5 best reasons to own a C3 over a C5 ?
08-24-2011, 08:40 PM
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
5 best reasons to own a C3 over a C5 ?
Considering moving to C5. Mostly because I plan to retire the wrenches. What will be my biggest regrets ? I know I will still need to play with a C5 a little too.
08-24-2011, 08:50 PM
#2
Race Director
08-24-2011, 08:54 PM
#4
Melting Slicks
Tires are way cheaper on your C3. Ditto most parts for that matter. You don't need a computer to diagnose why your C3 is idling poorly or exhibits poor cold start. Your C3 is likely to have held more of it's value over your stewardship vs the depreciation on a C5. The C3 is WAY better looking. The C3 is less common and more likely to start conversations. Did I mention how much more beautiful your C3 is?
08-24-2011, 09:02 PM
#6
Le Mans Master
It's really a whole nother car world now. Bought a low milage used C5 for awhile, and and cant recall ever popping the hood. Same thing with my current C6. Maybe a yearly oil change, and a few air filters, that's about it.
08-24-2011, 09:08 PM
#7
Team Owner
5 best reasons to own a C3 over a C5
1. you walk to work, so don't need transportation
2. you have a daily driver
3. you are in a mild climate and don't need working a/c
4. tires are cheaper (if you can find them)
5. you enjoy working on your car rather than paying someone to do it
6. you have lots of extra time and need a hobby
7. you have lots of extra money and are looking for a hole to drop it in.
8. most C3s will hold their value better than most C5s.
(No extra charge for the 3 extra reasons)
1. you walk to work, so don't need transportation
2. you have a daily driver
3. you are in a mild climate and don't need working a/c
4. tires are cheaper (if you can find them)
5. you enjoy working on your car rather than paying someone to do it
6. you have lots of extra time and need a hobby
7. you have lots of extra money and are looking for a hole to drop it in.
8. most C3s will hold their value better than most C5s.
(No extra charge for the 3 extra reasons)
08-24-2011, 09:17 PM
#8
Melting Slicks
No one is going to notice your C5. Say goodbye to the fanfare of the classic car. No more lifting the hood and people thinking it looks cool.
08-24-2011, 09:32 PM
#9
Racer
Member Since: Feb 2007
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When you take your c5 to a cruise in (if they let you in) people will walk by it to look at the C3 that's in not as good a condition and then later they won't even remember you were there.
Sold my low mile 02 Z06 and bought a 72 convertable.
Sold my low mile 02 Z06 and bought a 72 convertable.
08-24-2011, 09:32 PM
#10
Melting Slicks
Several of my friends own C5's. For the most part they are reliable, but I too have heard many of the problems listed above. gas tank leaking, steering column lockout, leaking sending unit under intake manifold, vibration in rear end, broken seat tracks, etc. No car is perfect. I have owned a C4 for 5 yrs that has proven to be extremely reliable. But that doesn't mean I haven't worked on it. When I first got it, I spent several hours correcting things that were broken or not fixed correctly to begin with. Anything mechanical will break. I haven't even driven my 72 yet. First thing I did was to completely dismantle the car for a total rebuild.
08-24-2011, 09:44 PM
#13
Pro
08-24-2011, 10:10 PM
#15
Racer
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Its everthing!
Aside from liking the shape of the c3 better I can associate with many different auto groups, i.e. antique, sport car, hot rod, drag race, track race, street cruiser, car show, etc. and still be a daily driver. 
08-24-2011, 10:13 PM
#16
Team Owner
Look at it the other way: "Why should I not buy a C3 instead of a C5?" When you think about that long enough, the conclusion you reach is that the C3 has old design technology...which makes it less efficient, less comfortable, and [possiblly] less reliable.
Note: Given the original C3 design with new hardware, I could reasonably argue that the C3 would be more reliable than the C5...strictly due to the lack of complexity. But, let's not go there now.
The 'beauty' of the C3 is in its exterior design...and maybe the interior layout--nothing else. The infrastructure of the C3 is [basically] another Chevy. So, if you want the best of both worlds, buy a C3 with a really nice paint job, but a really bad drivetrain. Pull the SB and inefficient tranny and install a modern drivetrain...C5, if you want. Put some more comfortable seats in it, add a nice stereo system and speakers, upgrade or install a new A/C system. The steering, brakes, and suspension don't need to be changed (other than gas shocks, monoleaf rear spring, etc.), just refurbished.
When you get done, you will own the 'best of both worlds' and you will never again have a yen for a C5/C6.
Note: Given the original C3 design with new hardware, I could reasonably argue that the C3 would be more reliable than the C5...strictly due to the lack of complexity. But, let's not go there now.
The 'beauty' of the C3 is in its exterior design...and maybe the interior layout--nothing else. The infrastructure of the C3 is [basically] another Chevy. So, if you want the best of both worlds, buy a C3 with a really nice paint job, but a really bad drivetrain. Pull the SB and inefficient tranny and install a modern drivetrain...C5, if you want. Put some more comfortable seats in it, add a nice stereo system and speakers, upgrade or install a new A/C system. The steering, brakes, and suspension don't need to be changed (other than gas shocks, monoleaf rear spring, etc.), just refurbished.
When you get done, you will own the 'best of both worlds' and you will never again have a yen for a C5/C6.
08-24-2011, 10:20 PM
#17
Le Mans Master
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That's not really fair to the chrome bumper guys, ya know. And, have you ever smelled a chrome bumper guy's poop? It's not that bad......I really think it doesn't stink quite as bad as ours.
Seriously, my brother has a pretty nice '97, and my '80 is a little on the rough side, and his car is better than mine in every way.........but there is just something I love about C3 'vettes!!!!
Scott
