Looking to buy, Need advice!
Looking to buy, Need advice! I will be looking to buy a Corvette in between the months of Jan-Mar. I have 17-22 grand to spend. I am and have been looking for one between the years of 1997-2004 (C5's - Coupes, FRCs, and Z06s). I am coming here to ask for peoples advice on the following questions, and am open to all other information people feel I should know!
I have done some research and it hasn't been working in my favor. Currently I am deployed and the internet isn't up to par. So I am asking these questions to hopefully have my answers centrally located.
I know minimal changes were made basically every yr of production but I don't know of anything big really. What are the exact differences made between all the yrs?
What are the packages all the models offer (Z06, Z51?, Coupe, etc etc) and what do they include?
Those are my basic and beginning questions. I am familiar with the LS1 motor, I used to have a 1999 Camaro Z28 with 400rwhp and 370lbtq.
Also, I don't plan on doing heavy modifications. It's going to be a daily driver (About 20-40 miles a day). I want something that performs well, and looks good.
So you suggest I go the dealer route? Autotrader? Ebay? Forums? ...or any other places? What things should I be looking for while buying? What are some red flags?
Basically, anything you think I should know that can be centralized here... Please tell me!
Thanks for all your help and advice.
John
E-mail is: Mooley@comcast.net if you wanted to just e-mail me information.
I have done some research and it hasn't been working in my favor. Currently I am deployed and the internet isn't up to par. So I am asking these questions to hopefully have my answers centrally located.
I know minimal changes were made basically every yr of production but I don't know of anything big really. What are the exact differences made between all the yrs?
What are the packages all the models offer (Z06, Z51?, Coupe, etc etc) and what do they include?
Those are my basic and beginning questions. I am familiar with the LS1 motor, I used to have a 1999 Camaro Z28 with 400rwhp and 370lbtq.
Also, I don't plan on doing heavy modifications. It's going to be a daily driver (About 20-40 miles a day). I want something that performs well, and looks good.
So you suggest I go the dealer route? Autotrader? Ebay? Forums? ...or any other places? What things should I be looking for while buying? What are some red flags?
Basically, anything you think I should know that can be centralized here... Please tell me!
Thanks for all your help and advice.
John
E-mail is: Mooley@comcast.net if you wanted to just e-mail me information.
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 6,524
Likes: 1
From: Western Burbs of Detroit
Easy answer bro. Get an 02 zo6 and add CAI, LG Pro Longtube headers, and a good tune and you are done. You'll have a bad *** daily driver with a nice bit of punch for hardly any mods or cash. Best of luck and be safe. Thanks for serving our country bro !!
I actually miss driving the 02 Z to work everyday.
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
From: SE, CT
Almost the same situation I was in a couple of years ago. You got that tax free pay saved up and you get the itch. However I new I was going to mod mine more than just a little. ^^^^ Those guys are spot on for someone thats not going to mod that much get an 02+ Zo6 its worth the premium you pay if your keeping it mostly stock. Like Allngn said CAI, Long tubes, tune , have fun.
Keep your head down and stay safe brother.
Keep your head down and stay safe brother.
TECH Regular
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 471
Likes: 0
From: Rolesville, NC
Look here: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zeroforum?id=52
Red flag on vettes are extremely low millage cars. Transmission and diff seals need heat from use to keep them tight.
The 01-02 Z06 is the only used C5 I'd consider at your price point. They are a sizable step up in performance over the base models, and they hold their values better too.
Ebay and the classifieds over on www.Corvetteforum.com to shop.
Ebay and the classifieds over on www.Corvetteforum.com to shop.
Id get the FRC. I love the frc/z06 look, but the frc insurence is cheaper. Before I pulled the trigger on mine, I was looking at Z06s. Had a nice 03 lined up for around 24k. Insurence wanted 175 a month full coverage with 500 deductable (im 22 with 1 ticket on the record) I bought my 00 FRC for cheaper, and I pay 70 a month full coverage for 500 deductable
Im modding mine more then just bolt ons. So I couldnt bring myself to pay that much more for a z06 with 50hp more, when everything is going to be changed.
and since you said you came from a 400whp ls1, i dont think this one will stay stock
Im modding mine more then just bolt ons. So I couldnt bring myself to pay that much more for a z06 with 50hp more, when everything is going to be changed.
and since you said you came from a 400whp ls1, i dont think this one will stay stock
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Thanks for the help/advice everyone. I also posted up on the corvette forums and got a LOT of good tips from them about codes, the problems, and I also read the great thread on vettes with all the problems they have and fixes for them.
This place has great knowledge and I am happy to be apart of it!
This place has great knowledge and I am happy to be apart of it!
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TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 602
Likes: 0
From: CT
You can buy a 2002-2003 Z06 for under 22k. Don't count out the high mileage C5's. I sold my 1999 400+rwhp SS camaro and bought a Z06 a couple of years ago. Even a bone stock C5 is way more fun to drive than a full bolt on F body. JMO
