Buying dilema
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 365
Likes: 48
Buying dilema
Good morning
I’m looking for advise.
I was looking for C5Z06 because I like the way it looks.
I found a few of them but they are overpriced.
I wanted 2002-2004 with less then 30,000 miles.
Unfortunately they are all about $30,000.
I don’t plant to track it, I just like to drive it around a few times a month. That’s all.
I found 2002 with 36,000 for $26,000 but I think I will have to change all of the hoses, belts probably shocks also even if the owner says that everything is up to date but he didn’t change anything besides the oils.
Suddenly I found 2006 convertible with 40,000 LT3 with magnetic control close to me for $26,000. Three owners, very well taken care of.
I think it’s a great deal and I can drive it for 2-3 year and get C7 or something else.
I know a lot about Corvettes because they are my passion.
I would prefer 2008 with Z51 package, heads up display….. but we are talking about $35,000 with low miles or Grand Sport because of the wide body style but $$$$$.
What you guys think ???
I know what Z06 is and it porpoise but I would not track it anyway.
Do you think for $26,000 C5 convertible full loaded will be nicer then C5 Z06 ???
Like I said no race just fum car.
Thank you
I’m looking for advise.
I was looking for C5Z06 because I like the way it looks.
I found a few of them but they are overpriced.
I wanted 2002-2004 with less then 30,000 miles.
Unfortunately they are all about $30,000.
I don’t plant to track it, I just like to drive it around a few times a month. That’s all.
I found 2002 with 36,000 for $26,000 but I think I will have to change all of the hoses, belts probably shocks also even if the owner says that everything is up to date but he didn’t change anything besides the oils.
Suddenly I found 2006 convertible with 40,000 LT3 with magnetic control close to me for $26,000. Three owners, very well taken care of.
I think it’s a great deal and I can drive it for 2-3 year and get C7 or something else.
I know a lot about Corvettes because they are my passion.
I would prefer 2008 with Z51 package, heads up display….. but we are talking about $35,000 with low miles or Grand Sport because of the wide body style but $$$$$.
What you guys think ???
I know what Z06 is and it porpoise but I would not track it anyway.
Do you think for $26,000 C5 convertible full loaded will be nicer then C5 Z06 ???
Like I said no race just fum car.
Thank you
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,286
Likes: 611
From: DFW Texas
As to used sports car pricing, we are in a new paradigm due to the global supply-chain problems affecting almost everything we want to purchase, so get used to higher prices. That said, get the best car you can afford. You are having some difficulty with identifying what you want, as it seems that the price is your highest priority and not the model of the car you want. So determine your top price and look at all corvette models that fall into that pricing category. Take plenty of time as there is always the "perfect" car out there for you.
Shopping is both fun and frustrating, so try to focus on the "fun" part. And be sure you test drive as many options as you can. That may help you to focus on what you really want. Also, with the current market, if you buy and aren't happy, you should have no problem reselling the car and purchasing another.
GD
Shopping is both fun and frustrating, so try to focus on the "fun" part. And be sure you test drive as many options as you can. That may help you to focus on what you really want. Also, with the current market, if you buy and aren't happy, you should have no problem reselling the car and purchasing another.
GD
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 365
Likes: 48
Yes, I admit price is a factor too. I thought about $25,000 or so would be just right.
C6 is more advanced then C5 and if I think about resale value, there should not be much difference but C6 will attract more buyers.
On the other hand is September already and I will have probably 2 months of driving in Illinois and the car will seat until March-April.
So maybe it’s a better to look for great deal then buy something now.
Anyway…. C5 Convertible or C5 Z06 for regular driving???
What would you choose fore the same money???
C6 is more advanced then C5 and if I think about resale value, there should not be much difference but C6 will attract more buyers.
On the other hand is September already and I will have probably 2 months of driving in Illinois and the car will seat until March-April.
So maybe it’s a better to look for great deal then buy something now.
Anyway…. C5 Convertible or C5 Z06 for regular driving???
What would you choose fore the same money???
Last edited by Iceman60467; Aug 31, 2021 at 11:13 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 142
Likes: 86
From: East Hanover NJ
If it 2007 it’s got the ls2 motor. Bought my 2008 m6,lt1,z51, NPP exhaust, chrome wheels, transparent and colored roof, with 26000 miles for 28k. Got it last Labor Day weekend and I am very happy and fortunate to have bought it before the market went nuts. Try to go for a 2008 or newer. The ls3 has plenty of power sounds great with the npp.Did not care about lt packages don’t need heated seats and Bose radio isn’t that great. Only thing I wish it had was HUD. Go for a manual it will get you better resale when you upgrade to a GS. Good luck!
Racer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 264
Likes: 40
I wanted a 2002 Lemans Blue Zo6 for years too. When my kids graduated college in 2017 I was finally in the market. There's just something I liked about that year . But the car I ended up with was a 2007 base 3lt automatic with 10440 miles in Lemans blue.
i don't think you can go wrong with either car. I went with the 2007 because it was a car I could daily and not worry about too much. I've had two other Corvettes in the past and really didn't like leaving them unattended. With this car I can just park it carefully somewhere and not worry too much about it. My car is completely stock and it will probably stay that way. In 2017 I gave 26.5 for it. The 2002 Electron Blue Zo6's were at pretty much the same price point.
74Plb
i don't think you can go wrong with either car. I went with the 2007 because it was a car I could daily and not worry about too much. I've had two other Corvettes in the past and really didn't like leaving them unattended. With this car I can just park it carefully somewhere and not worry too much about it. My car is completely stock and it will probably stay that way. In 2017 I gave 26.5 for it. The 2002 Electron Blue Zo6's were at pretty much the same price point.
74Plb
Last edited by 74plb; Oct 19, 2024 at 03:01 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,519
Likes: 235
From: Pa
I had 2 C5's , 2001 and 2002 Non ZO6.
I had 4 C6's including a 2012 Grand Sport which I currently have. I personally would choose the C6 over the C5. If you were compare C5 to C6, the C6 wins hands down, but since you are looking at at C5 ZO6, that makes the comparison closer. I guess it would also depend on quality of condition of car also. Mileage, maintenance, body, mechanical conditions, etc.
Tough choice, only you can decide, either way enjoy the Corvette.
I had 4 C6's including a 2012 Grand Sport which I currently have. I personally would choose the C6 over the C5. If you were compare C5 to C6, the C6 wins hands down, but since you are looking at at C5 ZO6, that makes the comparison closer. I guess it would also depend on quality of condition of car also. Mileage, maintenance, body, mechanical conditions, etc.
Tough choice, only you can decide, either way enjoy the Corvette.
Last edited by steig; Sep 1, 2021 at 05:26 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 365
Likes: 48
It’s hard to explain what I like in C5.
I think it’s that big ***, maybe front lights.
I just don’t know.
But I understand that it’s 20 years old car with outdated design too. I understand also that GM after bankruptcy don’t have take so many spare parts and it will be harder and harder to get some.
I thought C5 Z06 will have better resale value or will be collector’s car but some members told me otherwise.
So I think newer car will be a better choice.
I know that 2008 has LT3 6.2 motor ,430 hp but like I said nice one with head up display is about $35,000.
The one I found is 2006 with 40,000 miles for only $26,000 so I think it’s better choice then old Z06.
Do you think so ???
I think it’s that big ***, maybe front lights.
I just don’t know.
But I understand that it’s 20 years old car with outdated design too. I understand also that GM after bankruptcy don’t have take so many spare parts and it will be harder and harder to get some.
I thought C5 Z06 will have better resale value or will be collector’s car but some members told me otherwise.
So I think newer car will be a better choice.
I know that 2008 has LT3 6.2 motor ,430 hp but like I said nice one with head up display is about $35,000.
The one I found is 2006 with 40,000 miles for only $26,000 so I think it’s better choice then old Z06.
Do you think so ???
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 142
Likes: 86
From: East Hanover NJ
Wow 35000 for 2008 with hud, did not think the market was that crazy even though I have no hud, I would think my z51 with under 30k miles appreciated since l bought her last year. I would wait, I don’t think this market will last , I could be wrong though I would wait at least till winter. I my opinion the c6 is vastly better than the c5. The c6 maybe smaller but you give up no room in the interior. The ls3 is makes it worth it.
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 11,351
Likes: 2,445
From: Eastern
I now have 110,000 miles (mostly road trips) on my 2006 coupe. I bought it used in 2009 with 11,000 miles on the clock for $33,000.00 during the recession. The LS2 motor is a beast in itself, with 400 hp compared to a C5 Z06 with 405 HP. I've had zero electrical issues with this C6 but I did have to replace the waterpump at 30k miles due to a seal leak. Everything else has just been routine maintenance items, tires, shocks, brake pads, fluids, etc.
I may be biased, but I would take the 2007 in a heartbeat with that low mileage.
I may be biased, but I would take the 2007 in a heartbeat with that low mileage.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,185
Likes: 641
From: Garland TX
I actually own a C5Z, a C5 convertible, and a C6 base(2008). Out of the three the C5Z hands down is the most fun to putt around and cruise. The raw lightweight feel is intoxicating as you rip through the gears. Not to mention it's one reliable work horse. The convertible C5 is great for going on evening cruises when you want to sit back and enjoy a drive. The C6 is kinda inbetween, but it's not near as raw feeling as the C5Z. If I had to choose only one it would be the C5Z hands down.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,309
Likes: 2,212
From: San Antonio, TX
I’ve always wanted a C5 Z06. There’s something about the side profile because it doesn’t have the huge glass hatch.
I’m happy with my ‘12 GS but would add a Z06 if I could find an’01 white. They’re hard to find. Lol
I’m happy with my ‘12 GS but would add a Z06 if I could find an’01 white. They’re hard to find. Lol
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,311
Likes: 386
From: Toronto Ontario
I've had 2 c5s , one of them.was a supercharged 02 Z06
a c5 z06 trumps a base model 05-07 c6 I my opinion ( sorry guys)
But your better off putting a little more cash and getting a c6z or 08+ , it's a significant difference, lots of improvements
I have a have a 2011 grand sport and the difference is so noticeable I could never go back to a c5
a c5 z06 trumps a base model 05-07 c6 I my opinion ( sorry guys)
But your better off putting a little more cash and getting a c6z or 08+ , it's a significant difference, lots of improvements
I have a have a 2011 grand sport and the difference is so noticeable I could never go back to a c5
Last edited by 1Willy1; Sep 1, 2021 at 12:00 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 365
Likes: 48
2011 Grand Sport sound great but C5Z06 is $25,000 and GS is $40,000.
The $15,000 is not that a problem as what happened when i will buy a var and after a few weeks it will seat in the garage.
So $25,000 looks better a a frozen asset.
The $15,000 is not that a problem as what happened when i will buy a var and after a few weeks it will seat in the garage.
So $25,000 looks better a a frozen asset.