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