KTMrAc3r033

Hey guys,

I am assuming that this question has been addressed in the past, but I am resurrecting the topic because I am in need some some guidance. I have strong aspirations in purchasing a corvette in the near future (by March, at the latest) and have come to a fork in the road: purchase the standard c5 coupe or go with a z06. With that said, allow me to describe my situation...

I am almost 20, a pharmacy student at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. That is only relevant because I'll have the car in storage from November to February, so winter driving really isn't a concern of mine. The car will be used as a daily driver for the remaining months of the year, so reliability is a primary concern. This is why I am leaning towards a early model c5 coupe with the LS1 coupled to the m6 vs a 2002-2004 ls6. However, I have found (as it appears to me) a decent deal on a modified 2002 z06 with a rebuilt title that is in the same price range as the coupe. So, the question is, is the z06 worth gambling with? Or should I stick with the c5 coupe?

Here are the two cars that I am considering...

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/cto/2112806946.html

http://www.mautofied.com/2002-Chevro...ing/100356531/

I feel like the z06 will throw a rod or bust a head gasket around 80k with a stock bottom end and a supercharger, but I am not that familiar with Corvettes

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Carter

Vega$Vette

Run don't walk away from a rebuilt/salvage title

Stock LS1 or LS6 same reliability if it's it's been well taken care of.

Modified it's a crapshoot

KTMrAc3r033

hahahahaha okay thank you, I figured the same but I wanted a second opinion. Thank you!

Does the c5 coupe sound like a good buy?

Vega$Vette

Was the new motor a GM Crate motor?

Who Installed it?

Is there warranty on the motor?

GM Crates installed by the dealer are 3 years 100K warranty

Others should be at least 24/24000 from a shop with a good reputation.

other then that what factory option does it have HUD etc. and the overall condition of the Vette

KTMrAc3r033

I have no idea on the installation, I'm going to go look at it this weekend so I'll let you know when I find out.

What should I look for? Any specifics on used c5's that I should be aware of?

BRTC5

I have to say that the coupe is the way to go. If you get used to the power then you can add a cam or forced induction. Too big of a gambe with the rebuild title. Plus it is worth having a removable top if it is going to be a summer car.

KTMrAc3r033

Thanks, BRTC5!

Those were my thoughts exactly, the z06 had me drooling and got me off track

I think the ls1 will keep me entertained for quite sometime...

v1 rot8

I guess the C5 has about 60-70,000 miles on it. I would wonder why it needed a new motor so early. If the motor went bad that soon, then how has the rest of the car been treated?
The Z06, lot of car there for the money, but you got that rebuilt thing going on there. I doubt it would make a good daily driver in the long run.
you don't build a car up like that to just it drive to church.
KBB.com can give you a value for the C5 but you have to wing it on the Z06. Put the $15,000 - $16,000 in Craigslist search for corvette, see what else is out there for that money.

Calibur45

I bought my first corvette 3 years ago @ age 21. It was a 98 coupe 6spd and I paid $15,700 for it. Two months ago i sold it and bought a modded H/C/I 2002 z06 for $20,000. With having owned both i can tell you that the z06 is definitely worth the extra money (even if it didn't already have aftermarket parts).

When i was doing my searching I saw LOTS of coupes under 50k miles listed for around 15k, and in fact several z06's that were 15-20k as well WITHOUT rebuilt titles. Unfortunately for those that already own C5's they have depreciated in value quite a bit recently, but that's good knew for you when your looking to buy one

I would recommend looking here on the forum for sale thread:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-corvettes-for-sale-52/
There are several great things about buying cars from forum members. 1) you know they are enthusiasts 2) you can look back in their posting history and see if there were any issues with the car and maybe some of the history behind it, especially if it's modded.

Best of luck in your search

pluslt

As was already said, I'd avoid the rebuilt title in all circumstances.

And this is not a shot at you, since I don't know you from Adam. But a Z06 is A LOT of car in stock form, let alone with a S/C. If you don't have experience with cars of that magnitude, you should reconsider purchasing a Z. I'm sure there are a lot of 20 year olds who are more than competent to drive such a car, just make sure you are one of them.

Good luck with whatever road you choose, and be safe.

TheBigDog

B.S. on the Z over the coupe!

mel3535

C5s are getting cheap now days, you don't need to buy a re-build or salvaged title one when you can pick up a decent one for around 15k. If i had to do it over again i would either get a FRC or a Z06 since i don't really take the top off that much and don't really like the look of coupe.

Oh and if you plan to mod the car, maybe look for one with simple bolt on mods like exhaust and headers. That will save you quite a bit money rather than buying a stock car and adding the mods then getting it tuned and etc.

Calibur45

If there is a >5k difference between a stock coupe and a modded z06...why the hell not get the z?

KTMrAc3r033

Thanks again for all of the input guys!

Yeah, I understand what you're saying about the maturity levels of the average 20 year old, no offense taken!

I believe I am going to go with the coupe, it's difficult to find a clean title, low mileage Z for 15k. The reason that I am so stingy on the price is that I have a finite amount of cash from selling my old bikes and working, so that is the magic number and I can't go any higher.

Vega$Vette

Why would you think only 60k-70k on a 13 year old car.

Like I said you really have to look at the condition of the car.

Hammer99

I am enjoying the hell out of my coupe.

Have you done any research on ins. $$$ ? May be a factor.

Oh, don't buy the first one you drive!

mcm95403

I just bought my 99 Nassau Blue coupe, LS1 speed, HUD, etc. - very much like the one you're looking at for 16K last week. Had 53K miles on it and bone stock. The great thing about a car like the one in that ad is it hasn't been thrashed on by some kid (nothing personal) - like you KNOW that Z06 has.

Right now it's definitely a buyer's market. A lot of people looking, but very few have cash to actually buy. That's an advantage for you if you're in that position.

Personally, I would only buy an unmoddified Z06 and the lower the miles the better, especially if the car has never seen a track. In the long run you're much better off to buy a clean, stock car and then mod it as you wish.

andrewdonald1

If reliability is a priority, go stock with little or no modifications.

No rebuilt or salvage titles - period.

ronssito

A 19 year old gettin' a Corvette? ...Wow, things a have changed!

When I was your age I had a ..... well, you know the story.

zeevette

As much as I like modded ZO6s, that one is not ideal for a planned DD. The mods are very expensive, and as a result, that car is a screaming bargain, but it should go to somebody that doesn't need it to drive every day, and preferably, to a person that's very mechanically inclined. I don't like the other coupe, much either. Any Corvette is, for the most part, a toy, not basic transportation. Good luck, but keep looking, is my advice.