New to the Corvette game and looking for Suggestions

[ToddB]

Hi Everybody.

I'm new to the site (member # 2001) and am looking for some suggestions about what to buy.

My lease on my Miata ends in March 2002 and I am ready to get a Vette. I have always loved them and am now in the position to buy one. I will be using it as a daily driver in North Carolina where we have smooth roads and mild winters. I also will be autocrossing the car on weekends as well as the occasional driver school at Virginia International Raceway.

I am thinking about a 1992 - 1996 coupe with the 6 - sp. I have also heard that the Z07 package is excellent for auto-x, so that is a consideration also.

Reliability is a factor also. Since this will be a daily driver, I need for it to start every morning when I go to work.

You all are the experts, so please tell me what year, package, and price you think is the best.

Thanks

ToddB

 

[jerrys96lt4]

Hello Todd, Welcome to the best vette site on the net. My advice is to look & drive as Many differant vettes as you can. I looked at about 25 before I made up my mind. Ive had my 96 for a while and it has been perfect. Happy Hunting.:gap

 

[vms4evr]

Hey Todd,
Welcome aboard. I'm in Raleigh too! And yes you can drive it almost all year. I have a 92/auto. Daily driver. Spends most of it's time on 40/540.
Had a heck of a time trying to find a 6sp around here. Ended up just taking the auto cause it was in such good shape. Don't need to do much shifting on the highway anyways...
A couple of guys I work with autox their Miatas and have a lot of fun. They see all kinds of C4/C5 Vettes show up.
You definetely want to consider the Z07 package or just get one and convert it to a coil-over suspension setup and lower it. I've seen a couple that are doing serious autox stuff.
The general rule here seems to be for each year forward the changes GM made helped the car. So one assumes a 96 is better than a 92. For reliability. Mine starts and goes to work every morning. I've replaced the starter, that's it... LT1 is very dependable engine.
Graham

 

[Rob]

Todd,

Welcome to the Corvette Action Center. Keith picked out some very good threads that you should take a look at. They may answer some of your questions.

 

[ToddB]

Thanks for the info everybody. I'll check those threads and see what I can find.

 

[JT ZR-Won]

Welcome to the CAC Todd and good luck in your search

Jay

 

[Topless]

Welcome.

I have been using my 92 6spd as a dailly driver for over a year now. Starts every time. Very reliable.

I agree with the idea of driving some to get the feel. Starting your hunt early is good, as 6spds are harder to find.

If possible, look under the cars. I find that this is a great way to tell if they have been hit, or drug over objects.

-Mike

 

[IraPlayer]

More than just look down under...

Have wheel off inspection to look at brakes and such and while you're down there, look at everything.

One of the first ones I looked at had been whacked pretty hard. When I pushed about it, I found the guy had gotten a little "air" on highway 299 between Redding and Arcata!!:nono

Lots of sparks and noise. I passed on first principals. I've done that road on a motorcycle and it was fun. I wouldn't do it in a Vette...too much 1st gear time...

Anyway, looking under is always a good idea. On a rack is recommended.

Ira