Buy 2004 C5 or C6? I own a 78.

[irf]

Hi,

I currently own a 78 Silver Anniversary (great condition!) and I'm thinking of selling it for a 2004 C5 or a C6. The C6 seems to be a great car and I also really love the C4.

My question is what to do? Will I regret not waiting for the C6? It looks like I can save a few dollars buying a C5, but is the C6 worth the extra money? Is it that much better of a car? Is it a bad idea to buy a car during i'ts last year of production before the next generation is coming out?

Thanks for the advice!

 

[JBsC5]

Tough decisions...and tough questions because its such a personal opinion..


Best choice in my opinion..buy a C5 preowned by a loving owner..as they sell to buy a C6..then a few years down the road...buy a C6 if you have changed your mind..

If you have to have the newest then just wait for the C6 to be released and expect to pay about 500 under list at best..

If you want to compare..realize you can buy a lot of new C5's for 10 grand under list right now..

Being a Z06 owner myself..I'd suggest buying a 2002 low mileage Z06 for 35 grand over at z06 vette.com..

You could easily check the history of the owner there and know what your buying upfront just by using the search feature on the individual selling the car..

If you like soft tops or the removable roof of the coupe...shop around on the net for those..

I've never seen such a fanatical group of owners with but a few exceptions...this is a car to seriously consider...buying preowned..

 

[Fishman]

Hey irf...

JBsC5 offers some great advice. I am waiting another year or two before I pick-up a 2nd hand 50th anniversary edition.

I am not sure of your particular financial situation, but... keep the '78 if you can. You will regret (as I did years ago) when I sold mine for a C4. Nothing wrong with the C4 or C5 (I would love to own one again as well, and will), but don't loose the piece of history you have now if you can avoid it.

JMHO... Brian

 

[irf]

Good advice. Pick up a C5 at a savings (10K under list?...whew) and a few years down the road go for the C6. If the new modles are being discounted quite a bit I'm thinking to go with a new one over a used one.

Thanks!

Tough decisions...and tough questions because its such a personal opinion..


Best choice in my opinion..buy a C5 preowned by a loving owner..as they sell to buy a C6..then a few years down the road...buy a C6 if you have changed your mind..

If you have to have the newest then just wait for the C6 to be released and expect to pay about 500 under list at best..

If you want to compare..realize you can buy a lot of new C5's for 10 grand under list right now..

Being a Z06 owner myself..I'd suggest buying a 2002 low mileage Z06 for 35 grand over at z06 vette.com..

You could easily check the history of the owner there and know what your buying upfront just by using the search feature on the individual selling the car..

If you like soft tops or the removable roof of the coupe...shop around on the net for those..

I've never seen such a fanatical group of owners with but a few exceptions...this is a car to seriously consider...buying preowned..

 

[Double D]

Hi IRF,

I am in a similar position as you. I had planned to buy a used C5, maybe a 00 or 01, early in the summer when owners were selling for the C6. What I am noticing is that it doesn't appear the prices on the used C5's are dropping that much. As someone said, all of us Corvette fanatics would keep great care of their car. The problem is that no one wants to part with their baby for a reasonable price either. This is pushing me to buy a 2004 because I have seen them for about the same price as some enthusiasts are asking for their 01 with low mileage. I don't think alot of people understand how cheaply the 04's are going for now.

 

[irf]

Very useful information that the used models are getting close to the cost of a new 2004. I am beginning to strongly consider buying a 2004 and holding it for a few years and upgrading to the C6.

 

[Chris Kennedy]

I have an '81 4-spd., which I love, and also have been considering a used C5 vs. a new C6. I would go for the used Z06. While I was never a styling fan of the C5, somehow the Z06 seems to work for me, especially in silver, black or blue. I think it might be the wheels (especially if someone has left them alone, or flat-blacked them out and not chromed them) and the various screens and scoops. Anyway, the C6 was a real styling disappointment to me, both inside and out, and I don't think the mechanical changes really amount to that much in the real world. The Z06 has plenty of performance and a fine reputation, so why pay more to get the bad C6 styling? The money you would save by buying a recent Z06 would be a lot, and you'd still be able to get the good warranty. I could keep my '81, and get that crate motor I have always wanted and the 5spd overdrive. GM really needs to take a fresh direction with Corvette styling---somehow it looks very staid and old-fashioned when placed next to other new sports car designs. That new interior looks like something from the early to mid-90s, and has none of the flair contemporary interiors in performance cars have. Bad work, Bob Lutz.

--Chris Kennedy
Houston, Texas

 

[JBsC5]

Just shot the breeze with a guy who picked up a fine 38K mile 2001 Z06 for 28,875 dollars...

I'd say thats a great way to go..

2002's with lower mileage run around 35 grand.