RichieRich

Seems like everyone here is "waiting for the Z06." With up to a 100hp increase, upgrades and other differences, I'd be surprised if the car comes in at less than $60K (which is $65K+ out the door in most states). I really think they're going to make it much more exclusive and we won't be seeing 8000+ units produced a year. For the poll's sake, humor me and assume it'll cost over $60K. I'm also guessing that a lot more people will want a Z06 than can afford one (myself included).

Anyhow, assuming it costs over $60K, will you be able to afford one? I would guess that's out of the league of most of us on here (MOST, not ALL).

SteveJ

I plan on buying in the second year of production, and am somewhat counting on the C5 Z06 scenario where only the first ones were sold at MSRP.

SWCDuke

Consider the following case. You have several cars from vintage to modern, and you don't have to commute, but drive 3-5K miles per year - errands, pleasure drives (including track events), and a couple of road trips.

You have $60K cash. You could invest it in a taxable or tax free bond and have (for the sake of argument in more normal interest rate conditions, which will likely be in place by the time Z06 is availalbe) close to $75K (after tax, if any) in five years, or you could buy a Z06. In five years it would have no more than 20K miles, but probably won't be worth more than half its original price or $30K, maybe a little more.

Thus, the "opportunity cost" of having the Z06 for five years is $45K, and it will continue to increase as long as you own it, but at an ever decreasing rate.

Duke

DsC5

Fortunate enough to be able to afford it, but not so sure I will think it is worth the $$ at the time. Really looking forward to seeing it though.

RichieRich

Oh, come on Duke, live a little. The whole opportunity cost thing will drive you to insanity. All those gifts you've bought people, all those lunches out, they all could have been invested in annuities!!!

I try to be careful with my money, but I also know I could die tomorrow. I'm glad if I do, I'll have died a Vette owner with one of these on my face instead of maybe a couple more bucks in the bank.

Mover

Zivnuska

I'm #1 on my dealer's list for a C6 Z06. At 51 years old, I've got the 401k, money set aside for the kids college education, MSA, IRA, and the house will be paid off in 4 1/2years. Yes, my kids inheritance would be greater if my driving was done in a used Taurus but:

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." - Mark Twain


Phil Zivnuska

SWCDuke

Yeah, that's what all my friends keep saying. Having just completed an estate plan that distributes everything to endowments I've established at the three universities that granted me degrees, I'm, perhaps, a little overfocused on my legacy. :flag

Duke

harmsway22

". . . I can think of nothing stupider than to live poorly in order to die rich."

- Walter Annenberg

SWCDuke

Well, I'm certainly not "living poorly". Annenberg left quite a legacy in academia. Mine certainly won't be enough to name a school after me, but maybe an endowed chair.

Duke

pdvale

I am not sure if I could afford it..... also I am not sure if I want to spend that much on a car. 60K MSRP is about 66K out the door which is alot of dough...

They way I rationalize my current car, is the money I could have used as a down payment I bought an income generating rental property. So the rent thats over the mortgage (plus other expenses) goes to reducing my lease payment. So the investments pay for the toys...

rebelc5

i COULD,BUT I LIKE CONVERTABLES BETTER FOR LESS MONEY. NOW IF THEY MADE Z06 CONVERTABLES I WOULD GET ONE.

Zivnuska

I salute you for doing that! I've endowed a math scholarship at my alma mater (University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire) and that commitment is nowhere near what is needed to endow a chair.

The challenge for all of us is to find a balance that we can feel comfortable with. Your friends on the Forum just want you to be sure that you don't forget about you.

While I'm at it, THANK YOU for the contributions in sharing your expertise with the CorvetteForum. I appreciate it when you share the fruits of your education.

Weasel

I'm in. When you consider that the diesel option is 4000 "A" plan. It's worth it. And consider that the appearance group is gonna be a little more than an emblem on the right rear facia. We're getting a lot more than that.

Dsob15

Can afford it. I'm going to get a vert though. If it was offered in vert form, I would get it. A Corvette with the top down is hot. Especially a black one, dropped on its azz, and wearing some 19 inch chrome rims. Oh, and I hope they have those cool gills for the side inlets, those are .


[Modified by Dsob15, 1:18 AM 1/17/2004]

SWCDuke

Kudos!!! One of the three universites (each get one-third of my estate upon my demise) is the UW-Madison, specifically the Dept. of Mechanical Engineering Engine Research Center where I did my MSME. Depending on the final value of the gift (my actuarial life has about another 20 years to run) it will either endow a chair or provide grad student fellowships.

I'll sleep soundly knowing that I left something behind for engine research. My fellowship was supported by GM.

Duke

SteveJ

I couldn't have said it any better.

Jim 47

Richie, I think you're a tad lite on your estimate of price. I think it will be in the $70,000 to $75,000 range.

Jim

SWEET LS1

Yes I would be able to afford one with a good down payment but like it was mentioned before, If you can't take the top off of it or let it down, then I will pass on it. I passed on the current Z06 for a coupe because you couldn't let the sunshine in. GM should offer the bigger engine as and option for the coupes and verts., they would make a boat load of more money.

Ryan Bell