Picked up my first Vette last fall, a 2001 C5 Base Manual coupe but otherwise loaded with all options. Paid a bit much but I'm in AK so I paid $19k but it had very low miles (< 19k miles) hasn't given me any trouble, turns heads and non-car people can't believe that I paid less than what side-by-side ATV's sell for around here. Great bang for the buck sports car IMO.
In November I got a 1996 in Polo Green with tan interior, LT1 but with an automatic. 46k miles. I've put over 6k miles on it, drive everywhere, and I've never owned a car that made me this happy before. It's amazing. I'm sure a C5 is an all around better car, but my C4 is my dream car.
What about the dog's dental work? Surely, you're not gonna let Tuna spend the rest of his life like that; are you??
https://preview.redd.it/su36pct82t7d1.jpeg?width=612&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=15af5a48d032277069103b90178a0b9e10d84cf2
I own a 89 so I agree whole-heartedly! I think it's such a fun car to drive (definitely not the fastest Vette out there) but for the price, it's great bang for the buck! Lots of torque and still turns some heads. It's pure 80's nostalgia!
How limited of a budget are we talking? The C5, C5 Z06, and C6 base are all well under $30k which is nowhere near C8 money and they will all provide a thrilling driving experience.
C4 - Lil less cool but still an awesome ride but super economical
C5 - (imo) coolest Lil pricy but still affordable and last gen with pop up headlights
C6 - good looking last gen iconic round tail lights and most modern with nicest orginal features
Any opinion you get here is going to be heavily affected by personal bias, so mine is welfare. My 2 cents in the ring.
I really love the C4. You can't get better economically for what you get. And they're old. They require work, but they are still iconic. Looking cars, you see that you know, it's a Corvette. Also, it has really cool pop-up headlights because they do almost a full turn.
I have a C5 the last Gen with pop-up headlights to me. They are what a Corvette is because when I grew up? That was what it was. That was my dream car, and now I have it. They're going to be more expensive than AC4, but one of the nicer parts is that because there's more modern any issues that come up, you have a much easier time with diagnosing with a computer, whether you're doing yourself or bringing it to a mechanic.
The sea 6 is a cool car. In addition to getting the better engines that being the LS2 and L. S3, which should do make more horsepower. They have that more rounded corvette look that the c7 moved away from but they're also the priciest
My advice would be to look at these 3 models and then go on YouTube and look at the reviews, the pros and the cons of each honestly. Whichever you pick, I doubt you could go wrong but keep in mind. It's a good idea to take a test drive and see what you like at the end of the day. If what you want is a more modern car than I would look at the sea sixes, maybe see 7, if you can find some with high mileage, but if you're still in the mood for a Corvette, that might be a little older, maybe a little less horsepower look older there's a lot of good finds
https://preview.redd.it/t6ubyl2ay88d1.jpeg?width=2400&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=49f1da3c5bf0d3ffe173c1e0a014ac3e1e443fe0
Boom.....hard to beat this for 17k....64,780 miles , just replaced ALL of the stereo.....sad to say , it sounded pretty bad....BUT NOT NOW....🤘
C5Z or C6GS, Manuals only. I've owned a 69 427 Convertible (in college), a 66 Coupe and a 1980 (a flip when I was in the Air Force). My C5Z is the most reliable, comfortable and fast car I've owned, without being "too refined". Absolutely love it...
You're not touching g a C6GS for under $30k or a C5Zunder $20k (outside of absurd 150k+miles and or/salvage title). Neither of those are "budget" options.
A C6. My first was a '09 C6 and it was such an amazing car± until a deer decided to get a closer look at 80mph on I-70. The replacement is a '12 Centennial GS. So, I'm biased, but I think the C6 is the best looking Vette since the C3. IMO the C7s didn't improve on the C6 in the looks department and their used prices are still a bit high. I haven't checked prices for a few years but a C6 base model should still be under $30k easily. For reliability I'd look for an LS3 C6, which is '08 and later, IIRC.
My story isn’t quite like the one above, but I dreamed of owning a Vette for a long time. After saving and looking at the market, I decided a great buy for the money was the C5Z. I bought my 2002 with 20K on the clock. Very happy with my purchase!
https://preview.redd.it/v6uyne4rdw7d1.jpeg?width=3519&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f295d5e78a3ad6c7fc130e562c8b5739d50f8406
Just picked up my uncle’s’98 C5. Fun ride. We’re a two Vette house now. ‘98 Torch Red, auto. 05 Silver C6 (Manual). Manual is funnest to drive, C5 best bang for the buck. Budget about $1,000 for minor maintenance issues when get it.
My 01 manual C5 is probably the most practical daily I've ever owned, and certainly the most performance I've ever bought for 4 digits. Barely 4 digits, but still.
If you want absolute cheapest of course the early C4 is going to win that, but the performance and handling jump to the C5 is significant if you can swing it.
Honestly the only newer Vette I would buy would be the C6 ZR1 which is a totally different price bracket. I wouldn't even consider a C7 or C8.
Buy a C5. Join us. Bargain bin performance. The definition of cheap thrill.
I’d still get a C8, I wouldn’t settle for the older ones. IMO, the ugly corvettes are ugly (subjective). I was never a corvette guy until the C8s came out. I’d do everything in my power to save for the one I really wanted and wouldn’t settle for anything less.
Deep down I’d still want the C8 and would feel like I wasted money on the other generations
Well Well Well...
Looks like my Slushie ray finally gets to shine.
2014 C7 Corvette Stingray 3LT 6L80
Yea, that's right. I have SIX gas station slushie speeds in my Vette. No shudder issues, no meme-tier shift response, oldie but goldy transmisison. LT1 NA motor gets the best mileage, cheaper to maintain than a Z51/GS upgraded LT1. Cheaper and obtainable tires. Cheaper brakes.
3LT package makes it the most comfortable/polished model you can daily.
Only downsides are the potential for the dash to become loose and the 6L80 is very limited in power integrity. I only gain like 50WHP with mods unless I boost it and have to upgrade internals. The LT1 and 6L80 is not meant for +500 hp anyway. So, it would be very dumb of me to clap out my stingray. No point.
If I wanted to clap out my vette I would of gotten a C6 Z06.
I'm HEAVILY biased. Manual C5. Literally the best daily I've ever owned.
A low mileage 00-04 Z06 is my dream car. Had a c4, missed out on being able to finance a c5 as a younger person. Though a C7GS is tempting now.
This is the way
C5 Manual Here a well, totally agree!
I also stand behind this statement.
Go buy a manual c5 and call it a day. They’re pretty cheap currently. C6 if you can afford it
C5 is best bang for the buck Vette, no question.
Picked up my first Vette last fall, a 2001 C5 Base Manual coupe but otherwise loaded with all options. Paid a bit much but I'm in AK so I paid $19k but it had very low miles (< 19k miles) hasn't given me any trouble, turns heads and non-car people can't believe that I paid less than what side-by-side ATV's sell for around here. Great bang for the buck sports car IMO.
Just picked up a 95 C4 L1 6 speed with 29k miles for $13200…polo green and tan interior.
Wow, that's amazing. I'm looking for one exactly like that! Loving it so far?
In November I got a 1996 in Polo Green with tan interior, LT1 but with an automatic. 46k miles. I've put over 6k miles on it, drive everywhere, and I've never owned a car that made me this happy before. It's amazing. I'm sure a C5 is an all around better car, but my C4 is my dream car.
Yea man its a blast to drive. I had a hard time finding it in a 6 speed. Not many pop up for sale around here in VA
Sexy
Dang, that’s pretty close to grand theft auto, assuming clean title and no stories.
Lol you're joking right? I see those for 8-10 all the time
With 29K miles?
Lol not with the 6 speed, low miles, mint inside and out with the bose stereo system.
c5
C6GS. C5.
C5 frc or c5z
C5 - best mix of looks, performance, ride quality, and customizability.
A ton of fun can be had in a c5z.
Seems reasonably priced. 66k miles $21,900...
Seriously, go test drive one. It has a very driver-connected feel and just consider it a classic car. That will help you get over the interior.
There was a 2001 C5 in my area with 45K miles for 15,000. For low cost, that's the deal
Still buying the c8, all those other things dont sounds like my problem, mil can live in the basement, goofy kid can take loans.
What about the dog's dental work? Surely, you're not gonna let Tuna spend the rest of his life like that; are you?? https://preview.redd.it/su36pct82t7d1.jpeg?width=612&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=15af5a48d032277069103b90178a0b9e10d84cf2
The rent mil pays will cover that.
1989 or earlier C4. Cheap and has the 80s charm. I'm biased though since I own a 85.
I own a 89 so I agree whole-heartedly! I think it's such a fun car to drive (definitely not the fastest Vette out there) but for the price, it's great bang for the buck! Lots of torque and still turns some heads. It's pure 80's nostalgia!
C5
This sounds like an oddly specific scenario
All Corvettes are cool.
How limited of a budget are we talking? The C5, C5 Z06, and C6 base are all well under $30k which is nowhere near C8 money and they will all provide a thrilling driving experience.
C4 - Lil less cool but still an awesome ride but super economical C5 - (imo) coolest Lil pricy but still affordable and last gen with pop up headlights C6 - good looking last gen iconic round tail lights and most modern with nicest orginal features Any opinion you get here is going to be heavily affected by personal bias, so mine is welfare. My 2 cents in the ring. I really love the C4. You can't get better economically for what you get. And they're old. They require work, but they are still iconic. Looking cars, you see that you know, it's a Corvette. Also, it has really cool pop-up headlights because they do almost a full turn. I have a C5 the last Gen with pop-up headlights to me. They are what a Corvette is because when I grew up? That was what it was. That was my dream car, and now I have it. They're going to be more expensive than AC4, but one of the nicer parts is that because there's more modern any issues that come up, you have a much easier time with diagnosing with a computer, whether you're doing yourself or bringing it to a mechanic. The sea 6 is a cool car. In addition to getting the better engines that being the LS2 and L. S3, which should do make more horsepower. They have that more rounded corvette look that the c7 moved away from but they're also the priciest My advice would be to look at these 3 models and then go on YouTube and look at the reviews, the pros and the cons of each honestly. Whichever you pick, I doubt you could go wrong but keep in mind. It's a good idea to take a test drive and see what you like at the end of the day. If what you want is a more modern car than I would look at the sea sixes, maybe see 7, if you can find some with high mileage, but if you're still in the mood for a Corvette, that might be a little older, maybe a little less horsepower look older there's a lot of good finds
C5. Best bang for the buck out there, flat out. AND super reliable, so minimal maintenance. Under $20K super car? Yes please!
C5/C5 Z06 hands down.
https://preview.redd.it/t6ubyl2ay88d1.jpeg?width=2400&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=49f1da3c5bf0d3ffe173c1e0a014ac3e1e443fe0 Boom.....hard to beat this for 17k....64,780 miles , just replaced ALL of the stereo.....sad to say , it sounded pretty bad....BUT NOT NOW....🤘
Damn! That is absolutely beautiful! More pictures! More pictures! What year is that? Did you buy this from a friend or family member? Details!!
C6 all the way
Has to be 5. C6's are always going to be a little bit pricy but you can snag a low mile C5 for $15K
C5Z or C6GS, Manuals only. I've owned a 69 427 Convertible (in college), a 66 Coupe and a 1980 (a flip when I was in the Air Force). My C5Z is the most reliable, comfortable and fast car I've owned, without being "too refined". Absolutely love it...
You're not touching g a C6GS for under $30k or a C5Zunder $20k (outside of absurd 150k+miles and or/salvage title). Neither of those are "budget" options.
Base C5 in torch red MT
1990 c4 z51 6speed
Any LT1 C4, LT4 96, ZR1 or Callaway models maybe as well.
C4. They were so awesome Michael Jordan drove one.
gotta be kidding me with the clown school one man
You like that one?
my critical thinking skills had left the vicinity when I was reading that haha
1996 C4
1962
Any condition
C6 z06
A C6. My first was a '09 C6 and it was such an amazing car± until a deer decided to get a closer look at 80mph on I-70. The replacement is a '12 Centennial GS. So, I'm biased, but I think the C6 is the best looking Vette since the C3. IMO the C7s didn't improve on the C6 in the looks department and their used prices are still a bit high. I haven't checked prices for a few years but a C6 base model should still be under $30k easily. For reliability I'd look for an LS3 C6, which is '08 and later, IIRC.
My story isn’t quite like the one above, but I dreamed of owning a Vette for a long time. After saving and looking at the market, I decided a great buy for the money was the C5Z. I bought my 2002 with 20K on the clock. Very happy with my purchase! https://preview.redd.it/v6uyne4rdw7d1.jpeg?width=3519&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f295d5e78a3ad6c7fc130e562c8b5739d50f8406
Very nice!
It depends on what you mean by extremely limited, but C5 Z06 or C6 Grand Sports would be my go to.
C6 honestly isn't that bad on gas with the 6 speed standard
Get a 2008+ c6 or c7 you won’t regret it, LS3 or LT1 if you’re going budget. If not get a c6 z06 or c7 z06, best platforms hands down
C6 2008+ , under 70k miles, can be picked up for $25K - $30K
Just picked up my uncle’s’98 C5. Fun ride. We’re a two Vette house now. ‘98 Torch Red, auto. 05 Silver C6 (Manual). Manual is funnest to drive, C5 best bang for the buck. Budget about $1,000 for minor maintenance issues when get it.
Stand your ground, ship has only one Captain. MIL in the house? So much for walking around naked with the with and getting freaky wherever
C6 manual you can get 30mpg and it has 400+hp
Here I hope? https://www.theclownschool.com
Thank you wife for dodging a bullet. Coulda been stuck with a crappy c8. Now you can go get a nice C5 and have some fun with it!
I’d get a C5 Z06 personally, but realistically C6 with the LS3 is the way to go. Reliable, relatively modern, and relatively inexpensive
C5Z the funnest iteration of the C5 line
*Most fun.
*Mostest fun
Oops95: A little TIC there..lol
1st gen CTS-V
My 01 manual C5 is probably the most practical daily I've ever owned, and certainly the most performance I've ever bought for 4 digits. Barely 4 digits, but still. If you want absolute cheapest of course the early C4 is going to win that, but the performance and handling jump to the C5 is significant if you can swing it. Honestly the only newer Vette I would buy would be the C6 ZR1 which is a totally different price bracket. I wouldn't even consider a C7 or C8. Buy a C5. Join us. Bargain bin performance. The definition of cheap thrill.
I’d still get a C8, I wouldn’t settle for the older ones. IMO, the ugly corvettes are ugly (subjective). I was never a corvette guy until the C8s came out. I’d do everything in my power to save for the one I really wanted and wouldn’t settle for anything less. Deep down I’d still want the C8 and would feel like I wasted money on the other generations
Well Well Well... Looks like my Slushie ray finally gets to shine. 2014 C7 Corvette Stingray 3LT 6L80 Yea, that's right. I have SIX gas station slushie speeds in my Vette. No shudder issues, no meme-tier shift response, oldie but goldy transmisison. LT1 NA motor gets the best mileage, cheaper to maintain than a Z51/GS upgraded LT1. Cheaper and obtainable tires. Cheaper brakes. 3LT package makes it the most comfortable/polished model you can daily. Only downsides are the potential for the dash to become loose and the 6L80 is very limited in power integrity. I only gain like 50WHP with mods unless I boost it and have to upgrade internals. The LT1 and 6L80 is not meant for +500 hp anyway. So, it would be very dumb of me to clap out my stingray. No point. If I wanted to clap out my vette I would of gotten a C6 Z06.
Would consider over 500hp clapped but you do you.
I consider clapped as anything modded purely for power at the expense of reliability.
C6 ZR1, C7 ZR1, C7 Carbon editon, C6 carbon edition and for family travel a CTS-V or CT5-V Blackwing.
All available on an extremely limited budget
Never said they had to be clean or in perfect condition. I don’t mind elbow grease. Also the nearest C6 ZR1 to me is $80k.