C5 (z06) or WS-6
C5 (z06) or WS-6 currently i have a 2002 SILVER WS-6 M6 with lil less then 32k miles on it....and thinking about trading it in for a C5...what year of C5 would be the best for trade in??? or just keep the WS-6 since they dont make em no more..
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 507
Likes: 2
From: Ankeny, IA
Having owned a '96 WS6 before owning my C5, I can say that the C5 is a better car in every respect except passenger capacity. Your WS6 is a great car and I'd probably test drive a Vette before deciding on whether you want to sell it or not. As to what Vette's to buy, that depends on the amount you're willing to spend. The newest C5 you can afford will be the best car. If you are on a budget look at 99-00 cars. 99's are easy to get tuning software for, don't have the perimeter bolt heads (which can be a hassle for core charges and such) and have the HUD and Active Handling available for options. 01+ cars have the bigger MAF and the LS6 Intake. Also Active Handling was upgraded and the interiors were upgraded a little. If you are looking at an older car look for the HUD if you like it and Active Handling. 01+ models have Active Handling standard and the HUD was much more common (may have been standard as well). On any year car I would look for the Z51 suspension option and a 6spd. If you are not one to modify your vehicle then I would definitely look at getting a Z06 model. They are obviously the best factory Vette available. The '02+ Z06's are more desirable due the lighter valve train and the bigger camshaft (02's have 20 more hp than the 01's). Keep in mind that if you plan on modifying the car, then the Z06 is not worth it IMO. The driveline parts that make it different than a normal C5 are all parts you would want change with aftermarket parts anyway.
thank you so much...99C5JA for the great info....im just tire of shifting gears so i would like to get an automatic vette...my budget is my car plus 3 or 5 grand TOP....so...i dont know what im looking for......i would like to get a Z06 but they are all manual tranny so thatz not in my mind.. and for HUD and active handling..is it really worth it??
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 507
Likes: 2
From: Ankeny, IA
$3-5k over what your car will net will likely place you in the $23-26k bracket. If you want a convertible you are looking at 98-99. Coupe wise you may find '01's getting that low. Active Handling is a nice traction aid that helps correct the car if you get loose in a corner. I happen to like it. The HUD I don't have but have been in cars with it. Its not a huge deal to me. Some love it and swear by it. If you do go with the slushbox check to see that it has the performance axle on it. I believe the option code is G92. And I would still opt for the Z51 package. It does not ride poorly and handles very well.
Staging Lane
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: OK
Great info 99C5JA 
I have HUD and the Z51 package and would highly recommend it. When I was shopping I didn't really care about the HUD but now that I have it, I wouldn't get another without it. I believe on '02+ cars it is standard but finding one that new might be a stretch for your current budget. I was going to recommend a '99 or '00 FRC car (best bang for the buck IMO) but those are all M6 trannys as well. Good luck with the search!
I have HUD and the Z51 package and would highly recommend it. When I was shopping I didn't really care about the HUD but now that I have it, I wouldn't get another without it. I believe on '02+ cars it is standard but finding one that new might be a stretch for your current budget. I was going to recommend a '99 or '00 FRC car (best bang for the buck IMO) but those are all M6 trannys as well. Good luck with the search!
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Teching In
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 35
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i loved my 97 c5.i now own a ws6.they are both nice cars,but i would keep the ws6 besides the fact they dont make them anymore you wont have to spend almost 500.00 a tire every 20,000 mi.i love vetts and they love tires.
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Verdad Gallardo TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 507
Likes: 2
From: Ankeny, IA
That silver '99 looks like a very nice car. I'd say its a bit high, but they may just want a little wiggle room. If they are willing to trade for your car +2k then I would say you may have a winner. Drive over and take it for a spin. As for the tires comment, I don't remember my WS6 being any easier on tires then the Vette is. The Vette will cost an extra $100-200 per set due to the rear 18's, but its not a huge deal IMO.
A local used car dealer, that has bought a low mile GN before, wants to trade me his '97 C5, red with Z06 wheels and 59k miles, for my GN. He has it priced at $20,500. I'm tempted but the red just doesn't excite me.
Originally Posted by 99C5JA
With that mileage, I wouldn't offer more than 19k. And then it better be flawless.