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Contrary to my screen name here, I never owned a C5. I joined this forum when I was hoping to buy one. At the time the C6 was still the current model and was out of my budget at that point. However, I can't relate to not liking the looks of the C6 from the first time I saw it. I still like the C5 but the C6 was, and still is, my favorite. There are only 2 things on the C6 that seem outdated to me - the head unit display and the headlights. Both can fairly easily be updated without affecting anything else about the car but I'm not in a hurry to do either and may not ever do either one. I didn't care for the C7 when it came out and it hasn't grown on me. I don't hate it, just don't care for it for me. So far, I feel the same about the C8 - it seems like it will be an awesome machine but nothing about it really interests me that much.
From: Central PA. - - My AR15 identifies as a muzzleloader
I believe in the Beer Fairy
I've always loved Corvettes, but drove a gaggle of F-Bodies in my teens, twenties and thirties. When I decided I wanted a Vette, I really wanted a C6. But when I went shopping, they were too much money used (imo) so I looked at new at the outgoing 13s at discount pricing. I was in the chair at the dealership with $20k down and $500/mo to pay it off at 0% for 72mo. I'm a very cautious person when it comes to spending and I was still paying for my business and I just couldn't do it. In hindsight, I should have, and I regretted it a few times, but I made the decision to buy a 98 C5 Z51 Vert w/A4 for which I could write a check and have money left over. Did that. Did a TON of work on that car, swapped it to a M6 w/new engine and suspension, all sorts of stuff. Loved it, the look grew on me, was a fantastic car for 6 years/40k miles. All the while, I wanted a C6.
Becoming impatient for GM to dump the C7s, a year ago I got the idea that if I got a C6 and bought right, I'd be able trade it in for a C7 with little or no loss, so I decided to buy. GM couldn't seem to decide when the C8 was coming out and I was antsy. On a whim, I picked up a 20k mile 427 Vert. I LOVE it. It's been easily as much of a pita as my C5 was, with lots of expensive things to fix, but I love it anyway. Vs the C5, the ride is so superior it's incredible. I figured the LS7 would be an incremental upgrade to the Built LS1. Boy was I wrong there. This car would humiliate my C5. I wanted the keyless ignition from the time I knew it existed. It's fantastic imho. Everything I wanted. No more screwing around with keys. I get enough of that in my pickup.
It's a little unfair to compare a 120K mile 19 year old car to a 20k mile 7 year old one, (my 98 to my 13). We're talking a base car vs a 427, not exactly fair. But for these two examples, there's no comparison. I never cared for the popup headlights (had plenty of Firebirds with em, novelty had worn off). The C6 roof doesn't leak like the C5 did, not that I drive this car in the rain anyway. Not thrilled with the power top I have now, but it works and I won't complain. In my case, I actually drive the C6 more miles, I just drive longer distances and lots less times. I avoid ALL conditions with this car because I like it so much and it's not particularly fun in rain or snow. I hate driving it dirty and I don't have time to clean every two days after a rain.
At this point, the C7Z thing doesn't even interest me. It would mean getting rid of the 427, and this car is one to keep for a long time. (imo). I don't care if there's faster ones out there, don't care if they have more gizmos and features. I think my NRB 427 is about the sharpest looking stock Vette they ever made, and I'm keep'n it.
Availability of the C8 and demand will keep pricing higher than I will spend for some time. Demand is off the charts. They will be very expensive for some time and I'm still in invest and earn mode, so no 6 digit cars for me in the near future (I don't think).
IMHO, the wide body C6 Corvette is the best looking Corvette ever built, that is why I own one
Heartily agree with 449er. To our eyes, the wide body C6 has the most beautiful exterior (granted, tastes vary). We much enjoy our C7 but we miss the 2011 GS ragtop. A lot.
we trudge on.
Last edited by Wetrudgeon; Dec 21, 2019 at 10:34 AM.
I recently purchased an 09 Base w 30k miles. My first vette as I come from the world of STIs. I love the lines, the NA power, etc.
As more technology comes out I believe the combo of classic styling and great power offered in the C6 will be more and more appreciated...
IMHO, the wide body C6 Corvette is the best looking Corvette ever built, that is why I own one
I almost agree The widebody C6 is 2nd best to me behind the beautiful mid year. I only sold my 99 C5 to buy a C6 GS. The LS3 is king, the looks and handling of the GS can’t be beat. The perfect package.
Why a C6? Love the lines, the widebody of my Centennial Edition GS, and the A&A supercharger that gives me about 575hp and helps to keep most folks in my rear view mirror. Moonstone drive in Cambria,CA (HWY 1 on coast)
When in school I worked at a local gas station that rented Hertz cars on the side. One Sunday night a renter drove in with a '64 vette coupe. I had no idea they rented them. After closing I disconnected the speedo cable and took it for a short ride. Loved it. It took several years before I could afford to get one, a '65 327 convertible. Went through collage with that car. Took it skiing, to Mexico on break and carried my band equipment and girlfriend to many a gig. Only sold it to buy my first race car.
In the 70's was a partner in a used car business and handled lots of C3 vettes, never cared for them, not the looks or the quality. Thought the C4 was good looking but still not impressed with the flexing, squeaks and rattles along with the cheap looking "plastic"interior. The C5 was much more interesting but I always disliked the rear end, it just was too big and high.
The C6 is the only one since the original Sting Ray that got my attention. It is a clean, timeless design with just the right amount of bulging fenders and scoops. My '65 had flared fenders, with wide rims/wheels and of course the "gills". Some time ago I was engaged to do a lot of test/development driving in a restoration project of one of the original racing Grand Sports with it's big flares and serious looks. With that history, of course when I saw the C6 GS, that became the only model that I considered.
Never liked the C7, too trendy, transformer looking for me and I doubt that it's look will have as much appeal over time like the C6. So my '13 GS will be with me until I no longer can drive. Timeless !
Last edited by FMRacerBob; Dec 24, 2019 at 12:06 AM.
First post since picking up my very first Corvette last October. Never had a V8 car although my first car in HS was a 1972 Challenger; unfortunately, it only had the slant 6. Been into cars most of my 55 years but never had the type of disposable income to indulge myself to pick up a true sports car. Had some compact imports and tried a German sedan once (C5 Audi A6 S Line) which I loved except for costly repairs. A big fan of Subaru reliability, I picked up a 4G Legacy Spec B which was a great car but felt a little too hipster-ish so I sold it after a few years. Practicality is still missed though.
Started hunt for more age appropriate hobby car earlier this year and began with older Cayman S. A few test drives left me wanting a bit more so moved up search to 996 911s. Nice drivers' cars but felt somewhat cramped for me and my former Audi experience gave me PTSD of possible maintenance costs. I realized the best bang for buck was a vette. So began looking for C5 Z06 which I always loved the look of, pop up headlights and all. But owners seemed to put too high value on their cars that I soon realized I could get into a decent C6 for the same price range. Test drove a handful and I was sold. Now to get the right one.
Ended up with a 2008 3LT M6 which used to be a corporate car. It had higher miles (58k) than others at same price point but looked well cared for. Intended to be a weekend car, but recently my daily driver broke so it has become my everyday car for my 100+ mile daily commute to DC. Handles it like a champ. I am the slowest car on the road when it is raining so apologies for perpetuating that stereotype about midlife crisis guys in their vettes, but I don't care. I enjoy driving this car a lot and have nothing to prove to those young mustang drivers.
The C6 checks all the buttons for me at this time and if I end up driving it well over 100k miles in the next few years, I can just pick up another one (maybe a GS or Z) when I retire. I always wanted a 90s NSX when I was younger, but they are so expensive nowadays. For a fraction of the cost of a 290hp dated Japanese exotic, I have a 430hp reliable, beautiful, relatively efficient, inspiring car that makes me feel great.
Last edited by rskwannabe; Dec 24, 2019 at 08:16 AM.
Reason: Add picture fix typo
I realized the best bang for buck was a vette. So began looking for C5 Z06 which I always loved the look of, pop up headlights and all. But owners seemed to put too high value on their cars that I soon realized I could get into a decent C6 for the same price range. Test drove a handful and I was sold. Now to get the right one.
