2005 Value
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3,042
Likes: 1,443
From: New Jersey
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C2 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2024 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C5 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '25
2005 Value
I am looking at a 2005 Corvette - Black/Red, Convertible, 6-Speed Manual, 20k miles. Base model 1LT, no options. There is nothing that I can see wrong with the car, and is in nice shape. What would you place the value at? The owner is asking $30,000.
Last edited by Vader_C5; May 1, 2023 at 10:25 PM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3,042
Likes: 1,443
From: New Jersey
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C2 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2024 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C5 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '25
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,913
Likes: 2,060
From: Cypress TX
Someone posted an auto in your WTB thread in the For Sale section. $27K. I thought you were looking for an A6.
At first glance, $30K seems a bit high for an '05. That's what my 2006 A6 3LT Z51 was worth on trade back in 2008 when I traded it for my Z06. Brand new, it was just over $50K. Of course, it wasn't a convertible. What's the trim level on this one? I mean, for $8-10K more you could have a Grand Sport. My 2011 4LT Convertible Grand Sport cost me $38,500.00 (private seller on this forum) last August with only 36K miles on it. And it's a manual.
EDIT: Correction. My 2006 was an A6, not an A4 (which are in the 2005s).
At first glance, $30K seems a bit high for an '05. That's what my 2006 A6 3LT Z51 was worth on trade back in 2008 when I traded it for my Z06. Brand new, it was just over $50K. Of course, it wasn't a convertible. What's the trim level on this one? I mean, for $8-10K more you could have a Grand Sport. My 2011 4LT Convertible Grand Sport cost me $38,500.00 (private seller on this forum) last August with only 36K miles on it. And it's a manual.
EDIT: Correction. My 2006 was an A6, not an A4 (which are in the 2005s).
Last edited by VetteVinnie; May 1, 2023 at 10:53 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 3,937
Likes: 336
I have a 2005 Convertible 1SB with 21k miles. When I was considering selling, I figured on the high end 28k and low end 25k. My car also has new tires, replaced the balancer (mine had a slight wobble) and I also changed to a better radiator (Dewitt's) at the same time they changed the balance. I think 30k is on the high side.
Last edited by 1rusty1; May 2, 2023 at 12:31 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 82,175
Likes: 1,319
From: McKinney TX
St. Jude Donor '21-'22-'23-'24
Pro
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 578
Likes: 426
From: Bay Area
I have a 2005. I’ve been checking listings everywhere because I might sell mine to help pay off the grand sport I just bought. But I’m having a hard time actually parting with it.
Anyways, $30,000 seems a tad high for a 1LT equipped car. Miles are great, but it doesn’t come with anything. Make sure you can live without certain creature comforts the other C6’s come with if you choose one that comes stripped. After having a couple of C6’s myself now, I swore never to buy one again without pretty much everything. As a matter of fact, the grand sport I am waiting on literally comes with every option available for the car. That’s the one I wanted. Take it from me, buy the one you want the FIRST time. You don’t want to spend that much money and say to yourself a week or a month later “damn, I wish I would’ve gotten one with blah blah blah“.
With all that being said… If you really want that one, talk him down some. 😉
Anyways, $30,000 seems a tad high for a 1LT equipped car. Miles are great, but it doesn’t come with anything. Make sure you can live without certain creature comforts the other C6’s come with if you choose one that comes stripped. After having a couple of C6’s myself now, I swore never to buy one again without pretty much everything. As a matter of fact, the grand sport I am waiting on literally comes with every option available for the car. That’s the one I wanted. Take it from me, buy the one you want the FIRST time. You don’t want to spend that much money and say to yourself a week or a month later “damn, I wish I would’ve gotten one with blah blah blah“.
With all that being said… If you really want that one, talk him down some. 😉
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 12,506
Likes: 3,634
No 1lt in the 2005 models.
Its going to be 1SX, 1SA, or 1SB.
Here you go for what comes with each option.
http://www.c6registry.com/facts/2005.htm
Its going to be 1SX, 1SA, or 1SB.
Here you go for what comes with each option.
http://www.c6registry.com/facts/2005.htm
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 207
From: Columbus Ohio
A dealership near me had a base 05 with 11k miles and was asking 30k for it. So that’s definitely too much. You could always throw out a # your comfortable with and all he can say is no. Then tell him if you change your mind soon, hit me up. Chances are he will.
Keep searching and you’ll find the car your looking for. Your specs 05 under 30k 6speed Z51 ect are in line with my requirements and I didn’t pay 30k. Also, be prepared for everyone to tell you NOT to buy an 05 lol.
Keep searching and you’ll find the car your looking for. Your specs 05 under 30k 6speed Z51 ect are in line with my requirements and I didn’t pay 30k. Also, be prepared for everyone to tell you NOT to buy an 05 lol.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 1,935
Likes: 1,127
From: Peoria, AZ
2023 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I also believe that $30k is a bit high. Remember, that's what he's asking and there is always room to dicker. I too would be a bit wary of the 2005. I know there are some individuals that have had essentially no problems with their C5, and others who have continual problems due to the 1st year difficulties with many different car models. In any event, don't pay what he is asking! The car is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. Good luck!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 207
From: Columbus Ohio
Originally Posted by Iowa;[url=tel:1606582615
1606582615[/url]]I bought an 07 base 3lt coupe with 11k on the odometer for 28k ish. Dealer was asking 30. If you're willing to pay 30 I would suggest looking for a higher optioned car.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 1,186
Likes: 660
From: Iowa
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,913
Likes: 2,060
From: Cypress TX
He is looking AT a manual. He was looking FOR an auto. Or at least that was his preference: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-early-c6.html
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,913
Likes: 2,060
From: Cypress TX
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,037
Likes: 331
From: Long Island New York
In May, 2010 I paid 30K for a one owner '05, A4, Z51, 1SB, Coupe, 2 tops, 10K miles. Currently 43K miles and several upgrades (ATI, Kenwood, Michelin) from the prices listed here it sounds like I haven't lost much in 13 years of ownership...
Pro
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 729
Likes: 317
From: Ashevile, NC
The fact that it's a vert is the reason for the price. Coupes are going for somewhat less. I'd want to know how old the tires are (not how good the tread is)(check the date code). Be prepared to replace them if over about 5 years. Has the balancer been replaced? Almost 100% of them will need it done and it's not cheap unless you can do it yourself. Has the "shift to 4th" been fixed with a module (you'll want to do it if not). Has the steering wheel lock been eliminated, another thing you'll want to do if it hasn't (you can do it yourself). Has the clutch master cylinder been replaced (factory ones are clear, replacements are black). You'll want to do that as well if it hasn't. Bunch of questions here I'd advise you to get answers to. If none of this stuff has been done 30K is definitely too high! I have an '05 coupe and love it but all this stuff has been done and it needs to be. PM me if you'd like with any questions about this stuff.