Big1Dog

This is my first post. I am interested in buying a C4 or C5 (I think). I need advise on this. A few years ago I nearly bought an older vette from a corvertte specialist in Ontario, CA. Thankfully, I called the deal off. Now that I think of it, the car was a mess.
I don't want to make the same mistakes again.

I am not looking for a race car, but a nice reliable Corvette to take on week end trips and so on. I am 61 and just retired. I a large guy but not tall. My wife is all for it.

Certanily I don't want to pay too much. I would like lower mileage too. I would appreciate any imput. I do like manual transmissions, but can live with autos.

I live near Riverside in Sothern California.

Thanks
KWC

Ron C!

We have both a C4 and a C5. C5's are much, much easier getting in and out. More leg room too. The C4 is an auto, the C5 a 6M. The C5's are more refined and with pricing the way it is, nice C5's can be had very reasonably. With more information, as far as what you want and price range, we can be more specific on suggestions. If you are not sure what you want, go look at some and take test drives to see what you like.

dobewillie

a c5 is the way to go good luck

K9KUZ

Here's my advice:
The C5 is a totally different machine. Easiest to get in/out, seats are wider, rides great. (Note: my C6 seats are not so hot.)
As others have suggested, it is a great time to buy right now.
When I went looking for a used C5 (in 2005), I drove both transmissions and concluded that the manual was too clunky and the throws too long (I was comparing it to a Miata, which is silky smooth). Your experience may vary, of course; but do drive both of them before making any decisions. My criteria for reliability was based solely on low miles (and of course, a thorough inspection). I looked only a vehicles with less than 15K. It wasn't hard, there were many, even in 2005. I wound up with a '99, with 10K miles. Good luck, you'll love it !!

KenShores

I just purchased my first vette @ 56. I got the C5 convertible with auto trans. I got the interior options I wanted. If it has heads up display then this is good, you have all the good options installed. Audio options are up to you, but I needed CD.

I went for the C5 because I can fit two golf bags in with the top down. This was major for me. SO was the vert part.

I like mine and the interior options which I think you would enjoy,

It took me about a month to find the one I got. Read as much as you can to get informed. There is good stuff here.

Big1Dog

Thanks to everyone for your replies.
The search is on.
One more question. Do you feel it is better to buy from a private party or dealer?

Rapid Fred

To answer several of your questions:

I bought my first Vette at 52. It was a C4 and I loved it. I found it quite reliable as a daily driver so for a weekend fun car I think it would be great. They are very affordable right now -- mine was excellent and sold for $8K.

I replaced it with a C5 a few months back and I like it much more. Quicker, smoother, more solid, much roomier with more cargo space, better gas mileage, etc. I am an average-sized guy and I certainly agree it is much easier to get in and out of the C5, but I liked the C4 seats much better than the C5, once you got in them!

I bought both from individuals. I would never say not to look at a dealer, but I never found a dealer that could offer me the combination of lower price and "trust" that I sensed dealing with individuals who knew and appreciated the cars they were selling...