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One quick question, do you want a manual or automatic?
If automatic, I would suggest the C6 Vette hands down, the newest and lowest mileage one you can find. The autos in the C6's are MUCH better than the ones in the C5's.
If you want a manual then it becomes a little tougher in choosing between a C5 Z06 (they only come in manual) or a C6. At that point for me it would come down to what you want to do with the car. If this is basically going to be a grand touring car taken out for drives on the weekend then C6. If you have any performance aspirations or want some collectible/showability then I would take the C5 Z06.
First let me say thanks for the feeback and the links. For me this car will be for grand touring. I have no desire to drive it on a track or lower the quarter mile time. I will be a weekend driver. I never thought I would have the opportunity to own a Corvette but things kind of lined up for me. When my last car was totalled I was going to just pay cash for a Altima and be done with it. Then I found a 2009 Altima is priced pretty close to a 2004 super low mileage Corvette. Since I don't need a daily driver it just made sense to get the car I have always wanted. Ideally it will be a black on black with a 6sp tranny. I do not want one in silver and a high mileage car is out of the question. Other than this I am pretty flexible. I guess I need to drive them both to get a better idea on which one I want. You can rest believe that which ever one I decide on I will find a killer deal on the one I don't
Grainraiser,
We did a 13,000 mile 2 month Road Trip this summer, in our '02 C5 VetteVert...and, we regularly do week long trips from Spring through Autumn. Either model, C5 or C6, is outstanding for road trips. The C6 as you have/will discover, is slightly more refined, but the C5 does what one expects: hauls azz, fun to drive, easy to fix/work on, etc. Both models offer remarkable performance and value, imo.
The C5 is/feels slightly less cramped inside, and the trunk is/seems bigger, but a primo example of either model should fill your dream expectations, imo. And yes, to 6 speed...
Take your time and shop carefully, as there are thousands of good quality Vettes on the mkt.
GL, mD
By all means drive both, no way a bunch of car nuts on an internet forum can tell you which one you will like best.
Although the C6 is technically improved over the C5, IMHO the C5 is the better looker, and it's good enough technically for most. Me, I'd get a C5 convertible with a 6-speed.
Something else to think about - the C4 is the Rodny Dangerfield of Corvettes, gets no respect - but $15K would buy a very, very good C4 - probably some decent ZR-1 cars in that price range. Again, I would say just drive a few of these, too.
Although the C6 is technically improved over the C5, IMHO the C5 is the better looker, and it's good enough technically for most. Me, I'd get a C5 convertible with a 6-speed.
I think the C6 looks better. I never liked the rear end of the C5, or those oval door handles which were used on many other '97 and over GM cars.
I think the C6 looks better. I never liked the rear end of the C5, or those oval door handles which were used on many other '97 and over GM cars.
I think the C6 improved on an attractive design, the C5 was a hit once it arrived in showrooms and the C6 just made it better. The great thing about the C5 is the pricetag, you can pick one up all day long for $15K-$20K in EXCELLENT condition.
If the OP can't quite swing a C6, I'd definitely look hard at an '03 Anniversary Edition or Z06.
I've owned a few Vettes and would like to add little known items that may help in your decision. These are my opinions/your mileage may vary.
C-6 is about 4 inches shorter than C-5 in case garage space is limited.
C-6 recommends Premium fuel where C-5 runs fine on regular or premium.
C-5 gets about 5 MPG better than C-6 even though both are good milers.
C-6 doesn't have headlight covers that may (or not) be a problem if you keep it forever.
Well I just missed out on a pristine C5. It was 2001 model with a 6sp manual. I had a green exterior with oak interior and I could have gotten it for 15k . I thought about the Z06 but frankly I like the coupe better and the insurance is cheaper. I have until spring to find one so the search continues.
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. I thought about the Z06 but frankly I like the coupe better and the insurance is cheaper. I have until spring to find one so the search continues.
