physman

I know it is been a while since I have been on the form, but I am having a dilemma. I found a 2003 Corvette Z06 with 14000 miles on it. It loaded as far as I know. I drove it and love it. They have it marked at $27,500. Is that good or bad? They will give me $13000 trade for 1997 corvette that has issues with the targa top,all the weather seals, brakes and electrical. Do you think this good deal? Is there anything particular about the 2003 Z06 that I need to be concerned about? any problems? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Physman

65GGvert

OPINION:

You might find a similar car for a little less, but you'll save on sales tax and you won't have to try to sell your car. That might be difficult with the issues. I would pay 14K difference between an 03 Z06 with 14K miles and a 97 with issues, if it was a car I liked. All in one clean action and done.

Kmcoldcars

It appears that some early 2003 Z06s tend to break valve springs, and the later 2003 Z06s have a problem with the connector between the fuel tanks cracking. The fuel tank connector problem is covered by a recall, the valve spring problem is not.

DSTURBD

As a matter of fact, I wholeheartedly agree!! That is if you own the '97 outright!! If so, a 14K difference for moving from a problem to the one you really want would seem to be a no brainer.

DSTURBD

ALLEGRO

Selling price is a bit high, but too might be the trade-in allowance.

I have had absolutely NO issues with my 2003 (Jan 15, 2003) so I would expect the same for you.

Do what is in your heart.

roadbike56

Can't comment on the Z06, but I am very actively looking at purchasing a C5. IMHO the trade allowance you are getting is very good. You didn't say how many miles you have on it but $13K is excellent. You need to deduct the cost of the repairs that are needed for the 97 from the 14,500 you're paying for the car. That's the REAL difference you're paying to move up 6 years, move way down in mileage, don't have to sink money into the 97 to repair it, and moving up in model. Sounds like a good deal if you like the car.

chasboy

Physman, I paid $24k for my '02 Z06 with 16k on it in October. I now have 22k on it. Every time I drive it I thank my lucky stars for paying a bit more and getting a car that was almost new. When you make your final deal, maybe you can push a little more. I ended up liking my car so much, my wife and I traded our 2010 Xterra with 9.5k and '09 Acura TL with 23k for a new suv for her. Get it and don't look back. The C5Z is a GREAT car to live with and enjoy!!!

PhysicsDude55

Price for the z06 seems on the high end, but fairly reasonable. Very low mileage and I assume the car is in immaculate condition.

13K for your car seems like a good deal. I've seen 97's and 98's for for 13K with barely any issues.

I spent about 5-8K over my "budget" for my car to buy a newer low mileage one instead of an older one with higher mileage, and I don't regret it one bit. Owning a corvette is always a joy, but owning one which is immaculate really adds to the experience.

jrose7004

Go for it!

momo20

i would do it hands down..the difference for a car that is gonna be we all hope issue free will be well worth it...i would do it hands down

El original

Go for it , good trade, excellent car!

NukeC5

You could always drop that money into your C5 and make it destroy a factory Z06. Im a fan of the Targa Top C5 look. I have been improving my 99 for cheap for awhile now. Its almost done and will stomp a Z06 when its done for only a couple thousand bucks spent in the end.

Yello95

Sounds like a good deal...get it before it is gone

02z06dave

I paid 2k less for an 02 with roughly the same miles (13457) 2 years ago. I would say the price is on the high side but only by 1-2k so not bad. Seems like a very fair price for your car on trade as i Probably wouldn't give you more for it myself. So Id take the deal and enjoy the z

Roostertail

I think the price of the Z is a little high, but I also think the trade-in they're offering is generous. Overall it looks like a good deal.

Do it

Nick

DvX

Paid $22k for my 04z CE with 34k miles so I think you could haggle that $27k down for sure. They will make money on both the trade and the sale. Dont take their first OR second offer.

RetiredSFC 97

The numbers certainly sound like a deal can be made. I agree with others, the Z is priced on the high side, but so is the trade in allowance. I think they still have you by at least 2K though.

But that's without issues on your car, your car with issues I would probably try to get another 1K off the price and I'ld be driving me a low mile Z06.

Vetteman Jack

It does sound like a fair deal all the way around. Would be even better if they came down a bit on the Z06, but even if they don't, you should be driving that Z06 soon.

physman

Yeah,

My 1997 Vette has almost 74000 miles on it. The seats are broken down, the stereo is all aftermarket and I still have not found all the electrical problems that still exist due to the swap. The suspension was messed with, and is way to low to the ground for my taste and it leaks because all the weather stripping is toast. All in all, it sounds like a good deal with buying the Z06. I had my Vette up for sale for $14,000 for about 3 months now because I was fed up with all the issues and making an extra car payment for a car that I can only drive for the most part 4 months out of the year. Don't get me wrong, it was a fun 4 months. I am concerned with some of the issues that come with the 2003 that was forwarded to me by 6GenVettes. Thank you by the way. I know that all cars have their issues, but my 97 has been in the garage more then on the street and I do not want to have another car with issues, especially if I am going to have a higher car payment.

Physman

RetiredSFC 97

I'm quite sure there are many vettes that don't have any issues. But for me that's not been the case. I've realized, and come to accept, part of the vette ownership experince is kinda like any performance car, you will be working on it sooner or later as they will almost all develop some issues at some point. It's just the nature of the beast.

Find a car you like and make sure, or at least try, to find one that doesn't have any major/expensive issues and have fun with it.

I haven't heard of any 03 issues but I'm still trying to learn about the C5's myself.

Good luck,