Hey, what's up yall? I am new to this forum, and I am having an impossible time making a decision about what type of corvette to buy. I have been saving money for quite some time, since I'm only about 20 years old, and in a few months I'll be able to buy a c6! funny how time flies! Anyways, I have always loved the c6 'vette since I was little. I Am trying to decide on a 05-07 or an 08-13, and my budget is going to lie right around 27-29k. I am looking to get an lt3 manual because I love driving stick and really want the heads-up display. I don't really care what color it is, which helps. There are ls3 corvettes sitting around 27-28k, and there are ls2 corvettes sitting around 24-26k. I want to know what kind of major reliability differences there are, if any, and also some other opinions on the topic. I was wondering if it also would be plausible to get an ls2 corvette and possibly add some sort of modifications to bridge the horsepower difference? I am not a speed addict, so going ridiculously fast is not a priority for me. I just want some low-end torque and some nice corvette rumble

 

Welcome and good luck in your search.

Given the info you’ve shared, I’d go with the car that’s in the best condition and not worry about LS2 vs LS3.

 

Congrats on your ability to purchase a great car. They are both the same. The LS3 has 30 more HP than the LS2. Unless you are a highly trained driver you will not notice any difference between the two. When I made my decision to buy my 08 I decided to wait for the LS3 for the extra 30 HP. All the years are basically the same with minor changes as they progressed to the end of the run. Good luck with your search.

 

There were multiple improvements made starting with the 08, and even more with the 09-13 not to mention launch control came with the 10-newer. The LS3 is a better engine, but the additional improvements make getting a newer model worth it besides the LS3.

 

yes, I am looking for a manual transmission. I love driving stick, and I'm sure its all the better in a corvette haha

 

Are you looking for a C6 with manual or auto transmission ?

All automatic transmissions were 6 speed from 2006-2013 ... The 2005 had a 4 speed auto transmission.

The 2005 also had a unique computer from the rest of the years ... which is not available anymore (if you needed a replacement)

One other thing, the 2005 had a weaker differential than the later models.

Bottom line ... I would shy away from the 2005

Just my opinion

 

If it's in your budget I'd go with the 2008 or newer for multiple reason, one of which is the LS3.

All things being equal you will get at least part of your money back on the 2008 or newer at resale.

 

Congrats! Either one is a great choice. I wanted an 08+ for the ls3 , but found an ls2 w low mileage that had everything I wanted. It was more $$ than I wanted to spend, but again....everything I wanted. Ls2 vs ls3 is negligible depending on who you talk to. For your price range you may be able to get a grand sport or z06 if you're lucky.
the 2012+ have nicer seats and I wish I had them.
However, I'm completely satisfied with my ls2 choice after doing some mods. Even though people say convertible and automatic are the least desirable lol I had z06 and got tired of shifting as a daily driver.

 

Like some others posters have said, as you move up in the years, there were multiple improvements made to these cars, the 2012-13 seat improvement alone is worth looking for a newer model as well as the LS3 engine

 

Highly doubtful he'll find a manual, 3LT, 2012-13, with reasonable miles and good condition for $27-29k.

 

LS3 has a better market for used parts. Main reason i wish i had an LS3.

 

I say to always buy the newest car in great shape that you can afford.

The difference is in the improvements made to each model year. You won't really be able to tell much difference between LS2 or LS3 unless your at a track.

And yes it is easy to add reliable power to either one.

 

If you are looking for a manual, the LS3 cars also have a new transmission design that has better shift quality, and a number of other improvements (steering, etc) that are worth seeking out (IMO).

$28-29k seems to be market price for most 2012 manuals with some miles. Deals are out there if you look long enough, though. I paid a fair bit under that for my 2012 3LT manual with 27.6k miles back in May (admittedly when prices weren't quite as high as they are now). It also has the NPP exhaust, J55 brakes, dual tops, upgraded wheels, and a couple of other factory options.

 

If you are “new” to owning a dedicated sports car, the LS2, even the most base version of this platform is going to be a lot of car for you. Anything after 05 will be fine if it has been maintained properly and has low mileage. Listen for clunks under the chassis when accelerating and at idle, torque tubes and components are known to be issues in used vettes as are the harmonic balancers (crank pulleys) so look under the hood with the engine running and spot the center lower pulley, if it wobbles at any point its going to need replacing. As far as torque goes, out of the box these cars have all you need, modifications should wait until you have gotten to know the car in its factory form. Imo. I am no stranger to fast cars, and have owned some impressive machinery in my time. I always avoided the corvette because I had it in my head that they were no good for anything but a 1/4 strip or donuts behind industrial parks.. I test drive a bone stock base 2007 ls2 because my hunt for a Carrera 4 (996) was going long and fruitless. I bought it after about 30 seconds into my test drive. This is an amazing car with tons of attitude and personality. Its got over 100 hp less than the car I was replacing with it, and I dont miss them if that speaks anything to what the car’s performance is like. I caution you to please please be very careful with your car. My son is your age, and I know you are going to want to show your friends how sick this machine is, and it will be all of that. But people wait their whole lives to own these types of cars, not because they cant afford them, but because they know these are cars that need you to have a certain amount of experience and a **** ton of respect for. One decision in a corner with your traction control off can, and will by design put you sideways, and you are going to need to know how to get it back before you take the next turn switch stance.
Any of these cars will do what you want when you ask them to. Its a Corvette, and its father was a corvette, and its fathers father ...so from this Father to you, I just ask that you be safe out there. Good luck finding the One..and welcome to the family.

 

I was looking to get 911 last year, after long test drives I opted for 2013 Grand Sport, I am 30, bought it for my birthday in November, possibly the nearest dude to your age here, Vettes are fast, I excluded the LS2 from my search, LS3 seems to be desirable and has better resale.
I didn't like the manual as much as I thought I will, I am considering selling mine and get an auto but I have to test the auto, mine has $68K msrp, so all the bells and whistles, I daily drive mine, put 1400 miles in less than two months, it's too much considering I had one month off.
Test drive it and make sure you like the manual, after all even if you go LS2, these are fast cars, I had a 5.7 16 Charger before this, the Vette is verrry fast, raw power, I'd be careful when driving, you can spin and wreck the car faster than you can say your name.
You have a healthy budget for a base low mileage LS3, if you check the forum here you may find some.

 

A couple of 05 coupes recently sold in my area with fairly high mileage for 24-25 so I think your numbers are off for the time.

 

The LS 3 is a better engine and the mag ride in the 09 and up is significantly improved.

 

If you definitely want a manual, then you definitely want an LS3 as it gets the improved TR-6060 transmission vs the older T56. The T56 is a good transmission, but the TR-6060 is way better and was used in preparation for the ZR1. Besides 3LT (which I definitely recommend), I would strongly suggest F55/Magnetic Ride Control. For me, it's a must have option on any C5 or newer Corvette (also you can get an updated tune on it from Jim Mero that makes it even better). Also, if you can find one in your price range, go for a Grand Sport (personal preference but I think the wide body cars look way better, plus all the performance upgrades you get with it).

 

^ If you keep adding gottahaves to his list, he might as well get a ZR1.

 

Well duh, I was trying to be subtle about it... Don't think that'll happen given his price range though.