buying first corvette
 

Greetings:
I caught the Corvette bug.
I want to buy a corvette, preferably a slightly used low milage one C6, stock, not to race, but to drive.

I would like some advice on this.
What should I look for?
Where is the best way to buy one?

Thanx in advance

Norton

a few suggestions:

read the various C6 sections (incl. the for sale sections) here on the CF to learn as much as you can about the car, in general;

use the Chevy website and build you own 2011 to become familar with the different models/option packages;

research edmunds.com and KBB, etc. to gauge used car values in your area;

decide on a total purchase price budget (incl TTL) once you are knowledgeable and go shopping; also get quotes on insurance costs;

do all your due diligence on a specific car you locate that you want to buy, incl. a thorough pre-purchase inspection;

ask questions here that you cannot find answers for...

happy hunting and welcome to the forum !

i purchsed one off of here for 6k less than the local dealers wanted.....

What are you driving now? Do you want more touring or more sport in terms of ride quality? Try test driving a base suspension, Z51, and F55. Then decide on options you have to have.

I would consider '08 and newer for the improved steering, interior, and NPP exhaust.

There a lot of cars out there, you should find a great deal.

Good Luck!

Hi.

I bought my '08 coupe new in March of '08 after spending several months on this forum. After reading a ton of posts, I was able to make my decision on which year, and which options.

I would highly recommend getting an '08 and up. In '08, the LS3 engine was introduced, the steering was improved, NPP exhaust option was available, some interior niceties like fake carbon fiber console cover, and in anticipation of the ZR1, an improved MSRC (F55) suspension.

I would suggest looking for a C6 with the NPP and F55 options.

I would suggest getting an "unmodded" C6.

Check the tires out carefully. They can tell some of the story on how the vehicle was driven. If you are going to replace the tires, I would recommend a 4 wheel alignment and Michelin PS3's.

Have a peek at the engine dipstick. Take a LOOONG test drive - city AND highway. Use your ears.

My C6 has 14,000 easy miles - done over 3 summers. This would be considered a low mileage car.

Get the newest one you can afford. Each year offers more subtle improvements and more warranty.

The C6 is an awesome machine. Most are trouble free and will give you smiling pains.

You are on the right track by looking for a C6. Good luck.


M...

Research before u buy, stick on here for about 3 months and read all u can about options and problems, this place is the best source for info. .

:thumbs::thumbs::thumbs:

You may even want to think of getting a new one. I was planning on buy A used 08 or newer but now you can get a 2011 for 45k and you get a better interest rate and warranty. It all depends if you want all the options or something that is newer.

Definitely do your homework on what options you would like. I researched and waited 5 months for the perfect deal. I bout my 2006 3LT C6 from a forum member Aug 2010. I had to have the HUD and power seat options. I also wanted to buy a garage queen to ensure it wasn’t driven too hard. My C6 only had 6700 mi on it and the seller only wanted $29K since he had multiple toys. Be patient, do your due diligence, and know what you want so you won’t have any regrets!

Do what I did...A LOT. Go to youtube, and search Corvette tests. Tons of professional independent, and popular magazine tests/comparisons. Search certain years if you know what your thinking. Just searching "Grand Sport Corvette tests" kept me occupied forever. So many related videos, and tests. Very helpful. :thumbs:

I was shopping for a used one as well, but for a moderate price increase I was able to order a new 2012 and got exactly the options and colors that I wanted.

Get a GM mastercard and you'll get a 5% (is it still 5?) rebate good toward your car as well.

Lots of great advice....Good luck with the search, remember its half the fun!

Report back after you get one.

Good Luck

Do your due diligence on what you want and check the For Sale forum here - there are some great low mileage generally cared for cars available !!

:cheers:

Welcome
 

Welcome to the Vette disease! Now that you have the affliction you are in for one hellava lot of fun.The guys gave you the real scoop on how to decide what to purchase.You received a wealth of suggestions and they were all in the ball park.Be patient,do your homework and I am sure you will find the right car for your wants. Now that you have the Vette disease,BEWARE of the MOD disease.It is the aftermath of the Vette Disease. Hard to cure and expensive to have. Now that you have read my gibberish,have fun and welcome to poverty. Rod:flag::flag::chevy:flag::flag:

Lot of nice vettes for sale on this site in the for sale section. I'd fly and drive back a car of my choice if needed.http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...-33-000-a.html

How much $ are you willing to spend. Knowing that will answer many questions as to what you should get (if you want to spend $25k, advice will be much different than if you want to spend $50k!).

As previously mentioned, this site has tons of info and will be able to answer all your questions, it did when I bought the two I have.

What Mile Green9 said. Do your research, test drive suspensions and evaluate all options and packages. Buy the car that YOU want. Fine to talk with other Vette owners but it is your $ and you have to live with the decision. I do favor new as possible in C6. Main thing is to take your time so when you buy the car you get it right and don't have to say "I wish I would have gotten....yada yada."

As others have suggested look into if you can purchase a new one. Should get 10% plus 3,000 off a 2011 and 10% plus 1500 from a 2012.

In any event consider the following...there are 4 models of corvettes

base
GS
Z06
ZR1

GS is a mix of base and Z06. It has the same engine and steel chassis of the base but the brakes, tires and suspension of the Z06. I have driven both, the GS is a little flatter around corners but I went base because I drive my corvette 12,000 miles a year...the GS has much softer rubber meaning new tires every 12,000. They are also larger so more expensive about 2,000 vs 1,500 for base model.

Must have options are NPP (dual exhast) and F55 (magnetic ride control) and the logos on the top of the seats.

:iagree:

I just got my new '11 2LT for $41k +ttl

What's your interest rate on the new vette? I bought mine used and I bet it's so close it's a wash. Mine is insanely low for a used car. People are surprised at how low it is for a used car (5yr loan too). Credit Union FTW!

Buy first corvette
 

Hi
Thanx for so many replies. A little info...

I am looking to spend around $35000 for a 2008 or newer model
base, stock, stick shift. I would like to get a garage queen with as low milage as possible. I drive like an 80 year old and I plan to pay cash.
I am saving up now and I have $30,000 so far.

I been driving Mercedes the past 12 years, so I will need to test drive a Corvette soon to see how it feels.

I will definitly study this fourm

Thanx again & God bless you nice people

N

sent you private message

IMO, a very nice price...:thumbs: congratulations !

I, like others, would suggest getting one with the F55 Magnetic adjustible suspension for a superior ride and more controlled handling (this option also comes with larger cross-drilled brakes like the Z51 option, but without the Z51 skittish stiff ride and high-wear tires); or get one with the base suspension. The NPP dual mode exhaust system provides a sports car exhaust sound instead of one that sounds like an Impala. Bose radios don't sound as good as standard ones; in-dash NAV systems are inferior to aftermarket Garmins. For a quieter, smoother ride and superior handling in wet or cool weather plan on replacing the factory Goodyear Runflats with Michelin Pilot Sport All-Season Plus Runflat (ZP) tires, (about $1,440.00). You might also want to replace the standard brake pads with GM ceramic brake pads in order to reduce excessive brake dust and tendency to squeal. Many prefer the transparent top for it's appearance, and instal aftermarket padded fabric headliners to keep out summer heat and improve internal appearance. The '09 model featured variable rate power steering, bluetooth phone capability and chrome surround crossed-flags emblems; their haven't been any significant improvements since then.

All great advise here. Here are the main things to remember:
1. Take your time and get exactly what you want
2. Check the C-6 for sale forum here each day.
3. 2008 or newer for the LS-3 engine
4. Remaining factory warranty or extended warranty in place
5. Automatic or manual, what suits you the best.
6. Coupe or convertible, choice is yours.
7. Color combination, choice is yours.
8. Always check the history of the car. Talk to the previous owner if possible.
9. Do not trust Carfax.
10. The most important; Decide exactly what you want. It is not a good deal if the car is not exactly what you want.

Happy hunting. :thumbs:

Get a GM VIS report and a Carfax. No, they may not tell you everything, but you might learn something important.

Operate everything on the car - every switch, feature, option, etc. You don't want to buy it in winter and find out next summer the a/c doesn't work.

Might sound stupid, but decide exactly what options and color you want and do your best to find a car that matches. Don't buy something you don't really 100% want just because it's closer to home, or a few dollars cheaper, etc.
If you want a manual transmission, don't buy one with an automatic, just because it has the right color, etc. If you can't find one that matches your desires, then consider a new one, even if you have to pay a little more up front.

These cars aren't cheap and you want one that you will be happy with for several years.

Being patient is the key, and since I live in a warm climate state, the deals were not as good here so I searched all over the US on Autotrader for a few months during the winter as I knew people storing them or not driving them much may want to get rid of them and I could get a deal. The colder states ended up having the better deals it turned out in my case. I was able to find a 08 w/ 8k miles in the colors I wanted for $30k at a Mercedes dealer in Ohio. I was happy w/ 1lt trim as I could care less about nav and the Bose system. Actually had a family member living there that I sent to see it, I bought it and then had it shipped out here, that cost another $800. but was much cheaper than buying one here. So I got what I wanted, looked and smelled like new still and saved a ton of money. Be patient and good luck!

You should be able to find a VERY nice C6 for $35k. :thumbs:

Lots of examples in the "C6's For Sale" forum:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...s-for-sale-98/

It's a buyer's market. Enjoy your search! :thumbs: