upl8dave

I'm a current C5 owner with the itch for a C6. I've never driven one so the itch is a looks thing coupled with the ability to finally afford one. I'm mostly interested in a convertible with an automatic, but a GS, Zr-1, etc. is out of my league money wise. What years are best to avoid if any? What's the best engine and option set-up in your opinion? I still really like my 02, but I've always liked the looks of the c6's. Thanks for your help.

Cyber Greg

2008+ has the bigger LS3 engine and improved steering. They improved the A6 in 2012 I believe.

dvilin

42Chevy

shawnaj7731

Get the best one your pockets can afford. 05-07 have some great deals out there and are underrated HP they should actually be around 410-415hp as campared to the 436 08+ hp which can easily be made up on any numerous small mods.

SCcues

You are lucky since you already have a nice Corvette, but I can understand the itch for a newer C6. I had the itch for many years and I finally told my wife if I don't get one pretty soon I'm going to run out of time in my life to enjoy one.

In 2008 GM came out with the LS3 engine and if you can afford one that new try to get that engine.

Be patient, make a list of what you want, and keep looking and a C6 will turn up. A lot of C6 owners are selling and trading to get C7's so the market will update often.

Good luck finding just the right C6.

bonnell

I had an 02 just like yours except for the wheels. I purchased a new '08 Jetstream Blue coupe and traded the '02. The '08 is a big change from the C5. The 80+ horsepower difference is significant.


I then had a triple black '08 very that I traded for a CTS. What a mistake! So I was miserable for over a year and finally last weekend I picked up another '08 vert.


Moving to a C6 was a great thing for me. I loved my '02 vert but I would not go back after having three C6s.


Good luck.

BOBSZ857

I own an 05 M6 vert and love it. Most will say to stay away from the 05 and go newer. I guess it all comes down to you and your budget though. Any C6 will be a big step up as far as comfort goes. As for the HP difference, I wouldn't know as mine is for driving and not for racing. By the way 400 + HP is quite fine with me! JMO, good luck with whatever you decide on.

Stavesacre21

I would try to go with an 2008+ for the LS3 which has an extra 30hp. However, you will find that prices jump up a hair at the 2008 mark. Still. Around $30-35k, you should be able find find a very nice LS3.

I would advise against the 05s, however they will be by-and-far the best value if you are looking for a deal. Just make sure that they have had all the TSBs if u do go with a 2005.

Personally, i will say that i came from a 2002 MY convertible that was paid off, and at times, i do miss it. The C5 just had a different "feel" to it. Make no mistake...the extra 86 HP that the 2010 has makes it a much quicker vehicle tho.

1rusty1

Anytime someone say they are thinking about a C6 it starts a whole new argument between LS3 and LS2. As in any used car search, keep it simple. The lowest miles with the most options you can get your hands on with the budget you have set. If you stick to that, you will he happy with what you end up with.

Papascull

I am looking at an '07 and really like it. It is a 400hp model and being 66 y.o. that is plenty. They are asking $27,600 and I think that is too much w/55,000 miles. I am also in the working on the wife stage. So, we shall see. Idon't have a vette now. I had an '87 and my last vette was a '66 big block. It had side exhaust (factory), no power steering, no power brakes, just Powerful engine. The '66 was a nice car, but turned into a money pit. I swore I would never own another vette. When the C5's came out, I wasn't all that thrilled with the looks. But when the C6 came out, I really do like the looks. I used to work part time here in a San Diego Corvette shop and got really tired of fixing flip up lights C3, C4 and C5. Anyway, I am rambling. I am trying to find out if there are any significant trouble areas like the water pump/ignition distributor (?) in the C4 LT1 engine. JS. Papascull

upl8dave

Thanks for all the helpful advise. I'm from Indiana and I bought my C5 in Marietta GA. It figures that The best looking C6 I've found so far is also in Georgia. I'm figuring that a few people will move up to C7s and hopefully I'll find one locally.

Stavesacre21

This is very well said. I agree with the thought process.

I used to really think that, but I'm starting to think that some of the glamour and wow-factor of the C7 is already starting to wean, and people are starting to hold on to their C6s more than that initially were.

Still... this is as good of time as ever to get into a C6 if you really do want to make the move. Convertible models probably aren't going to drop by with it heading into top down season, but I'm sure that if you keep with it, you'll find some great deals. As long as you're willing to travel, they are definitely out there.