Topic: My Next Corvette
in Forum: All Vettes Discussion
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Lifetime MemberIndianapolis, IN - USA
Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2429
Vette(s): Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed
Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses.
2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible
Ok, I'm not ready to buy another car just yet, but I think I talked the wife into making my next daily driver a Corvette. Great! Now what?
I don't see it being another C3. I love 'em, but I need something I can drive on a more regular basis. And don't get me wrong - I will not be selling my '74 if and when the time comes to get another. I'm thinking late C4 or maybe even a C5 (unless it takes another 4 or five years, I don't see it being a C6).
When buying the '74, I used Richard Prince's C3 Buying Guide extensively. However, I don't seem to find anything like that for C4's or 5's. Any thoughts? When the time comes around, I'm likely going to need to move fast, so I want to know what I want before I need to want it.
I put a similar post out on C4VR and got good input. I'm interested to hear what you folks think - both about what I should (or shouldn't) get, as well as resources where I can read up more on what to look for.
Thanks
Marshall
I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!
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I'd go with a C5 over a C4 if the wallet can handle it.
Lifetime Member #55
'77 Orange L48 SOLD
'00 Black FRC SOLD 
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Lifetime MemberLodi, WI - USA
Joined: 9/25/2007
Posts: 340
Vette(s): 1972 Targa Blue, T-Top, Saddle leather, 350 auto,numbers match, all original except '69 factory side exhaust.
Previously owned: 1969 427, 390hp, 4sp, Riverside Gold coupe, factory side exhaust
I agree with Biff, a C5 is a lot more car. Besides, for those of us in the same age catagory as Joel, a C5 is a lot easier to get in and out of.
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Marshall,
If I ever get in your position I'll be getting a late C4.
The silver '96 CE's really stand out nicely, IMHO.
Enjoy the thrill of the chase & good luck when the time comes.
Kevin
Lifetime MemberIrving, TX - USA
Joined: 8/21/2004
Posts: 4273
Vette(s): #1 -1969 Corvette Coupe Riverside Gold, black interior,MN,A/C,350/350,PS,PB,window cranks.
#2 -2000 C5, black/black, 6 sp, Bose system & lots of buttons.
Go C5 if you pockets can handle it. They ride nice and they are easier to get out of than a C4. Stereo system rocks!
I would change the exhaust in it to make it sound better.
�����
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MICK - C3VR Lifetime Member #113
Personally I have never been a fan of the C5's styling, but I can attest to the fact that "The Beast" is a bit of a challenge to get in and out of so the C5 wins that point.
Folks with C5s really like them on the road. I've never ridden in or driven one so can't comment on that, but I was pleasantly surprised how nice "The Beast" was on the Carson City road trip in '07. We put 5k on it over the 2 weeks we were on the road. Had a few long days (10-14 hours) in the saddle and never felt beat-up at the end of the day.
Folks with C5s really like them on the road. I've never ridden in or driven one so can't comment on that, but I was pleasantly surprised how nice "The Beast" was on the Carson City road trip in '07. We put 5k on it over the 2 weeks we were on the road. Had a few long days (10-14 hours) in the saddle and never felt beat-up at the end of the day.
If you go with a manual tranny I can guarantee you that your left leg will get a workout in rush hour traffic.
Check out Corvette Magazine's market guides for the different gens. They detail differences year by year and have a general price list as well. I don't recall where they are in the cycle but each issue has a guide in it and they touch each generation at least once a year.
Jim Olson 
"The Toys"...!!! Save the Wave! 
[QUOTE=Norsky]
I've never ridden in or driven one so can't comment on that,
[/QUOTE]
Next time we see each other and I've got my C5 there, we'll fix both of those issues..
I've never ridden in or driven one so can't comment on that,
Next time we see each other and I've got my C5 there, we'll fix both of those issues..
Lifetime Member #73
The Money Pit.... and my niece 
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Lifetime MemberIrving, TX - USA
Joined: 8/21/2004
Posts: 4273
Vette(s): #1 -1969 Corvette Coupe Riverside Gold, black interior,MN,A/C,350/350,PS,PB,window cranks.
#2 -2000 C5, black/black, 6 sp, Bose system & lots of buttons.
Hey Marshall, I would of let you drive the C5 while you were here in Dallas. All ya had to do was ask. It's a six speed though, not an auto. It's not that bad of a work out on your left leg. Are you comin' back to Dallas soon? Hi-Ho Silver and away!
It's a six speed though, not an auto. It's not that bad of a work out on your left leg. Are you comin' back to Dallas soon? Hi-Ho Silver and away!�����
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MICK - C3VR Lifetime Member #113
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
[QUOTE=TargaBlue72] I agree with Biff, a C5 is a lot more car. Besides, for those of us in the same age catagory as Joel, a C5 is a lot easier to get in and out of.[/QUOTE]
HEY!!!
Personally, I would take a late C4 over the C5 OR the C6. Yeah, they can be a pain sometimes to get in/put of, but there IS a trick to it, and it works fine, even for an OLD FART like me!
I've driven both the C5 and C6(I've actually driven all generations, but that's not what this am aboot). I just can't get comfortable in either of them. My '85 is fine...a little too snug if yer the passenger, for sure, if you have any legs at all....or big feet. They run fine, get good mileage, and ride great on the road.
Go for a late C4, with the LT1 or the LT4....you'll love it.
[/QUOTE]
HEY!!!
Personally, I would take a late C4 over the C5 OR the C6. Yeah, they can be a pain sometimes to get in/put of, but there IS a trick to it, and it works fine, even for an OLD FART like me!
I've driven both the C5 and C6(I've actually driven all generations, but that's not what this am aboot). I just can't get comfortable in either of them. My '85 is fine...a little too snug if yer the passenger, for sure, if you have any legs at all....or big feet. They run fine, get good mileage, and ride great on the road.
Go for a late C4, with the LT1 or the LT4....you'll love it.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
in Forum: All Vettes Discussion
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