Vettedream53

Happy Easter, everyone!

I have been in the searching stage for my first Corvette for the past few months. I'm 65 and figure if now is not the time, then it will never be! Anyway, I've always had my heart on getting a C5 convertible. But as I'm in the process of looking at both the coupe and vert, I'm starting to likes the looks of the coupe too. So as of right now, I am basically at a deadlock. I know it's all about personal taste, but I was just hoping for some input from members who have owned a coupe and went to a convertible or vice-versa. I appreciate any opinions on the subject. Thank you for your help. It's much appreciated.


Gary (NJ)

Chuck A

vert is great but definitely can hear the wind

DDaaryl

After owning eight Corvettes my early purchases were based mostly on price, condition and availability, not so much color or model. As time went on and my personal finances improved I became more fussy about what I wanted. My first Corvette was 1968 vert with a removable hardtop followed by a 1969 Coupe. Bought another 1969 vert followed by a 1969 coupe. Later on I had a 1974 coupe, a 1985 Coupe and a 1981 Coupe. Today I own a 2002 vert for several reasons. I currently live in SW Florida and can have the top down all year if I want. I have a big garage and can easily store the vert inside with the top up or down. Although my vert has never leaked I wouldn't recommend a vert if you need to store it outside. I have little or no security concerns in my home area so I never lock the door. If you live in a "rough" neighborhood or park in crime areas a coupe would be better for security. Although not offered from the factory a vert with a removable hardtop seems like the best of both worlds for me.

Tsumi

Wind is worse in the coupe if you don't have a wind restrictor or something similar.

See if you can drive both, top on and off, to get a feel for what you prefer. My coupe was a daily driver, and the hatchback has come in handy multiple times for hauling things home from work.

dleibman

Mine is a 03 vert. Kept outside and no leaks at all. The coupe has more trunk space for trips as you are limited with the vert. Love my vert in sw fla. bth are sharp lookin rides.

JR-01

I am 65 and I had a '80 coupe with targa top and now I have an '01 Vert. Like the Convertible much better. It really depends on you.

rrwirsi

I never faltered from wanting a Vert in my C5 search.
My Vert sits outside and does not leak. I also purchased a California Pop Top that not only helps in no leaks but also saves the top from fly by bird droppings and other stains from rain or whatever.

My SWAG, you really want a Vert! Go for it.

jwt1603

I'm back in the market for another Corvette (number 10) and am making the same decision. I've been fortunate in that I've had a variety of vettes, both coupes and convertibles, and various generations. The coupe is quieter if you get caught in the rain. The vert has some issues with blind spots, at least until you get used to them and get the mirrors adjusted properly. Insurance is typically a little higher for a convertible (as on any car). Initial cost is also a touch more for the convertible. On the coupe if you get one with both the glass and body color tops you can really change the look of the car just by swapping out the top.

Something to consider is removing / replacing the targa top . If you're somewhere by yourself it can be a bit of a challenge. It's not really all that heavy but it's kind of hard to get a grip and lower it into place by yourself. I'm not saying it can't be done but it's something to be aware of. I used to do it by very carefully setting the top down on the leading edge of the windshield frame then gently moving it into place. Once you do it a few times it's not bad. The vert you pull a couple of levers, push a button to open the cover, fold the top down, close the cover and you're done without potentially needing help from anyone.

As stated in a post above, the available trunk space, especially with the top down, is much smaller in the vert.

Personal opinion only but I think looking at the the coupe vs the vert with the top up the coupe has better lines. But with the top down the vert looks really good.

Since it will be a weekend only car I'm really leaning towards a vert.

Tsumi

I've never had trouble removing the targa top by myself and putting it back, but I am only 28. I actually do the opposite, I set the rear edge down on the halo first and slide it into place before dropping the front down. These things are tougher than you think.

c5arlen

My C5 Corvette vert and I travel all over the States.. . I like my stuff stowed away while I'm underway...secured and hidden from my view and others.. neat and tidy cockpit free of clutter... top down, sunglasses on, my pipe tobacco whiffing in the breeze... girls smiling at the top down Torch red convertible... Doesn't get any better. 😎

Phanni

I've had two C-5 verts and one coupe. The noise is negligible difference in wind noise with th top up. I don't put my top down often, however, i'd rather have a top down vert than a coupe with the top off. I have a C-7 coupe and have taken the top off once, in 4 years. If I want an open air drive, I drive my 2001 vert.

UM Rebel

Wind noise is really not that bad in convertible so long as your weather stripping is good and top and windows are properly adjusted.
There is the maintenance issue. You will eventually have to replace the top. The top itself is not too expensive $400 - $500. Installation will run around $1200. I installed mine myself. It's not hard but is a bit tedious.

There is nothing like cruising the back roads top down on a warm Spring day.! I love my 2004 CE verte! Daily driver 110k miles

Raycuda

I agree with everything stated above. I find myself taking the top off less and less on the coupe, just because it is not as convenient as pushing a button on the 'vert.

Raycuda

Try it when your 70+.

Jackie N

Secret option C


Z06! Why the hell not? It's better looking than the others :-)

If you get a vert all your friends are gonna make fun of you. In a Z06 you'll be the cool old guy, not the second mid life crisis old guy. It's science.

JR-01

No one has ever made fun of the Vert. They are jealous though, especially on that warm sunny day. A Z06 is a different animal...... kind of an extension.

UM Rebel

I'm 75 don't know of anyone making fun of me and my vertte. Mostly get complements like "Nice car" or the youngsters, "How fast will it go." Answer of course is "well look, it's got 200 on the speedometer. Guess that's what it will do.

vettefordays

Get the coupe. The verts are hideous imo

ShagVette

Other than test driving each with the tops on & off, how much top down cruising will you be doing in NJ?

Get what ever color/deal comes your way first. You can always sell and get another later.

Like you said, times a ticking...

Phanni

Everyone is entitled to an opinion, no matter how bad it is.