Ok, I filled out the loan paperwork for a used vette. Im waiting to get the check, then Im going shopping. I want to replace my 99 LS1 Fbody. I got a check for $20,000 plus Ill be trading in my car. A few thousand extra wont kill me if I have out of pocket, but Im planning on the car being 24K-28K max. Theres a corvette semi-wholesaler here in AZ. I say semi, since hes not a true wholesaler, but works alot like one. Cars are usually under a normal dealer.
What Vette should I be looking for? The easy answer is any 1997-2002 based on what I want to spend. Are there any must have performance options on these cars? Im not new to the LS1 world, but only ever admired a vette through the show room glass!
A little backround. I not a kid, Im 32. I hate pulling up to traffic lights with 18 yr old punks wanting to race fbodies. I love fast cars, but my enjoyment is for me. Its a street car, I never go to the track. Im kind of getting sick of every fbody owner wanting to show off. 'Most' Vette owners, seem to be a more mature crowd. Not putting down fbodys as I love them too, but a vette is more distinguished. Any help would be apprecaited!

 

I would DEFINATLY go with a 02-04 Z06. Easily the best bang for you buck. You might be able to find one for very low 30's depending on miles. Good luck

 

The only thing about the Z06 is, you can't remove a hard top. I love z06's, however it's probably more fun and faster to spend 20k on a 99 c5 and put 4 - 6 thousand into it. Hell for 10g you can send it to lingenfilter and come back with a badass c5.

 

Im in the same boat right now, Im about to buy a C5, I bought a 02 Z28 just for the LS1 engine(moved over from imports) and now i want more than just a motor. I want the looks as well. I got my camaro down to 11.1 at 122, I dont plan on dragging the C5, but from a roll, or on the highway it will still trap mid 120's.

Anyways... Ive been looking at 2, a 99 FRC M6 with 54k miles, very close to MINT only 23k$, then there the high hopes one, 2000 M6 targa top with only 24k miles, but 28k$. Right now im just trying to figure if i can swing the extra 5k. From your guys opinion, is it worth it, to get the 2000 over the 99. The 99 was extremely clean, no lifter tick, nothing. I had to work hard to find one rock chip.

 

The FRC is a great car, if it was a 2001+ coupe you could make an arguement for it, but the only choice IMHO is do you want a removable top. It would be nice but if I want sun I have the vert. For 28K I'd search for a 50K mile Z06. 01's are fine it may burn a little oil but thats about it. The 20 HP is mostly from pup cats and cam which really isn't that big of a deal....at least it wasn't for me.

There are alot of advantages to a Z06, a large number of differences its not just the HP. BUt I will admit C5's are much more comfy and enjoyable for leisure drives...

 

Id try to swing the z06 if I could. Getting them to 30k may take some wheeling and dealing. You just gotta find the right deal.

 

Last time I was at Carmax they had a Bright Red Z06 in immaculate condition w/30-50k miles for only $33k.

 

For that kind of $$$ it better be a least 2003 or newer car. That is a high miles car too

 

It was most likely 20-40k miles TOPS, but this was at least a YEAR ago. The thing looked damn hot at $33k, and that's at a dealership.

What's the cheapest decent milage 02 Z06 you've seen go for?

 

See if you can find an 02 Z06 with less than 10k on the clock . I have seen three for sale at Corvette Forum.com. one of these will set you back low 30s, but by far the best bang for buck. Most Z06 owners put real low mileage on these cars. A lot of the Z06 owners have the new 06 Z06 on order and need to sell their 02-04 Z06s before they come in.
I sold my 02 Z06 wth 3000 miles on it for $33,600 in one day after posting it for sale at Corvette Forum.com. Actually, the guy read the post an hour after I did it, replied that he was in the same state and wanted to come see it the next day. He did, and bought it . There were two or three other similar deals , so I know you can find a real low mileage Z06 like mine.

Mickey
06 Lemans Blue Z06 ......on order
02 Black Z06........sold
01 Black Formula Firehawk.....sold
93 LS1 powered RX7.......sold
98 Black Z28 LS6, Jerico DR4, Strange spooled 4.56 , NA drag car
04 Blue Duramax/Allison Silverado Crew Cab pickup
93 Red RX7.....second Hinson conversion over the winter