New Member/Purchase?

[jwawhite]

Thinking about purchasing my first Corvette and don't yet understand the option keys- anyone with a breakdown sheet?

I live in California, what would be the best place to buy a new/used one?

Other than having a new '04 C5, have there been improvements since '97? My choice at this time is a Coupe.

What is the consensus about the magnetic ride option?

Is the vehicle noisey? Rough riding? What am I getting into besides fun?

Looking forward to your responses...

 

[TooTall]

jwawhite.

Welcome to CAC. I searched for many months before I found mine in Vegas. Local dealerships just were not flexible enough on price. If you are willing to go outside of CA then there are some deals to be had (at least from my experience). Here's a sight that will give you option codes: http://www.c5registry.com/facts.htm

BTW if your looking to connect with a lot of vette owners you might consider going to the open house this weekend at A & A Corvette http://www.aandacorvette.com/ , it's right there in Oxnard. Andy will be dynoing cars all day and you might see some 700 - 800 hp cars get tested. I'm sure you can get lots of input and ideas there and see some awesome cars. Look me up I've got the Millinium Yellow vert with 20" wheels all around.
Rob

 

[MsSchroder]

Hi, welcome to the CAC!

You have lots of questions, and I expect you'll find some answers here.
I'm still looking around for the option codes. I know they're around here somewhere...
Meanwhile, a good place to start your research is in the Model Center under the Tech Center link at the top of the page. You can see all the specs and options for each year.
Another interesting spot to check out is the KnowledgeBase (also under the Tech Center). You'll find Service Bulletins and recall notices there.

Also check out the Search link at the top. Here's one thread that might have some useful tips: http://corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20094.
And I've heard all good things about the magnetic suspension. Haven't experienced it first hand though.

Tammy

 

[jwawhite]

Thanks!

Thanks for responding you two.

Drove a 2000 Coupe yesterday, my first impressions were of the noise level and creaking... was driving in stop and go city traffic so don't really know how they handle or accelerate.

Are these vehicles compliant with CA smog if bought out of State?

The salesperson tells me the car industry is in a slump and would love to sell me a new one off the floor and what would it take...

I am thinking of waiting until the fourth quarter to make a purchase and am reluctant to purchase new at this time, any thoughts?

 

[TooTall]

If you buy used, there are certain restrictions ie: mileage and age. If it meets those conditions it can be brought into the state. I got my information from the DMV website.
As to the noise and creaking, tires are a big big factor in a C5, with runflats the noise level is very high.
Creaking can usually be atributed to sway bar bushings, which are an easy fix.

Good Luck,
Rob

 

[cavettefan]

If you are looking at a new C5, all model year 2004 Corvettes are 50 state compliant; if you buy a car out of state, as soon as you bring it into California, get a SMOG test and then take all of your purchase paperwork to the DMV and you will be able to register your car in California. (You will have to wait in line for quite some time - which is a collateral result of our budget crisis.... But that is off topic.) If you are considering a used Corvette that is out of state, just make sure that the emissions compliance sticker states the car is 50 state compliant. Otherwise, the car will have to have more than 7,500 miles on it before you can register it in California.

I am surprised that local dealers are not being very co-operative on sales prices. With the C6 just around the corner, any inventory that is on-hand when the C6 arrives will suffer an immediate depreciation hit. I got a really good deal on my 2003 and that was back in December 2002 when I placed the order. I had to wait for a while before a production slot was available (I wanted the 3.15 differential and 3.15 differential options affect the corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) numbers, so there was a 2 month wait until a production slot became available); but otherwise, everything was smooth as glass - I even got protection on two price increases that occurred after I had placed my order and then GM increased the cash back by $1,000 and the dealer delayed the sale by one day so that I could get the benefit of the increased cash back.

 

[cruzer99]

Just stay away from Steward Chev. whatever you do!!!!!!!!!

 

[jwawhite]

Buying a 'Vette; Here's a price:

My wife sold her GM vehicle so it looks like I'll have to ad $1K to the price.
Tax is 7.25% here and the license used to be 2% but thats changed since the "Duke" left office .....

Will make up my mind before Aug. 2nd when the $3K rebate ends ---but I've heard from a GM rep that the rebate may continue after this date.


John,

If you have a GM vehicle in your household and you select the 1SB, Magnetic Selective Ride Control, & Magnesium Wheels, your CarsDirect.com low price guaranteed price is $40610.00 plus tax & license.

Thank you,

Marci Adishian
Vehicle Specialist
CarsDirect.com
800-431-2500 x4155
Fax: 310-280-4751
Marci.Adishian@CarsDirect.com