Hi everyone. Looking to purchase a weekend car for a summer or two. My budget is about 22k tops. I've narrowed it down to an '02 or older C5 or an 05 GT. I have my eye on a black 05 GT premium, auto with 20k miles for about 21 grand. I havent seen too many other similar cars in my area (northern NJ) and was just wondering if this is a decent deal or should I hold out for something better. Thanks in advance!


-Joe

 

I would think if you are considering a C5 then I really don't think the GT is a car you would be happy with.

These cars are not in the same league.

 

A GT with a CAI and Tune (under $500) will easily match up.

 

Prices are coming down now on used GT's, you should be able to find one at a prett good deal, I have to agree with WB05Stang, the two vehicles you are looking at are not the best to compare.

 

not likely.....an 05gt auto with cai and tune MIGHT pull off 13.5 with a good driver.....3.31 gears stink with the auto.

1999-2002 c5 will run 13.0-13.10 all day and will outhandle a s197.

and to answer the original question......you can probably do better. I would say closer to $20k is right for that car. In your case.....just wanting to have fun for a couple of summers....go with the vette....has the targa top for fun in the sun....and it looks good too.

 

Unless you have a family, go with the Vette. Consider an extended warranty though.

 

Nope, im 23, no kids.. ive driven both before and the vette is def faster but the mustang sounds better and seats 4 (barely) which is good for friends, girls, etc... i'm gonna go check out a 2000 C5 today with about 40k on it.. for around 22 grand..

 

The 05 Mustang is a great car, but the C5 should hold its value better and is a faster car. The disadvantage is the maint cost associated with a Vette. Parts for Vettes are out of this world, and Chevy dealers charge a small ransom for working on them. If you are buying from a Chevy dealer, try to work an extended warranty into the deal.

I'm actually looking at the same option, as I just sold my Mach. Speaking of Machs, you might look at 03-04 Machs, they are great cars (still don't know why I sold mine). Used 05 GTs around Iowa with 10-12K miles on them are going for 21-22.
mitch

 

C5's have decent performance, but the interior doesn't hold up well and they still squeak and creak badly with some miles, and don't make a good one-car vehicle to own. The dozens of used ones we have had were all pretty crummy. Costs a ton to fix and insure too, and are not reliable. I would take the newer car. The Mustang has more long-term staying power, you will get bored with the vette. They are better bought new and kept as a garage queen for all but the nicest days. And you can personalize your Mustang thousands of ways even on a tight budget.

I have thought about them a few times and thought 'well I'll drive it for a week and see if I want to spend the loot' and never kept them for more then a couple days, even when my other car was a Focus SVT.

 

Joe, I sent you a PM on a car I am selling. I called you jared btw and apologize. I read your name real quick and wrote the wrong name

 

Cash or Loan?
Used car rates are very high. You would be better off buying a new Mustang GT.

If you are only looking to buy a summer toy for a season or two, why spend over $20k? Buy something under $14k, like a used Mustang GT or C4 Corvette.

 

I used to own both C4 and an 03 GT conv.. both nice cars but i'd like a little more power and refinement than both those cars have to offer.

Btw, it'd be a cash deal.

 

In your situation I'd go for the Vette. Sure you can go crazy modding a GT, but you'll be hard pressed to match the handling and ride of the Vette without spending a good bit of money. The C5 is actually a pretty reliable car. And believe it or not, they're not nearly as tough to service as everyone would lead you to believe. I would suggest finding an independent shop vs. using a dealer for service. Both cars will be fun, but for the short haul you're looking at, the Vette will hold up better value-wise. I'm sure I'll get flamed for this recommendation, but I'm simply offering an unbiased opinion. I'm guessing you simply want a car that you can hop in and drive whenever the mood strikes you, not a hauler or tinker-mobile. The only catch to the Vette is that you'll be about 20 years younger than the typical demographic!

 

It all depends on what you are looking for. If you want a performance car, the Vette will outperform the GT. If you want something that screams "look at me", get the mustang.

 

Yes, you will also need grey chest hair and a white pair of shorts to blend in with the Vette crowd

 

Ugh, the C4 was a carpeted horse carriage to ride around in, maybe noisier.

 

If I were you I would go with the 05 GT. You will have a newer looking car. This body style will be the same for the next two years so if you keep it really clean most people won't know if it is an 07, 08 or maybe even an 09 if they don't change it much in 09. With the older vette people will be able to tell that you are a model behind. Yes the vette is faster and may handle better but how many road races will you be in? The GT has plenty of power and good enought handling to have lots of fun on the streets and it will look like you have a new car which is what the girls really like. I could buy a crappy mid 80's corvette just to say I have one but would that really be cool?

 

Just to update the thread. I went to check out a 00 vette with 46k miles and let me just say that I was not impressed at all. Sure it looks cool and is prolly a few ticks faster than the GT but I was reminded today cheap that sorry excuse for an interior is. Also, and maybe this was a bad example but I took it out on the highway and it just didnt seem to have that "magical" LS1 pull that these cars are noted for.

Took another look at the 05 GT and the guy would not budge off of 20,695 for the car so I walked. Oh well, back to square one

 

Oh, he'll budge...just give him time.