Firefighter40

Ok, this might be an unfair place to post this but I could really use the insight. Getting ready to pull the trigger on a purchase this month ('00-'03). Can get an '00 for about $22,000, '01 Z06 for about $26,000, '02 for about $29,000. Now, I've read/heard the '02 z06 is a much better purchase (more hp, suspension tweaked, etc) than the '01. SO...unless that is a wrong assumption, it really boils down to an '00 "regular" vette or '02 z06 which is a $7K difference. $29,000 is stretching for me, and really more than I wanted to pay but I do have it to spend. How quickly do you think I would tire of an '00 and always wished I went with the '02Z? Is it worth $7K more? Is $4K-$5K more worth it for an '01 Z instead? I do drive quite fast but will not be racing the Z, nor will I do any mods to whatever I buy. It will be my daily driver. My last vette was a '96 LT4 and I'm afraid an '00 won't be any faster than what I had (minor mods such as chip, Ron Davis Radiator,etc). I realize its ultimately my decision but something tells me I may regret not getting a Z and I KNOW you Z owners can shed some light on this. Thoughts please? Thank you.

dougatl

As long as you don't get too "stretched" I'd go for the Z. Previously owned an 00 FRC, followed by an 03 convert, then picked up an 02 Z, totally different animal in terms of power, handling etc. Course you can't take the top off, but if that's ok w/you, the Z is an animal. Sold the 02 a year ago and got an 06, once again, the jump up was just incredible. All the best w/your decision and safe driving.
Doug

Toque

If you really want the best performance... go for the Z06 . You know you will be wishing you did if you get the coupe....

Toque

drivinhard

Don't write off the 01, ie, there's way more of a jump in performance gap from the '00 to the the 01Z, than there is from the 01Z to the 02Z. Yes the 02Z has a few upgrades/tweaks, but it's minor.

Get the 01Z that sounds like it's more in your performance budget, and you can tweak on the 01 over time as you have a few extra bucks. (04 shocks, LT's, etc).

03 Z-oh-6

Buy an 02 z06, especially because you're not going to mod the car. You want the fastest out of the box! Bottom line, if you bought an 00 coupe, or 01 z06, I guarantee in time you'll wish you bought an 02 z06.

Switchbarrel

Chevy made changes/improvements every year. If you don't intend to do any modifications, I would buy the newest model you can afford.

I picked the '01 Z06 over a newer one simply because I wanted white.

-Rick

fmfrm250

I am in a similar quandry. Z06 or regular Vette. I have driven the Z06 an 04 and it is a BEAST!!!! I wasn't even smashing the throttle and it was crazy! But then again I haven't driven a regular corvette. I am just thinking to myself to be able to purchase a corvette is an awesome thing wether or not it is a Z06 or not. And lets face it a regular corvette is not like driving a Pinto either. They are the platform from which the Z06 comes from and the regular corvettes are well built highly respectable machines. But in my opinion like I told my wife if I am going to do it then maybe I should just get best model I can and just keep it for a while. Speaking about a Z06. But on the other hand maybe I should just buy a regular vette as my first newer vette and then sell it in a couple years and buy a Z06 then? TOO MANY DECISIONS HUH? I am struggling too!!!!!!! Its driving me
Good Luck! Either decision will be a good one!

Last C5

An intake and long tubes with aftermarket cat back and there's not much difference in the 01 and 02

jdhommert

The way I look at it if your going to mod a lil bit its worth it to get the 02, if your going to mod extensivley, the 01 would be better.No matter how i look at it unless its already extensivle modded or a super good deal a coupe isn't worth it to me. For a coupe you'd have to spend a couple grand in suspension to get it to handle as good or better, your going to have to spend a few grand at least in motorwork/boltons to get it to be similar in performance in a straight line, not to mention all the 02z's and newer come standard with HUD, not all coupes (or 01z's) have thatNot to mention theres other things like light weight wheels and the tranny gears and all the other small things that the Z06 have that just add up, which is why I just feel its better to spring for an 02 or newer. Not to mention the weight savings the Z's have over coupes.

Quick Silver Z

I test drove an 03' coupe and it was a very nice car but there was never any question, I wanted a Z06! I really liked the 04' commemorative but didn't think the price difference was worth it. I beat the bushes and found my original owner pampered 02' Z and am enjoying the heck out of it. Sometimes you have to make compromises but spending your hard earned money and ending up wishing you would have had more stinks. Don't rush, maybe the 01' is right for you?

dbaker

Go with the 02 Z.

\db2
Carolina

jclarksnakes

The ZO6 is a big step above the coupe in performance but the decision is really about you and what you want more than it is about the cars. For me the decision was simple. I bought a Corvette for the performance and would not have been happy buying a coupe and knowing I could have had lots more performance buying a ZO6. Many people own coupes and are happy with them. People are different.
Jeff

Firefighter40

Some great insight! Learning a lot on this forum. Keep posting your opinions please. Thanks to all.

JLC629

Unless you want top off motoring, get the Z. You won't regret it. Also, buy the newest model you can afford of whatever it is you buy.

Z06 R.Ph.

Based on what you have stated, I think you will be happier with a Z06. I would purchase the Z06 that fits my wallet. After all, any car that causes too much stress for your wallet will not be enjoyable. While I really enjoyed my 99 FRC vette, my 02 Z06 is a blast to drive and leaves a smile on my face every time I drive it. I think you will be very pleased with either Z06. Good luck with your decision.

JLC629

That C6Z is a beast. Every time I see one I get an itch I just might have to scratch. It's really head and shoulders above the car it replaces.

meadowz06

Here is my take on it. And I am not trying to brag, juts some background info on Corvettes. I have owned 5 C5's. 11 Corvettes total.
So here you go:
The base C5 is a outstanding car. Very reliable, good power, good handling. With some MINOR mods like a tune and headers, you can add an easy 30hp. Change the oil and that's all. My current car is a 02 Z06 and it is a totally different animal. The LS6 motor pulls MUCH harder on the top end than the LS1. The handling is simply superior in every way to the base C5. The brakes are better, and it is an all around better balanced car. And I have not had one problem with my Z06. Just change the oil. Simply put, either car will put an enormous smile on your face, but the Z06 is simply in another league. A true race car for the street. Good luck and let us know what you purchase.

zeevette

Hell, it oughta be, for 75 grand.


Back on topic.... If your priorities are performance above all, get a Z, and it doesn't matter too much which year. If you want to keep the significant other happy, buy a 'vert. All Corvettes have outstanding performance, so it's not exactly a penelty box.

stevedun

I have an '01 Z06 and could not be happier. All Z06s are great and are definitely a step up from the coupe. No removable top, but excellent performance. The '01 does not have HUD, but since I have never had it before, I don't miss it. If you do not plan on racing it, you will not be able to tell the difference in an '01 or later Z. Even then, they are so close it would be a drivers race!!

meadowz06

Well said. I NEVER use my HUD. Just get a 01 Z06.