Any Vette owners out there?

[kogle]

Hey all of you Vette owners I'm thinking about taking the plunge. I've wanted one since before I could drive and I feel like I'm at a point in my life where it makes sense.
I'm thinking about a low miles yellow C5 coupe. Must be a 6 speed.
Any insight anyone would like to offer?
I know this is kind of premature since the target purchase date isn't until next fall but I just wanted to do my homewark way ahead of time so I get the car I want...
This is a good chance for all of you owners to show off your babies. Post some pictures if you have them or just offer some insight.

 

[crimzy]

I don't think you can get a 6 speed. I believe that virtually all vettes are made automatic and the transmission actually makes them faster in automatic. The only stick shift vettes I've seen have been classic cars.

 

[kogle]

You can get a 6 speed for sure. You just don't see many because manuals only account for about 20% of the production numbers per year.
The Z06's only come in 6 speed.
I think auto was standard and manual was actually an option if you can believe that!
Didn't it used to be the other way around?

 

[tizzo]

I have three friends with vettes, and all three, once they bought their first one, they were hooked for life. You don't see that with to many vehicles. Harley would be one though. I have never had a vette, but the people I know with them, seem to love them.
I think vettes start to take on a different meaning when you have one, they are not just a mode of transportation, like any other car, but they are also a hobby, an..."interest", if you will.
My 12 year old caught the bug on a recent trip to Orlando. He wants a vette now. Which is wierd cause cars have never really been his thing. He better get a job, cause I aint payin the insurance, haha

 

[anonome]

I own a C5, and this is my second one. My first was a blue with white convertible top (very rare to have one with a white top), and mine now is a coupe. Both automatics. I live and work in a very congested area, so manually shifting would be a major draw back. I am definately hooked. I like yourself have always dreamed of the ultimate chevy sports car. I will always have one, until the day I can no longer get out of it!! Since you are looking for a C5, used, then I strongly suggest that you get the extended warranty. Mine have always been extremely trust worthy, but trust me, the first time something goes wrong you will be very happy you have that. They are very expensive to fix, even the minor problems.
As far as the insurance, I was shocked on the price for insurance. I have a spotless driving record, and even with all the loyalty discounts etc, it was very expensive. My insurance company USAA puts the corvette in a probation catagory. And have found out that a lot of companies do. If for 3 years you are not pulled over for speeding, or god forbid have an accident your insurance premiums will gradually go down. Now after 6 years my premiums are the same as if I drove a SUV, but man did it hurt the first 3 years.
They are an awesome car, and well worth the price, and privledge to own, and drive. Here is mine.

 

[reefreak29]

well there awsome cars i had a 94 convertable black on black . my insurance was 600 dollars for 6 months so that wasnt bad , it was the 60 dollar oil changes,the 500 dollar tire (yes per tire) and haveing to fill up with premium gas (wasnt that bad back then but now forget it) i ended up selling it to buy my wifes wedding ring about 6 years ago. i would love to get another one some day mabie after my kids move out

 

[reefforbrains]

Yet another addictive hobby........

 

[kogle]

That's a good looking Vette Anomone!
I don't know if I'll be able to get the extended warranty with the year cars I'm looking at. I will definitely look into it.
I had a Range Rover a few years back and if I didn't have the warranty it would have killed me.
I will NEVER own another Land Rover. POS.
Sorry to get off the subject but I had to vent.

 

[fishycpa]

Forget the vette, you need a lotus. Cheaper, lighter, more unique. I don't know specific stats, but I am pretty sure it is comparable to a vette in some things. From car and driver, the new exige s, "0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and the standing quarter-mile in 12.8 seconds at 107 mph". It wont beat a Z06, but it will hold its own. For me, the dollar-per-mph goes to LOTUS.

 

[kerriann]

you know what annoys the h**l outta me?? people who buy the vettes and mustangs etc etc and drive them like they're driving an 88 buick that's on it's last leg! you've got the engine power USE IT!!
sorry, bad ADD day for me and i'm trying to avoid work as much as possible

 

[kogle]

Ah man it's that Pittburg fan...

Sorry Kerriann had to do it!
yea I'm with you though. If I want to drive slow I'll take the Tacoma for a spin!

 

[anonome]

Have to agree with you there. I have been amazed at how some vette owners, and mostly older men, "dog the beast." I being female, love to take off from a stop to feel the shoulder straps pull me back. What a feeling!!

It is amazing, I go to put gas in the vette and usually get......"so your husband let you drive the car?" I love to reply....."I have no husband, and this is my car."
Usually they just stand there with glazed eyes as I drive off.
Don't assume that every woman out there driving a sports car.... has a man owner.
"Women just want to have fun" too.

 

[huskychasrs]

We had somebody at work whos a long-time Vette owner, just about kill himself the other day in his brand new Z06. Was trying to grab a bottle of coke that fell over, reached over to get it and drifted into oncoming traffic head-on.

 

[mie]

I have a chev suburban with a 6.0 liter 400 vortec with dual 3 inch flowmasters it's not a vett but just about as much horsepower (385 hp) GODBLESS THE CHEVROLET

 

[anonome]

Originally Posted by huskychasrs
We had somebody at work whos a long-time Vette owner, just about kill himself the other day in his brand new Z06. Was trying to grab a bottle of coke that fell over, reached over to get it and drifted into oncoming traffic head-on.
Not trying to start anything here but, this could have happened in a ford focus. I am sorry for your co workers scare. This has nothing to do with a particular car or make of car. But please don't think I am insensitive, it is a very scary thing. When I said that I love to feel the shoulders straps pull me back, believe me I respect the capability of the car. The first time it did it I was very shaken by it. I do not and will not race the car. Believe me there have been many opportunities. I did not buy the car to end up as a statistic.
I have been a chevy owner from day one. My dad only drove GM products, and so did, and do I. But with that being said, when you have the opportunity to own the ultimate sports car ( that chevy produces) you learn to respect the power, and quick response of the car very quickly. Many bad scenarios are human error, not manufactor defects.

 

[tangman99]

I've had my Black C5 Coupe with a six speed for 6 years now and it has been a great car. I also have USAA and my insurance has been the same for all six years but I had a WS-6 Trans Am before that though so I had already been covered with a sport car. It costs me a little over $900 a year for full coverage 100/300/100.
Gas isn't a problem. I average around 20 MPG and I don't baby it. On the interstate I get 31 MPG driving between 90 and 100 MPH. In sixth gear, it only turns a little over 2000 RMP at 90 MPH. Fifth gear is faster than sixth.
Now tires are expensive. I am ready for my 4th set at 75,000 miles. I hate the Goodyears that come on it and I switched to Michelline Pilot Sports the first tire change. Much quieter and handle better.
Here are a few pics. They are older pictures when it was almost brand new but it still looks good today. I did a few mods to it when I first bought it. I added a Breathless Vortex Ram Air system and Corsa Pace Car Exhaust w/X pipe. The stock air system and exhaust on the C5 can't move a lot of air. I ran it at the track and did a personal best of 12.8 with just those mods.

 

[kerriann]

we have a three rivers corvette club out here in pittsburgh that meet every so often by me and, not having a vette myself being a poor, poor 25 year old trying to survive

, its still a lot of fun goin and checkin out all the vettes!! although i'm a mustang girl myself. can't explain why other than i just like the looks of 'em!! i know the engine and power can't match the vette, just more my style. i'd KILL for my mothers 67 stang back!!!

 

[kevtheiris]

if youre gonna go, go big...
Z06

 

[grumpygils]

My 75 year old dad just bought what he calls his "end of life crisis" car. 6 spd. 505 HP, headsup display, Z06. He has never been happier. I made him ride with me up and down the VA Beach strip on a Friday night. What a gas! This is where all the young guns show off their rides.
Mc

 

[kogle]

Tangman that's a slick looking ride. Do you feel the intake and exhaust mods were worth the cost?
Grumpy gills that's a sick looking Z06!!! I'd love to go that route but I can't get past the non removable top... I understand why they won't make a removable top but I'm going to have to go with the wind in my hair!