Which Z06?
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Which Z06? Hello all
I was looking at a 68 Camaro but that's a hit or miss market and for I want you have to spend a lot of money. So as cool as a 68 ls powered camaro would be I don't feel like speding 45+. With that said it looks like the mid 2000s y body is what I'm looking at now specifically the z's. It seems they can be had for 18-20k, I'm looking for specifically a 6 speed. I always said if I get a vette it will not be a convertible and have a targa top, however the z06 has me changing my mind on that.
What's the preferred year for these? From lurking around it seems like the 02-03 zo6 are pretty popular. How about the 2005 c6 z06?
I was looking at a 68 Camaro but that's a hit or miss market and for I want you have to spend a lot of money. So as cool as a 68 ls powered camaro would be I don't feel like speding 45+. With that said it looks like the mid 2000s y body is what I'm looking at now specifically the z's. It seems they can be had for 18-20k, I'm looking for specifically a 6 speed. I always said if I get a vette it will not be a convertible and have a targa top, however the z06 has me changing my mind on that.
What's the preferred year for these? From lurking around it seems like the 02-03 zo6 are pretty popular. How about the 2005 c6 z06?
TECH Resident
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 812
Likes: 5
If you are serious about a nice LS 67-69 Camaro. It sounds ridiculous but car auctions would be the place to find one. Original untouched ones go or a lot. But many many people do not buy the ls ones for ridiculous prices at auctions. I have seen some sexy Camaros go for nice prices.
TECH Resident
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 812
Likes: 5
Hello all
I was looking at a 68 Camaro but that's a hit or miss market and for I want you have to spend a lot of money. So as cool as a 68 ls powered camaro would be I don't feel like speding 45+. With that said it looks like the mid 2000s y body is what I'm looking at now specifically the z's. It seems they can be had for 18-20k, I'm looking for specifically a 6 speed. I always said if I get a vette it will not be a convertible and have a targa top, however the z06 has me changing my mind on that.
What's the preferred year for these? From lurking around it seems like the 02-03 zo6 are pretty popular. How about the 2005 c6 z06?
I was looking at a 68 Camaro but that's a hit or miss market and for I want you have to spend a lot of money. So as cool as a 68 ls powered camaro would be I don't feel like speding 45+. With that said it looks like the mid 2000s y body is what I'm looking at now specifically the z's. It seems they can be had for 18-20k, I'm looking for specifically a 6 speed. I always said if I get a vette it will not be a convertible and have a targa top, however the z06 has me changing my mind on that.
What's the preferred year for these? From lurking around it seems like the 02-03 zo6 are pretty popular. How about the 2005 c6 z06?
C5 Z06 is some nice freaking car! Low miles are great but you will pay more or less depending on location!
Staging Lane
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton, AB, Canada
I am far from a Vette expert, this is just my opinion (and taste)
We have been looking for a C5 version for about a year now and I have given up. They are either overpriced, or bagged. Seems to be no happy medium. Also, they seem to be going up in value for decent ones. People know what they have now.
I was looking specifically for a 2004 black on black.
Obviously the C6 version is better/faster. But also is more expensive. Out of my price range. The 2004 (and lower) to me are just a meaner looking car. More obnoxious. I like obnoxious.
I don't know about the states but I am in Canada and was looking all over the country for decently priced ones and for some reason the C5 Z06's are really cheap in Quebec. They seem to sit around the mid $20k range for decent low mileage ones, which is about $19000 USD.
I am not an expert but I have been keeping my eye on the C5 Z06 for a few years now and I have a feeling the prices have bottomed out and they are going to hold their value and increase. If I had the spare cash now I would still be looking but I bought a Camaro to pacify me for a few years until a used C6 is cheaper or I stumble upon a good C5.
We have been looking for a C5 version for about a year now and I have given up. They are either overpriced, or bagged. Seems to be no happy medium. Also, they seem to be going up in value for decent ones. People know what they have now.
I was looking specifically for a 2004 black on black.
Obviously the C6 version is better/faster. But also is more expensive. Out of my price range. The 2004 (and lower) to me are just a meaner looking car. More obnoxious. I like obnoxious.
I don't know about the states but I am in Canada and was looking all over the country for decently priced ones and for some reason the C5 Z06's are really cheap in Quebec. They seem to sit around the mid $20k range for decent low mileage ones, which is about $19000 USD.
I am not an expert but I have been keeping my eye on the C5 Z06 for a few years now and I have a feeling the prices have bottomed out and they are going to hold their value and increase. If I had the spare cash now I would still be looking but I bought a Camaro to pacify me for a few years until a used C6 is cheaper or I stumble upon a good C5.
Depends on your budget. If you can spring 35k then grab up a newer c6z, if 20k is your max you can find very good c5zs for 17-20k. I have a c5z and compared to a c6z if feels a lot more raw and more like a go cart, the fast revving ls6 compared with the m12 ratio and it being so light makes it a fun car to drive. Interior is lacking though and the ride is not as good. 04 of course is the best c5z year but 02-03 are basically the same. 01 doesn't seem to come up for sale as often for some reason, but that be the last resort year
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
There are two dealers close to me. 2003 z06 with 25,000 miles. All original. Dealer is asking 26,000. There is a c6 2008 base with targa 60,000 miles and dealer is asking 26,900, has the ls3 and targa which are pretty huge pluses.
Trending Topics
+1 for the 08. C6 cars are great and pretty much made the c5z obsolete. The bases are just too good, especially an ls3. Don't believe me, drive someone's car with just headers and then drive a c5z with headers.
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power
Verdad Gallardo
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die
Verdad Gallardo
TECH Addict
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,354
Likes: 2
Its not going to be easy to find a lower millage z06 for that price. Most of them are going to be the 06-07 models. Then you have the head valve issues. Which only Affects a small, number of '08, 09 ’10 and ’11 Z06’s but its still a problem. I would be on the safe side and plan on fixing the problem before it happens if I were to buy a Z06.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
C6 z is out of the budget. Still looking at low mileage c5z from 03-04 and mid mileage c6 base models from 08 to get the ls3 and targa. The 03-04 are getting to be old cars! Hell the 08 is 8 years old, funny how it doesn't seem that long ago. Maybe it's the materials of newer cars or the fact that most vette owners care for their cars better then say someone with 03-08 Grand Prix as example.
TECH Addict
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,354
Likes: 2
C6 z is out of the budget. Still looking at low mileage c5z from 03-04 and mid mileage c6 base models from 08 to get the ls3 and targa. The 03-04 are getting to be old cars! Hell the 08 is 8 years old, funny how it doesn't seem that long ago. Maybe it's the materials of newer cars or the fact that most vette owners care for their cars better then say someone with 03-08 Grand Prix as example.
Lots of good points here. I defiantly agree with grabbing the LS3...
I've been looking and researching the C5Z for the past year. The deals are out there, believe me. I was back and forth over the C5/C6. At the end of the day I'm opting for the cheaper C5Z and using the extra money for mods. JMO.
Good luck with whatever choice you make OP.
I've been looking and researching the C5Z for the past year. The deals are out there, believe me. I was back and forth over the C5/C6. At the end of the day I'm opting for the cheaper C5Z and using the extra money for mods. JMO.
Good luck with whatever choice you make OP.
On The Tree
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: Humble Tx
Obviously my vote will be for a C6. Mine is an LS2 and it's no slouch. I wouldn't be afraid of picking up a 06-07 C6 LS2 (2005 C6 has a weaker rear end) but if you can pick up a newer C6 for the same price with a LS3 and TR6060 that'll be a no brainer.
Edit: And by the way, I looked long and hard at C5, C5Z, C6 and C6Z's before choosing my 07 C6. I ended up choosing the 07 because it was being sold by someone I knew and I was sure the car would be in perfect condition. The critical key is finding somebody who babied their car, kept all the reciepts, etc etc. A car with 70k easy and cared for miles will be a whole lot better then a car that's been rode hard and put up wet for 40k miles.
Edit: And by the way, I looked long and hard at C5, C5Z, C6 and C6Z's before choosing my 07 C6. I ended up choosing the 07 because it was being sold by someone I knew and I was sure the car would be in perfect condition. The critical key is finding somebody who babied their car, kept all the reciepts, etc etc. A car with 70k easy and cared for miles will be a whole lot better then a car that's been rode hard and put up wet for 40k miles.
The C5Z is pretty hard to beat, it really needs to come down to what you are going to use the car for. Also, some people don't like the FRC body style, or the coupe. I'd get what fits your budget the best and makes you the happiest.
I personally think the C5Z/C5 FRC's are the best looking Corvettes in recent history. So I'm perfectly happy with mine.
I personally think the C5Z/C5 FRC's are the best looking Corvettes in recent history. So I'm perfectly happy with mine.
Friend just picked up a 2013 LS3 grand sport car. For me to compare them. The c6 is nice interior and seats are more comfy but short of that I like the feel of my c5z so much more than driving his car. Mine just feels faster (and it was by a car) and feel more in tuned with driving the car. Raw > refined imo