Corvette C-5

[masraum]

Originally Posted by aschen

1999 when you could buy a 3.2L 911 for like $3.50.

Big double SIGH

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by aschen

C6 is probably a better car and easier to find the right one.
Counterpoint: pop up headlights rule


I am sure there is an order of magnitude difference in numbers produced, but C5 corvette kinda feels like 1999 when you could buy a 3.2L 911 for like $3.50. I don't think they will every be really expensive but I think we are pretty near peak depreciation.

That’s how I feel as well. C5 Z06 is a legitimately special car and they are still damn cheap.

[Brian 162]

Originally Posted by masraum

I prefer the aesthetics of the C5 over the C4 or C6 or C7. I like the coupe better than the fast/hatchback, although I'm sure the later is more practical.

I've never been in one, but I have to imagine that compared to a Porsche, the interior and non-mechanical build quality would be lacking.

You’re correct about the interior. My old SC had a nicer interior. I describe mine as a Cavalier with a big engine.
I’m in the minority but I’ve always liked the C4’s. A friend of mine bought a new one in 87, it was a great car.
I’ve always wanted a C4/ZR1. They were cheap 10 years ago.

[RANDY P]

Interior simply is poorly fitting garbage. You can tart 'em up with aftermarket leather, nice steering wheels/shifters etc. etc. but at the end of the day they still look cheap. Just new but cheap.

Chances are, whatever you buy will have to be de-boomered anyhow- remove the PO's "accessories" (Corvette logos on EVERYTHING). I had to on my C6- logos EVERYWHERE. It was dreadful.

Only thing tackier than a Vette fan is a Harley fan..

[Alan A]

Remember to save a few $.

You’ll need to invest in gold chains, jorts and white knee socks to truly get the Corvette experience at cars and coffee.

[Sigman]

I remember many years ago, a buddy was dating this girl who just got a new white c5 conv. He told me he got the car up to 163 on a straight near his house, which is likely a record for that stretch of road!

[ted]

My 3rd C5 ZO5.
This one adopted me, belonged to a friend.
2002 16K miles.
Electron Blue again for my second time.
It is loud, ride stiff, poor visibility and it's a hoot.

[RANDY P]

Wow- that's a nice one. Oh and the C5 is one car that didn't get hit with inflation tax over the last few years- quite strange. Even a better deal today.

Would love one- but, out of space and barely drive the Vette I have.

rjp

[masraum]

Originally Posted by ted

My 3rd C5 ZO5.
This one adopted me, belonged to a friend.
2002 16K miles.
Electron Blue again for my second time.
It is loud, ride stiff, poor visibility and it's a hoot.

I like the C5 aesthetic (much more than the C4 or C6), always have. To me it was rounded and more European looking than what came before or after. I also like the C8 which is completely different. I still sometimes from a distance see a C8 and think I may be looking at a McLaren or something.

[RANDY P]

The Vette didn't really become 'world-class' until the C5 (and Z06) then it became a serious contender. Prior to that, they were a lot more like costumes for middle-aged men VS. a serious sports car.

Only recently have they really upped the build quality- along with the price.

rjp

[speeder]

I guess that I like the C6 Z-06 because it came in the hatchback? Like this:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2008-chevrolet-corvette-z06-70/


Both the C5 and C6 have the best looking rear end of any Corvette, IMO. And that is the best view of most of them, not that I don't like the other views. Corvettes were really beautifully styled cars for a long time, the sweet spot for me is the C2 but also the late C1 and C3 interiors...among the best in the history of cars, again IMO. Kind of weird that their interior styling took a dump in later years while the exteriors remained strong.

I remember in the early 2000s, it was either a C5 or C6, there was possibly the best billboard I've ever seen both for image and placement on Sunset in West Hollywood. Might have been for the then new C6...it was just as you enter the Sunset strip from Beverly Hills at Doheny, the big curve and rise to the right...there was a billboard on top of a low building that was completely filled with the rear end of the Corvette convertible with a dude driving and a beautiful woman's blonde hair blowing in the wind. I don't think that it had any copy or words...just the image. It seriously made you want to go straight to the dealer and mortgage your life for a new Corvette.

[rfuerst911sc]

I know nada about vettes but just saw this on local FB . Is this considered a good one at a decent price ? I have no interest in buying just curious .

Marketplace - 1998 Corvette 78k miles | Facebook https://share.google/a4UVcBhW8CjTFMEUU

[RANDY P]

If that is a clean title- YES.

[Zeke]

I started out with Corvettes, first car actually at 17. Then 4 more. I even worked at a place called Corvette Auto Parts.



Then I got a Porsche. Never looked back. Later years were very different and I'm sure quite a bit better. But at least until the C5 they were trucks. The C4 might get a pass, but certainly not the '84 although they were headed in the right direction... finally.

To prove my point the front suspension ass'y on the C1 was found under a lot of Chevy's including the 1/2 T truck up to '54, IIRC. The C2 was and still is a looker. Not one C3 moved me at all. '68 to '83 was a far too long run. (I know the stats say that the run was from '67 to '82 and there is officially no 1983 Corvette.)

[ted]

Originally Posted by speeder

I guess that I like the C6 Z-06 because it came in the hatchback? Like this:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2008-chevrolet-corvette-z06-70/

That would be the ultimate a C6 ZO6, the torque on that engine is amazing.
Those cars were $35k before Covid and now are just starting to come back down in price.
I wanted a C6 ZO6 in the high $20k but since this C5ZO6 adopted me at a gifted price I think it will be my last Vette.

[ted]

Originally Posted by Zeke

I started out with Corvettes, first car actually at 17. Then 4 more. I even worked at a place called Corvette Auto Parts.



Then I got a Porsche. Never looked back. Later years were very different and I'm sure quite a bit better. But at least until the C5 they were trucks. The C4 might get a pass, but certainly not the '84 although they were headed in the right direction... finally.

To prove my point the front suspension ass'y on the C1 was found under a lot of Chevy's including the 1/2 T truck up to '54, IIRC. The C2 was and still is a looker. Not one C3 moved me at all. '68 to '83 was a far too long run. (I know the stats say that the run was from '67 to '82 and there is officially no 1983 Corvette.)

I like the old Vette gassers, would never want to own or drive one...
Although I did have 37 Ford Flatback with a straight axle years ago.

Zeke agree all cars 80s and older (except the AC 911) all drove like trucks.
Can you believe all the crappy old cars we drove fast and survived.
My 72 Pantera, 71 Camaro Z28, 65 Mustang convertible, 66 Buick Rivera, 86 Buick T type and too many AC VWs to remember.

I like the analog feel of the 2002 C5ZO6, at 405hp with a factory close ratio 6 speed with overdrive it is as visceral as an old AC 911 and just as fun to drive.
I would much rather canyon carve in my $16k 2002 Vette than my old 220hp 86' Turbo Look that just sold again recently for $140k.
I avoid cars that are too nice, too expensive and too collectable to drive.

[ted]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

I know nada about vettes but just saw this on local FB . Is this considered a good one at a decent price ? I have no interest in buying just curious .

Marketplace - 1998 Corvette 78k miles | Facebook https://share.google/a4UVcBhW8CjTFMEUU

I have seen nice C5 drivers under $10k with 80k miles.
The C5 convertible with an automatic looks like a fun cruiser to me.

[ted]

[onewhippedpuppy]

Doug DeMuro might be the most annoying auto journalist on YouTube. His written stuff is good though.

[ted]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Doug DeMuro might be the most annoying auto journalist on YouTube. His written stuff is good though.

I know this is maybe his first I didn't turn off.