pauly1119

Im a long time corvette owner and have had many over the years. C3, C4 and C5 never a C6. I know the question has been asked C5 Z06 vs C6....I was thinking about another C5Z06 but was also thinking about trying out the C6. I know the interior is way nicer, but are there things to look out for? What years are best? My budget would be 21K and under. Max miles you would buy? Any help would be great.
Thanks

S.C. vette

The later years of both generations are best. That said, for 21k, a good C6 Z06 is beyond your budget. There are many fine C5 Z06 out there in that budget. I’d suggest you focus on a 03/04 Z. Look and read thru the pinned threads in the C5 topic area to learn about the good & bad. I loved my 04Z, only gave it up for more comfort, entry/exit and shifting started becoming an issue. Good luck in your search!

pauly1119

I was thinking of a non z06 C6 Just a LS2 or LS3. I have a camaro with a modded LS3 and its amazing.

919cw313

If I was firm on $21k max, I'd rather have a good C5 Z06 than a less than average C6, which is what you can get at that price. Bump it up to $25k and find a very good to excellent '08-'09 w/Z51.

94Green

FYI,
I just bought my 2005 vert completely loaded, one owner with 14,000 miles on it for $21,000 here in California.

Whis9

C5 Z06 and call it a day

Tonylmiller

You can get a bargain on an early year C6. I would go that route. Miles are not really a problem if the car has been maintained.

By the way, please put your question in the thread title.

FAUEE

Agreed. A nice c5z would be better than a ragged out c6.

jbc1995fb

I've always liked the C5Z06. Are you keeping the Camaro that has the modded LS3?

If you're getting rid of the Camaro to go to a C5Z06 I think you'll miss +the power. I'd look at getting a '08+ C6 vette that's in your budget if I were you.

Tonylmiller

Look at the post immediately after yours. There are some amazing bargains on the early year C6s. Many people think you have to buy 2008 and later, but the 2005 - 2007 model years were awesome too. Just read some reviews from those years.

Nice Ride

You are on the right track to step up to a new series and experience how C6 was enhanced over C5. Think you will like C6. Obviously you know condition is everything no matter the year but I would look for the most refined and improved C6 which was 2013 the last year of C6 before C7 on 2014. Think C6 got a power boost in 2008. C6 has a slightly more compact look over C5 which I like. I had a beautiful 2011 that I traded for a 2015 C7. C7 was nice and had lots of bells and whistles. Nice car but I am back in C6 427 and loving it. Good luck.

919cw313

I'm one of those people.

pauly1119

Im going to take the advise and step it up some. Would 25K get me there? And yes I'm keeping my Camaro. 525hp at the wheels and very drivable.

montman

I always tell people to consider the removable top. Open air driving is more than half the fun of it - for us anyway. I personally don't like the looks of a C5 Z06 or FRC fixed roof. C6 Z is also fixed roof. 21- 25k will get you a very nice non Z C6. Best regards

BLEKVET

I would sell the Camaro and find a ‘10+ Grand Sport that has been lowered, supercharged, with full bolt-ons This can be had for 35-40k. You will have a minimum of 550 at the wheels which, in a Vette will blow that 535 Camaro away.

But, if you are bent on keeping the pony car, you can find a heavily modded C5Z for 21k. Or, as others have said, bump it up a few K and get into an LS3 coupe (08+). Either way, I bet that Camaro will start collecting dust.

Good luck - all the best in your decision.

94Green

Sure, if your into bulbous, overly round looking cars.

C6KWJ

C6 is a better platform in every way. I went from a C5 coupe to 2007 vert. C5 has a dated GM interior and C6 exterior is also nicer.

BlackMamba89

I got an 07 3LT w/ Z51 for $25k with 17k miles and black/black last month, which was exactly what I wanted. So there are definitely some good deals, but you may have to be patient and wait for the right one to come along.

mellojoe

I'm about 2 to 3 months into ownership of my C6. Spent a long, long time trying to figure out which to get and which was within my budget:

• 2005,2006,2007 had the LS2.
• 2008+ was the LS3, there is about a $4,000 premium from the '07 to an '08 with similar features. If your budget is super tight, look for an LS2. However, with so many other variables, look for the quality of the overall car, and you can probably find an LS3 in your budget.
• If possible, don't get a pure base model. the z51 upgrade will hold its long-term value a wee bit better. The wide-body GrandSport is also a better version to look for. However, might be tough to find a GS on your 21k budget.
• For a tight budget, a narrow-body z51 or 3LT will probably give you the most bang-for-the-buck.
• Magnetic ride will add $$$ on top and while is a fun thing to include, might be a bit tricky if you plan on doing upgrades and whatnot in the future. For a cheaper budget, pass on magnetic ride control.
• 2005 has a different automatic transmission. It still uses the old 4-speed. If you are buying an automatic, look for 2006+ to get the 6-speed auto. Better acceleration and better gas mileage. For manual transmission, no difference (i believe).
• Check the front lip and air dam. Previous owners may have scraped, so check for early damage there.
• If I had the budget, the GS is the ideal Corvette for daily driving. It has the looks without the over-the-top sport suspension. It is a perfect compromise. However, you can save $$$ by going narrow-body LS2, like I did. Its still an amazing car to drive and whenever I see a GS or wide-body and get a bit jealous, I remember that at least I am in a Corvette too. If I waited until I could afford the extra money for the GS or wide-body, I'd still be waiting.

Tonylmiller

And you are welcome to your opinion!

Even though I bought a 427 Convertible, I still recognize the value and fun in owning the early year C6s. I thoroughly enjoyed mine. If a person wants to save some money, I think they are about the best bargain around.