94Green

I think if you look good deals are out there if your patient. I found my 05 convertible this past April. It was a one owner, 14,000 mile car loaded with all options. I paid $21K. I posted on this forum at that time, because it was a toss up with a 28,000 mile 08 vert for $5K more. I went with my heart and head and chose the 05. I love it.

Good luck with your search!

JABCAT

BlackMamba89

I bought an 07 coupe with dual roofs, 16k miles, A6, Z51, 3LT for $25k in April of this year, which I think is about peak price season (I never really paid attention to the change in car price with season until now)?

The prices are definitely lower this time of year in terms of if you try to get a KBB value, but that doesn't necessarily mean people will be selling them for that price.

extrapilot

I feel you should be looking into 06, 07 model per your budget, as I think you'll fine a lower mileage car and without extra small issues. But I think there is no question in my mind that the C6 is the preferred choice over a C5, even a Z car, as most will tell you that the C6 power is so improved, equaling the C5z.
Good luck in your search.

RoninC5

I agree after sitting in a few today that:
1. C6 is the way to go
2. Dealers are not.

There is a local Corvette club car owned by an enthusiast (with 3 other vettes) who is after another car. It's a 06 Vert, Monterey Red, 45k miles. < 20K.
It is an auto (of course!) Has paddle shifters. In my car those are worthless. Any decent use for them in the C6??

Corsa Exhaust, Grand Sport Wheels and new Michelin Tires come with this babied 44,750 mile Convertible beauty. Interior in Cashmere in color (light Tan) and has upgraded C6 emblem Berber Floor Mats and matching Monterey Red handle Grips and Center Counsole. This Corvette came loaded with HUD and LT3 Package, which includes GPS, Satellite Radio etc.

extrapilot

Nice find, to bad a auto, personally I like to shift my sports cars.

RoninC5

Yep.. I have a thing for Verts but never owned one (except a 67 Mustang) But your sub line reads pretty nice.
2006 Z51, MN6, VY, 3LT, Glass Roof, Navi, Pure Stock

Why are there so many dang autos??? These are SPORTS cars (lol). I saw new C7s today and they are all auto.... Ok, sorry-rant over.

FAUEE

C6s have tons of sticks compared to the c4. The c4 had like a 20% take rate for the manual transmission.

But the reality of it is they sell a ton of autos because the autos are faster, and the average new buyer is older and doesnt wamt to deal with a stick shift.

Jstan2014

RoninC5

Would be fun to give them a try. This one car I'm looking at has the paddles and magnetic ride, Preferred E Group etc. Kinda compelling as I always go by "buy the seller first" and this is one of the top great Vette guys I have spoke to. He has twin vettes (one coupe and one vert) that he shows and has numerous 1st and 2nd place finishes. I'm sure I could try them out... He is about two hours away....

jpm995

I'm looking for a c5 or c6 also. The problem is for an extra few thousand you keep getting a better car until you get to 30k for a 2010 grand sport and realize you dont want to spend that much. I've heard 2005 had some new car issues so start with 2006. Many nice ones out there some under 20k. The '08 is vastly preferable, more hp/torque with ls3, better suspension, steering. I've seen a few around 25k or more but negotiable. Haven't ruled out a real low mileage c5 z06, around 20k and a great car, [already have a garage queen]. Good luck, update thread if you pull the trigger.

RoninC5

jpm995- Will do. After having a 02 Z, I really want to try C6. The Z was a great car, no doubt. The C6 seems like a different beast. Tad more refined? Also the HP is pretty similar so that helps. And believe me I know about "climbing the ladder". First it was a mild C5. Then shoot I can get an 06,07 C6. Well heck a LS3 is not too far. Then- hey look! a C6 Z06 for 30!. I agree the 08 would be great but I'm not sure it is "vastly" preferable for me. I think 06-07 best I can get will do me great. However I hear of guys that land a nice 08 at 25K. There is one right down the street at 27.6K and like 20K miles. But here I go again..... It's a good time to shop Vettes though I think.
I do see 2 08s on the forum for 25K. And what seems like a ton of Z's.....

jpm995

This is exactly what i'm doing and i can't stop. It's made worse by my not really needing a car [have 3 now]. I think i'll come back to reality when i find a really nice car at a good price. I will say the c6z seem to hold their value better, their not going down much in the last few years. Reading this forum the last couple years [and confirmed by articles] the c6 is a better car in many aspects.

RoninC5

I just have my DD. It is a nice car and perfect for Colorado. I thought of one car but Audi yada yada etc etc. I'm not going to get the performance. A good DD and a Vette is a great combo. Crap I looked at C5s and saw nice ones at like 13!. The one I'm looking at up here (06) is pretty nice. Just not sure it is for me. Agree on the Z but I think my top would be an 08. I see one on the forum for 25 in AZ. This is killing me lol....

How can I argue with a seller like this? (LOL) See above...

RoninC5

So test drove an 08. Nice riding car and handled well. Overall nice. Two things that got my attention though:
1. Throttle response - Pedal seemed to require a lot of input (like 50%) to use any hp. If you took off at say 25%, you hardly moved. 85% got ya going good and really needed to floor it to feel the LS3. Maybe this is normal for the car and the auto trans?
2. I got a "Service Active Handling System" during the test drive. Not a indicator of the model, just the car but yikes.

I think, really, its 06 or 07 best ca r ya can find or 06Z. Nothing much i the middle I can tell so far. Big difference so far in ride etc. My 02Z "felt" quicker but this is a very subjective comparison.

extrapilot

I believe that car has issues with the AHS error and that could make the car very lazy. That car should feel equally or better than your old z in the power dept.
The throttle is not very linear in response by design, so that could be a different feeling for you, possibly, but half throttle in my car in second will spin the tires off in cool weather. Try getting a test drive in a manual car next, and remember that a Z51 manual car has lower gearing in the first three gears, so it should feel real strong.

RoninC5

Thanks... They may call me after getting the car fixed as they may hope for a sale. I have also been looking at 06Z but the LS7 has its own issues I guess. From what I can tell, the LS2 and 3 are pretty bullet proof. This just must be a anomaly car in that it has a system acting up.

extrapilot

Yes, I think so.
I would love a C6Z but me being a engine tech and know what a blown engine looks like and to deal with that possible issue personally, I would at least take the heads off and get them updated for just peace of mind, but just the added cost doesn't make sense for my wallet
You right, the 2's and 3's are so much better in the reliability area for sure.

FAUEE

How long was it on the lot sitting? Actove handling tends to crop up if the car has sat for a while at low voltage. Once it gets driven around a good bit and is kept on a charger it clears up.

The throttle on these cars is very non linear, and very slow to tip in. What you experienced in that regard is normal. It was GM trying to keep people from wrecking them, and led to a small cottage Industry that makes things to increase the throttle response.

C4Lou

Just a consideration - when looking for your car, consider buying one without magnetic ride. Not knocking it, it's a fantastic system, but you'll be purchasing a non-warranted car and it's extrely expensive to maintain. When I was looking for a low mile car earlier this year, I specifically looked for one without it (and a manual 6-speed!) just for that reason. Also looked for a non-nav car as that system is so dated, would rather use my phone and waze. FWIW. Best of luck!