Advice needed please...

[madaza]

Hi folks, I wonder if I could ask for your expertise? I've decided it's finally time for me to get a Corvette (yay!). In an ideal world I would get a C6, but they're still a little out of my budget, so a C5 it is. Trouble is I can't decide between a standard C5 and a Z06 - I've read all the stats etc. but what I'm really looking for are subjective opinions from those in the know (you…). Is the Z06 worth the extra premium? And how does it perform on our crappy B roads? Is the harder suspension still tolerable over here? What about the reduced soundproofing in the cabin - does it get irritating on the motorway? Or is it all worthwhile the drive? Given the choice what would you buy? Finally is the LS6 as reliable?

Sorry for all the questions, but would love to hear from people with real life experiences of either car rather than just reading about boring figures.

Also, a cheeky request…… I'm in Tunbridge Wells, Kent and was wondering if there's anybody down in the South East with either car that I might be able to pop across and have a look at, and perhaps pick your brains a bit?

Many thanks.

[jeff m2]

I've looked at your cars past and present, and I would say....go for the better suspension. You will enjoy it much more.
The C5 is a great looking car, I prefer it it some ways to the 6, except the pop ups (I hate pop ups)

Sorry I'm too far away to assist with a ride (or a drive)

[V10 BAT]

Hi matey
I have had two c5 coupes great cars.I was kucky enough to add a viper but then got the bug for a c5 ZO6.
I love the look of the hardtop.The z is just a great car, real easy to drive anywhere.Slightly harder on the ride but comfortable.

Maybe a little less boot space but you can get a lot in there when needed.
My 2001 z like all 01`s didnt come with heads up display,but i fitted this to my car ,just get the parts and plug in,you would have to trim the dash top for the bezzel.

Imho C5 ZO6`S are possibly the best bargain out there.

If i still had my car i would have been glad to take you out for a blast but kinda gone a different route,nothing to do with the zo6,like i say just a great car.
cheers Dave

[madaza]

Thanks guys, just the kind of feedback I was looking for. My heart always said Z06 was the way to go, just wasn't sure if it would be too compromised for UK roads. I also like the sound of non runflats with a 'standard' suspension, not the electro-mechanical gubbins.

Jeff - I take it you're in the States, d'you know a good website (equiv of PH classifieds/Autotrader) where I could look at second hand cars in case I need to import one myself. They seem to be few and far between over here. Is the perceived wisdom still that the landed cost in the UK is about double the purchase price over there?

Thanks again

[Tadek]

Hi,
I went out and bought my C5 Z06 (with a supercharged engine)from a dealer in Florida some 4 yrs ago. Mind you I was under a lot of pressure from the wife.
No regrets about the car, lots of fun if anything, far to powerful (720bhp) for the UK roads.
As a 'bonding exercise' in our first year took it to Italy across the Swiss Alps with some friends who drove Lambos, performance and road holding was incredible, other drivers were very surprised as they thought American muscle cars were only good in a straight line. Here in the UK you may find it difficult at tight T' junctions, being a left hand drive, but you soon get used to it. Ride is firm and comfortable, I had a Borla exhaust system fitted with limited sound diffusion so you can enjoy the V8, yet I can still hear my wife telling me to slow down!
Cost implications for importing from the USA vary according to whom you import through. I found that it was comparable to buying a Euro spec model, but I had a greater choice of cars to choose from and personally I prefer the US build finish.
Not forgetting the contribution which I made to HM R&C!
My recommendation is go to the States, shop around and buy a C5 Z06, you will enjoy the experience.

[jeff m2]

madaza said:

Jeff - I take it you're in the States, d'you know a good website (equiv of PH classifieds/Autotrader) where I could look at second hand cars in case I need to import one myself. They seem to be few and far between over here. Is the perceived wisdom still that the landed cost in the UK is about double the purchase price over there?

Thanks again

I can't help with the landed cost, but here is a mouthwatering link for you.
This is not too far from me and they have a good reputation.
http://www.contes.com/ccvlist.htm
There is of course Ebay motoring (can be misleading), and the GM dealer network.
Kerbecks usually have a few Brit sales manager http://www.kerbeck.com/ although they didn't have any 5s when I was looking for one a few years ago. (which is why I got a 6)

[Gixer]

madaza said:

Thanks guys, just the kind of feedback I was looking for. My heart always said Z06 was the way to go, just wasn't sure if it would be too compromised for UK roads. I also like the sound of non runflats with a 'standard' suspension, not the electro-mechanical gubbins.

Jeff - I take it you're in the States, d'you know a good website (equiv of PH classifieds/Autotrader) where I could look at second hand cars in case I need to import one myself. They seem to be few and far between over here. Is the perceived wisdom still that the landed cost in the UK is about double the purchase price over there?

Thanks again

Having spent since June looking for a C6 Z06 both over here and there I can help with the costings.

Approx landed price of the car =

Cost of the car in the US + shipping and insurance. Once in the UK dock 10% duty will be added to the total of the former. (the current customs and excise rate will be on their website)
Once you've totalled up the car+shipping + insurance and added the duty, you then have the killer on all of that -

20% vat on the lot.

There will also be other fees I've not mentioned like dock handling/storage fees etc.

Once that's done there is the IVA prep work and then IVA test, MOT, tax etc

If you land one over here for less than an equivalent over here costs in the current climate I will be amazed!

One thing I did notice with the C6 Z06's in the US is that they are not selling. 90% of the ones I was looking at on Autotrader in June are still on there now. However their prices still haven't been reduced

Hope that helps

So youre in the US quite regular? I can see you being popular

[madaza]

720 bhp . Not too concerned about the whole LHD thing as I ran a LHD car for three years and really didn't find any problems with it. Apart from the Dartford tunnel..... I'm glad to hear everyone finds it ok on UK roads as that was my real concern.

Thanks Jeff - there goes the bank account! Need to get on a flight to NYC.

Interesting to see the import cost figures. In an ideal world I'd find one in the UK, but they seen rarer than rocking horse poo. The only advantage of buying one from the States would be choice and speed. I could be waiting for a long time for one to pop up over here. Of course, having never imported anything from there before, it could end up being the most expensive mistake I've ever made....

[mitch_]

Even if you found a car tomorrow you won't be driving it for a couple of months. Factor in time to get car to port, wait for a ship, shipping time, once arrived in the UK the time you have to wait for an IVA appointment, once passed you won't get a tax disc out of the DVLA for at least two weeks.....

[niall1717]

But with the impending weather you won't be driving it for 2 months or so anyway so arguably it's the perfect time to do such a thing...

[madaza]

Hi Mitch. As I said, I'd much rather buy one here, as self importing seems like a bit of a minefield, not to mention pain in the..... But, I've got a feeling I might not have a choice judging by the number on sale. Are they normally so few available or is this just a bit of a dry patch?

[anonymous-user]

niall1717 said:

But with the impending weather you won't be driving it for 2 months or so anyway ...

???????

[niall1717]

If she'll come over to help push then I'll gladly make the effort

[Gixer]

They make boats out of fibreglass too you know

[mitch_]

madaza said:

Hi Mitch. As I said, I'd much rather buy one here, as self importing seems like a bit of a minefield, not to mention pain in the..... But, I've got a feeling I might not have a choice judging by the number on sale. Are they normally so few available or is this just a bit of a dry patch?

I'm not much of an expert on the availability of C5's anymore as we rarely get them in the workshops. I know where the majority of the C6 Z06's in the country are though. As for scarcity, many C5's will have been snatched back to Europe due to our devalued currency. If you're heartset on getting one then clearly you will have a bigger pool to choose from in the U.S. but it won't do you any favours come resale. You may also find it harder to find mileages that attract you as these cars will typically do more miles in the U.S. so finding a car that won't look a bit on the high side here will abbreviate your choice some more. Given my racing car is based on the Z06 hardtop chassis and having first driven one when I was 18 I can happily say I have a soft spot for it. A very good car that just didn't look enough on paper to make the impact it's C6 brother did.

[Bowler]

The reality is that in the UK, there are (probably) less than 30 C5 Z06s in the whole country, as they were never offered for sale (by GM) here, so every car has been imported.

If you are heartset on a Z06, then remember that these ceased manufacture 8 years ago, so finding the perfect car in the US (low mileage, good condition) will take a lot of searching and whilst I am certain that Importing is not necessarily a minefield, the issue is whether you are prepared to schlep all over the US, to look for "the one"

Given your original post (about being undecided) I'd personally look for a "standard" Euro C5 over here. If 345bhp isn't enough, then you've got a (nice) problem....

HTH

[BlackZeD]

One more Z06 gone to Europe, sold mine today to a guy from France.
He bought it for his driving training center called "stage-pilotage.com"

Dave.

[jeff m2]

mitch_ said:

You may also find it harder to find mileages that attract you as these cars will typically do more miles in the U.S.

Mitch
That may actually not be accurate for most of the US.
A corvette here is almost always a second or third car, often only let out of the garage on sunny Sunday afternoons.

Mine does more than Sundays but it does get put away in the Winter.
Very very unusual to se a Vette once we get the first snowfall (road gritting)

Typically texas cars have double mileage of other states and are priced accordingly.

[z06tim]

jeff m2 said:

Mitch
That may actually not be accurate for most of the US.
A corvette here is almost always a second or third car, often only let out of the garage on sunny Sunday afternoons.

Mine does more than Sundays but it does get put away in the Winter.
Very very unusual to se a Vette once we get the first snowfall (road gritting)

Typically texas cars have double mileage of other states and are priced accordingly.

I'd also agree with this. My 2001Z was bought with 12k miles on in 2007 and at the time there were loads about with less than 30k on. I think the fact there are lots of cars available in the US means you should find plenty with low miles.

[LuS1fer]

I had no trouble finding a low mileage C5 Z06 in 2004 and imported a 2002 with 4000 miles on the clock from Maryland.

The IVA conversion is relatively easy too.

My thoughts on the issues are as follows
(1) Remember the 2002-on Z06 had the full 405hp, the 2001 had 385 and oil-ring issues.
(2) All Z06s are manual and it's a fairly agricultural device even with an aftermraket shifter (I fitted a Breathless one as being short, the shifter throw was too long and ended behind me just about.
(3) I took mine on a tour round Wales in the early Spring and had no issues save the narrow walled roads around Harlech which emphasised the width.
(4) The FE4 suspension is great so don't worry about that.
(5) Ultimately, I still prefer the shape of the normal C5 but wouldn't forfeit the extra power.