I'd lean toward a slightly earlier model year base with lower miles. You're not going to find a ton of difference if you get a 2010 base vs 2013, so IMO lower the mileage and enjoy the car longer before having to address any normal wear items.
Once I drove a Z06 though, I was hooked . I have another car that I was/could use as a daily driver but the Vette is just so much fun it gets driven most days. It's great as a daily driver but an automatic may make that easier if you deal with a lot of traffic. For me, my Vette had to be manual regardless of trim or traffic.
Especially if it's your first "real" sports car, you'll love the hell out of driving it. You'll get a ton of compliments and questions, almost all from guys...that should make the SO happy lol! My wife was worried this car would be a panty dropper, but with the exception of a lady at the store with a Roush Mustang, it's been all dudes. My neighbor and another friend are die hard Mustang guys and never seriously considered a Vette. They're both amazed and drool over mine
Take your time and be comfortable with your purchase. You'll probably know when you find "the one." There are a lot out there to choose from so don't buy just to have one. Enjoy your search!
I'd lean toward a slightly earlier model year base with lower miles. You're not going to find a ton of difference if you get a 2010 base vs 2013, so IMO lower the mileage and enjoy the car longer before having to address any normal wear items.
Once I drove a Z06 though, I was hooked . I have another car that I was/could use as a daily driver but the Vette is just so much fun it gets driven most days. It's great as a daily driver but an automatic may make that easier if you deal with a lot of traffic. For me, my Vette had to be manual regardless of trim or traffic.
Especially if it's your first "real" sports car, you'll love the hell out of driving it. You'll get a ton of compliments and questions, almost all from guys...that should make the SO happy lol! My wife was worried this car would be a panty dropper, but with the exception of a lady at the store with a Roush Mustang, it's been all dudes. My neighbor and another friend are die hard Mustang guys and never seriously considered a Vette. They're both amazed and drool over mine
Take your time and be comfortable with your purchase. You'll probably know when you find "the one." There are a lot out there to choose from so don't buy just to have one. Enjoy your search!
#10
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Mansfield, Texas...the home of wayback who also posts on here. Send him PM and I'm sure he will be most helpful.
wayback
Member Since: Aug 2006
Location: Mansfield TEXAS
Good luck!
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CorvetteZ0607 (11-12-2017)
#11
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Thank you so much, I definitely will do both of those! Take care!
#12
Instructor
Back in 2013 I wanted another Vette, liked the Z06, but no auto and no Vert so I went for a GS and have been very happy with a 2011, GS with a6 and its a vert.
#13
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Howdy neighbor.
Lots of good advice here. Which ever one you choose have it checked out by a good mechanic. We are lucky and have Twenty-first Century and LG Motorsports close. Both top notch and among the best in the country.
Classic Chevy in Grapevine is known for sales and service of Corvettes.
Be glad to help anyway I can.
Lots of good advice here. Which ever one you choose have it checked out by a good mechanic. We are lucky and have Twenty-first Century and LG Motorsports close. Both top notch and among the best in the country.
Classic Chevy in Grapevine is known for sales and service of Corvettes.
Be glad to help anyway I can.
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CorvetteZ0607 (11-12-2017)
#14
Instructor
Hello, this will be sort of long so I apologize. I debated a long time before deciding to ask this because I didn't want to be the one beating a dead horse. I researched the forum for answers to my question and was able to find useful but unfulfilling information. My dream car for as long as I can remember was a C6 Corvette and here in the next month or so when my training ends, I'll have enough funds to make the plunge. My current debate is getting a 2013 Base Coupe fully loaded with about 50,000 miles or a 2008 Z06 fully loaded with about 80,000 miles on it. I could also consider a 2010 Z for 3 grand extra. All 3 cars are in the $30,000 range which is about what I am sitting with. I know its been said to get the newest corvette possible with the lowest miles so that would be the 2013, plus the 2013 would be more practical and driveable all the time, and it would make the SO happier lol... but at the same time I feel because I can get a Z for the same price, well, that would make sense. But also this car will be my daily driver and also my first sports car. I know the Z will be more expensive to maintain but how big is that cost difference actually? I've checked insurance prices between the two and with USAA the difference wasn't that much, but I will check again. So given all that info, what would you guys do? Thank you all so much and once again, I'm sorry it's so long and kind of repetitive.
#15
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The GS seems like a good compromise for the two, plus you still get that great widebody look! Thank you for sharing! Take care!
#16
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Howdy neighbor.
Lots of good advice here. Which ever one you choose have it checked out by a good mechanic. We are lucky and have Twenty-first Century and LG Motorsports close. Both top notch and among the best in the country.
Classic Chevy in Grapevine is known for sales and service of Corvettes.
Be glad to help anyway I can.
Lots of good advice here. Which ever one you choose have it checked out by a good mechanic. We are lucky and have Twenty-first Century and LG Motorsports close. Both top notch and among the best in the country.
Classic Chevy in Grapevine is known for sales and service of Corvettes.
Be glad to help anyway I can.
#17
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#18
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Wow, you guys have given me so much helpful input! I think those mental debates can be put to rest now. Thank you all so much for your time!
#20
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