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We went looking for a vette today,didn't really find anything in my price range or model(want a 1997-2004)...went up to the Jaguar dealer to take a look,saw a BMW that was nice enough so stopped and took a look.
Salesman came out,talked a little and mentioned I wanted a vette,he siad we just had one traded in,it is still being cleaned up.
1998 C5,white(not my favorite color),black leather interior,six speed,glass roof,34,000 miles and later model wheels.
Took it for a long test drive,it has a lot of road noise but drives like a new car really.
Asking $21990....going back in the morning to see what can be done.
Interesting post, Oz in SC
Buying a Corvette should not involve a "second choice" even if it is only the color especially over a few bucks. As others have posted, hold out for your first choice because it may very well be with you for a long long time because once you become "hooked" it may very well become a "family member".
Have you considered doing a little research on the Corvette Forum? I am a very proud owner of a '05 Chevy SSR and have learned more than I ever thought possible from the SSR Forum. Not to mention . . . LOTS OF FRIENDS.
What about a BMW Z3 Roadster?? If you get one with the 3.0 liter engine, or the "M" version you will be close enough in performance to the Vette that the better driver in either would win a race up to about 80 MPH. Beyond that the Vette will offer more. The Z3 is alot of fun to drive and would be much more agile than the Vette. Plus, everybody will think you are rich for spending $15,000 on it just because they look so good and are BMW's. I have one, and other than wearing through summer tires every 6000 miles, it has been trouble-free.
If a sub 6 second run from 0-60 isn't that important to you, the Z3's with the smaller 6 cylinders or even the 4 bangers can be downright cheap! (PS-THEY GET GOOD MPG's TOO.)
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
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Quote:
Originally Posted by oz in SC
Well....I think our whole future is going to be one big midlife crisis...
We are selling everything here and in NC and buying a small cattle ranch if it all works out.Even plan to take the MIL along with us.
See how the whole vette thing makes no sense????
I did that once... (bought the farm...)
I do have a 'mid-life' friend with one of the special edition GT-40's. It's pretty impressive, and with mods he's into it over $240k. It works out to $1000 per mph, much cheaper than a fighter plane, especially when you take it out for a spin. My friends with Corvettes don't really seem to get into the 'performance' driving thing, they just putt around on street trips. I'm glad I have switchbacks and mountain roads to drive everyday, but it is tough on tires A few weekends / yr on the track can get me through for a spell, but I would have a tough time having a performance car and not using it as such.
You get great deals on those 5th generation corvettes now. You can't compare it to other sports cars on the market like the BMW roadster's or anything. Those border on chick cars, they aren't in the same class or market comparison. You don't want a chick car, man. Vette - It's just in a class by itself almost - mix of sports and muscle car.
Also, like someone said, visit the corvette forum for a wealth of information and clubs, drives, get togethers, etc.
I looked at some M3's but maintenence is a killer from what I read.
Being 6'2" as well, Oz in SC . . . and having the same problem mainly with adequate room down by the pedals for my big feet (size 13's) is primarily why I chose the SSR over the Corvette. The more upright seating position is a little more comfortable for me as well.
KUDOS for for strong BUY AMERICAN stand and you are absolutely correct . . . maintenance and even the most routine repairs for an older European Vehicle can become very expensive and time consuming (searching and waiting for parts, etc).
Once again, go for your first choice an ENJOY! You won't be sorry.
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Nice username by the way.
My friends with Corvettes don't really seem to get into the 'performance' driving thing, they just putt around on street trips. I'm glad I have switchbacks and mountain roads to drive everyday, but it is tough on tires 
A few weekends / yr on the track can get me through for a spell, but I would have a tough time having a performance car and not using it as such.
