Since I got rid of the 87, my wife has asked me many times if I'm looking at Corvettes online. So, I finally asked her point blank, do you want me to get another? In her usual non comittal way, she says: "Sure, if you want." That's wife speak for yes. To be honest, I'm not sure if she wants me to get another because it keeps me out of other forms of trouble, of if she just likes the Vettes, (she prefers Mustangs, so it's not just Corvettes).

I'm not in a position to buy for a number of reasons, a wedding in June, (my daughter's), would be the prime reason. But, a year from this spring, God willing, I could see being in position to get another. Since this is "off season", and there isn't much to talk about anyway, I thought I'd post this up.

I'm a non mechanic, probably going to be looking to spend $15k - $20k, (less is better, but I don't want to repeat past mistakes). It's good to watch the market, keep current, know what's out there. Would you guys suggest a clean 96, or a 2000-2001 somewhere in that range?

I like the C4. I like driving something that's a little more unique than the C5 that everyone has. But, I don't have a lot of fault tolerance. I want a car that with the right maintenance can be trusted.

Interested in your thoughts.

In that price range, Dale, I look for the best car you can find either way, C4,C5. And since you aren't in a hurry, I'd look at a lot of cars (I did with mine and it proved out by me not having to work on the car all the time).

I look for something with lower mileage as few owners as possible and someone who thought enough of the car to keep all the reciepts (even if it's the third owner).

I'd spend $1k or so more to buy from a private owner rather than a car lot.

If it's a C5, I wouldn't go older than a 2000.

IMO

Congrats BTW

Thanks Bill.

Yeah, I've become aware that the 97-99 Vettes are much like the early C4s in terms of needing care and having bugs. I think for my price, a 2000-2001 should be possible.

Dale that's called a green light where I come from. It's always good when everyone is on the same page. Every generation of cars has had improvements made to them. The C4 was a major change in engineering but a lot of the new computer aided systems were new and they can be a PIA to get working right sometimes. Thus the Guru support center.

The C5 IMO although I am not enamored by it's looks was another step forward and I think has a lot less nickle and dime stuff that can plague you. My friends who have C5's and C6' just drive them and hardly ever have a problem. Not saying they can't have.

I don't hang around in other forums much so I don't know if there is a lot of bitching and moaning about the C5 or 6 but I don't think so. Someday I may upgrade because I always have wanted to see what is new but I enjoy my C4 and have bonded with it and like working on it. The best thing is that at this time with kids in college it's what I can afford.

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Oh hell yea.
I was teaching at the racetrack this summer. I guy shows up with a 2002 Z06, mint condition, 34,000 miles.

I asked him how much he paid. $19,000
I almost refused to get in the car as his instructor.

Come to think of it, I'm still pissed.

That was a "Ya don't find a deal like this everyday." thing.
But he did say it took a while to find this deal.

I spent 2 months looking for my C4. Had it now 5 years and put in an Opti, an alternator and an oil pan gasket.

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I think that's probably true.

I know my 2000 Silverado at 135k miles has never been in a shop. I replaced one wheel bearing and 2 cats. Everything still works, uses no oil, etc.


When I finally get a C5/6 , I'm keeping the 92.

All I would need is for the wife to say that to me and I would be Corvette hunting real quick.There are some great deals to be had on cars right now, I have been looking on all the car sites for a C5 to add to the stable and $20,000 will get a nice low to medium milage car in a 2000- 2002 if you look around..Three examples below...WW

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp ... um_records=25&cardist=110

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp ... rdist=1074&standard=false

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp ... rdist=2319&standard=false

At first I wasn't sure about moving to the C5, but I'm glad that I did. $15-20K will get you a nice C5. Try it you'll like it. I wish that I could have afforded to keep the C4, but it just wasn't to be. The C5 is roomier (ie for traveling, packing, etc), more powerful than my 94, easier egress, better mileage and a much more smooth ride (the Z07 package was quite stiff). The things I don't/didn't like were the 'big butt', which I have gotten used to and the seats were not as comfortable as the sport seats in my 94, which I feel I have fixed with new seat foam and new seat covers.....more the foam, than the covers.

It sounds to me like you've been given the green light!

Ok... Dale... a few minor recommendations:

1. Make damned sure the car meets your specifications, first and foremost. That was the biggest sin you committed when you got the 87. You wanted a 92+ with a 6spd, you got an 87 with an A4, that will lead to automatic disappointment.

2. Test many cars. Check many cars. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Visit Carlisle. Check Autotrader. Check Cars.com.

3. Don't limit your distance. If you find the perfect car in CA, then by all means, get it. Don't let the fact that it is 1500 miles away limit your decision making.

Finally, if you do find a Vette in SoCal, just say so, and I will check it out.

IMHO, as a daily driver, I would go 2000+. And drive the damned thing! Don't just save it for weekends or what not.

Let me know if you want to trade wifes

Naw, that didn't work out well for these Yankee pitchers, (who ended up with the Indians!) See #6.

http://espn.go.com/page2/s/list/baseball/shocking/moments.html

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Hell yea, Id give him mine and some cash for one that says ( Why don't you buy another Corvette)... ..WW

Just wait til the C5's and 6's are 20-25 years old, then the dollar and C-noting will start with them as well. Notice I didnt say nickle and diming. Hopefully in 15 years there will be enough LSx's to make the parts cheap as SBC's.

LSx parts are already cheaper than Ford parts. There are a bunch out there and a very active performance crowd.

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Hah!