derty01

If you were shopping for a Z would there be anything stopping you from a 2001? I found a pretty clean one with only 16k miles but want to hear people's opinions on a 2001 or should I look for a 03-04 with higher mileage because that's what I find when searching in those years for around my price range. Thanks.

98DC231

Imho the only reason i would buy an 01 would be to get a white one. Not so much because of the engine issues but because of the hp difference and potential lack of hud.

Of course if its a screaming deal, that changes things.

Moto One

I would be worried that a car that old with that low of milage, could have some warranty issues that were never address. But as far as it being a 2001, Hey it was the first of the C5 Zs and I love mine, so what more do you need to know?

Just do it.

Mark.

98DC231

I love all Z's regardless of year but from what I see, sellers of 01's don't seem to ask any less money than a comparable 02 and up.

I really don't think the argument of gettting the "first year z" carries much weight as the cons outweigh the pros. From a collectibility standpoint, the only trump card an 01 holds over any c5z is that it was available in white.

I don't claim to know much about c4's, but from what I recall, as c4 zr1's have aged, the 93+ cars with the revised lt5 have held their value better than the 375hp cars. Yes the did have a higher msrp, however that's all but a moot point now as they have stopped depreciating.

Pricing on c5's are pretty odd. Its interesting that a c5 coupe can sell for z06 money simply because there are many people that like a coupe body style and targa roof over more power and the frc body style.

In my opinion, the only real reason to buy an 01 is if you want a white car (which you will pay a premium for) or if it has a sizable price difference between itself and a comparable 02+ car.

In the end, I think that white 01's will be the most valuable / collectible followed by z16 cars, 04's, 03's, 02's and 01's.

Overall, there really weren't enough options or colour combinations to really make these cars unique.

TXGS507

This has been beaten to death... I have an 01... H/C/I supporting mods, 125K on the bottom end, making 450 to the wheels... It burns a quart or so of oil between changes.. I'd stay away from the 01's...

G.Rossman

No, if it is one you like buy it. Nothing wrong with a 2001. I bought a 2003 only because it was cheap, which I wanted so I would not mind racing it...it has high miles. Don't make a big deal out of the 385 vs 405 deal.

blackhalo

Yep, no worries with it being an 01. When I in the market for one I was looking for the cleanest/low mileage one I could find, and it happened to be an 01.

momo20

i would not really worry a whole lot...give it a good inspection and make sure its in great shape for having low miles..which is should be..and like others have said i wanted a 01 z in the speedway white..but could not find one, so i settled for an 03 quicksilver z instead..its still a corvette..and still is damn sexy!!

04blackice

Juat look around. Might find 03_04 for not much more

Grimlock

Depends on if you plan to keep the car stock or not. If you plan to keep it stock, then the only reason to get an '01 is price or if you really want white. If you plan to modify it, I would just want to find the best car I could find and at the best price.

MrDavid

I have an '01, 113k miles, 100% stock shortblock, H/C D1Sc procharger making north of 600whp. No issues

pluslt

Would come down to cost for me. That low of mileage wouldn't scare me off a bit. I'd be quite happy with it in fact.

So what's the price? Give us an idea and then you'll really get some opinions.

pluslt

Burns a quart of oil? Pft I wouldn't take it if you gave it to me.....

ctusser

If you're serious about it and its a good deal get it thoroughly inspected including a compression test, and if it passes then feel good about it.

Scooter70

I prefer the plainer look of the '01 badge on the side vs the '02+ that says 405hp. Visually, that's the only difference between the two. Besides, it's not like it has 405hp anymore after heads/cam/intake/headers. I may add HUD one of these days but for now it's not a priority.

I bought the car that fit my needs/wants at the price I was willing to pay. I'm very happy with my '01 Z.

amlarson2001

http://www.eliteengineeringusa.com/C..._in_models.pdf

Check out this link. It tells you the differences. I looked for a 02 or newer because I don't plan on doing any major upgrades.

phinfan

I researched Z's for about a year before buying, and even started a thread similar to this.

I preferred a 02-04, that's what i was going for, only because of the HUD.

I did however, plan on adding 500 bucks to the price of any 02 or 03 that could not show me a receipt of the valve springs being changed, and i am not trying to put them down, just too many catastrophic failures.

Anyway, then one day looking through the paper a 01 popped up a few miles from me. I had assumed i would be traveling quite a way to look and buy my Z, but after a promising phone call to the owner, i made an appointment to see it.

Love at first site, 62 year old second owner who had the car for nine years, and all maintenance records and 23k miles did it in for me.

I figure if i want it bad enough, i can install the hud, many people here have done it, and it would cost right around where the valve spring replacement was going to cost me.

Mine doesn't use any oil, and i would do it again in a heart beat.

I will give you the advice someone gave me in my thread, don't worry as much about the year as getting the cleanest, best condition, lowest mileage you can afford.

phinfan

Oh, and i think that hp difference actually translates into ~10-12 hp at the wheels??

Good luck being able to feel that in the seat of your pants on a 400 hp car.

That being said, all things being equal, most would choose the 405 hp, just not a deal breaker for me.

TXGS507

Well said....