2005 or 2008?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 30
Likes: 6
From: Central Florida
2005 or 2008?
New, soon to be Corvette owner. I would like opinions on pros and cons between 2 cars I am looking at, or should I keep looking?
Car 1 is a 2005 yellow coupe, manual, Z51 and 1SB package. 28,000 miles. 3 owner car. New Kumho tires. Center caps are weathered, need replaced.
Car 2 is a 2008 convertible, rare Atomic Orange, manual, 2LT, manual top, 38,000 miles. 1 owner car, museum delivered car.. Michelin tires with good tread. Magnetic ride control.
Both cars are clean, clear headlights, clean carfax. What changes did Chevy make between 2005 and 2008 other than LS2 vs LS3? There is about a $6,000 difference in the price. The convertible is a dealer car, the 2005 is a private sale. Did they change the manual transmission after 2005? Dealer claims they made many changes after the 2005 model year, including wiring harness, and manual gear box.
Thoughts, opinions?
Car 1 is a 2005 yellow coupe, manual, Z51 and 1SB package. 28,000 miles. 3 owner car. New Kumho tires. Center caps are weathered, need replaced.
Car 2 is a 2008 convertible, rare Atomic Orange, manual, 2LT, manual top, 38,000 miles. 1 owner car, museum delivered car.. Michelin tires with good tread. Magnetic ride control.
Both cars are clean, clear headlights, clean carfax. What changes did Chevy make between 2005 and 2008 other than LS2 vs LS3? There is about a $6,000 difference in the price. The convertible is a dealer car, the 2005 is a private sale. Did they change the manual transmission after 2005? Dealer claims they made many changes after the 2005 model year, including wiring harness, and manual gear box.
Thoughts, opinions?
Last edited by Buckeye78; Nov 4, 2018 at 08:28 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Central MO
All things equal, the 2008 is a better deal. LS2 vs LS3, better rear end, one year only pcm on the 2005. A convertible always brings more than a comparable coupe.
Last edited by BadAV; Nov 4, 2018 at 08:34 AM.
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Go with the newer car, better performance & a vert to boot!
Racer
Joined: Apr 2018
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I recently purchased a C6 and did a lot of research. The 2008+ in addition to the better engine (LS3) also received an upgraded transmission (TR 6060 instead of the T-56). Outside of that the interior received a lot of nice upgrades with the center council.
I ended up finding a low mileage 2006 with the LS2. After driving both unless you really push the car I really didn’t feel the 30 HP different for everyday driving and didn’t find the 5-8 k more for a 2008+ worth it since I do plan to drive the car a lot.
With that being said there is no doubt that the LS3 is a better engine and the improvements make it a better car as you would expect from a newer model. One thing to consider in the 2 cars you listed for the 6 k difference is not only the engine but the overall condition and that the newer car is a one owner car. I feel that adds a lot to the car assuming it is well taken care of and hopefully he has records.
I ended up finding a low mileage 2006 with the LS2. After driving both unless you really push the car I really didn’t feel the 30 HP different for everyday driving and didn’t find the 5-8 k more for a 2008+ worth it since I do plan to drive the car a lot.
With that being said there is no doubt that the LS3 is a better engine and the improvements make it a better car as you would expect from a newer model. One thing to consider in the 2 cars you listed for the 6 k difference is not only the engine but the overall condition and that the newer car is a one owner car. I feel that adds a lot to the car assuming it is well taken care of and hopefully he has records.
Last edited by QuickSilver20; Nov 4, 2018 at 09:15 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2012
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From: Melbourne, FL
I agree with the others, the ls2 has plenty of performance, but that 08 is a much better value. If they were the same price would you be asking this question? Probably not. Dont let small price differences cloud your judgment. These are not inexpensive cars, to own or operate. They're reliable and robust, but you also have to be prepared for a hefty bill for everything if it comes up. These aren't Corollas, they aren't smart decisions financially. If you think about things in that way, you will hate owning a corvette.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 198
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From: Dallas, Texas
I have an 07 with the LS2. Plenty of power for my type of driving, and because of that, I cant really tell much of a difference between the LS2 and the LS3 engine. I dont track it or race it.
As mentioned above, these cars are not good financial investments. Generally speaking, We dont buy them because we need them, we buy them because we want them. So, a few thousand Dollars, in the long run, will be irrelevant. Also, dont let the 10,000 difference in mileage bug you too much. There is a thread out there asking about mileage in our C6s and you will see how many owners have put over 100,000 and 200,000 miles in their cars. These are strong vehicles.
All things being equal, I would go with the newest model I could get.
Good luck, and welcome to the forum.
As mentioned above, these cars are not good financial investments. Generally speaking, We dont buy them because we need them, we buy them because we want them. So, a few thousand Dollars, in the long run, will be irrelevant. Also, dont let the 10,000 difference in mileage bug you too much. There is a thread out there asking about mileage in our C6s and you will see how many owners have put over 100,000 and 200,000 miles in their cars. These are strong vehicles.
All things being equal, I would go with the newest model I could get.
Good luck, and welcome to the forum.
Last edited by JoeMatilda; Nov 4, 2018 at 09:39 AM.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2016
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From: Lehigh Valley PA
I literally just bought an 05 Coupe yesterday. Given the improvements the 08 offers over the 05, I agree that the 08 is the better choice, especially with it being a Vert. My only question is price vs budget.
Im assuming the 08 is a higher price point - and if so, is that within your budget? If that is not a concern - then 08 for sure!
Good luck either way!! The C6 is an amazing car!!
Im assuming the 08 is a higher price point - and if so, is that within your budget? If that is not a concern - then 08 for sure!
Good luck either way!! The C6 is an amazing car!!
Team Owner
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St. Jude Donor '21-'22-'23-'24
Although I had 2 2005s, I only had 1 2008, but I preferred the 2008.
Safety Car
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I have an 05 and bought it because it was a much better value than other years I test drove. If you're set on deciding between the two, I think the 08 would be the better value. mostly because I prefer verts.
Also would prefer the AO to yellow.
Also would prefer the AO to yellow.
Last edited by 1rusty1; Nov 4, 2018 at 12:28 PM.
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I've had both. Get the 08.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2015
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From: El Cajon Ca.
[QUOTE=Mayor111;1598276113]I literally just bought an 05 Coupe yesterday.
I bought my 05 1sb M6 with the Z51 option from the original owner 5 years ago this coming February. I bought it from a retired female high school teacher. It has 722xx miles on it and it is a great car. It was/is completely stock and never abused. This is probably why it has been mostly trouble free.
The LS2 has more than enough power for me.
I bought my 05 1sb M6 with the Z51 option from the original owner 5 years ago this coming February. I bought it from a retired female high school teacher. It has 722xx miles on it and it is a great car. It was/is completely stock and never abused. This is probably why it has been mostly trouble free.
The LS2 has more than enough power for me.
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From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
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I never owned a '05, but I read about more problems with the '05 than any other year C6. Some of these problems are unique to a '05 too, such as a weaker diff. I do own a '08 currently at 154K miles. It's had it's share of mostly minor problems, but considering my use and mods, it's been less than expected. The '08 you're looking at has the mag ride suspension, which was a $2K option at the time. You'll most likely never need new shocks ever. The '08 also has improved steering and several other details besides the LS3 engine. See https://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/c6/2008/
Pro
Joined: Jul 2012
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From: San Jose CA
Not a vert guy, nor am I into yellow or orange cars, but that's me. The diff is plenty strong if you're not doing 3k rpm launches at the strip. 30hp can be found for a lot less than $6K.
Records on either?
Date code on tires?
Z51 has bigger brakes and a bit different trans ratio spec'd for autocross. I find it compliant enough for everyday use even an CA highways running Michelin runflats. Much better ride than a C5 on runflats.
I haven't had '05 specific bugs arise on mine, but they do happen on the webz. Interior was upgraded on '08.
Records on either?
Date code on tires?
Z51 has bigger brakes and a bit different trans ratio spec'd for autocross. I find it compliant enough for everyday use even an CA highways running Michelin runflats. Much better ride than a C5 on runflats.
I haven't had '05 specific bugs arise on mine, but they do happen on the webz. Interior was upgraded on '08.
Last edited by BackInBlack05; Nov 4, 2018 at 08:41 PM.
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Not a vert guy, nor am I into yellow or orange cars, but that's me. The diff is plenty strong if you're not doing 3k rpm launches at the strip. 30hp can be found for a lot less than $6K.
Records on either?
Date code on tires?
Z51 has bigger brakes and a bit different trans ratio spec'd for autocross. I find it compliant enough for everyday use even an CA highways running Michelin runflats. Much better ride than a C5 on runflats.
I haven't had '05 specific bugs arise on mine, but they do happen on the webz. Interior was upgraded on '08.
Records on either?
Date code on tires?
Z51 has bigger brakes and a bit different trans ratio spec'd for autocross. I find it compliant enough for everyday use even an CA highways running Michelin runflats. Much better ride than a C5 on runflats.
I haven't had '05 specific bugs arise on mine, but they do happen on the webz. Interior was upgraded on '08.