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Posted: 1/17/2024 11:36:45 PM EST
[#1]
This may sound counter intuitive, but check out: https://carsandbids.com/search/chevrolet/c5-corvette You can seriously find a creampuff on C & B (I don't know about Bring A Trailer) versus Facebook marketplace. I'd bide my time and see what comes up. Good luck and the C5 Z06s are the performance bargain. |
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Posted: 1/17/2024 11:41:08 PM EST
[#2]
I test drove a ‘22 C8 3LT w/P51 this week… I mostly liked it.
That’s all I got. |
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Posted: 1/17/2024 11:42:46 PM EST
[#3]
Get a manual.
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Posted: 1/17/2024 11:45:56 PM EST
[#4]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Get a manual. A service manual. |
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Posted: 1/17/2024 11:47:39 PM EST
[#5]
Quoted: OK, I've got to get a newer car than what I have. I'm between the Challenger RT with either Hemi motor, or the Corvette. With the money I have to work with let's say $25K, I'm finding Vettes that are between 2003 and 2009 mostly. All the ones I'm considering, are one or two owner, very low original miles, 25k-65k, and automatic transmission. I really don't want a convertible, but I'll take one if I have to. Rather have the targa top or whatever you call it. Basically, I'm looking for the LS3 @430hp if possible, but if not, anything factory over 400hp is good. I've found a small handful of Z06 cars in my price range, they're rare, but they're out there. What should I be looking at in these cars, pros, cons etc. I was a car salesman for a decade , also engine builder for street / strip drag cars, but mostly in the Mustang world. I want a change. I'm 57, never had a Vette and always wanted one. I even have a line on a good deal on New Balance 505s for my old man Corvette starter kit. Thanks for any help. Don't forget your hat, To match your New Balance shoes and white socks.  ETA: Go with a C5 |
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Posted: 1/17/2024 11:48:16 PM EST
[#6]
Your insurance will probably be cheaper with a corvette. At least mine was. IIRC it was around the same cost to insure as the wife's old 2012 ford fiesta.
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Posted: 1/17/2024 11:49:03 PM EST
[#7]
Interested in a 2007 LT3 pkg in Victory Red with 89k? Just upgraded to a grand sport model
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Posted: 1/18/2024 12:00:16 AM EST
[#8]
2007-2010 Z06 w/manual is what you seek just keep looking.
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Posted: 1/18/2024 12:12:59 AM EST
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Get a manual. I've driven mostly manuals all my life. My knee injuries on my left knee makes it difficult to drive one now. |
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Posted: 1/18/2024 12:14:44 AM EST
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Interested in a 2007 LT3 pkg in Victory Red with 89k? Just upgraded to a grand sport model Sounds nice. I haven't got all my ducks in a row just yet. A couple of months and I should be ready. |
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Posted: 1/18/2024 12:43:16 AM EST
[#11]
You really want a Z06 it is a lot of car for the money.
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Posted: 1/18/2024 12:50:39 AM EST
[#12]
Spend a little more and get an LS7 Vette
Fix the valve issue and have fun. |
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Posted: 1/18/2024 12:56:12 AM EST
[#13]
Get the Z06
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Posted: 1/18/2024 12:57:51 AM EST
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I test drove a ‘22 C8 3LT w/P51 this week… I mostly liked it. That’s all I got. Z51. |
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Posted: 1/18/2024 1:00:53 AM EST
[#15]
Get a manual C5. 2001+ preferably.
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Posted: 1/18/2024 1:01:36 AM EST
[#16]
If OP has a budget of 25k, he's not going to be getting into a c7 z07. He's not even going to get into a c6 z06. He can find very nice, low mileage c6 base models though for that price.
If his budget was closer to 30k, then maybe he can get into a c6 z06 but it will be higher (50k+) mileage. Don't get the dodge. Or if you are looking at them, don't get the 5.7 engine. It's a turd. Plus it's a heavy car. Realistically OP, id say your budget would need to come up 10k and you would be able to find solid c6 vettes (base model and gran sports) or maybe a higher mileage z06 if you want a manual. I ran into the small issue when I was looking for a car back in 2020. I had a budget of 50-55k. I wanted a vette but it came down to a few year old low mileage Stingray or a 5-6 year old z06. Or... I could get a low mileage newer zl1. Ended up finding a 2018 zl1 with 3k miles for 50k OTD in Texas. Flew out, picked it up and drove it home. Edit: Just checked out that cars and bids. I'm not going to lie...I'm shocked at how low those prices are. |
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Posted: 1/18/2024 1:08:07 AM EST
[#17]
with a 25k budget a C6 would be my choice.
Something like this....very low miles: https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/817b75bb-9292-4447-967d-a964ee714084/ And yes, I’m a little partial to yellow:  Attached File |
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Posted: 1/18/2024 1:16:47 AM EST
[#18]
70's Stingray Corvette is best Corvette
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Posted: 1/18/2024 1:24:19 AM EST
[#19]
OP - watch Cars&Bids and BAT (bring a trailer)….they are premium sites for scoring great cars.
I bought an LE IS500 off Cars&Bids - super easy process. I’d save a little more for a C6 personally. PS, don’t be these guys  C5 vs C6  Two Turkeys on Thanksgiving Wrecking their Corvettes in The Woodlands |
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Posted: 1/18/2024 1:27:51 AM EST
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted: If OP has a budget of 25k, he's not going to be getting into a c7 z07. He's not even going to get into a c6 z06. He can find very nice, low mileage c6 base models though for that price. If his budget was closer to 30k, then maybe he can get into a c6 z06 but it will be higher (50k+) mileage. Don't get the dodge. Or if you are looking at them, don't get the 5.7 engine. It's a turd. Plus it's a heavy car. Realistically OP, id say your budget would need to come up 10k and you would be able to find solid c6 vettes (base model and gran sports) or maybe a higher mileage z06 if you want a manual. I ran into the small issue when I was looking for a car back in 2020. I had a budget of 50-55k. I wanted a vette but it came down to a few year old low mileage Stingray or a 5-6 year old z06. Or... I could get a low mileage newer zl1. Ended up finding a 2018 zl1 with 3k miles for 50k OTD in Texas. Flew out, picked it up and drove it home. Edit: Just checked out that cars and bids. I'm not going to lie...I'm shocked at how low those prices are. Prices have dropped a lot in 9 months on C6s atleast. If you have cash you can get a great deal right now. I bought a 2005 c6 last March for 25k, low miles, 6 speed. Right now that car would be probably 22k or less. 25-28k would get me a ls3 2008 base, lower(under 40k) miles right now. 30k would probably bring in a z06, maybe. Corvettes are kind of like that. Every 5k you spend you upgrade to a little newer, more power, lower miles etc. |
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Posted: 1/18/2024 1:36:10 AM EST
[#21]
dodges are gross. dont do that.
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Posted: 1/18/2024 1:47:27 AM EST
[#22]
2008 gets the ls3 you want. 3lt or 4lt trim level should be possible with maybe 50k miles. The “gumby” 5 spokes are strongest as they’re forged, but the cars are old enough and replicas so common that wheels should be checked. Once you have a 3lt or 4lt trim level imho the only must have option to confirm is the npp exhaust. Look hard now north of ya and jump fast while we’re still in winter.
One that already has a working aftermarket stereo is a nice bonus, as the oem system is ancient now with no phone options and a brutal to use gps. They take standard double dins which is nice if not. C6 is a very reliable car but we’re still talking about a 15+ year old vehicle. New service parts outside of wear parts are getting thin. Auto is cheaper so good for you, but a 6m is a far better overall sportscar. |
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Posted: 1/18/2024 2:06:48 AM EST
[#23]
Watch the videos from C&S Corvettes for the quirks in the models you're considering -
 Has the Corvette market split? (That's just to link to their page.) I decided I didn't need a Vette. |
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Posted: 1/18/2024 2:08:22 AM EST
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Z51. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: I test drove a ‘22 C8 3LT w/P51 this week… I mostly liked it. That’s all I got. Z51. That’s it. Regardless, OP is a GBPSWE in the master-vette race. P, Z, LQBGTVWGHYBBQ, I’m looking to go E-Ray in the near future for a few reasons. AWD just scratches a Big-Ol’ V8 domestic performance itch I’ve had for decades.  Attached File |
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Posted: 1/18/2024 2:30:48 AM EST
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted: That’s it. Regardless, OP is a GBPSWE in the master-vette race. P, Z, LQBGTVWGHYBBQ, I’m looking to go E-Ray in the near future for a few reasons. AWD just scratches a Big-Ol’ V8 domestic performance itch I’ve had for decades. /media/mediaFiles/sharedAlbum/ace-16.gif I don't want to like a Hybrid Corvette, but the E-Ray really is a smokin' performance car. |
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Posted: 1/18/2024 3:08:13 AM EST
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted: This may sound counter intuitive, but check out: https://carsandbids.com/search/chevrolet/c5-corvette -snip- Good luck and the C5 Z06s are the performance bargain. C5 Z06 is a good place to start. |
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Posted: 1/18/2024 5:59:28 AM EST
[#27]
10+ years C6 owner and current 1 year C2 owner here.
Do not buy a modified car, look for one that is bone stock, you will thank me later. Do not buy a C5, some electrical components are no longer being supported. My C6 was 400hp stock and that was stupid fast. Some smart guys designed it to all work together and I left it that way. Don't get one with a tune either, you are sacrificing engine / parts life for HP. |
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Posted: 1/18/2024 6:02:46 AM EST
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted: 70's Stingray Corvette is best Corvette |
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Posted: 1/18/2024 7:10:44 AM EST
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Get the Z06https://i.imgur.com/7KGcYVs.jpeg Currently looking at c8z’s myself. The premiums on them are dropping quickly. I love it. Been sitting on the sidelines since ‘21. Just like gun stuff, I knew car prices would come back down. Good looking ride sir. I’m starting to get excited about it. |
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Posted: 1/18/2024 7:17:45 AM EST
[#30]
Scatpack will give you the most horsepower per dollar.
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Posted: 1/18/2024 7:26:50 AM EST
[#31]
Nobody is going to take you seriously as a buyer unless you show up in jorts and white/blue leather New Balance or Nikes, preferably with light grass staining.
In those years you're going to get cheap feeling plastic in the interior and uncomfortable seating. They're fun cars, no doubt, but not everything they're hyped to be. Good luck. |
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Posted: 1/18/2024 8:03:32 AM EST
[#32]
Corvette with less than 30k miles is like a new car. Just check for rear seal leaks and that it wasn’t abused. Most Vette owners aren’t dumbasses like Scat Pack drivers.
Insurance will be stupid cheap because it’s not listed as a sports car but rather touring car. They also take forced induction pretty well with stock clutch. Mine had 650hp and drove like a stock car. I got 30mpg from NJ to ATL on the highway. 6 speed of course. |
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Posted: 1/18/2024 10:02:05 AM EST
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Edit: Just checked out that cars and bids. I'm not going to lie...I'm shocked at how low those prices are. Same. Now I have another site to watch other than BringATrailer. |
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Posted: 1/18/2024 10:29:52 AM EST
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I don't want to like a Hybrid Corvette, but the E-Ray really is a smokin' performance car. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: That’s it. Regardless, OP is a GBPSWE in the master-vette race. P, Z, LQBGTVWGHYBBQ, I’m looking to go E-Ray in the near future for a few reasons. AWD just scratches a Big-Ol’ V8 domestic performance itch I’ve had for decades. /media/mediaFiles/sharedAlbum/ace-16.gif I don't want to like a Hybrid Corvette, but the E-Ray really is a smokin' performance car. It’s borderline too much technology after digging into its specifics. Liquid cooled battery that sits in the tunnel under the console!- Come on man! It’s not a Hybrid in the gas saving sense, per sé, it’s all about go. I have nothing against Hybrids. Have one actually. Once cars started going start/stop, the Hybrids have become a better choice, IMO. |
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Posted: 1/18/2024 10:50:09 AM EST
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Z51. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: I test drove a ‘22 C8 3LT w/P51 this week… I mostly liked it. That’s all I got. Z51. This, and 2008 and up C6 for the LS3. |
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Posted: 1/18/2024 11:10:34 AM EST
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted: 70's Stingray Corvette is best Corvette IIRC, the "stingray" nomenclature was dropped by the end of the '60's. '74/ Corvettes were emissions-choked turds, styling sucked. They are not very highly regarded in the market. '85/ C4's were much better cars, C5's even more so. |
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Posted: 1/18/2024 11:55:05 AM EST
[#37]
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Posted: 1/18/2024 12:03:45 PM EST
[#38]
C6 are great. I bought this from a member here off the EE last year. It's been a solid car.
2007 Auto Since purchasing: Texas Speed LT Headers and x-pipe Corsa Extreme BTR Stag 2 Cam Pro Charger w/ 6psi w/air to air intercooler Large Radiator Injectors Fuel Pumps     
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Posted: 1/18/2024 12:06:45 PM EST
[#39]
Pops always said if it isn't stick it isn't a Vette!
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Posted: 1/18/2024 12:16:31 PM EST
[#40]
I just bought a two owner garage queen C5 w/ 43k miles for just under $18k the week before Christmas. I have a diesel F350, a diesel Excursion, a Yukon and a Sierra 2500HD (gas), so I decided to go opposite of what I'd been driving the last 30 years. The Corvette puts a grin on my face every time I drive it. Plus it gets better mileage than any of my other cars, so I call it my economy car. Making plans now for some upgrades. Headers, cam, cold air intake, etc., I'll be happy go from the stock 350 hp to 450 hp. I'll keep this car for five years and then buyer another. I'm hooked.
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Posted: 1/18/2024 12:23:09 PM EST
[#41]
A well sorted C5 with quality mods would be what I would be looking for with that money.
Oh shit forgot to post a pic of my 1 of 1 b/c it's Blue HTC, z51, red calipers, built on a Thursday while it was partly cloudy out by a guy named Ron...  Attached File |
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Posted: 1/18/2024 12:30:53 PM EST
[#42]
First advice is don’t, but you probably won’t listen to reason there so I’ll just give you the least troublesome, and best resale one to find.
Skip the ls7, way too finicky. Get an ls3, it’s worth it over the earlier ls2 Get a 2008 or newer so it has the upgraded 6060 trans Don’t get an auto, they suck and have same issues all gm 8spds have Preferably find a ls3 grand sport. This will have upgraded trans, the dry sump oil, and wide body everybody wants. Resale will be much better here. |
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Posted: 1/18/2024 12:35:04 PM EST
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuoted: First advice is don’t, but you probably won’t listen to reason there so I’ll just give you the least troublesome, and best resale one to find. Skip the ls7, way too finicky. Get an ls3, it’s worth it over the earlier ls2 Get a 2008 or newer so it has the upgraded 6060 trans Don’t get an auto, they suck and have same issues all gm 8spds have Preferably find a ls3 grand sport. This will have upgraded trans, the dry sump oil, and wide body everybody wants. Resale will be much better here. Great advice, and the same conclusion I came to when researching a new to me vette. |
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Posted: 1/18/2024 1:42:09 PM EST
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Great advice, and the same conclusion I came to when researching a new to me vette. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: First advice is don’t, but you probably won’t listen to reason there so I’ll just give you the least troublesome, and best resale one to find. Skip the ls7, way too finicky. Get an ls3, it’s worth it over the earlier ls2 Get a 2008 or newer so it has the upgraded 6060 trans Don’t get an auto, they suck and have same issues all gm 8spds have Preferably find a ls3 grand sport. This will have upgraded trans, the dry sump oil, and wide body everybody wants. Resale will be much better here. Great advice, and the same conclusion I came to when researching a new to me vette. Good luck at OP's price limit of $25k. |
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Posted: 1/18/2024 1:51:54 PM EST
[#45]
I've been kicking around the idea of eventually finding a C6/C7 to turn into a dedicated road track car. Think that would be a fun project and much more financially feasible than doing the same with my '23 M3
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Posted: 1/18/2024 2:00:00 PM EST
[#46]
Been watching videos last night a a couple early this morning. Looks like the Z06 can't be had in an automatic, or that's what I think I'm hearing. I guess I could stick with a straight drive. That 2008 7.0l with 500hp is killer.
But, it also looks like in my price range, to get one with 25k-50k miles, one owner and stock, a C5 Z06 is the best I can do. I'll have to decide if my leg can hold up. I didn't have any trouble in the Mustang GT this morning. Some days hurt though, but that's usually when I drive a couple of hours through Charlotte or Columbia traffic, and that's very rare nowadays. Most of my driving is just t town and back, river road cruising here and there. I probably don't put over 150 miles a month on a car, if that. |
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Posted: 1/18/2024 2:26:04 PM EST
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Been watching videos last night a a couple early this morning. Looks like the Z06 can't be had in an automatic, or that's what I think I'm hearing. I guess I could stick with a straight drive. That 2008 7.0l with 500hp is killer. But, it also looks like in my price range, to get one with 25k-50k miles, one owner and stock, a C5 Z06 is the best I can do. I'll have to decide if my leg can hold up. I didn't have any trouble in the Mustang GT this morning. Some days hurt though, but that's usually when I drive a couple of hours through Charlotte or Columbia traffic, and that's very rare nowadays. Most of my driving is just t town and back, river road cruising here and there. I probably don't put over 150 miles a month on a car, if that. Go for the C6 if you can. |
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Posted: 1/18/2024 3:00:06 PM EST
[#48]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Good luck at OP's price limit of $25k. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Quoted: First advice is don’t, but you probably won’t listen to reason there so I’ll just give you the least troublesome, and best resale one to find. Skip the ls7, way too finicky. Get an ls3, it’s worth it over the earlier ls2 Get a 2008 or newer so it has the upgraded 6060 trans Don’t get an auto, they suck and have same issues all gm 8spds have Preferably find a ls3 grand sport. This will have upgraded trans, the dry sump oil, and wide body everybody wants. Resale will be much better here. Great advice, and the same conclusion I came to when researching a new to me vette. Good luck at OP's price limit of $25k. True, I'm in DFW TX area and they sell a bit higher. A nice C6 STD with Z51 and under 50K miles is closer to $30-$35 around here, GS maybe another $5K. I think an auto helps him with the price though. I keep waiting for the prices to plummet. 
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Posted: 1/18/2024 7:43:31 PM EST
[#49]
What are the big differences in the packages that were mentioned earlier? The 3lt and 4lt?
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Posted: 1/18/2024 8:01:38 PM EST
[#50]
In your price range, if you look, you should be able to find a nice C6, 2008 and up. LS3, 6 speed trans.
The C6 is a big step up from the C5 and the 2008 LS3 is a nice step up from the LS2, not that the LS2 is bad. I have a 2010 for sale but it is out of your price range. 750 WHP and the trans/driveline to go with it. Look at the Corvette Forum. There are C6's for sale there. Handy link to C6's for sale subforum on Corvette Forum Many of them are over priced but some are good deals. |
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