jayoldschool
Well-known member
Gotta get a six speed...
And, I would suggest looking at something that has upside. C5 values are still dropping.
And, I would suggest looking at something that has upside. C5 values are still dropping.
Sell me a CORVETTE!! (Vette owners only..)
- Thread starter e-tek
- Start date
gsport
Well-known member
since ya sold the Challenger i was wondering if this thread would re-surface... now's a great time to buy a vette, before spring/summer gets here
OK, so here's the DELIMMA du jur 
Just found out the 70 Vette (from previosu page) IS STILL AVIALABLE!! So should I buy the classic, ALL ORIGINAL, 40 year old (and associated issues) chrome bumpered C2 vert.....or the 1998, 50K Mile, lightly used, pristine electro-rocket ship C5 vert......
Decisions Decisions !!!
On another note, we (OK, Mrs. E-tek...) just bought her dream car - 2006 Mini Cooper S (supercharged). a real sweetheart of a ride: ultra-loaded with leather, panoramic roof, after-market wheels, air kit, front facia clear protector kit.... I'll start another thread on it here:http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1388892#post1388892
Just found out the 70 Vette (from previosu page) IS STILL AVIALABLE!! So should I buy the classic, ALL ORIGINAL, 40 year old (and associated issues) chrome bumpered C2 vert.....or the 1998, 50K Mile, lightly used, pristine electro-rocket ship C5 vert......
Decisions Decisions !!!
On another note, we (OK, Mrs. E-tek...) just bought her dream car - 2006 Mini Cooper S (supercharged). a real sweetheart of a ride: ultra-loaded with leather, panoramic roof, after-market wheels, air kit, front facia clear protector kit.... I'll start another thread on it here:http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1388892#post1388892
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jayoldschool
Well-known member
How about a 71 four speed:
http://ottawa.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-classic-cars-1971-Chevrolet-Corvette-Convertible-W0QQAdIdZ263732382
Price might be a little high, but a four speed convertible in a nice colour combo...
http://ottawa.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-classic-cars-1971-Chevrolet-Corvette-Convertible-W0QQAdIdZ263732382
Price might be a little high, but a four speed convertible in a nice colour combo...
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Goddammit - now there's another one!!! Gotta say I prefer this color combo and 4 speed....very nice
Prices are pretty good right now - the 71 Ontario-orange car hasn't sold so I would offer more than 18K, the white one is pretty, in a bigger centre, so might go easily, but bet he'd take less than $25K...
whattayou guys think?
Here's the reply on the white one:
"Sorry sold the day of the add. Keep my e-mail for future. I bring Vettes up from Florida with no rust and in great shape. I am building a house this summer so cars are on hold till the fall."
Guess I should go hunting donw in the USA - looks like I'd get a real nice one for much less money! Anyone wanna do some hunting?
"Sorry sold the day of the add. Keep my e-mail for future. I bring Vettes up from Florida with no rust and in great shape. I am building a house this summer so cars are on hold till the fall."
Guess I should go hunting donw in the USA - looks like I'd get a real nice one for much less money! Anyone wanna do some hunting?
robertearl
Well-known member
Don't forget about the C5's. I have 170000 miles on mine now and love it. Over 30 mpg's on the highway and almost all of the power I could want. Very easy to work on and pretty damn reliable. Plus I think it is one of the prettier ones. You should be able to find one for under 20k with out alot of trouble.
Reb
Reb
jayoldschool
Well-known member
E, I will be in Ft Lauderdale next week. I get there on Sunday, and am there for six days. Check the South Florida craigslist to see if there is anything you want me to check out.
Jason.
Jason.
e-tec I would jump on the 1970 in a heartbeat if the numbers check, but I might be prejudiced.
I bought a 1970 Coupe LT1 new, and still have it. 61K miles and ALL the awards one can get. BowTie, Duntov, Survivor, Bloomington Gold, Benchmark and Triple Crown. I'll let someone else tell you what that means, but there are darn few Corvettes that have received all those awards -- maybe 50 or so as a guess.
I also have a 2008 Z06 I bought new and took delivery at the Corvette Museum. 27K miles now. A great Road Tour car that is a rocket ship and gets 27 mpg unless I really drive it. It has more than enough power to be dangerous.
My only regret with the 1970 is the top doesn't go down.
Life IS good.
I bought a 1970 Coupe LT1 new, and still have it. 61K miles and ALL the awards one can get. BowTie, Duntov, Survivor, Bloomington Gold, Benchmark and Triple Crown. I'll let someone else tell you what that means, but there are darn few Corvettes that have received all those awards -- maybe 50 or so as a guess.
I also have a 2008 Z06 I bought new and took delivery at the Corvette Museum. 27K miles now. A great Road Tour car that is a rocket ship and gets 27 mpg unless I really drive it. It has more than enough power to be dangerous.
My only regret with the 1970 is the top doesn't go down.
Life IS good.
OK boys - other than they're both automatics (don't mind THAT much), which is the better buy??? My intended use is (as per all my toys - just that - summer toy enjoyment. I love classic cars, but I've never owned a "real" car (so much as the 98 is). So different in every different way: fun - both, drivability - 98, power - 98, classic - 70, 10 year enjoyment?? Long term cost??? both are about $20K.
I got a LOT of good info here as far as what to look at on the 70 - which I'm going to take for a ride and possible put on my hoist. Anything esle?
Next weekend I'll go check out the 98. It's 2.5 hrs away....The current dealer is replacing the front bumper cover with another black one as the original is cracked due to curb damage. Has 50K miles.
Thanks for the help!
I got a LOT of good info here as far as what to look at on the 70 - which I'm going to take for a ride and possible put on my hoist. Anything esle?
Next weekend I'll go check out the 98. It's 2.5 hrs away....The current dealer is replacing the front bumper cover with another black one as the original is cracked due to curb damage. Has 50K miles.
Thanks for the help!
gsport
Well-known member
you really can't compare the two different generations of vettes.. each generation is far better than the one it replaced.. i had my 96' grandsport (bought new) when i bought my 03' (new) 50th anniversary C5 convertible. the C5 is so much more refined than the older cars, i drove the C5 daily, and almost had to force myself to drive the GS every couple of weeks just to keep it going. then in 05' we bought a new C6 (wifes car), again a more improved car but it was the wifes and i still just drove the C5 and mostly let the GS sit.. i'm now down to one vette, driving a 06 monterey red convertible, the best one yet and will probably be my last one now that i'm retired.
personally i'd go for the C5.... good luck
personally i'd go for the C5.... good luck
stingry
Well-known member
other than they're both automatics (don't mind THAT much), which is the better buy??? My intended use is (as per all my toys - just that - summer toy enjoyment. I love classic cars, but I've never owned a "real" car (so much as the 98 is). So different in every different way: fun - both, drivability - 98, power - 98, classic - 70, 10 year enjoyment?? Long term cost??? both are about $20K.
Tough call etek! Went through the same quandry about 20 years ago. Thought I wanted a midyear (63-67) but after driving the C4 (current generation then) I was swayed by the modern styling and the much more refined manners, I ended up buying an 87 vert, which I still own. It was fun, fast ( although nothing like the crazy power the newer ones have now!!), reliable and got fantastic gas mileage. I did end up with a midyear (64 coupe) and continue to enjoy them both. For long trips, we use the 87 but for local drives and cruise nights at the Dairy Queen and such, nothing turns heads like a classic Corvette. By the way, I'm quite partial to the 70. I had a 71 almost like it back in the early 70's, same color, automatic, convertible, Fun car!! It was my wife's daily driver. A couple of points that might affect your decision:
If you do buy the 70, you will be tinkering on it constantly, it is 41 years old. Some owners find this annoying, I kind of enjoy it.
The '70 will only go up in value while the '98 will continue to go down in value. If you have any technical questions before you pull the trigger, go to CorvetteForum.com, lots of info there.
Just a few thoughts
Cheers
Steve
Tough call etek! Went through the same quandry about 20 years ago. Thought I wanted a midyear (63-67) but after driving the C4 (current generation then) I was swayed by the modern styling and the much more refined manners, I ended up buying an 87 vert, which I still own. It was fun, fast ( although nothing like the crazy power the newer ones have now!!), reliable and got fantastic gas mileage. I did end up with a midyear (64 coupe) and continue to enjoy them both. For long trips, we use the 87 but for local drives and cruise nights at the Dairy Queen and such, nothing turns heads like a classic Corvette. By the way, I'm quite partial to the 70. I had a 71 almost like it back in the early 70's, same color, automatic, convertible, Fun car!! It was my wife's daily driver. A couple of points that might affect your decision:
If you do buy the 70, you will be tinkering on it constantly, it is 41 years old. Some owners find this annoying, I kind of enjoy it.
The '70 will only go up in value while the '98 will continue to go down in value. If you have any technical questions before you pull the trigger, go to CorvetteForum.com, lots of info there.
Just a few thoughts
Cheers
Steve
My first Vette was an automatic. Nice car, but (yawn) not all that engaging to drive. You just steer and mash the pedal. Kinda like a Buick. My current LT1 is a 6 speed, and much more fun to drive. I actually feel like I'm in control and part of the car! Is it any faster than the automatic? Hell, I don't know. But I drive a Corvette for fun, not necessarily to see how fast it will go. (Is that blasphemous?) I've had them both in triple digits, but I drive in the real world (not on a track), so 99.999% is close to the speed limit. The manual (in any car, and especially a Corvette), let's me have lots of fun under the speed limit.
PCMusicGuy
Well-known member
I have an 07 I bought new almost 4 years ago. It's been my daily driver and I'm pushing 55k+ miles on it. The car is great. If you look hard enough you can find the C6, probably a 2006 model for under 30k. I just saw a black 2006, manual, sell for 26k last month.
You should drive both cars and then make your decision. One thing to keep in mind is that the 70 is easy to work on no special tools needed. The 98 has some things that only a dealer can fix mostly computer programing issues. I have a 63 split window coupe, a C-4 and a C-5 and love them all.
tfi racing
Well-known member
Maybe in your area,not in Canada.GM Canada grossly overprices their cars,especially the Corvette,so used prices are out of synch with the USA.
My advice is to travel south to find a used C5 or C6,far greater selection and better pricing,thousands can be saved for just a bit more of your time and paperwork.
You're right - I'll definitely work that in. I'm going to drive and check out the 70 tomorrow. I'll get it on my lift and check the frame/birdcage, etc. Next week I'll likely go see the 98 for a test drive.
So if you could only keep one (and you had a daily driver) which would it be?
I know that's often the case, but I just have an aversion to spending the time and effort to get on from the Us. I would be more enthusiastic if I still lived in Vacouver, or even BC, due to the major US centres within driving distance. Sakatoon is about 6hours from NO-WHERE, USA!
stingry
Well-known member
the 70!!
McRat
Member
If you are intending on driving a V8 sportscar aggressively, pick the C5 (97-04).
It has Active Handling, which can keep you out of trouble by doing steering correction via individual brake application. When the steering input does not match the actual vehicle direction, it makes the necessary corrections to resist spinning.
It will increase your lap times about 2 seconds on a 60 second track though, so it's nice you can turn it off if you wish. Oh, and the brakes get trashed fast when you race with it on.
It also is very easy to adjust the suspension geometry with simple hand tools in minutes.
It's weighting is almost 50/50 since the transmission is the rear (torque tube), and the handling is very neutral.
The engine pulls clean from 600rpm to redline without a cough regardless of altitude or temp. It's an electric motor with nice roar to it. The LS1+ aluminum small block is one of the world's finest engines, even if it DOES have pushrods. Virtually maintenance-free and nearly indestructable.
After a good thrashing, it will take a solid hour to remove the grin from your face. It's a go-cart on steriods. Very nimble, and feels much lighter than it is (3080-3250 depending on model). Get the 6-sp manual. You will get bored with the auto pretty quick and regret it.
Out of all the vehicles I have driven, it's at the top of list for fun factor. Get the Z06 (01-04) if you can, as they are lighter. The FRC (Fixed Roof Coupe) is a bargain if you can find one.
Older vettes? Good investment. Not as good as a driver though. The Horsepower Wars of the 60's have nothing compared to what's going on now. The newer muscle cars have improved in nearly all aspects, and especially when it comes to HP, handling, and brakes.
About the Extenze? Vette owners don't need it. Most are already big d^cks.
But the C5 is truly a "driver's car". If you don't intend to hotshoe with it, you are best off with a C2-C3 Vette. C5's will probably never be collectable or appreciate.
It has Active Handling, which can keep you out of trouble by doing steering correction via individual brake application. When the steering input does not match the actual vehicle direction, it makes the necessary corrections to resist spinning.
It will increase your lap times about 2 seconds on a 60 second track though, so it's nice you can turn it off if you wish. Oh, and the brakes get trashed fast when you race with it on.
It also is very easy to adjust the suspension geometry with simple hand tools in minutes.
It's weighting is almost 50/50 since the transmission is the rear (torque tube), and the handling is very neutral.
The engine pulls clean from 600rpm to redline without a cough regardless of altitude or temp. It's an electric motor with nice roar to it. The LS1+ aluminum small block is one of the world's finest engines, even if it DOES have pushrods. Virtually maintenance-free and nearly indestructable.
After a good thrashing, it will take a solid hour to remove the grin from your face. It's a go-cart on steriods. Very nimble, and feels much lighter than it is (3080-3250 depending on model). Get the 6-sp manual. You will get bored with the auto pretty quick and regret it.
Out of all the vehicles I have driven, it's at the top of list for fun factor. Get the Z06 (01-04) if you can, as they are lighter. The FRC (Fixed Roof Coupe) is a bargain if you can find one.
Older vettes? Good investment. Not as good as a driver though. The Horsepower Wars of the 60's have nothing compared to what's going on now. The newer muscle cars have improved in nearly all aspects, and especially when it comes to HP, handling, and brakes.
About the Extenze? Vette owners don't need it. Most are already big d^cks.
But the C5 is truly a "driver's car". If you don't intend to hotshoe with it, you are best off with a C2-C3 Vette. C5's will probably never be collectable or appreciate.
McRat
Member
PS - The C5 has an information center built in (and some even have a HUD) that will diagnose common problems. If you want trick the engine out, you buy EFILive or a similar product that hooks up to your notebook computer. It will diagnose, datalog, and allow you adjust most all the engine computer settings, like timing, A/F ratio, rev limiter, emissions, etc. I tuned my from 355rwhp stock to 374rwhp without picking up a wrench. When it's time to pick up a wrench, the frame has four "puck" holders to lift safely with (you must buy a set of pucks), and the engine is held in by an aluminum K-member, you drop it through the bottom.
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You couldn't give me a vette.First thing I think of when I see some middle aged guy riding around in a vette with the top down and his bald head blowing in the wind is old Smilin Bob from the Enzite commercials.Either they have a small ***** or their going thru a midlife crisis trying to impress some young chick that will be screwing around on him in six months cuz he can't keep up with her.Sorry guys but it's just my opinion of vettes.Don't get me started on Porches or Vipers.
You have serious self esteem issues.
Or NO money and hate those who do.
Seek some help.
78Bird
Well-known member
I'll chime in. My GF has an '02 convert, and we both love it.
The only thing a 70 has going for it over any C5 or better is the looks and classic nature of the thing. Driving, the C5 is superior (stock to stock) in every way.
only real breakage was the damn trans gave out suddenly (Sun shell busted, known weak link in 4L60). Had it rebuilt with upgraded shell and frictions, but it was a PITA. She also broke the console latch and drivers sunvisor, but she's rough on things like that.
I'm 6'4" 240lb and can fit in and drive it comfortably.
I wish it has a 6 speed, or at least the non-granny rear gears but it makes it cruise nicely.
That being said, a beautiful C3 makes me feel funny in my pants...
The only thing a 70 has going for it over any C5 or better is the looks and classic nature of the thing. Driving, the C5 is superior (stock to stock) in every way.
only real breakage was the damn trans gave out suddenly (Sun shell busted, known weak link in 4L60). Had it rebuilt with upgraded shell and frictions, but it was a PITA. She also broke the console latch and drivers sunvisor, but she's rough on things like that.
I'm 6'4" 240lb and can fit in and drive it comfortably.
I wish it has a 6 speed, or at least the non-granny rear gears but it makes it cruise nicely.
That being said, a beautiful C3 makes me feel funny in my pants...
Have to agree. I buy cars cause I like them. I buy convertibles cause I like them even more. I also have a full head of hair and a babe for a wife...so what am I trying to prove?
Anyways, the C3 in question is a 70 (there was some confusion earleir). Owner gave me a history lesson: says it's the lowest production year because GM went on strike....that true? I'm heading over there later.
gsport
Well-known member
if that's true i'd be more concerned about the quality of work coming from those disgruntled employees, even if it was 40+ years ago
Jeffvette
Well-known member
Not all C5's had active handling. They all had traction control though.
The go kart handling only applies to the Z06 suspension. The base touring and Z51 suspension leaves a lot to be desired when pushed to the limits. I don't like my cars to float at 100.
Skip the 01 Z06, a few issues and the price difference in stepping up to an 02 with the small improvements and HP increase is negligible.
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Been reading for a few weeks, now I'll jump in, this is all my opinion from personal experience with the corvette starting in the early 60s, so if some one reading this doesn't like it or thinks I'm an old guy trying to recapture my youth, get chicks or whatever, go someplace else and grow-up. Have owned or driven and raced C1,C2,C3 & C4 vetts in my life time, have driven many C5s. The C1s were fun even the first 6 cyl ones with PG trans, especially like the '62 when they went to the 327, The C2s were the car to own in the 60's, I especially liked driving the '67 427 4 speed the '63 327 FI wasn't bad either, The C3s well they were a bit of a change from what we at the time loved in a vette, but they sold pretty good and drove OK some were underpowered because in the early '70s HP seemed to be a sin in detroit , the C4s put handling into a vette in my opinion especially when they added some HP, my '85 was a nice cruiser but didn't have much power, my '95 was my first new one and ran very well, and handled great. The C5s brought the vette to yet another level and the Z06 is awesome to drive and auto cross and do track time with. With 35 K there will be many for you to buy, the C1s and 2s are more expensive than 35K unless you buy a project car, the C3s are less costly as are the C4s either one can be bought for south of 10-20K in very nice condition if you look around a bit. The C5s are also falling in price and if you think about it the first Zo6 is now 9yrs old. I would drive them all that your interested in before you make a decision because they all have their strong and weak points and seat time is the only way you'll link up with what is right for you.
I would personally like to have another '62 hondoras maroon/black interior just because it is my favorite vette, but they have gotten too pricey. As for a nice driver that you can race, the Z06 is where I would be and with the falling prices might be the best value.. vettes and mustangs and other muscle cars are toys in my opinion and I like toys , I have other vehicles for daily drivers, but on a pretty day or night a toy is what I drive. Proteam in Ohio is one of the biggest classic dealers in Vettes and for no other reason you can look at the site for a few chuckles on the prices http://proteam-corvette.com/ Again this is all my personal opinion, Good luck with your search
I would personally like to have another '62 hondoras maroon/black interior just because it is my favorite vette, but they have gotten too pricey. As for a nice driver that you can race, the Z06 is where I would be and with the falling prices might be the best value.. vettes and mustangs and other muscle cars are toys in my opinion and I like toys , I have other vehicles for daily drivers, but on a pretty day or night a toy is what I drive. Proteam in Ohio is one of the biggest classic dealers in Vettes and for no other reason you can look at the site for a few chuckles on the prices http://proteam-corvette.com/ Again this is all my personal opinion, Good luck with your search
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tez929rr
Well-known member
C6's with the Z51 are option are down in that price range now. That's the same performance as the C5 Z06 with better electronics. IMHO a better looking car.
Thanks holdover - sounds like you have had a lot of great times based on that much expereince!!!
Went to look at this 70 and found it to be an EXTREMELY solid, perfectly original, never painted, no-rust, no chips, complete example. Looked at the birdcage (what I could see) and most of frame. All perfect. Just had dual 2.5" exhaust done and new suspension bushings with a 4 wheel alignement.
Under dash shot - surface rust only on "birdcage supports. All original.
Front Frame rail:
Rear frame rail (kick up):
Everything shows it's never been painted...and has NO chips or scratches.
Unfortunately (for me), the price is $26K, not $20 as I thought. Plus $2600 for taxes. Brings it too close to $30K..... but someone will certianly get a NICE car.
Went to look at this 70 and found it to be an EXTREMELY solid, perfectly original, never painted, no-rust, no chips, complete example. Looked at the birdcage (what I could see) and most of frame. All perfect. Just had dual 2.5" exhaust done and new suspension bushings with a 4 wheel alignement.
Under dash shot - surface rust only on "birdcage supports. All original.
Front Frame rail:
Rear frame rail (kick up):
Everything shows it's never been painted...and has NO chips or scratches.
Unfortunately (for me), the price is $26K, not $20 as I thought. Plus $2600 for taxes. Brings it too close to $30K..... but someone will certianly get a NICE car.
Just my .02 : I've owned two corvettes. a 1980 and a 1988. The 1980 was beautiful to look at but not very practical. Pretty much just a play toy. The 1988 is modern enough that it could be driven everyday, nice enough to take to shows and the C-4's are very affordable right now. One day I hope to step up to a c-5. I love their combination of performance, styling and reasonable fuel economy. I'm considering selling my '88. here is a link to the ad in case any just wants to take a look. http://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/cto/2245320591.html
PS: I'm 47, have a full head of hair and no problems in the ***** department. LOL.
PS: I'm 47, have a full head of hair and no problems in the ***** department. LOL.
Check this out, original owner 35K miles 12.5K buy it now, fly down to Fla, check it out if like they say buy it have it shipped/or drive home.. sounds like a great deal to me, looks exactly like the one I had
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1995...9654072?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item19c3d451b8
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1995...9654072?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item19c3d451b8
gsport
Well-known member
i thought you were looking at a C5 first? (97-04) that is a C4 there on Ebay (95)
I was looking at classics, then the low price on the nice black C5 caught my eye and I added it to the thread. But after serious consideration, I'd really want a C3. From a drivers perpective, the C5 is better, but I don't like to loose (too much!) money on my toys! Of course if I found a convertible C5 for about 15K I'd grab it!!