Ok, im new to this forum, and thanks for having me. I am also new to the whole vette crowd. Ive never owned one, never even sat in one, however, in about 2.5 weeks, I plan on buying a used one. Therefore, I have a couple.....questions...

2 possible purchases that I am looking at:

1 - 2007 C6 Coupe that is loaded (3LT package) $36,000

2 - 2005 Z51 C6 Coupe that is not so loaded (1SA package) $31,000

I'm having a bit of trouble deciding, since i'm not made of money. Either way I go, i'm thinking about doing some modifications..headers, intake, exhaust and dyno.

With the 2005, I could probably drive it off the lot with some of the mods done, with the 2007, i'd probably have to wait til later on down the line to start modding it.

So, I guess my basic question is, what is the Z51 package exactly and would it be worth getting a scaled down vette with this Z51 package over a more well equipped non Z51 vette? Also, when I say "scaled down", it's not really that bad:

The 2007 (3LT):

19k Miles
6 Speed Manual Transmission
Full Waranty until Dec 11 2010
LS2 6.0L 400HP Engine
3LT Package
Dual Power Sport Seats
Memory Package
Heated Seats
Electronic Dual Zone Climate Control
Bose Am/Fm Cd
6 Disc Cd Changer
XM Satellite Radio
Head Up Display
Power Telescopic Steering Column
Chrome Wheels
Homelink

The 2005 Z51:

15k Miles
One Owner Car
6 Speed Manual Transmission
Z-51 Performance Package
LS2 6.0L 400HP Engine
1SA Package
Dual Power Sport Seats
Electronic Dual Zone Climate Control
Bose Am/Fm Cd
Polished Wheels

So i guess what i'd be giving up on the 2005 would be the homelink, the 6 disc changer, power telescoping steering column, xm radio, heated seats and memory package...I think all else is pretty much the same. So what would I gain with the Z51 package?

Thanks...and sorry so winded.

S37

 

Well for me i rather go for a 2008 with Ls3 there is allot of difference in the feel and how they drive my friend bought the new jet blue for 40,000

 

You may be surprised what you could buy a lower milage 08 for, spend some time researching it you'll be glad you did. They definately are out there.

 

I've got an 05 and love it....but I bought it a year and a half ago. If I were in your shoes, I'd get the newest car with the lowest miles I could. Have you driven the cars? The reason I ask is there are plenty of horses under the stock hood....Do you really need the extra HP? What are your plans for the car? No point in getting a loaded Vette, if you are just going to track it.

There are some desparate deals being made given the desparate economy, so give yourself some time and pick yourself a good'n.

 

I just bought my first vette, 2008 ls3 mn6,3lt z51, 4300 miles.$35,000 if you are willing to pay $36,000. I would waite and pick up a 2008, just be patient and keep looking they are out there. it took me acouple months but I found the one I was looking for.

 

Personally I'd go with the '07. '05 cars have quirks that have not been addressed like in later model years.

 

I think the prices listed for both your examples are too high. A year ago I bought my 08 (1LT) brand new for 42.5k, then two weeks later the same dealer was selling them for 39.9! I can only imagine the deals have gotten better since then. Also, buy what you want. I was looking for a 1LT, because the it has all I want or need in a car. For example, the 2 LT added a power passenger seat and cargo mat... Hardly worth the added $1,600 to me (particularily since I would prefer a manual drivers seat too). As for the Z-51 package, that's hard to nail down. Most of the Z-51 capability can be added via the aftermarket for cheaper than the factory package costs. Also, some of the "upgraded" Z-51 stuff really doesn't work all that well (like the brakes and oil cooler).

 

Generally speaking, you will find going with the newer car is always a plus. The 2005 had the dbs (dead battery syndrome) that was an issue for many. It is also a first year model.

Then the is the whole Z-51 question. For me, I ordered my 2007 3lt as a base suspension because I use it as a daily driver only and I wanted the most comfortable ride. No regrets. How will you drive your car??

My advice here is buy as new as you can since this is the mother of all buyers markets, especially for the corvette in this economy. There are so many deals out there. You can get into a 2008 for thirty something. That being said, a 2005 is not your best choice in my opinion.

 

I have your exact 2005, or did until mod fever hit. The other thing you will be missing on it is the HUD. Like others have said, newer is better. I have seen several dealers here advertising new 08s for just under 40. Those prices are way too high.

 

Since money could be an issue, I'd go for an '07-up or a certified used '06 so you can get the 5/100 powertrain warranty and still have some of the full warranty left as well. The cars have plenty of power to hold you over if you have to wait a bit for mods....

I also prefer the 'options'... Heated seats, telescoping wheel etc, but that's going to be your preference that drives that decision. Look a bit more for the cars and you'll find a great deal...

PS For not much more than $36k you can get into a 2006 Z06.

 

Get the Z51.

 

I bought my z51 for 26.5k with 30k miles with HUD, Navigation etc.

 

bought my 07 in feb 6000 miles $29.000

 

At least go for the "07 for the 100K warranty. If possable find an '08 for the 100K warranty and the LS-3 engine.

 

Where are you guys finding these deals at. I've been looking through a bunch of web sites and have found that the prices ive seen at corvettes of dallas to pretty comparable. In general, an 08 is going to sell for about $39k to $45K, an 06-07 will sell for around $36 - $39k, ive seen 05's for around $28 to $35k.

For me, i'm trying to stay around the $29 to $30k mark. I dont want to make my payments too high. Also, I think i'd prefer to buy from a dealer rather than an individual, simply because from some particular dealers, they can finance long enough to make my payments comfortable. Going through my standard bank or credit union, they wont finanace for quite as long and thus shoot my payments up.

Now, if I could find a dealer to sell me an 07 C6 for around $32k, and finance for up to 84 months (give or take), i'd be more than happy to do that.

The other thing is that I kind of want to buy locally. I live in Arkansas, and I don't really want to have to buy a car all the way in California and have it shipped to me. I'm looking in the neighboring state area (Texas, Louisiana, Georga, Mississippi, Tennessee, etc..) Somewhere I can drive to and pick the car up, and then later, if i want to have work done on it, I can drive it back and have them add things to it. You get the drift

Any help appreciated

s37

 

my buddy ownes a dealership here where i live they have an auction on the web just for dealers.we found the one i bought in st.louis i drove 10 hr one way to pick it up but it was worth it.but now its the time of year that prices are going up.

 

Clearly the 07 is the car to buy. Giving up the Z51 for all the extra options is a no brainer.

 

Dollar for Dollar -- I would suggest seriously looking at the 2007. While is does not have the Z51 -- it is still a 3LT. From a Dealership standpoint -- we rarely buy a bare bones Corvette UNLESS it comes as a trade-in. The vast majority of our customers are looking for the 3LT. So from a resale standpoint you are far better off with '07. Mods can be added at any time. If we can be of any assistance -- Please call me direct.
Todd

 

Go with the 07 3LT. The 3LT package is really nice and worth the upgrade.

 

I agree for getting the 3LT. The Z51 suspension can be added later for a lot less than doing a 3LT conversion.