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-   -   Did you consider other generation ‘Vettes instead of C5? (https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c5-general/3180015-did-you-consider-other-generation-evettes-instead-of-c5.html)

s'noJob 12-09-2012 07:41 PM

Did you consider other generation ‘Vettes instead of C5?
 
In 1968, as a young teen, I knew I wanted a C3 when I grew up. Well I grew up and the C3 was waaay too old – at least the ones I could afford.

Then I wanted a C4 – till I drove one – just didn’t care for it much. C5 was next, and although I had to convince the wife to spend the bucks for the C5, (jewelry is a powerful tool,) I finally got my first ‘Vette. This was about 5 years ago.

Anyway, before you bought your C5, did you consider any other generation Corvettes?
.

BADBIRDCAGE 12-09-2012 07:47 PM

I have owned C1,2,3,4 & 5 cars. I currently own a 2000 convertible and a 1963 coupe. I love the C5 and am ready to market the C2 as my bride doesn't enjoy the car as much as I do. I am not seeking a C6 yet but wouldn't discount it in the future.

dannyman 12-09-2012 08:00 PM

Yep, C1,C2 and C3 all work for my taste.

And the C5, obviously!! :D

Leo23 12-09-2012 08:04 PM

I owned a C3, 69 coupe, for 8 years during the 90's. Looked at lots of C4's last year, but ultimately decided they were just too difficult to get in and out of, as I have some hip and knee issues from some long ago injuries. Once I drove a C5, I knew it was the car for me.

Greg00Coupe 12-09-2012 08:09 PM

I can't explain it but a vette never entered my "view" until the C5. Perhaps it was a matter of funds, that I was into motorcycles at the time, needed a back seat for kids don't know. For me the C5 was a vast improvement in handling and ride quality. I enjoyed my C5 for 13 years and now have a C6 waiting for a C7.....life is good.

Oldvetter 12-09-2012 08:10 PM

I had a 1964 Corvette when I was 18 years old (in 1968), and I thought it rode rough THEN !

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/phot...te1cropped.JPG

The C5 rides like a Cadillac compared to older Vettes, and it out handles them. I wouldn't be interested in owning anything older than a C5.

johnson-rod 12-09-2012 08:14 PM

I actually went out to buy a C4 but I came home with a C5.

GPGG70 12-09-2012 08:30 PM

I currently have a 70 coupe I'm restoring. A 70 convertible I enjoy driving while I'm restoring the coupe, and a 2004 machine silver Z06.
For me the question was would I consider a different generation other the the C3, and the answer was the C5

I love all of them, which means I dont plan on selling any of them any time soon. :cheers:

Vetteman Jack 12-09-2012 08:31 PM

Well, I'm on my third C5 now and yes, before I bought it I did consider a C6 - but I just couldn't pass up the deal I got on the C5. Never really considered any other generation as the C1s and C2s are typically way out of my price range (for a really nice example of each) and just didn't want a C3 again (had two of those).

rocknroller 12-09-2012 08:34 PM

I have a C4 and a C5z. Love both. To me the C4 is the better looking car, but the Z is awesome.

CQRT 12-09-2012 08:37 PM

Lile many on the forum, we've owned a buncha Vettes- ten in fact, and up until last month, we'd owned each generation except the C5 - - so, when we sold the last one- a gorgeous red 73 coupe- we decided to try a C5 on for size and picked up this 02 Electron Blue - - great car so far !
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q...MDAyLmpwZw.jpg

mxz800 12-09-2012 08:38 PM

I had a 1970 454, now I have a 1974, and a 1998.

My son says the 98 is better all the way around (HP, handling, etc) but he said the 74 just feels more untamed??? He prefers to drive the 1974.

Maxx_Z06 12-09-2012 08:39 PM

Im leaning towards a c6z after driving my buddies. They are beastly!

Kmcoldcars 12-09-2012 08:49 PM


Originally Posted by rocknroller (Post 1582527739)
I have a C4 and a C5z. Love both. To me the C4 is the better looking car, but the Z is awesome.


:iagree:
I also have a C4 and a C5 Z06. I also think the C4 is the best looking Corvette.

fishbust 12-09-2012 08:54 PM

Growing up I always wanted a C3, 68 to 72.
I am thinking at this point they may be death traps as a driver with no air bags, so wanted to go more modern for a primary driver in good weather.

I would like a C6 but got a great deal on a C5 and I love it.

I will always want that C3 and ya never know, I just may wind up with one as a second vette down the road a little bit, right time, right deal........:D

JaxEagle 12-09-2012 09:07 PM


Originally Posted by s'noJob (Post 1582527283)
In 1968, as a young teen, I knew I wanted a C3 when I grew up. Well I grew up and the C3 was waaay too old – at least the ones I could afford.

Then I wanted a C4 – till I drove one – just didn’t care for it much. C5 was next, and although I had to convince the wife to spend the bucks for the C5, (jewelry is a powerful tool,) I finally got my first ‘Vette. This was about 5 years ago.

Anyway, before you bought your C5, did you consider any other generation Corvettes?
.

Funny, my story i similar. Started out set on a C3. For a variety of reasons, cost, comfort and drivability to name a few, I was talked into a C5. I am very happy but I'd still like a C3 also.

sfc rick 12-09-2012 09:07 PM

I owned a couple of C4's one of each version 88 and 93, I still have my 88 C4 and wouldn't part with it for anything. I still can't believe how freaking awesome it looks, BUT my C5 ain't nothing to sneeze at either. I did want a C6 Z06, but have decided not to lose my C5 which is every bit as capable.

Even a C7 wouldn't be a step up from my C5. BUT even then I still couldn't afford a new Vette. It would take $80,000(new) or $45,000 used to even have another Vette be close to mine.

JaxEagle 12-09-2012 09:10 PM


Originally Posted by GPGG70 (Post 1582527698)
I currently have a 70 coupe I'm restoring. A 70 convertible I enjoy driving while I'm restoring the coupe, and a 2004 machine silver Z06.
For me the question was would I consider a different generation other the the C3, and the answer was the C5

I love all of them, which means I dont plan on selling any of them any time soon. :cheers:

Sounds like a perfect stable to me!

JaxEagle 12-09-2012 09:13 PM


Originally Posted by sfc rick (Post 1582528021)
I owned a couple of C4's one of each version 88 and 93, I still have my 88 C4 and wouldn't part with it for anything. I still can't believe how freaking awesome it looks, BUT my C5 ain't nothing to sneeze at either. I did want a C6 Z06, but have decided not to lose my C5 which is every bit as capable.

Even a C7 wouldn't be a step up from my C5. BUT even then I still couldn't afford a new Vette. It would take $80,000(new) or $45,000 used to even have another Vette be close to mine.

Yep, best of both worlds!! That's were I am trying to get with my car.

duramaxsky 12-09-2012 09:23 PM

I also have a C6 but I like the C3 best of all. I will get one of those as well. The C5 is light years a better driver than the C3 and has the closest looks to a C3. I like to drive the C5 better than the C6 as well. More edgy and sporty. The C6 is just too cushy and ha too many goodies for a real sports car. As for aC3 I can't decide if I want chrome bumpers or a late model. I also find the 73 interesting as I like the rear chrome and the rubber front. But the newer rubber fronts look better. JMHO:thumbs:

QCVette 12-09-2012 09:37 PM

I have had several C4's and like them. I am still considering another one.

I would like to have tried the C1, C2, and early C3, but they have gotten so expensive and so many improvements with later generations that I probably won't. I have driven a few C3's, but I think the C4's and newer handle much better, electronic engine management and other refinements make the newer ones much better.

I like my C5's and will probably try a C6 (and C7) at some point too.

I think the C4's, C5's, and wide body C6's are the best looking.

routeman007 12-09-2012 09:45 PM

"I longed for a C3 like many others. But when it came time to actually going out shopping for my first vette, I took an extensive look into what was on the market as far as the American Icon "Corvette" was all about. Well, the rest is history. A twelve hour road trip landed me my first corvette. '98 Nassua Blue C5 Coupe! "Absolutely No Regrets!"



007
:cool:

JaxEagle 12-09-2012 09:49 PM


Originally Posted by duramaxsky (Post 1582528164)
I like to drive the C5 better than the C6 as well. More edgy and sporty. The C6 is just too cushy and ha too many goodies for a real sports car. As for aC3 I can't decide if I want chrome bumpers or a late model. I also find the 73 interesting as I like the rear chrome and the rubber front. But the newer rubber fronts look better. JMHO:thumbs:

Totally agree w regard to C5/C6.

I personally prefer the steel bumper C3's but there are lots of rubber bumper C3's that I'd love to have too. I'd love to have a 4spd 74 BB

Aerovette 12-09-2012 09:57 PM

I was searching for a C4 and ended up with a C5. I still like the C4 and if I lost my C5 somehow, I would probably get a C4 again.

duramaxsky 12-09-2012 10:50 PM


Originally Posted by JaxEagle (Post 1582528384)
Totally agree w regard to C5/C6.

I personally prefer the steel bumper C3's but there are lots of rubber bumper C3's that I'd love to have too. I'd love to have a 4spd 74 BB

There is a classic car dealer in Portland OR, I think memory lane, They have a nice red one right now at decent price. :thumbs:

Johnz02Z06 12-09-2012 10:52 PM

Same here...
 

Originally Posted by johnson-rod (Post 1582527565)
I actually went out to buy a C4 but I came home with a C5.

I owned a 1974 Vette for a few years. A couple years after I sold it I was missing the fun of having one. In 2011 I test drove a 1992 C4 and was not happy with the lack of power. I test drove a few more C4 and C5 Vette's. Then found the Z06 I bought on Craigslist and Love it!

Glock 23C 12-09-2012 10:54 PM

C3"s are sweet but I needed something newer for longer road trips. A 95 coupe was in my price range and I felt it would be more reliable. C5's were north of my price cap. Drove the 95 for a year and quickly found out the wife was not comfortable in it. She sat in my friend's C6 and loved it. I explained to her that a C5/C6 would lighten the wallet some more. She gave me the green light so I sold the auto C4 and purchased the stick 2001. The 6sp was definitely a bonus. I miss my C4 and would not have any problem owning one again, but the C5 just seems to do everything better.

Vetteriffic 12-09-2012 11:31 PM

I must confess I love them all...absolutely but wanted something with newer technology and after reading 'all corvettes are red' how could I chose something other than the C5...besides I think it's the best design ever! :thumbs:

CBZZZC5 12-10-2012 12:21 AM

Owned a C2 before the C5

Ronnie wilkins 12-10-2012 07:52 AM

I have owned 5 or 6 C3's over the years, my first was a 73 454 4 speed with all the extras except it was a 4 speed. Auto was out of the question back then. My collection consisted of a 69 427 tri-power, 69 vert, 350, 70 vert 454-390 4 speed, 71 350, and a built 76 that was surprisingly fast after all the smog junk and a few mods were installed. Cam, heads, manifold, headers and real dual exhaust brought the L-48 to life. I loved the C-3, the 70 454 was my favorite, they just looked neat. Early models are the way to go with those but I would not trade my C5 for one at my age. With the exception of some models you can buy a real nice C3 fairly cheap now compared to what they were bringing a few years ago.

tentuna 12-10-2012 08:21 AM

Owned a 67 when I was a young man sold it when I went back to school, then restored a 66 coupe frame off like it rolled off the assy line, loved it but the bride hated it, yes it was nostalgic and received thumbs up all the time, but when u restore it to that level it becomes a garage queen. But, I bought 04 vert and it's a great car, bride likes it, so I am a happy man and drive it anywhere.

Louisiana Red 12-10-2012 08:32 AM

I had a 96 CE auto which I loved and now have a 2002 mag red 6 speed coupe which I also love.....C6 Z06 is next:thumbs:

JaxEagle 12-10-2012 08:44 AM


Originally Posted by duramaxsky (Post 1582528863)
There is a classic car dealer in Portland OR, I think memory lane, They have a nice red one right now at decent price. :thumbs:

Nice! Too bad I am at the opposite end of the country or I'd love to go check it out!

JaxEagle 12-10-2012 08:46 AM


Originally Posted by Ronnie wilkins (Post 1582530028)
I have owned 5 or 6 C3's over the years, my first was a 73 454 4 speed with all the extras except it was a 4 speed. Auto was out of the question back then. My collection consisted of a 69 427 tri-power, 69 vert, 350, 70 vert 454-390 4 speed, 71 350, and a built 76 that was surprisingly fast after all the smog junk and a few mods were installed. Cam, heads, manifold, headers and real dual exhaust brought the L-48 to life. I loved the C-3, the 70 454 was my favorite, they just looked neat. Early models are the way to go with those but I would not trade my C5 for one at my age. With the exception of some models you can buy a real nice C3 fairly cheap now compared to what they were bringing a few years ago.

Wow, I am very jealous. Those are some bad ass cars!

STALION 12-10-2012 08:53 AM

I always thought some of the earlier c3's with side pipes were totally bad ass. But before the C5 became affordable (years ago) I did think about purchasing a c4....glad I held out

DDaaryl 12-10-2012 09:51 AM

I have owner six C3's and one C4 prior to buying my C5 this year. I was in the market for a C6 but was too cheap. Had difficulty finding a 6 speed conv in SW Florida. Old folks like the automatics down here

PhilsFRC 12-10-2012 09:56 AM

Have owned a '66 coupe, '74 convertible, '76 L88 coupe, '78 Pace Car, '99 FRC. The old ones rode horribly compared to the C5/6 chassis. That said, I LOVE the looks of the C2 coupes, and wish I had the money to have a restomod C2 built on modern chassis and running gear. THAT would really be cool IMHO. But to do it right it would most likely be north of $100k!

95rtturbo 12-10-2012 09:59 AM

I considered a low mileage 94-95 C4 ZR1, but the maintenance and lack of parts scared me away, as well as the C4 platform in general. Also considered an LS3 C6, but the price for a comparable condition / mileage C5 ZO6 was way too high.

All in all, I think I made the right choice, with a pristine, 2800 mile 04 CE ZO6.

knewblewkorvette 12-10-2012 10:20 AM

http://www.web-cars.com/images/vette_img/51012_a.jpg

As a kid, fell in love with a 78 Corvette but when it came to the point where I was old enough and could afford a Corvette, it was C5 all the way. I now own two C5s.

RetiredSFC 97 12-10-2012 01:59 PM

I wanted a C3 but bought a C4. I then sold it and bought the only C5 I would consider, a FRC. started to buy a Z06 but couldn't find one with the money I was willing to pay and the FRC is much more rare. I did find one in my range butit had 90K on it and passed.

for whatever reason I have always been drawn to rare cars, sometimes without even knowing they were rare at the time. I just knew I didn't see them much.

77 Z28, 75 roadrunner, 73 Chevelle SS 454, 69 Chev 4x4 short bed PU with factory air. etc

I still love the way the C4 fit but I prefer the look of the FRC. But heck, I like all vettes.

Ron Dittmer 12-10-2012 02:13 PM

I kicked the tires and even drove some of the Corvette flavors C1-2-3-4-5 before moving into my first C5 in 2002. The earlier generations just didn't hit me where they needed to win me over.

I did think of switching into a C6 about a year back but my job got shakey last winter/spring. I even put my A/E up for sale in preparation but thank goodness the car didn't sell which worked out for the better given that my job stabilized again. So my A/E sits under wraps waiting for another spring.

jrose7004 12-10-2012 04:32 PM

I went and drove a C4 before I bought the first C5 that I had (98) but I didn't like trying to climb over the high sills so I set my sights on a C5. I had a midyear (64) and a C3 (74) in years past.

TheoZ 12-10-2012 05:04 PM


Originally Posted by s'noJob (Post 1582527283)
Anyway, before you bought your C5, did you consider any other generation Corvettes?
.


Nope.

:cool:

DARRYLZO6 12-10-2012 05:40 PM

Nope. :cool:

swpowell 12-10-2012 07:36 PM

I always wanted a 1973 Corvette. Chrome rear bumpers, sleek front end. The price for a good one is pretty high. Buying one that needed fixing up and I could afford was out of the question. OEM parts (corvette tax) would make the 1973 cost way too much.

I found a nearly perfect 2003 Anniversary red. Average miles, good price. Mine for four years now.

Toque 12-10-2012 07:56 PM

See that Blue C3 Stingray in the poster in front of my Z06 ?
Its there as a reminder to add a C3 some day.... :yesnod:

My Z06 is a 2004. The same year my son was born. :thumbs:
I bought it 6 months before he was born. :yesnod:

I want a 1971 C3 Stingray in Steel Cities Grey. (LT1 350)
The same year "I" was born. :D

http://www.toquez06.com/z06/z-09.jpg

:rock:

http://www.columbuscorvette.com/images/Potts2.jpg



I think they would look "GREAT together" in a garage !

Toque

davefreeman 12-10-2012 08:11 PM

Love my 99 FRC, will probably never let it go. Bu would also love to have a C2

bikeriderga 12-10-2012 08:12 PM

C3 was one of the prettiest Corvettes to me Loved the Mako shark front end wings. Not much power output in these pearls, but they sure look great!

However, the C5 is what I consider the second best looking Vettes and can be had at great prices. 405 HP factory race car for under 30K with extremely low mileage (20-30K). They also handle and drive much better than a C3.

This is my second C5 (03 Z06) and second Torch Red Corvette.

Would I consider another? Perhaps. I like the looks of the C6 Grand Sports and of course who would not like to own a ZR1?

B747VET 12-11-2012 01:59 AM

Went to buy a 70 Vette but they also had a 70 Z28. After driving both, I folded for the price and the quality of Z28 handling. Almost a Vette owner.

Wanted to buy a 78 Vette but new girlfriend owned one. After driving it, changed my mind.

Bought a 1989 Z51 and just hated the ride ... jarring to say the least. Really rattled too.

Traded it for a 1994 ZR1. Loved that car to death. Got it brand new for $54K during that spate where the ZF tranny factory shut down for three months. I was very lucky on that buy. Four months earlier they were selling for a premium at $74k. Sold it in 2000 just before the 7 year warranty ran out. Replacing a $30k block just scared me. Maybe should have kept it.

Bought the 02 Vert 18 months ago and like it better than all the Jags, Porsches, and whatever else I've owned.

Base C6s just don't ring my bell. But C6 ZO6 is pretty great and the '13 427 Vert rings my bell.

Someday maybe a C2 ... they kinda ride and drive like trucks but sexy as hell. Classic.

torchredmadness 12-11-2012 06:49 AM

Would have bought a C6 but could only afford one if it had too many miles on it so I started looking at C5's. Very happy with the C5 we bought with low miles on it.

JaxEagle 12-11-2012 10:22 AM


Originally Posted by B747VET (Post 1582538351)
Someday maybe a C3 ... they kinda ride and drive like trucks but sexy as hell. Classic.

A classic look for sure. Ride like crap compared to today's standards but not compared to 40 yr old cars. :thumbs:

Monkey D. Luffy 12-11-2012 10:27 AM

I still want a C3, but I'm never selling the c5, just adding to the fun :yesnod:

roadbike56 12-11-2012 08:46 PM

I had two C3's (69 & 79). I wondered if I had enough money to buy back my 69, would I. But when a 100% identical twin cortez silver roadster, restored was available well within my budget on these forums, I passed.
I considered C4's, very seriously right down to driving some. I like the, stiff raw handling, they have, but getting in and out was a problem for these old bones and, as good looking as the C4 LT-1s are, the C5 is just one awesome looking car. When I drove onto the car lot to see the spiral gray 04 coupe, I knew if the car checked out, I was driving home with it. When I see it in the garage, I have no doubt I bought the right model.

Chilliwack vettes 12-11-2012 10:21 PM

I wanted a C5 or late C3 but my C4 vert fit my wallet at the time! I'm selling the C4 but will buy a late C3 at some point. Not planning on selling the C5 though!



... re-read my post - hope it makes sense!:crazy:

Peter

RonSSNova 12-11-2012 11:59 PM

Nope. I wanted an LS1 so I could move into the 21st century and learn EFI. And I wanted a car to drag race, and drive every day, and go low 11's. C6 was out of my price range.
I am thrilled to own my A4 MYC5 Coupe, my first vette. Did all the work myself as well.

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b14/RonSS/C5Track.jpg

Ron

JustinStrife 12-12-2012 02:45 AM


Originally Posted by davefreeman (Post 1582536017)
Love my 99 FRC, will probably never let it go. Bu would also love to have a C2

:iagree:

Won't ever sell my '99 FRC. But I wouldn't mind adding a '65 or '67 Roadster to the mix when I am well off financially. :eek:

Also love me some C6z06/ZR1 goodness too. :yesnod:

Never cared for the C4s. Uncomfortable as all hell, and not easy to get in and out of. :leaving:

B747VET 12-14-2012 08:22 PM


Originally Posted by JaxEagle (Post 1582539834)
A classic look for sure. Ride like crap compared to today's standards but not compared to 40 yr old cars. :thumbs:

I agree. But, it the C3 reference was a typo. The C2 is the style I would enjoy owning, but, purely for looks.

gq82 12-14-2012 10:35 PM

I own a 71 SCG frame off restored convertible and I'm thinking of trading it for a very low mile 03 annv convertible....I love the 71, owned it for 10 years but it might be time for a change....we'll see.

JaxEagle 12-14-2012 10:39 PM


Originally Posted by gq82 (Post 1582572370)
I own a 71 SCG frame off restored convertible and I'm thinking of trading it for a very low mile 03 annv convertible....I love the 71, owned it for 10 years but it might be time for a change....we'll see.

Looked through your photos. Beautiful!!! Gorgeous!!! I want that!!!

Toque 12-15-2012 06:55 AM


Originally Posted by gq82 (Post 1582572370)
I own a 71 SCG frame off restored convertible and I'm thinking of trading it for a very low mile 03 annv convertible....I love the 71, owned it for 10 years but it might be time for a change....we'll see.

I want to add a SCG 71 to my garage one day. In addition to already having my 04 C5Z. I wish I had the funds for yours.... :yesnod: Yours is Beautiful ! :thumbs::cheers: One day my Z will have a stable mate... :D

Toque

s'noJob 12-15-2012 06:58 AM


Originally Posted by Toque (Post 1582573636)
One day my Z will have a stable mate.

My wife wishes she had a stable mate.
.


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