Ok, so I graduate in May, and was planning on getting myself a graduation present (providing I get on as a State Trooper, which I am going through the process right now, and I really don't see anything that will disqualify me). Anyway I was considering 3 possibly 4 options, and would like some input, especially from some vette owners here. I'll have about a 10k to work with as a downpayment.

Option 1: C5Z, they can be had for 25k or less for the most part with reasonably low miles.

Option 2: 08-09 C6, If I was gonna put down the extra cash for the C6 I would definately want the LS3. Ive seen these average 35k or less.

Option 3: Put the 10k into my SS. This is my least favorite option because im honestly getting tired of all the rattling and road noise. Its a blast to drive, but everytime my girlfriend gets in the car it will make some noise and shes always "whats wrong with your car?"

Option 4: This option is least feasable but its still up for consideration. Wait till I get out of the academy, and hope the prices of C6Zs have fallen a bit more by then and try to pick up a reasonable 06 or 07. I would obviously have a bit more money at this point to throw down, but the cheapest i've seen one so far is about 45k.

This car wont likely be a DD, I have a beater truck already. Options 1 and 2 are most feasable imo. If you can think of another option i'm open to suggestions. For those that have owned the C5Z and or the C6 w/ LS3 I would like your opinion and pros and cons of each. Thanks in advance.

 

I don't know what advise to give you BC I don't know you. But I do know what I would do

Finance the c5z and put 5or10 grand into it. If you do it right... your car could be just as fast or maybe even faster than a c6Z because I do not forsee the c6z dropping in price anytime soon.

 

This! Go test drive one and the decision will be easy.

 

I was in the same boat a couple years ago. It really depends on what you want to do, and when you want to do it. If you're going to buy it to mod like crazy, go with the C5Z. It's a less expensive base platform, parts are plentiful, and if you're going for all-out straightline performance, it's great for that (and a great all-around car, too).

If you're not planning to heavily mod it, go with the C6. Newer, fewer miles (in most cases), and there are some really nice refinements over the C5. Or get an LS2 C6 and do a heads/cam swap, making more power than the LS3.

A couple years ago, I was in roughly the same position. I got a nice raise at work, and the first thing my wife said was, "You can get that new engine for the Camaro!" At first, I agreed with her. I had been thinking about it and planning it for months, but mostly dreaming. Now I could actually afford it, and I realized...I didn't really want to. I made a bunch of mods to the Camaro, mostly suspension, and while it handled like it was on rails, it was noisy (rod ends will do that) and not all that comfortable. Plus, I was CONSTANTLY under that car, tweaking this and maintaining that. So, I decided to get out of the Camaro, pay off what I owed on my DD, and get a C6. I don't regret the decision for one. single. second. The C6 is in a totally different league from my Camaro, and it's all factory.

We're modders. Sometimes, we end up messing up a perfectly good car because we have to change SOMETHING. However, it's nice to have a car that I can wash, do basic maintenance (oil, gas, fluids, etc), and just ENJOY.

The smart thing to do is wait. Wait until you're sure what your financial situation is. Wait until you know where you're going to live. Wait until you can comfortably afford it.

That said, you only live once, and you can't take it with you. Enjoy it while you can.


-Mike

 

This

x2

Like Mike said, the c6 is in a completely different league.

Plus when your girlfriend gets in, instead of asking "What is wrong with your car", she will ask, "where can I put my panties?"

 

agree with the last 2 guys. i regret rushing into my c5. i bought mine in feb of 2008 and we know what happened to the economy and car prices (especially used vettes) right after. i still look at used vette prices all the time and you can get a high mileage c6z for around 35k. you can get an ls3 for around 30-35 and i've heard with a few boltons those things are beasts. so basically take you time and definately go with a c6. congrats!!!

 

go with the c6 you wont be sorry

 

c6 ftw

 

C5Z... they look better anyway

 

C6 make it happen you'll love it!!!

 

Witch one will they let you drive as your on duty car? then pick that one and tag ricers all day

 

"Witch" is not which

 

thank you spell checker

 

Save the $10k for a down payment on a house. :2cents:

 

Buy yourself a house and the appreciation will help pay for the vette in the future when value's increase. But, I too would like a c5Z myself..............

 

c5 > c6 My 98 was a hell of a lot more comfortable than my moms c6. Im a bigger guy @ 6' 250lbs

 

However which wich has pretty good sandwiches...confuses the **** out of me sometimes...

ok besides my hijack...good luck with the search to the op.

 

Providing I get on with DPS I could be positioned anywhere in Texas, and chances are I probably won't end up where I want to be so I don't plan on buying a house anytime soon. Even if I don't get on, I have no desire to get a house anytime in the near future.

Thanks for all input so far. I was leaning toward the C6 anyway. Don't get me wrong I like the C5Z, but I have seen how well the LS3 responds to basic mods. I also like the targa top availability, I enjoy taking the tops off my SS on days like yesterday. I also really wanted a white vette, and there were only like 352 white C5Zs made, and only in 01 if I recall correctly. The color isn't a defining factor or anything, and nor is the targa top, they are just some options I would like to have.

 

Like this??

 

Yea something like that. I actually found one that already had full exhuast, and had the tails and sides blacked out (something I would want to do) for like 27k up north of the DFW area, but it was gone like the next day, plus i'm not looking to buy till after graduation.