When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I've had 6 corvettes and still have three. First was a '93 ZR-1 that I had a few years before my then girlfriend wrecked it in the 90's. Had an '08 Z51 that I owned about a year before I realized I wanted a C6Z and traded it for an '09. Had the C6Z for 2 years then traded it for a '13 ZR1 I still own 8 years later. Picked up a '20 C8 Z51 I still own and runs great which I plan to trade on a new ZR1 when it eventually shows up. Last one I picked up about 9 months ago is a '19 ZR1. They are just really weekend toys as I have to daily a truck for my construction business. I do plan to keep the three ZR1 generations for a while. Thought about getting rid of the three I currently own for a new Lambo but shelved that idea recently after finding the insurance rate for the Lambo is more than the three Vettes I have put together.
If you are the type to buy and keep forever, just know that the C8, ESPECIALLY the C8 ZO6 is a different animal. It WILL 100% be a VERY costly car to own outside of warranty expiration. I would absolutely get the longest warranty possible if you plan to keep long term. The ZO6 engine and trans is a complete departure from what GM has produced since inception and I believe these engines and transmissions will require A LOT of upkeep if not complete replacement down the road. If that becomes the case, expect engine or tranny replacements to run in the $30k+ range (parts and labor). Engine for sure, trans maybe a little less.
If you plan to keep beyond warranty expiration, get an extended warranty.
I've decided these new cars are "experiences" and not things to own forever. I've had my Z06 a couple weeks and have an eRay spot and will get a C9 after that. The ZR1/Zora are out of my price range.
My personal pickle is that I can afford a Z06 fine (it's paid for), but I can't afford to track it regularly, or I'm not willing to spend the money it takes to insure it on track and feed it consumables. Yet, on the street the Z06 is basically worthless unless you want to "wah wah wah" yourself to cars and coffee on the weekends. The power delivery is peaky and it doesn't sound good (to me) unless you're in track mode north of 5K RPMs.
So... I'm back to buying another C5Z to setup as a dedicated trackday Corvette (easy to work on, I know the cars blindfolded, no need to depend on a dealer for anything) and considering an eRay for next summer. But an eRay won't be a "forever car" either. If they come out with a proper Grand Sport and a new LT3 motor that would be the one for me, but by then the C9 will be around the corner.
So... experiences, because every car I've purchased intending to "keep it forever" I no longer own.
PS - I may pull a wild card and go buy the AMG GTC roadster I've always wanted, but then I realize I can get a new eRay with a full warranty and more power for the same price.
I have a 2011 C6Z CE that is the last Vette I will own unless I lose it in a crash or something. Then I'll look for another one (and probably pay through the nose for it)
Use my corvettes as daily drivers in all four seasons. I buy my cars to use. I do buy extended warranties in the 31 to 33 rd month and approximately the same mileage.
I love these cars as daily drivers and for years used them at the track as well but life can get in the way of those fun times.
I take excellent care of my vehicles.
there rarely are forever cars because new is always fun.
the nice part of the extended warranties is it makes it so easy to sell the cars.buyers of preowned cars love that reassurance.
as a tip if you purchase the extended warranty using your GM card the cost can be subsidized with GM bonus points.
I like Todd at MacMulkin Chevy in NH. I believe his extension is 119.
I've decided these new cars are "experiences" and not things to own forever. I've had my Z06 a couple weeks and have an eRay spot and will get a C9 after that. The ZR1/Zora are out of my price range.
My personal pickle is that I can afford a Z06 fine (it's paid for), but I can't afford to track it regularly, or I'm not willing to spend the money it takes to insure it on track and feed it consumables. Yet, on the street the Z06 is basically worthless unless you want to "wah wah wah" yourself to cars and coffee on the weekends. The power delivery is peaky and it doesn't sound good (to me) unless you're in track mode north of 5K RPMs.
So... I'm back to buying another C5Z to setup as a dedicated trackday Corvette (easy to work on, I know the cars blindfolded, no need to depend on a dealer for anything) and considering an eRay for next summer. But an eRay won't be a "forever car" either. If they come out with a proper Grand Sport and a new LT3 motor that would be the one for me, but by then the C9 will be around the corner.
So... experiences, because every car I've purchased intending to "keep it forever" I no longer own.
PS - I may pull a wild card and go buy the AMG GTC roadster I've always wanted, but then I realize I can get a new eRay with a full warranty and more power for the same price.
We've been buying new Corvettes since 1968. Over the years we've had dozens, including a classic here or there as well as a track car or two. For the past 15 years we expanded our horizons to include a Viper coupe as well as numerous Euro specialties from Jaguar, Mercedes, Aston Martin and Ferrari. We seem to rotate something new into our garages every year or so. We drive 'em all and flip 'em when something more interesting comes around.
We try not to get obsessive about maintenance or tricking 'em out to impress anyone. We do get a lot of pleasure taking 'em to shows and letting the kids have their picture taken in the drivers seat. Variety is clearly the 'spice of life'. The best one is always the next one.....
I keep them until something comes along that grabs my attention as being better in the way of looks and performance. Currently own a 2019 Z06 purchased new. Right now nothing has moved my gotta have needle.
I keep them until something comes along that grabs my attention as being better in the way of looks and performance. Currently own a 2019 Z06 purchased new. Right now nothing has moved my gotta have needle.
Me too as I have advanced along with a 01 Z06, 06 Z06, 11 ZR1, and now a 19 Z06 vert. The new E-Ray “floats my boat” for a C8 so now on MM’s deposit list.
09-15-2023, 06:46 AM
Me too as I have advanced along with a 01 Z06, 06 Z06, 11 ZR1, and now a 19 Z06 vert. The new E-Ray “floats my boat” for a C8 so now on MM’s deposit list.