Which one should I get?
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2026
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
Which one should I get?
I have my eye on 3 vettes a C5 and 2 C6s
#1 2003 c5 convertible 24k miles 6 speed manual loaded with every option even magnetic ride. 2 owner private sale
#2 2005 convertible 32k miles 6 speed manual loaded as well (I was actually hoping for manual top) and the airbag can be shut off manually so my 8 year old can ride
#3 2006 31k miles coupe auto trans 3 owner at a dealer also loaded with options no manual airbag shutoff
#1 2003 c5 convertible 24k miles 6 speed manual loaded with every option even magnetic ride. 2 owner private sale
#2 2005 convertible 32k miles 6 speed manual loaded as well (I was actually hoping for manual top) and the airbag can be shut off manually so my 8 year old can ride
#3 2006 31k miles coupe auto trans 3 owner at a dealer also loaded with options no manual airbag shutoff
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2026
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
My goal is to have a reliable cruiser to just drive on nice days and to take my kids and the wife for rides, 1 at a time of course. I will obviously will not just put around when by myself. I do want something I can work on myself though, that's why I am not against a C5 and I don't mind rowing gears.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2026
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
My goal is to have a reliable cruiser to just drive on nice days and to take my kids and the wife for rides, 1 at a time of course. I will obviously will not just put around when by myself. I do want something I can work on myself though, that's why I am not against a C5 and I don't mind rowing gears.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 53,873
Likes: 5,649
From: Plantation Florida USAF(Retired) 1966-1990
U.S. Air Force
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
My suggestions in whatever you buy have it checked out by Tech that knows Corvette, they are expensive when items break.
Also know how old the tires are, whatever you buy?
Also know how old the tires are, whatever you buy?
Racer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 355
Likes: 18
From: TX
How important is it for you to take your 8 year old out on rides? When I got my first vette, my son was 4 and I have a lot of treasured memories of us cruising around parts of Georgia. So, for me, which ever one out #1 or #2 is the most mechanically sound would be my choice or waiting until a booster seat is not needed.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,313
Likes: 2,215
From: San Antonio, TX
In my opinion most people know if they are a "coupe" or "convertible" person, same with Auto or Manual.
I'm a coupe person, so I would go with #3.
Also read the threads about the quirkiness of the 2005 models. I would avoid a 2005. Now that I said that, you'll get people in here that own(ed) 2005 and say they never had issues. But there are some things unique to 2005.
I'm a coupe person, so I would go with #3.
Also read the threads about the quirkiness of the 2005 models. I would avoid a 2005. Now that I said that, you'll get people in here that own(ed) 2005 and say they never had issues. But there are some things unique to 2005.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,313
Likes: 2,215
From: San Antonio, TX
LOL, I started typing my response to the OP 30 minutes ago, and got delayed in posting it. Funny that you and I almost said the same thing.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 367
Likes: 121
From: Beautiful Florida
I have my eye on 3 vettes a C5 and 2 C6s
#1 2003 c5 convertible 24k miles 6 speed manual loaded with every option even magnetic ride. 2 owner private sale
#2 2005 convertible 32k miles 6 speed manual loaded as well (I was actually hoping for manual top) and the airbag can be shut off manually so my 8 year old can ride
#3 2006 31k miles coupe auto trans 3 owner at a dealer also loaded with options no manual airbag shutoff
#1 2003 c5 convertible 24k miles 6 speed manual loaded with every option even magnetic ride. 2 owner private sale
#2 2005 convertible 32k miles 6 speed manual loaded as well (I was actually hoping for manual top) and the airbag can be shut off manually so my 8 year old can ride
#3 2006 31k miles coupe auto trans 3 owner at a dealer also loaded with options no manual airbag shutoff
- How are the cars priced?
- I agree with @1bdvert, check the tires and all service records first. There are many posts about what to check before purchase (age of fluids etc) so you can do some research there.
-Just curious, how long does a child require a child seat?
- Since you want a vert, screen out option 3. You will never be happy and always look back wishing you had the convertible. Also, think long and hard about the transmission. Manuals are becoming more in demand as they are no longer produced and people are realizing the fun of having a full experience driving these amazing cars.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,285
Likes: 562
From: Pittsburgh PA
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12-'13-'14
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,313
Likes: 2,215
From: San Antonio, TX
Maybe some people don't care what color, coupe / convertible, and transmission and just want the cheapest Corvette that is nearby to purchase.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 53,873
Likes: 5,649
From: Plantation Florida USAF(Retired) 1966-1990
U.S. Air Force
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
And I own 2005?
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2026
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
- How many owners has the 05 had? Not to argue with anyone...but the condition of the car and the care it was given weighs heavily. Many who trash the 05 have never owned one. Just do your research first.
- How are the cars priced?
- I agree with @1bdvert, check the tires and all service records first. There are many posts about what to check before purchase (age of fluids etc) so you can do some research there.
-Just curious, how long does a child require a child seat?
- Since you want a vert, screen out option 3. You will never be happy and always look back wishing you had the convertible. Also, think long and hard about the transmission. Manuals are becoming more in demand as they are no longer produced and people are realizing the fun of having a full experience driving these amazing cars.
- How are the cars priced?
- I agree with @1bdvert, check the tires and all service records first. There are many posts about what to check before purchase (age of fluids etc) so you can do some research there.
-Just curious, how long does a child require a child seat?
- Since you want a vert, screen out option 3. You will never be happy and always look back wishing you had the convertible. Also, think long and hard about the transmission. Manuals are becoming more in demand as they are no longer produced and people are realizing the fun of having a full experience driving these amazing cars.