New member in Virginia

[namvet]

Greetings,
I know I am probably not a Corvette owner but I have wanted one since I was 19 and on the way back from Vietnam......got married and at 22 I was driving my uncles 1960 model. I had a 68 Firebird, he had a 60 Corvette and it didn't have heat so we swapped each year for a few years in the winter. I froze but what the heck.

Had a chance for a 65 convertible during my 1st marriage and she was anxious for me to get it until I found she had a boyfriend, was leaving me and her attorney was going to get her the Corvette. Then divorce and had a chance for a 77 and the new wife stated she was pregnant.

All these years hasn't diminished my desire for a Corvette. Now I am retired, 66 years young and we want to do some 3-4 day trips which brings me to ask for your advice and opinions.

$$$$$ is not abundant, I do have a legal issue that should finalize this year which should help.

The wife like all wives has to have some luggage space for her "stuff", I want an AT, Comfort, mileage if possible, reliability. So going on what I have described what years and models do you suggest. I am decent mechanically but have no idea what to look for and goods and bad models to stay away from.

Any help is possible.

 

[Rob]

Welcome to the Corvette Action Center! Glad to have you here with us!

 

[jrose7004]

 

[bill81vette]

Welcome to CAC!!!

 

[hoosierdaddy]

Welcome to Corvette Action Center

$$$$$ is not abundant, I do have a legal issue that should finalize this year which should help. The wife like all wives has to have some luggage space for her "stuff", I want an AT, Comfort, mileage if possible, reliability. So going on what I have described what years and models do you suggest. I am decent mechanically but have no idea what to look for and goods and bad models to stay away from. - See more at: http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/newreply.php?p=1166371&noquote=1#sthash.6SbV8ZJN.dpuf

First of all let me welcome you aboard, we're glad you've joined us. You might want to start the hunt for your first Corvette after on these years just checking the price range you want to stay in, the options that are a must and take it from there that way you'll know more about the series and options you bank account would be comfortable with. I would search all this through http:New Cars, Used Cars - Find Cars for Sale and Reviews at Autotrader, allows you to narrow down what you want, got to have and would like as well as the price range, etc

-Bill

 

[catbert]

C5s (97-2004) are plentiful and cheap these days. They are very comfortable, pretty bulletproof and have lots of storage in the back. There are many hundreds on the market at any given time, so you should find exactly what you are looking for if you hold out for it.

Welcome to CAC.

 

[Tuna]

C5 and C6 coupes provide the most "luggage/baggage" room and are pretty bulletproof.

My wife and I take 7-10 day road trips with our C6 vert without any real issues on space.
We just came back from a 10 day trip where we put 2 carry-on bags, 2 helmets, 2 sets of shoes, a fire extinguisher, some beer bottles and 6 bottles of wine.
We needed to wash clothes at the hotel once. Of course the top had to stay up so we could get everything in the trunk.

If your available funds are enough to a C6, get one with the 6-speed paddle shift auto. They get better mileage than the older 4-sp autos. Still, the C5 and C6 are really good on gas with either trans.

Welcome to the CAC!

 

[jhecox]

Welcome to the

I have taken trips in my Vette. There is plenty of room for luggage in the back. Good luck on your search.

 

[Toms007]

Welcome to CAC, namvet! I will tell you that either C5 or C6 will fit your list. As Tuna said, if the funds are available, shoot for a C6, they are a bit more comfortable. My 2001 (C5) was a great car too. Wife and I took it on several trips 7-14 days and never had an issue with space. She, too, brings lots of baggage, literally not figuratively. We are planning a, 4000 mile 16 day, trip this summer in our 2007 coupe. Somehow, it looks like, there is less luggage space in the C6, but I can put just as much stuff in it as the C5, so it's just appearances.

You could put two sets of golf clubs and carry on bags in and still have room.

 

[namvet]

Thanks to all of you for the welcome

First I want to say, thank you everyone for your welcome and advice.

Had the old motorcycle feeling again 4 years ago but sold it last week so that is out of the way....lol....now onward and forward.....

On April7 I had a heart attack, 100% blockage and stinted so it is NOW my time to venture into my dream, the wife is supportive more than ever because she knows I want us to travel around andenjoy life.

I have sort of settled due to finances and preferences to the 1997-2004 years. The advice you gave me on storage and the paddle AT is appreciated.

Pickings are slim around here but I have time and will not settle for just a car. We were in Williamsburg, Va last summer and on the Jamestown Ferry and meet a gentleman and like me ex-military, he had a 2004 with 198K miles and it was still like new so mileage apparently is not a big issue anymore.
I am going to read all the articles and research but the desire and yearnings are strong. Thanks again.

 

[Z16#952]

Welcome to the party. A good choice with the C5 models. I have owned and driven Corvettes since I was eighteen. I now drive a 2004 Z06 and find it to be a perfect road car for me. You can't go wrong with the C5. Have fun with your search. Don't get discouraged. There is a perfect ride out there waiting for you to enjoy it.

Also. Welcome Home!