C6 Corvette General Discussion General C6 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Buying dilemma

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 11-12-2018, 08:29 AM
  #1  
Iceman60467
Racer
Thread Starter
 
Iceman60467's Avatar
 
Member Since: Dec 2015
Posts: 294
Received 39 Likes on 36 Posts
Default Buying dilemma

Hi guys.

I finally got finances to buy my first Corvette.
I like 2002-2004 Z06 or another choice would be 2008 and up C6.
I fount 2002 Z06 with 16,000 miles at my locat dealerships for $25,000. I think price is good and it won’t loose too much value even if I will keep her for 3-4 years. I also think that there aleays will be market for unmolested Z06.
on the other hand I think I should buy newer one because if I decide to keep her longer parts might became problem because of GM bankruptcy.
What are you thoughts ?
Please help me decide.
Thank you and have a great day.
Old 11-12-2018, 08:58 AM
  #2  
Atomic6
Pro
 
Atomic6's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 2016
Location: Franklin NC
Posts: 609
Received 237 Likes on 126 Posts
Default

I wouldn't worry about parts personally. If you really want that 2002, go for it. It should be a fine machine unless those 16k miles were all 'pedal to the metal' or some Carfax issues. Of course try to get that price down further. Good luck!
Old 11-12-2018, 09:04 AM
  #3  
Iceman60467
Racer
Thread Starter
 
Iceman60467's Avatar
 
Member Since: Dec 2015
Posts: 294
Received 39 Likes on 36 Posts
Default

Thank you Atomic6. It’s about age of the car and body style. I love those headlights on C5. I like C6 body also.
I would like to drive that car for aroud 4-5 years and buy C7.
Old 11-12-2018, 09:27 AM
  #4  
jrose7004
Team Owner
 
jrose7004's Avatar
 
Member Since: Mar 2004
Location: Oklahoma City OK
Posts: 58,259
Received 1,675 Likes on 1,298 Posts
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019

Default

Buy the car that you feel like would give you the most enjoyment.
Old 11-12-2018, 09:36 AM
  #5  
Iceman60467
Racer
Thread Starter
 
Iceman60467's Avatar
 
Member Since: Dec 2015
Posts: 294
Received 39 Likes on 36 Posts
Default

Sometimes I think that C5 is outdated and I would like automatic C6 ,2008 and up. That’s why I’m confused and would like to hear other opinions
Old 11-12-2018, 09:39 AM
  #6  
capevettes
Race Director
Support Corvetteforum!
 
capevettes's Avatar
 
Member Since: Oct 2004
Location: Cape Cod, Mass.
Posts: 18,763
Received 4,553 Likes on 2,160 Posts
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C8 of the Year Finalist Unmodified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C1 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist
2016 C2 of Year
2015 C3 of Year Finalist

Default

I've had a few of both. I really like the C5 Z but the 08 up C6 with an LS3 is faster and a better car in every way. The C5 Z has a great track ready feel and is light and quick, but it's a bit dated and parts availability is a very valid concern.
Old 11-12-2018, 09:46 AM
  #7  
74plb
Instructor

 
74plb's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 2007
Posts: 248
Received 33 Likes on 29 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by Iceman60467
Sometimes I think that C5 is outdated and I would like automatic C6 ,2008 and up. That’s why I’m confused and would like to hear other opinions
Sounds like you are leaning towards the C6. I'd go with that
Old 11-12-2018, 10:01 AM
  #8  
Don-Vette
Race Director
 
Don-Vette's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jan 2011
Location: Tonawanda New York
Posts: 11,976
Received 451 Likes on 349 Posts

Default

I'd always buy the newest one, C6 looks better than the fat C5 IMO.
Old 11-12-2018, 10:55 AM
  #9  
1 slow 97
Melting Slicks
 
1 slow 97's Avatar
 
Member Since: May 2002
Location: Mount Pleasant SC
Posts: 2,887
Received 26 Likes on 25 Posts

Default

If you are willing to spend $25,000 for a 2002 Z06 (price is a tad high, but it's a dealership so they always mark things up more than private party) why not pony up $27,000 to $29,000 and get a 2006 to 2008 Z06. The Z06 blows away both C5 Z06 and C6 in all categories.

I love the FRC C5Z06 but the C5 body is from 1997 and looks so dated compared to whats on the road today. heck the C6 is even starting to look dated.

Wait until you see the interior, gauges, radio controls on the 2002, not that the C6 is much of an improvement but it's an improvement none the less.
Old 11-12-2018, 11:55 AM
  #10  
Mayor111
Melting Slicks
 
Mayor111's Avatar
 
Member Since: Oct 2016
Location: Lehigh Valley PA
Posts: 3,269
Received 1,955 Likes on 941 Posts
Default

I owned a 2002 C5 Vert and it was an AMAZING car... I now have an 05 C6 and a 14 C7... I can only assume the Z06 would be just as nice (sounds like you're after "power")...

If budget is a concern - why not start out with a nice 02 to 04 C5 that is affordable, doesn't break the bank or create too much debt - then upgrade down the road if you think that Vettes are what you want. A C5 for your first Vette is a super nice generation to start with. They are fast, handle great, look super sharp...the total package. To me the C6 is very close to a C5, so why spend the extra money now, when like I stated, you could upgrade down the road.

I also think you can do ALOT better than $25,000 for that a Z06 - negotiate them down to $22,000 - Corvette DNA shows the car is worth $21,700 in EXCELLENT condition with a manual tranny.

Good Luck!!
Old 11-12-2018, 01:46 PM
  #11  
QuickSilver20
Racer
 
QuickSilver20's Avatar
 
Member Since: Apr 2018
Posts: 400
Received 161 Likes on 99 Posts
Default

I just went through the same thing and actually like the exterior of the C5 better but ended up with a C6 for the 2 reasons below.

1. If your driving the car a lot the interior of the C6 is night and day difference as far as comfort and quality.
2. Unless you love the car and plan to keep it and use it I would be worried about paying the top end of the market for a car 2 generations old. Although it may be worth it the market is very small that would choose a 02 Z06 over a newer C6. So if you ever need to sell it you will likely have to sit on it for a while or take a big hit.
Old 11-12-2018, 02:00 PM
  #12  
capevettes
Race Director
Support Corvetteforum!
 
capevettes's Avatar
 
Member Since: Oct 2004
Location: Cape Cod, Mass.
Posts: 18,763
Received 4,553 Likes on 2,160 Posts
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C8 of the Year Finalist Unmodified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C1 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist
2016 C2 of Year
2015 C3 of Year Finalist

Default

Originally Posted by 1 slow 97
If you are willing to spend $25,000 for a 2002 Z06 (price is a tad high, but it's a dealership so they always mark things up more than private party) why not pony up $27,000 to $29,000 and get a 2006 to 2008 Z06. The Z06 blows away both C5 Z06 and C6 in all categories.

I love the FRC C5Z06 but the C5 body is from 1997 and looks so dated compared to whats on the road today. heck the C6 is even starting to look dated.

Wait until you see the interior, gauges, radio controls on the 2002, not that the C6 is much of an improvement but it's an improvement none the less.
I agree and forgot to mention that in my post. I really loved the 2006 Z06 I had. Great car. I think though, to get a really nice, lower mileage 06 or 07 Z06 you need to spend into the low 30's.
Old 11-12-2018, 02:03 PM
  #13  
jpm995
Drifting
 
jpm995's Avatar
 
Member Since: May 2015
Posts: 1,682
Received 146 Likes on 97 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by 1 slow 97
If you are willing to spend $25,000 for a 2002 Z06 (price is a tad high, but it's a dealership so they always mark things up more than private party) why not pony up $27,000 to $29,000 and get a 2006 to 2008 Z06. The Z06 blows away both C5 Z06 and C6 in all categories.

I love the FRC C5Z06 but the C5 body is from 1997 and looks so dated compared to whats on the road today. heck the C6 is even starting to look dated.

Wait until you see the interior, gauges, radio controls on the 2002, not that the C6 is much of an improvement but it's an improvement none the less.
From a sensible point of view your correct. The c6 is more modern, has many improvements and according to most is a better car. I have an '02 zo6 and am hunting for a c6 daily driver. I would argue that i think the frc feature of the c5 z's is a unique and timeless look that stands up well today. I'm not a big fan of the normal coupe style. These cars aren't really 'sensible' purchases. Op's decision should be to get the car he likes best, the price difference isn't that great. I haven't seen c6 z's for under 30k unless branded titles or many accidents.
Old 11-12-2018, 02:09 PM
  #14  
TorchRedFred
Le Mans Master
 
TorchRedFred's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jan 2017
Location: Morris County New Jersey
Posts: 5,372
Received 1,636 Likes on 1,121 Posts
Default



I found this picture online recently and thought this thing looked awesome. C5 Z06 widebody? Didn’t even know this was a thing. I’m not a fan of the C5 but I do like the C5 Z06. Except for the interior.

Last edited by TorchRedFred; 11-12-2018 at 02:10 PM.
Old 11-12-2018, 02:23 PM
  #15  
Iceman60467
Racer
Thread Starter
 
Iceman60467's Avatar
 
Member Since: Dec 2015
Posts: 294
Received 39 Likes on 36 Posts
Default

It’s really nice. Especially in red!!!!
Old 11-12-2018, 02:33 PM
  #16  
Iceman60467
Racer
Thread Starter
 
Iceman60467's Avatar
 
Member Since: Dec 2015
Posts: 294
Received 39 Likes on 36 Posts
Default

The budget is not really a problem. I set bar up to$30,000 but I would like to spend around $27,000 for low millage car.
If we are talking about C6 Z06, then they cost about $35,000.
Its little too much for toy in my opinion.
I live in Illinois and I fount nice 2008 LT4 red with two tone interior for $27....with 20,000 something miles. The car is located in Tennessee and I’m too lazy to drive with someone or to fly to get it. I’m searching localy but I’m in touch with guy in Tennessee.
I see that everyone is leaning towards C6 and I think you guys are right. Newer is alway better.
Thank you
Old 11-12-2018, 02:43 PM
  #17  
TorchRedFred
Le Mans Master
 
TorchRedFred's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jan 2017
Location: Morris County New Jersey
Posts: 5,372
Received 1,636 Likes on 1,121 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Iceman60467
I see that everyone is leaning towards C6
Well, you did post this in the C6 section. So you are asking guys that all had a choice at one point and chose the C6!

You could try a similar thread in the C5 section.

Get notified of new replies

To Buying dilemma

Old 11-12-2018, 03:49 PM
  #18  
Iceman60467
Racer
Thread Starter
 
Iceman60467's Avatar
 
Member Since: Dec 2015
Posts: 294
Received 39 Likes on 36 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by TorchRedFred
Well, you did post this in the C6 section. So you are asking guys that all had a choice at one point and chose the C6!

You could try a similar thread in the C5 section.
hahahaaaa. You might be right but I also thought that some of the C6 owners owned at some point C5 z06.
😜
Old 11-12-2018, 04:47 PM
  #19  
Spaceme1117
Safety Car
 
Spaceme1117's Avatar
 
Member Since: May 2016
Location: Erlanger, Kentucky
Posts: 3,661
Received 1,314 Likes on 886 Posts
Default

A 2002 C5 Z06 is a great car with a great engine (LS6). You really can't go wrong with it and parts availability is not a problem. It just has a bit of a dated interior, more late 90's than early 2000's. The feel and driving experience is a bit more visceral than a C6. But this can be a good thing if that is what you want.

I traded my 2002 C5 Z06 about a month ago for a 2011 C6 Grand Sport. It is about the same power but has updated styling, features, seats, bigger wheels, etc.

Both cars are pretty much the same mechanically. Either way you go, you will be happy with it.
Old 11-12-2018, 04:59 PM
  #20  
FAUEE
Race Director
 
FAUEE's Avatar
 
Member Since: Oct 2012
Location: Melbourne, FL
Posts: 14,544
Received 4,446 Likes on 2,803 Posts

Default

You're comparing two very different types of cars. The c5z is a lightweight, somewhat stripped down car focused on performance. The c6 ia a much more comfort and touring oriented car, and just happens to have spectacular performance.

Are you planning to drive it or collect it? I think low mile c5z will be a collectible car that will hold value over time. If you plan to drive it a lot, it probably wont matter and the extra comfort of a c6 may be what you want.

IMO, drive both, that will help you decide.


Quick Reply: Buying dilemma



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:50 PM.