Willytrash

They're out there, pickings are getting slim though. Bought my new 13' with A6, NPP, 1LT last year for $37.5. Gotta do some surfin to find one, Les Stanford has one for advertised $42. A lot of them in the high $40's though. The cheapest new one I found last year was a left over 12' for $33.5. Didn't last long. P.S. that's with a full GMcard though.

Excal55

Sage advice-- be aware of the trim packages (1LT, 2LT, 3LT). For 2013 GS, the 2LT has HUD (heads up display) and the Bose stereo. Going up to 3LT gets heated seats, lumbar support, and nothing else I can remember, except the price increase which was, for me, not worth the premium.

Your mileage may vary.

As suggested by other posters, a few big picture things to consider:

Auto vs. Manual
Coupe vs. Grand Sport
NPP exhaust vs. no NPP (this is not a decision IMO-- get NPP. If you plpan to use an aftermarket exhaust, then don't pay for NPP).

For $35k , I don't think ls2 vs. ls3 is a consideration. This refers to the engine in the car. For your price range, you can get the ls3. I agree with the suggestion that you can may be able to reach a 2011/2012 coupe or a 2010/2011 GS.

Adam_W

Unless you're smitten by the Grand Sport's looks, my only input is to stick with the regular Coupe. I have a Z06 that I love, but simply from a cost perspective - coming from someone who doesn't track their car - I think I would have been fairly happy buying an older model coupe and then supercharging it and having money to spare. Just my 2 cents.

swajets

Hi WindyC6,

You got my attention with the kick in the bootie thing! I'm now back to looking for a vert vette!!

at7000ft

Of course you don't have to spend the whole $35k, an 08 with 10k miles for $29,000 will be just as dependable and deliver the same performance (and looks almost identical) to a 13 with 10k miles for maybe 10 grand more.

rh

Tony 327

If you can get the opportunity, try to test drive both vert and coupe, especially in temperate weather. The experience in a vert with the top down cannot be matched by a coupe with the roof panel out. One thing for certain you cannot do in a coupe: if stuck in sudden rain you cannot press a button and have a roof in 30 seconds - all without leaving the driver's seat. But only you can decide what is right for you. The vert trunk holds more than you'd expect. My wife and I have done several overnighters and are planning a 6-8 day rt. 66 trip for May. You just have to pack more efficiently (read: I take less so she can take more).

swajets

Thanks folks,
We are both agreed now that a convertible is what we want. We have a 2013 Heartland Torque 291 36' toy hauler (5th wheel) to sell first. Brand new. Bought this Jan of 2012 made one trip and decided not for us. As soon as we get this sold as well as a new 2013 Ram Megacab 4x4 diesel we will jump on an 08-11 Convertible/6 spd manual/ maybe a GS.

Nosferatu

I've driven around a vert in good weather and my open roof car. Experience is the same and the car is more structurally stable, lighter in weight, and better looking as a coupe. If you're driving in questionable rain weather you shouldn't have the top off/down to begin with so that's a non-issue. I got caught "once" (Florida has random rain events) and I was on the highway. Pulled over and less than 30 seconds had roof back on and sealed the car.

Always Red Dave

Convertible all the way no other choice for me! GREAT CHOICE AND THE ONLY CHOICE!

simplegto

If you take trips the GS eats tires. Get the 3LT with good seats with the lumbar support.

swajets

Good point.

SmileyOr

I've tracked one car. I learned that if it had been a convertible I would not have been allowed. Perhaps this would be another consideration.

FlyerVette

The 3LT regular vert (also referred to as narrow body). Unless used on the track the only advantage to the GS in looks. Tires much more expensive and ride a little harsher.

swajets

[QUOTE=SmileyOr;1586475858]I've tracked one car. I learned that if it had been a convertible I would not have been allowed. Perhaps this would be another consideration.[/QUOTE

Did a lot of track time back in 80's-90's. Done with that. Just want to get with a local club, cruise, meet some nice folks, enjoy the ride. I have a mechanic background and a bend-pack lift in my hangar so might do a little "tinkering"

1bdvet

I would get C6, there all going on the market right now, and there's deals cause people are jumping to the C7.
Good luck.

DezVette

Another option is to go with a 1LT package so you can maximize your year/mileage options. I agree the HUD is worth every penny. But, that is an option you can add later as I did. What you will pay a couple thousand for in upgrade package you can add yourself for under $350. That being said, if you have a copilot that likes things like seat warmers and lumbar support, you may be going the 3LT route. I am not painted into that corner. For me I live in CA, so seat warmers make no sense. If I want a warmer seat I will buy a burrito. As for the Bose and NPP I would have ripped those out for the Borla exhaust and Kenwood system, anyways.

BayouCountry

Pretty good advice. The Base model will do a little better on gas milage and tires then the Grand Sport. I don't notice much difference between the magnetic ride settings; some say they do. It sounds like you are taking long trips with the wife so an automatic may be wise if she won't drive a stick.

I think the 2011 was the first year with the USB port in the center console if you want to bring along your own tunes. I use my Iphone5 for navigation instead of hassling with the built-in NAV. A forum vendor sells a PAL kit for earlier models.

Be careful with the low clearance of a corvette. I broke the lower radiator support on my first C6.

Unreal

Don't discount the auto. I will never buy another manual vette. The autos are amazing and for what you are using it for a much better experience.

ruxvette

Not without a rollbar...

Tony 327

You forgot one thing - you had to get out of the car. I drove both too before I bought the vert and to me it was night and day. It is an individual decision and these threads puzzle me because you have to drive the cars to know the difference. Whatever people may say on a forum has to be taken with a grain of salt. Nothing more polarizing than a coupe vs. vert discussion, except for M6 vs. A6. And we know M6 is better, right??