Little bit of advice please guys....
Discussion
I've been out of the US car scene for a few years now, but had a chance to have a close look at a C6 (I think) Corvette which was parked next door a while back, and it got me thinking. My last Yank was a '74 Pontiac Formula 455 FireBird, which, if I remember, had around 250 -275 bhp.
How far have things come on in the last 20-odd years since I last drove one? I've been checking Autotrader and PH classifieds, and it seems like I can get a pretty decent C5 within my budget (up to around £25k). Have you got any recommendations? What do I need to be looking for? I'm not after outright top end, and coming from a 4.5 Cerbera, I doubt that I'll gain anything on acceleration over the TVR. I just fancy something a little less extreme, but with the same presence and a (little) more practicality.
Alternatively, and this is probably the wrong forum to ask on, what about the '05 onwards Mustang. It's got to be a V8, but there doesn't seem to be a raft of info out there, unless I'm looking in the wrong places.
So, where should I go? Any help? And anyone interested in a Cerb?
Cheers.
How far have things come on in the last 20-odd years since I last drove one? I've been checking Autotrader and PH classifieds, and it seems like I can get a pretty decent C5 within my budget (up to around £25k). Have you got any recommendations? What do I need to be looking for? I'm not after outright top end, and coming from a 4.5 Cerbera, I doubt that I'll gain anything on acceleration over the TVR. I just fancy something a little less extreme, but with the same presence and a (little) more practicality.
Alternatively, and this is probably the wrong forum to ask on, what about the '05 onwards Mustang. It's got to be a V8, but there doesn't seem to be a raft of info out there, unless I'm looking in the wrong places.
So, where should I go? Any help? And anyone interested in a Cerb?
Cheers.
I swapped from a Cerb into my C5 and never once regretted it.
They're great cars and in my experience create more road presence than a Cerb too. Lots of people taking photos etc.
I'd make sure you get a manual if you want to enjoy it like a TVR and stick a sports exhaust on to make it sound like a NASCAR.
I'd recommend either a 6speed C5 or a C5 Z06.
(Z06 is the faster one with upto 405bhp in the later cars but remember you can't take the roof off a Z06)
Of course you don't need to spend 25k to get a nice one... mine's for sale for a lot less and is a fab car - see classifieds! ;-)
Chris
They're great cars and in my experience create more road presence than a Cerb too. Lots of people taking photos etc.
I'd make sure you get a manual if you want to enjoy it like a TVR and stick a sports exhaust on to make it sound like a NASCAR.
I'd recommend either a 6speed C5 or a C5 Z06.
(Z06 is the faster one with upto 405bhp in the later cars but remember you can't take the roof off a Z06)
Of course you don't need to spend 25k to get a nice one... mine's for sale for a lot less and is a fab car - see classifieds! ;-)
Chris
adetuono said:
How far have things come on in the last 20-odd years since I last drove one?
When i think back to my old 71 Mustang to now,it seems like Yanks have forged light years ahead,but thats not fair because we are talking 35 years.
Infact its even worse when you think that American autos went done hill from the early 70's till the late 80's.
Lets just say i think you will be pleasantly surprised at how with each model change they seemed to have improved vastly.
My 2002 Z06 is for sale if you can stretch veeeeery slightly over 25k... see classifieds, too :-)
Right now she's at an american garage on sale or return so test driving's not a problem if you want to get a feel for a regular C5 over a Z06. They also have mustangs (if you like that kind of thing).
Right now she's at an american garage on sale or return so test driving's not a problem if you want to get a feel for a regular C5 over a Z06. They also have mustangs (if you like that kind of thing).
adetuono said:Sounds like you're dead centre in the typical C5 buyer profile and you'll certainly get a very nice car with your budget. Power to weight ratio says TVR will always be quicker but who cares? Compare stopping distances on a wet road instead and it's an easy win for the Vette!
Coming from a 4.5 Cerbera, I doubt that I'll gain anything on acceleration over the TVR. I just fancy something a little less extreme, but with the same presence and a (little) more practicality.
kenski said:
Lets just say i think you will be pleasantly surprised at how with each model change they seemed to have improved vastly.
Not least of all if you want the 405hp C5 Z06 which'll tear your underwear off from either a standing or rolling start :-)
Cliff should be used to that, have you not seen Cliff's ZR1
>> Edited by Gixer on Thursday 2nd February 18:25
The '74 Pontiac and a C5 are incomparable. I have a '72 Vette and a'95 Z28 Camaro - worlds apart to drive. The Vette is louder (my choice that) harsher, more vague steering, thirstier etc. The Z28 is a beautiful car to drive in comparison - but nowhere near as much fun, if you can understand that 
. The Vette looks much nicer and gets more attention, and it demands more of me as a driver. I love driving my old Vette but it wouldn't be much fun on a daily basis - the Z28 though - no problem.
A C5 is a peach of a car - reliable, fast, easy to live with etc. I prefer converibles as they are so much more fun in summer, IMHO, but for performance you can't beat a C5 Z06 for around £25K. For more practicality I would go for a late Camaro SS or even a Holden/Vauxhall Monaro as they have the LS1 engine and 4 seats. Looks are subjective but I think the new Mustang is very nice from the front but pig ugly from any other angle, far too small physically and a sorry representation of their heyday.......but that's just my personal opinion that many won't share. So, go for it - modern Yanks are far superior to old ones to drive.
>> Edited by yellowvette on Thursday 2nd February 19:45
. The Vette looks much nicer and gets more attention, and it demands more of me as a driver. I love driving my old Vette but it wouldn't be much fun on a daily basis - the Z28 though - no problem. A C5 is a peach of a car - reliable, fast, easy to live with etc. I prefer converibles as they are so much more fun in summer, IMHO, but for performance you can't beat a C5 Z06 for around £25K. For more practicality I would go for a late Camaro SS or even a Holden/Vauxhall Monaro as they have the LS1 engine and 4 seats. Looks are subjective but I think the new Mustang is very nice from the front but pig ugly from any other angle, far too small physically and a sorry representation of their heyday.......but that's just my personal opinion that many won't share. So, go for it - modern Yanks are far superior to old ones to drive.
>> Edited by yellowvette on Thursday 2nd February 19:45
I'm In Poole if thats nearer!!! C5s dont break down. After 70K miles it doesnt rattle. Servicing costs are minimal. It doesnt shred front tyres like a FWD. There just aint a better car for value for money/bangs for the buck. Personally I think the interior is very high quality. It still looks showroom after 70K apart from the inevitable wear on the seat. Err the steering wheel is on the other side
Mustang? IMHO looks great. Trying to get the wife to swap to a LHD car !!
Previous post on changee the exhaust and get a manual is spot on. Borla Stinger is great exhaust but its all a matter of personal choice
Dont get black with a red interior
Mustang? IMHO looks great. Trying to get the wife to swap to a LHD car !!
Previous post on changee the exhaust and get a manual is spot on. Borla Stinger is great exhaust but its all a matter of personal choice
Dont get black with a red interior
c5ragtop said:
Ade - whereabouts are you in Dorset. I'm in Bournemouth so perhaps we could get together and talk Vettes in more detail. You won't go wrong with a Vette.
It was you who started this! Looked at your profile, and it was your car parked up at work. I've got a workshop next door to Ian who painted your bonnet (or should that be 'hood'?). We even took your car out for a flat out drive round the estate. All eight of us! (some parts of this message may not necessarily be 100% true
) Like I said, it was your car that started this ball rolling, so thanks for that. Seems it's got to be a Z06, so the search starts. Once I get the TVR sold, it'll be on in earnest.
yellowshark454 said:
I'm In Poole if thats nearer!!! C5s dont break down. After 70K miles it doesnt rattle. Servicing costs are minimal. It doesnt shred front tyres like a FWD. There just aint a better car for value for money/bangs for the buck. Personally I think the interior is very high quality. It still looks showroom after 70K apart from the inevitable wear on the seat. Err the steering wheel is on the other side
Mustang? IMHO looks great. Trying to get the wife to swap to a LHD car !!
Previous post on changee the exhaust and get a manual is spot on. Borla Stinger is great exhaust but its all a matter of personal choice
Dont get black with a red interior
I'm in Wareham, so it's a quick blast down the Upton by-pass. Given the Cerb's reliability woes, I should just about make it as far as Poole!
Have to say, the TVR has been almost faultless since I've had it, it's just a little too delicate for everyday use. I'd dearly love to keep it, as I think it's one of the best looking cars ever produced, but somethings got to give if I'm to carry on feeding this addiction. Glad to hear that the reliability's been good. Sounds boring, but it's got to be a consideration. Who do you use locally for servicing, or are the C5s easy enough to sort yourself? I generally do most of my own work on bikes, and on our vans, but the last few cars I've owned have been nightmares for anything more than oil changes (S class Merc, Jag S Type).
What's the deal with black/red? Is this some 'in' joke, like 'never buy a yellow Cerb'? Guess what colour mine is.....
Thanks for all the advice, everyone. I guess if I get anything other than a Z06, I'll forever be wishing I'd gone for the best, so that's what it'll have to be. Had a quick trawl through the classifieds (
Kenski, you may be getting a call when the TVR goes) and that 2006 Z06 for £60 looks like a good deal. Don't reckon it'll last long at that price. Finally, and bear in mind I only started thinking of this seriously today, so may need a little more time to make up my mind, but I reckon the C5 looks better than the C6. What's the consensus?
I certainly wouldn't buy a current C6 based on looks :-) There are just too many design details that either look out of place (like the lump on the doors!) or that are just ugly (to me) like the entire front end.
I haven't seen a C6 Z06 in the flesh (despite trying to find one whilst in Louisiana and Texas last week) but the significantly increased price tag over the C5 makes buying one a bit more challenging.
I'm personally hoping that the next couple of years will see an interim facelift or two...
I haven't seen a C6 Z06 in the flesh (despite trying to find one whilst in Louisiana and Texas last week) but the significantly increased price tag over the C5 makes buying one a bit more challenging.
I'm personally hoping that the next couple of years will see an interim facelift or two...
Quick wave of the flag for "ordinary" Vettes!
Two thirds of Vettes are auto'. Either a lot of Vettes are driven by grannies or the auto' is well suited to the engine. I favour the second explanation; naturally.
Two thirds of Vettes are coupe body style with the distinctive rear window shape. Lift-out roof and frameless doors offer a good compromise between the hardtop and convertible body styles. Plenty of luggage space too.
Two thirds of Vettes are auto'. Either a lot of Vettes are driven by grannies or the auto' is well suited to the engine. I favour the second explanation; naturally.
Two thirds of Vettes are coupe body style with the distinctive rear window shape. Lift-out roof and frameless doors offer a good compromise between the hardtop and convertible body styles. Plenty of luggage space too.
These are the options for £25k:
1. Corvette Z06 - you may have to import one yourself to get one for this price although I've seen a 2001 going for £23k. The 2001 produced 385bhp and some had one or two issues like oil consumption and weak clutch. The 2002 405bhp model addressed most of the issues. The 405bhp car is very swift. 0-100 in under 10 seconds but the gearchange isn't exactly brilliant (Z06 is manual only). Fixed roof, open boot space, lighter than a C5, titanium exhaust, comes with FE4 suspension and HUD from 2002 on. I had a 2002 and it always reminded me of a TVR. Quite raw but still civilised. Probably a bit too capable. You had to go really fast to challenge it. Having said that, I probably didn't drive it enough. A friend of mine has one and loves it. He uses it as a 50 mile a day daily driver and has had zero issues with it.
2. Corvette C5 Targa or convertible - pretty much depends on what you want, a full or part convertible. The targas are cheaper. All have the LS1 engine producing 345bhp. Come with either auto or 6 speed. Note the Corvette has a rear-mounted transaxle so it's better balanced than the old cars. There are some good bargains round as there tend to be more sellers than buyers.
Look for diff leaks and gearchange issues. They changed the shifter fork on 2003 models to a steel one. Don't pay any extra for a 50th anniversary 2003, it was just a few badges.
3. Late model 1998-on Camaro Z28 or SS (or Trans Am)- they stopped making them in 2002. The LS1 was rated at 305bhp or 325bhp respectively, the engine power ratings are somewhat conservative to distance it from the Corvette. In reality, they had a bit more using an LS1 engine almost the same as the C5's but carrying a bit more weight. I had a 1998 Z28 for 4 years and it was the best car I've ever owned but it was modified in having Bilstein suspension, lowered and with 18" wheels. For me, the car was perfect in having 4 seats, enough power to see off just about every car I ever came across in 4 years (bar a Cerbera which ate me for breakfast...LOL)and it also had an enduring character. Can't really explain it but it lived and breathed and was ultra-reliable. I still regret selling it.
4. 2005 Ford Mustang GT - you can now get these off ebay for £20k or less and as such, they are a real bargain. IMHO, the interior is better than the GM products and the handling is very good. If you do what I did, you will take the car to a company in Edgware and bolt on a 462bhp Vortech supercharger for £4500 fitted and you then have an astonishingly quick car for your £25k. You tend to get more attention than you do in either the Vette or the Z28 from my experience. Something about a Mustang that gets young and old alike frothing at the mouth.
>> Edited by LuS1fer on Friday 3rd February 11:39
1. Corvette Z06 - you may have to import one yourself to get one for this price although I've seen a 2001 going for £23k. The 2001 produced 385bhp and some had one or two issues like oil consumption and weak clutch. The 2002 405bhp model addressed most of the issues. The 405bhp car is very swift. 0-100 in under 10 seconds but the gearchange isn't exactly brilliant (Z06 is manual only). Fixed roof, open boot space, lighter than a C5, titanium exhaust, comes with FE4 suspension and HUD from 2002 on. I had a 2002 and it always reminded me of a TVR. Quite raw but still civilised. Probably a bit too capable. You had to go really fast to challenge it. Having said that, I probably didn't drive it enough. A friend of mine has one and loves it. He uses it as a 50 mile a day daily driver and has had zero issues with it.
2. Corvette C5 Targa or convertible - pretty much depends on what you want, a full or part convertible. The targas are cheaper. All have the LS1 engine producing 345bhp. Come with either auto or 6 speed. Note the Corvette has a rear-mounted transaxle so it's better balanced than the old cars. There are some good bargains round as there tend to be more sellers than buyers.
Look for diff leaks and gearchange issues. They changed the shifter fork on 2003 models to a steel one. Don't pay any extra for a 50th anniversary 2003, it was just a few badges.
3. Late model 1998-on Camaro Z28 or SS (or Trans Am)- they stopped making them in 2002. The LS1 was rated at 305bhp or 325bhp respectively, the engine power ratings are somewhat conservative to distance it from the Corvette. In reality, they had a bit more using an LS1 engine almost the same as the C5's but carrying a bit more weight. I had a 1998 Z28 for 4 years and it was the best car I've ever owned but it was modified in having Bilstein suspension, lowered and with 18" wheels. For me, the car was perfect in having 4 seats, enough power to see off just about every car I ever came across in 4 years (bar a Cerbera which ate me for breakfast...LOL)and it also had an enduring character. Can't really explain it but it lived and breathed and was ultra-reliable. I still regret selling it.
4. 2005 Ford Mustang GT - you can now get these off ebay for £20k or less and as such, they are a real bargain. IMHO, the interior is better than the GM products and the handling is very good. If you do what I did, you will take the car to a company in Edgware and bolt on a 462bhp Vortech supercharger for £4500 fitted and you then have an astonishingly quick car for your £25k. You tend to get more attention than you do in either the Vette or the Z28 from my experience. Something about a Mustang that gets young and old alike frothing at the mouth.
>> Edited by LuS1fer on Friday 3rd February 11:39
Back and red C5? Well I wouldnt want there to be 2 in the UK Servicing cost is really low. 1st major service is stated/claimed at 100K miles. Which is true and it just changing plugs. Before that it is just filters and oil avery 15K miles or 30K miles cycles. Replaced discs at 60K on mine and pads twice. I use a garage in Christchurch which I have used for some time now to maintainin my 73 Vette on thngs I cannot do but the C5 you can easily service yourself.
Servicing cost is really low. 1st major service is stated/claimed at 100K miles. Which is true and it just changing plugs. Before that it is just filters and oil avery 15K miles or 30K miles cycles. Replaced discs at 60K on mine and pads twice. I use a garage in Christchurch which I have used for some time now to maintainin my 73 Vette on thngs I cannot do but the C5 you can easily service yourself.yellowshark454 said:
Servicing cost is really low. 1st major service is stated/claimed at 100K miles. Which is true and it just changing plugs. Before that it is just filters and oil avery 15K miles or 30K miles cycles. Replaced discs at 60K on mine and pads twice. I use a garage in Christchurch which I have used for some time now to maintainin my 73 Vette on thngs I cannot do but the C5 you can easily service yourself.
There's a guy on another Forum section with a Porsche and I just happened to look at his Profile, Tyres every 6000 miles, disks at 5000, the list goes on, its ridiculous.
Vettes, etc so cheap to maintain and reliable....
, so if you know anyone who's interested.Adetuono said:
Right. I'm convinced. C5 Z06 it is then.
Damn fine choice Sir, very nice, and far better looking than the C6. There's a few around at the moment, Kenski's looks a decent deal, and I found this on ebay : http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CORVETTE-C5-Z06_W0QQitemZ46103
Don't know the reserve of course, but the colour's right
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