Those that have owned a C5 and a C6

[carlton_fritz]

Looking for some input. In about 3-6 months I will be looking for an under $25K car. I already have a 4 door to drive and am looking at either a nice C5 or early C6. How do they compare on long trips? Comfort, vision, sheer pleasure of driving... Tires and insurance is cheaper on the C5, but not a crazy amount to be a big influence. :shots:

[VatorMan]

Since both are a little long in the tooth, you need to be able to work on them yourself to keep cost down. C5 electronic parts are getting rare-so for some things you will pay a premium for used parts. For me, the C6 seats were a huge step up from the couch style C5 seats. So a lot better for long trips. In fact. the whole interior is a step up from the C5. You do lose a lot of storage in the rear in the C6.


If you do look at C5's and C6's, the first thing you need to do is look at the harmonic balancer while it's running. If it has a wobble, just realize that's a $1500 job at a mechanic.

[snide]

A lot depends on your size. For me, the C5 was much more comfortable than the C6. Legroom and headroom were the factors. The C5 has an inch or two more legroom, and with the vert, headroom was not an issue. The C6 was cozy and snug, but not uncomfortable. If you're planning taking really long drives, the trunk on the C5 vert is much larger than the trunk on the C6 vert. Can't speak to the hatch area, although I do believe the trunk of my C5 had more cargo area than my C6 Z06.

However, if I still had both cars, I'd likely take the C5 for long drives.

[JetMechZ16]

Sorry I can't speak to the C6 but I have taken my 04 C5 Z06 from Chattanooga TN to Charleston SC, about a 7 hr drive. Me and the wife had plenty of room for our luggage for a 3 day stay. The car would accommodate more luggage if we needed it to. The drive was enjoyable and we had 0 issues with the car.

[carlton_fritz]

Since both are a little long in the tooth, you need to be able to work on them yourself to keep cost down. C5 electronic parts are getting rare-so for some things you will pay a premium for used parts. For me, the C6 seats were a huge step up from the couch style C5 seats. So a lot better for long trips. In fact. the whole interior is a step up from the C5. You do lose a lot of storage in the rear in the C6.


If you do look at C5's and C6's, the first thing you need to do is look at the harmonic balancer while it's running. If it has a wobble, just realize that's a $1500 job at a mechanic.
One place I have in mind give a 2 year 50K mile warranty. I plan on looking for low mileage.

[BOTY]

My C5 is great for long trips. Comfortable with decent storage.

[carlton_fritz]

A lot depends on your size. For me, the C5 was much more comfortable than the C6. Legroom and headroom were the factors. The C5 has an inch or two more legroom, and with the vert, headroom was not an issue. The C6 was cozy and snug, but not uncomfortable. If you're planning taking really long drives, the trunk on the C5 vert is much larger than the trunk on the C6 vert. Can't speak to the hatch area, although I do believe the trunk of my C5 had more cargo area than my C6 Z06.

However, if I still had both cars, I'd likely take the C5 for long drives.
The long drive would be from Indiana to middle Georgia and possibly on down to Hilton Head Island. I am only 5'11", but love leg room. My knees want me to move my legs every so often. That drive would also include going over the mountains instead of staying on the interstate. Which one brakes best?

[dwjz06]

Had C5Z06. I like the C6 as well. The edge to the C5 for me. 6'2" 240 never had any issues with room or seat comfort.:cert:

[Rob]

I did plenty of long trips in both my C5 and C6...and would do it all over again.

However, I cammed and put straight pipes on my C5....it was still awesome, but loses the road trip appeal due to the extreme noise coming from my mods and at my age, I like to listen to my radio at a reasonable level :rofl:

[JetMechZ16]

I did plenty of long trips in both my C5 and C6...and would do it all over again.

However, I cammed and put straight pipes on my C5....it was still awesome, but loses the road trip appeal due to the extreme noise coming from my mods and at my age, I like to listen to my radio at a reasonable level :rofl:

Cutouts are the answer for that. :yesnod:

[carlton_fritz]

One note, a C5 would likely be loaded to be close to the price of a C6 LT, not including the 2005. I haven't done any research on that year.

[Hardluck]

I've had 1 C5, 1 C6 coupe and 1 C6Z! Liked the C6's better than the C5. I liked the seats in the C6's much better, more comfortable!

[JetMechZ16]

C5 Z06 > C6 base

[BOTY]

The long drive would be from Indiana to middle Georgia and possibly on down to Hilton Head Island. I am only 5'11", but love leg room. My knees want me to move my legs every so often. That drive would also include going over the mountains instead of staying on the interstate. Which one brakes best?

I have taken mine from central IL to Orlando 3 times always straight through stopping for gas and once to Carlisle PA same way. I never felt uncomfortable at a lil over 6 foot, 175. They both should be able to stop on a dime. :seasix:

[VatorMan]

One place I have in mind give a 2 year 50K mile warranty. I plan on looking for low mileage.

2 year 50K warranty on a 20 YO car ? I'll bet the small print on that warranty is a page long.

[carlton_fritz]

C5 Z06 > C6 base
No sticks for me. I do not like dancing in traffic.

[carlton_fritz]

2 year 50K warranty on a 20 YO car ? I'll bet the small print on that warranty is a page long.
Maybe. Haven't seen it yet.

[carlton_fritz]

2 year 50K warranty on a 20 YO car ? I'll bet the small print on that warranty is a page long.
https://buyavette.net/included-warranties

[VatorMan]

https://buyavette.net/included-warranties

Internal engine and transmission. That leaves out the spendy electronics like a new body controller, ABS controller or ECM. That tidbit about the harmonic balancer wouldn't be covered either. Just be aware. The LS motors and the Tremac transmissions are very reliable. It's the stuff that hangs off of them that are the issue.

[TripleBlack]

I bought my C6 in 2007 and now have ~95k miles on it. I put ~40K miles on my 2004 C5 between '04 and '07. I've driven both on several long trips (Dallas-Seattle-San Diego-Dallas and variations of that route). Both were verts and I didn't notice that much difference in trunk capacity but the C5 has a little more according to specs. Probably taller/deeper than the C6. You have to pack smart with either for long trips.
C6 wins for comfort and convenience. Better seats and they are heated on the 2LT, which makes a big difference if you enjoy top down driving in brisk weather. The proximity key is great too.. Better top mechanism than the C5 IMO, though the C5 manual top was easy and quick to operate. The C6 has a better HUD too.
Speaking of top down driving... for some reason the C5 seemed to have much less turbulence at highway speeds. Very noticeable. I speculate that difference in the shape of the hood is a big factor. I could carry on a conversation at 70 with the top down on the c5. The C6, not so much.
As someone mentioned, a bit less leg room in the C6 but to me it made little or no difference in comfort. Guess that depends on your size. While the C6 interior is no match for a Lexus, it's a heck of a lot nicer that the C5's.
Oh, the lights... the C5's are terrible compared to the HIDs in the C6. Guess some good LED headlights would fix the C5...
The C6 seemed more refined to drive when just cruising around. It certainly becomes a sports car in a hurry when you push it, but the C5 never let me forget it was a sports car. It wasn't twitchy, just always on edge and ready respond. I've always missed that feeling in the C6 though I guess it contributes to the overall comfort. And it easily fixed by pushing it just a bit.

[RMVette]

Owned a '98 C5 and had no problems on long trips. Plenty of leg room (I'm 6' 1") and pretty good storage (mine was a coupe). Plus with the 6-speed it got great gas mileage! Unfortunately I just let mine go and miss it already.

[dvarapala]

C6 hands down.

/thread

[Thunder22]

I've had both, i'm 6' 2", was comfortable in both and took long trips in both.

IMO it's going to come down to your personal preference. I don't see any significant gotchas in either, except that the C5 is older.

have fun.

[johnnyvettes]

owned a c5 coupe 11 years drove from Chicago to bowling green many times great road car . even with 3:90 gears and headers and PRTs it was loud still would get about 24 mpg on the highway . just picked up a 10 c6 GS only road trip so far from Indy to Chicago was great more of a cruiser then the c5 but I can see that I will love this more then the c5

[6spdC6]

Well I have owned a C5 98 Vert and a C6 05Vert and also a Z06. Put a lot of travel miles on all of them. Found that to me they were a good travel car. In fact the 05 was a museum pick up and we took it home (upper NYS) from BG. Took 3 days and did a bit of sightseeing!

I found them all decent but if pushed would have to say the 98 had a bit more trunk space than the 05 had.

[Dan Dlabay]

I bought a new 05 C6 Z/51 6 speed. I'm 6'2" and had no problem getting in or out nd I liked the seats.Drove it from Ohio to Tenn. with no issues. In 12 years of owning it the only problem was the roof and it was replaced under warranty.:cert:

[snide]

I did plenty of long trips in both my C5 and C6...and would do it all over again.

However, I cammed and put straight pipes on my C5....it was still awesome, but loses the road trip appeal due to the extreme noise coming from my mods and at my age, I like to listen to my radio at a reasonable level :rofl:

Yeah, my C5 with the cam and SLP Loudmouth exhaust, it was pretty damn loud! Literally drove it across the country with the mods installed. Got great gas mileage. :yesnod: :rofl:

Seriously. Stock, I would get around 28 MPG on the highway. After the mods, I was getting around 32. This was in New England area where the roads are not flat. In Texas, I was getting high 30's. :yesnod:

[allthrottleandsomebottle]

C5............Coupe or vert.......more space than the C6
Also, you can see and clear all codes from the DIC on the C5...........not C6
I drive from Va back to the factory......no issues for me, max out inside roof height as I am 6 '3 then add a helmet :)
Put on eradispeed 2 piece rotors front 14", back 12" and stop from 60 in less than 100 feet every time.
Amsoil torque drive tranny fluid and go 250K on the tranny and mobil one 15-50 and get 250K there too :D

[Norm]

Had 2 C5's, 1 C6, enjoyed all three, nearly flawless.
'97 used for work DD, 100 miles round trip for 5 years. '01 was a show car, I'm sorry I got rid of it.
'10 GS, 60K miles, drove cross country several times, IMO, both great trip cars.
Good luck with find.

[Murray]

Never taken my C5 on a road trip, don’t want to get caught in rain :hide:

But I did get 34 mpg going 78 mph on the way to Grand Forks for Mexican

[DAB]

put 125k miles on my 98 C5 before i sold it in 2010. several long trips mixed into daily use. at 6-5 and 250ish then, it was very comfy.

had to replace the LEDs on the AC console after about 11 years.

[04 commemorative]

I loved both of my C5's

[Black94lt1]

No sticks for me. I do not like dancing in traffic.

I love road trips in my C6 and it may be for sale soon, 09 LS3 automatic

[Will]

Base C6 is most hideous Corvette since early C4s, but at this point I'd choose it just because of reliability/expense of some C5 repairs.

I'd only get a C5 again if I lived close to a shop that did a lot of work on them and I had plenty of money to burn.

Grandsport/Z06 look decent though. But damn, when they went from C5 to C6 it's like they sat around and brainstormed how they could make the car uglier, with the lone exception of the taillights/rear facia.

[snide]

Base C6 is most hideous Corvette since early C4s, but at this point I'd choose it just because of reliability/expense of some C5 repairs.


The C5 design is timeless. And you are correct in that the base C6 is fugly. The widebody version, not so much.

[dvarapala]

The C5 design is timeless.

And the 1990s GM interior is ridiculously hokey.

[snide]

And the 1990s GM interior is ridiculously hokey.

I didn't see any issues with it. :shrug:

[BOTY]

I didn't see any issues with it. :shrug:

:iagree:

[carlton_fritz]

Base C6 is most hideous Corvette since early C4s, but at this point I'd choose it just because of reliability/expense of some C5 repairs.

I'd only get a C5 again if I lived close to a shop that did a lot of work on them and I had plenty of money to burn.

Grandsport/Z06 look decent though. But damn, when they went from C5 to C6 it's like they sat around and brainstormed how they could make the car uglier, with the lone exception of the taillights/rear facia.
As someone that doesn't have a Corvette, I'd drive it even if it was hot pink. Any color base C6 is better than a non-Corvette.

[Datawiz]

I only do even numbered Corvettes. My personal experience with room in C5 vs. C6 is the C6 wins, despite what others have said. I have raced more than my share of C5's. As far as C6's go, I'm partial to those with the wide-body.:yesnod:

[carlton_fritz]

I only do even numbered Corvettes. My personal experience with room in C5 vs. C6 is the C6 wins, despite what others have said. I have raced more than my share of C5's. As far as C6's go, I'm partial to those with the wide-body.:yesnod:
My biggest issue is finding a C6 under $25K. That limits me in year and options.


A loaded C5 with low miles is cheaper, cheaper insurance, cheaper tires and I won't feel as bad changing out the stereo.


A C6 is a C6. Better headlights. Headlights do not pop up. More refined. Easier to get financing? Better selection of high end tires.(I think)



Storage room isn't as big an issue as when I am traveling, I tend to be alone, so not much room needed.

[Datawiz]

My biggest issue is finding a C6 under $25K. That limits me in year and options.


A loaded C5 with low miles is cheaper, cheaper insurance, cheaper tires and I won't feel as bad changing out the stereo.


A C6 is a C6. Better headlights. Headlights do not pop up. More refined. Easier to get financing? Better selection of high end tires.(I think)



Storage room isn't as big an issue as when I am traveling, I tend to be alone, so not much room needed.

You can't find one under $25K? WTH? I traded my '06 C6 for only $14,500 3 years ago. You should be able to find C6's under 20k all day long. I just checked autotrader.com and you can. Will they be higher mileage? Likely, but make sure your search radius is unlimited, not just local to you. :seasix:

[MrPeabody]

You can't find one under $25K? WTH? I traded my '06 C6 for only $14,500 3 years ago. You should be able to find C6's under 20k all day long. I just checked autotrader.com and you can. Will they be higher mileage? Likely, but make sure your search radius is unlimited, not just local to you. :seasix:

This. My old '05 recently went out the door at a local used lot for 19K. 47K on the odometer and absolute showroom floor stock condition. It was an automatic coupe with the F55 suspension package, all options except the Nav screen which would be outdated tech at this point anyway.

[snide]

You can't find one under $25K? WTH? I traded my '06 C6 for only $14,500 3 years ago. You should be able to find C6's under 20k all day long. I just checked autotrader.com and you can. Will they be higher mileage? Likely, but make sure your search radius is unlimited, not just local to you. :seasix:

:withstupid:

Craigslist is not the only source you should be using for your search. in fact, it should be the last source you use when searching for your Corvette.

Autotrader, Cars.com and Carfax.com are great resources for searching. Cargurus.com as well.

[sublime1996525]

I did plenty of 10hr plus road trips in my C5Z06. It was a fun car. My C6Z06 was fun too. If you're looking at a base C6, I'd pass on that and get a C5Z.

[carlton_fritz]

You can't find one under $25K? WTH? I traded my '06 C6 for only $14,500 3 years ago. You should be able to find C6's under 20k all day long. I just checked autotrader.com and you can. Will they be higher mileage? Likely, but make sure your search radius is unlimited, not just local to you. :seasix:
I have been looking at dealers since that is how I will probably have to buy. I do not want higher mileage. Unlike most here, I do not have the money or time to go across the country for a car.

[carlton_fritz]

This. My old '05 recently went out the door at a local used lot for 19K. 47K on the odometer and absolute showroom floor stock condition. It was an automatic coupe with the F55 suspension package, all options except the Nav screen which would be outdated tech at this point anyway.
Hopefully I can find something like that.

[carlton_fritz]

:withstupid:

Craigslist is not the only source you should be using for your search. in fact, it should be the last source you use when searching for your Corvette.

Autotrader, Cars.com and Carfax.com are great resources for searching. Cargurus.com as well.
I don't do craigslist.

[carlton_fritz]

I did plenty of 10hr plus road trips in my C5Z06. It was a fun car. My C6Z06 was fun too. If you're looking at a base C6, I'd pass on that and get a C5Z.
Except I do not want a stick. Maybe if I lived someplace without so many idiots drivers...

[stingraymyway]

Looking for some input. In about 3-6 months I will be looking for an under $25K car. I already have a 4 door to drive and am looking at either a nice C5 or early C6. How do they compare on long trips? Comfort, vision, sheer pleasure of driving... Tires and insurance is cheaper on the C5, but not a crazy amount to be a big influence. :shots:

If you're going to go with either of those generations, I'd say a C6 Grand Sport or Z06.

[Black94lt1]

Hopefully I can find something like that.

My 09 only has ~60k on it and is close to perfect, maintenance is top notch at my house. If I opt to sell it, it’ll make someone a great car

[Norm]

Drove the hell out of my '10 GS, I had not one problem, just normal maintenance, never taken back for any warranty or other issues, just to replace worn out tires. A very good car.

[04 commemorative]

I like that the C5 is last of the hidden headlights....I put HID's in mine and they were great :seasix:

[VatorMan]

Don’t overlook Facebook Marketplace. That’s where I sold mine. Plus dealers advertise there as well.

[snide]

My 09 only has ~60k on it and is close to perfect, maintenance is top notch at my house. If I opt to sell it, it’ll make someone a great car


What's your "not for sale" price? :bigears:

[Black94lt1]

What's your "not for sale" price? :bigears:

To be honest I’ve not even looked into it yet, but my philosophy on selling has always been to offer up good quality vehicles at fair prices. I’d take a beating if I trade it in, so I look at it as a win win situation, you get a good car at a fair price and I get more than trade in. My vehicles have always sold to the first person who looks at them

[A/E]

In 2003, 11,000 of the 35,000 C5s that were built were Anniversary Red with the famed Nut Sack Tan Interior ( Shale ).

7,500 were Verts, 3,500 Coupes.

A stunning color, and so many were purchased and garage queened in hopes that these would be collectable in the future.

39306

With so many out there, and still out there so few miles priced at $20K same as any other ultra low milage C5.. Why not target one other these Bad Boys..:island14:

[78SA]

In 2003, 11,000 of the 35,000 C5s that were built were Anniversary Red with the famed Nut Sack Tan Interior ( Shale ).

7,500 were Verts, 3,500 Coupes.

A stunning color, and so many were purchased and garage queened in hopes that these would be collectable in the future.

39306

With so many out there, and still out there so few miles priced at $20K same as any other ultra low milage C5.. Why not target one other these Bad Boys..:island14:

I still think it should have been gold.

[Wathen1955]

I had a 96 C4 which I sold, but if I was to consider getting another, it would probably a C5. What were the best years for the C5? How about a C6 - what were the best years?

[VatorMan]

I had a 96 C4 which I sold, but if I was to consider getting another, it would probably a C5. What were the best years for the C5? How about a C6 - what were the best years?

The best years are always going to be the last year they were built. All of my input in this thread is for a guy looking for a cheap Corvette and not thinking about the cost if something other than the engine/trans breaks. The electronics for a C5 are rare and hard to find. If you have to pay someone for service, double the cost. I have owned C5,C6 and C7 and tracked all. For 25K I’d look at a high mileage C7 over the others. Parts are readily available and you can buy extended warranty for it.

[dwjz06]

I had a 96 C4 which I sold, but if I was to consider getting another, it would probably a C5. What were the best years for the C5? How about a C6 - what were the best years?C5=2004 C6=13 those are the last year cars. They had it down pretty good by then:D:cert:

[04 commemorative]

C5=2004 C6=13 those are the last year cars. They had it down pretty good by then:D:cert:

:iagree:

[carlton_fritz]

The best years are always going to be the last year they were built. All of my input in this thread is for a guy looking for a cheap Corvette and not thinking about the cost if something other than the engine/trans breaks. The electronics for a C5 are rare and hard to find. If you have to pay someone for service, double the cost. I have owned C5,C6 and C7 and tracked all. For 25K I’d look at a high mileage C7 over the others. Parts are readily available and you can buy extended warranty for it. The biggest issue there is I do not have a garage. :nonod:

[carlton_fritz]

So I drove a 2017 Camaro SS on Saturday. Lots of fun. I can only imagine how much better a Vette will be.

[VatorMan]

So I drove a 2017 Camaro SS on Saturday. Lots of fun. I can only imagine how much better a Vette will be.

You might want to price out insurance on Camaro or Vette. It could be significant.

[sublime1996525]

Except I do not want a stick. Maybe if I lived someplace without so many idiots drivers...

I’m surrounded by idiots and love my MT’s.

So I drove a 2017 Camaro SS on Saturday. Lots of fun. I can only imagine how much better a Vette will be.

The Gen 6 Camaro’s are pretty good performers. You may be a little disappointed in a base C5 compared to a newer SS.

[99 pewtercoupe]

The best years are always going to be the last year they were built. All of my input in this thread is for a guy looking for a cheap Corvette and not thinking about the cost if something other than the engine/trans breaks. The electronics for a C5 are rare and hard to find. If you have to pay someone for service, double the cost. I have owned C5,C6 and C7 and tracked all. For 25K I’d look at a high mileage C7 over the others. Parts are readily available and you can buy extended warranty for it.

The difference between a C5 and a C7 is amazing. I went from to2LT C5 to a 2LT Z51 C7 and it’s apples to oranges

[carlton_fritz]

You might want to price out insurance on Camaro or Vette. It could be significant.
2017 Camaro is an increase of $576 when added to the other 3 vehicles. '14 Corvette 1Lt is $544.

[MrPeabody]

Hopefully I can find something like that.

I posted about it here a few months ago when it was on the local lot here in NorCal. Sorry you missed it, it was an excellent car.:yesnod:

[carlton_fritz]

So this is what I built. A little higher than 25K :leaving:


https://www.chevrolet.com/performance/camaro/build-and-price/summary?styleId=407672&rpo=LT1,MX0,RQA,GAZ,A50,H1T,IOR,A9B,KB7,RVK,NPP,SL2,SB7,CF5,D80,5ZU,STI,3F9,VAV,BTV,SJ8,VLI,VQG,S0V&ss=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&postalCode=47170