New to Corvettes since I was a kid. Have a question, buy a 2004 C5 with 40000 miles or a 2017 C7 with over 100000 miles? Thanks Close to same Money.

 

What do you want to do with the Vette?

I’ve had them all..loved my C5 but I was lucky. One was fabulous and another that I sold to my friend was low miles and had constant electrical gremlins. They make a great low buck track car.

If you are going to daily, I’d do the C7, depending on options. I wouldn’t do anything less than a Z51 with a manual.

 

In a word - neither. Wait a little longer and try to get a C7 with a lot fewer miles.

 

Normally I'd say buy both... what I did when each was new and kept them. But, given the mileage I'd suggest you keep looking. That said, do you have any history of the C5? Records, service, etc.? Some things typically need done if not already... such as replacing the wonky vibration dampener/pulley. Used always carry risks, sports/performance cars more so. Get the best you can find and ENJOY!

 

I would prefer the C7 with a lot lower mileage. If money was a concern, I would go with a low mileage C6.

 

I think you need to do a little more looking possibly...expand your options

 

There's a world of difference between a C5 & a C7, drive both if possible & then make your choice. Also, pay for a Carfax & get a GMVIS report from your local Chevy dealer....the more information that you have about these cars, the better

 

I went from a C5 to a C7 and what difference, night and day. 100 more hp, electric steering, info screen etc.

 

There is a world of difference between the C5 and C7. Save up and find a C7 with a lot less miles on it and then enjoy the heck out of the car.

 

I completely understand the money part - just throwing it out there, maybe a C7 with a rebuilt title (depends on why it's rebuilt). A high mileage C7 versus low mileage rebuilt C7 might be a wash budget wise?

 

I would pass on both of those choices. Look for a C7 with less miles in your price range.

 

Somethings wrong with this picture. If the C5 is a base coupe or vert, then it's either way overpriced or the C7 is way under priced. A C7 with just over 100K on the clock is going to sell for mid 30s or maybe low 30s with a little negotiation. There's no way a C5 with 40K is selling for that kind of money. The exception is if it's a C5 Z06. If that's true, then I'd go with the C5 Z06. Those are fun cars that hold their value.
If it's a base coupe or vert, I'd go with the recommendation to save up a little more and get a C7 with less mileage, like maybe 60K on the clock. To get the best answer, I think you need to provide a little more information/details about the two cars. If the C7 is selling in the mid-20s, i.e. a similar price to a base C5, there's a reason it's selling for that low a price.
I went from a 2004 C5 coupe to a used C7 and can say the C7 is way better/more refined than the C5. Although I hasten to add a C5 is a totally fun car. The one area that I like to compare between the two cars is the traction control. When I broke the tires loose on the C5 it was a handful. The computer actually seemed to fight bringing the car under control unless I got out of the throttle completely. The C7 takes a lot more to break the tires loose, but when it does, it responds much better, only requiring a little feathering of the throttle to "feel" the car back under control. With the C7 I never have to get out of the throttle. Obviously, I have a lot more faith in the C7 and push it way harder than I ever pushed the C5.

 

Id recommend a C7. But what’s your price range?

the C7 wide body is almost a decade old and still get lots of compliments. C5 as much as I miss the flip lights is dated. I have a 19 with 8700 miles. And I drive it as much as I can. MM says they’ll pay me 60 for it. I’m sure you can find something in the 7th gen in your price range with fewer than 100k miles.

 

I’d keep looking until you find a C7 at a better price. I’ve owned both cars and the performance of the C7 is night and days better than the C5. The C5 had a noticeable lag in acceleration and the car was much less responsive. The C7 is a much nicer looking car inside and out. More luxurious. Plus I had periodic failures with electrical components.

 

I had a ‘04 Z06 Com Ed..stock it was quick n nimble. Then put an A&A V3 S.I. kit, long tubes, hi flow cats, yadda yadda 600rwhp.

Now (yesterday) went to a C7 sc car…both great but omg love this C7.

Good luck with whatever you choose

 

I went from a C5 to a C7. C7 all day long.

 

Those 2 cars shouldn't be in the same budget. need more info. I love the C5, and would get one, but not for the same price as a c7. 100k shouldn't be any major concern if you like the car.