Discussion
I know, i know, completely different cars!
Thing is, i'm pretty sure i'm going to buy a used XK8 but i've always had a thing for vettes and C5's are similar priced. Should i get them out of my head right now and forget about the whole idea or have a serious look?
I'm obviously not expecting them to be as smooth or comfy as the jag but are they livable with as a daily drive? I have an old rover for ferrying kids/soaking up supermarket dents but i mean are they ok for pootling around town and eating up the motorways as well as blasting down drag strips?
I don't want to buy one on a whim and end up selling half a year later because i cant live with it (been known to do this before!)
Any real world comments would be great, cheers!
Grant
Thing is, i'm pretty sure i'm going to buy a used XK8 but i've always had a thing for vettes and C5's are similar priced. Should i get them out of my head right now and forget about the whole idea or have a serious look?
I'm obviously not expecting them to be as smooth or comfy as the jag but are they livable with as a daily drive? I have an old rover for ferrying kids/soaking up supermarket dents but i mean are they ok for pootling around town and eating up the motorways as well as blasting down drag strips?
I don't want to buy one on a whim and end up selling half a year later because i cant live with it (been known to do this before!)
Any real world comments would be great, cheers!
Grant
Definitely buy a C5 (and let it be mine!)
But seriously, everyone has to have a corvette once in their life.
You cannot make a reasoned either judgment or comparison since they are so different, let your emotions decide.
Be aware that the Jag has had serious nikasil engine problems, and unlike BMW who took a professional attitude towards engine repairs/replacement, Jag took a slightly more obstructive position.You will need to check.
But seriously, everyone has to have a corvette once in their life.
You cannot make a reasoned either judgment or comparison since they are so different, let your emotions decide.
Be aware that the Jag has had serious nikasil engine problems, and unlike BMW who took a professional attitude towards engine repairs/replacement, Jag took a slightly more obstructive position.You will need to check.
Corvette, mate, No question. Jag is nice, but a Vette is a Vette. Bombproof engineering, and dead easy and cheap to fix if it does go wrong. Plus you get loads of nice chaps on here to share your experiences with !
I thought about an XKR a while back, but decided to keep my old 78 Vette and got a C5 to go with it. And dare I mention depreciation ! Jags are in freefall 2nd hand, but a 4or5 yr old Vette is pretty stable if you look after it. Good luck, and let us know when you have made the right choice! Hehehehe
I thought about an XKR a while back, but decided to keep my old 78 Vette and got a C5 to go with it. And dare I mention depreciation ! Jags are in freefall 2nd hand, but a 4or5 yr old Vette is pretty stable if you look after it. Good luck, and let us know when you have made the right choice! Hehehehe
Look.
I know somebody who has run a marathon, and proudly displays on his office wall: "I ran a marathon. That's one less thing to do before I die."
Well, I think owning a Corvette runs mighty close (geddit
) - and is much more enjoyable.
Seriously: what do you want in this car? Do you want grand tourer, nice leather and walnut - if so, probably the Jag's the best choice, though the points re: depreciation etc. do hold.
But.... if you can manage the following wishes:
- do you want a car which everyone will notice?
- even the blind
- do you want to drive a car with over 50 years of pedigree?
- do you mind the fact that you don't really need to service it, apart from the odd oil+filter and spark plug change
- does it matter if the car can be driven like you stole it (and still be happy with it!)
- do you want to be a little different?
If so, the Corvette is for you.
I know somebody who has run a marathon, and proudly displays on his office wall: "I ran a marathon. That's one less thing to do before I die."
Well, I think owning a Corvette runs mighty close (geddit
) - and is much more enjoyable. Seriously: what do you want in this car? Do you want grand tourer, nice leather and walnut - if so, probably the Jag's the best choice, though the points re: depreciation etc. do hold.
But.... if you can manage the following wishes:
- do you want a car which everyone will notice?
- even the blind
- do you want to drive a car with over 50 years of pedigree?
- do you mind the fact that you don't really need to service it, apart from the odd oil+filter and spark plug change
- does it matter if the car can be driven like you stole it (and still be happy with it!)
- do you want to be a little different?
If so, the Corvette is for you.
Cheers guys- you're making something ridiculous sound almost sensible, i like the logic!
Seriously: what do you want in this car?
Good question, i'm not sure to be honest! Something fun with a big V8 & autobox to cruise around in. It'll have to be comfy enough for a trip up north every once in a while and will have to put up with crawling through london a few times a week
Simple mechanicals are a big bonus, i don't mind tinkering around on a sunday changing the oil and i have few mates who are mechanics to help out. To be honest the lack of dealers/specialists was one of the things putting me off
How does this look? Its on the bonsai cars website (www.bonsaicars.com under japan stock, theres a red roadster on there as well). I imported a car through them a few years back and it was great, they did lose the service booklet mind
Chevrolet Corvette C5 1997, 70k, grade 4, leather, bose, 19
Option1 price: £12500
Option 2 Price on the road: £13350
(Japan Stock Car)
Still have my doubts about LHD, i take it you just get used to it after a while?
c4koh said:
Seriously: what do you want in this car?
Good question, i'm not sure to be honest! Something fun with a big V8 & autobox to cruise around in. It'll have to be comfy enough for a trip up north every once in a while and will have to put up with crawling through london a few times a week
Simple mechanicals are a big bonus, i don't mind tinkering around on a sunday changing the oil and i have few mates who are mechanics to help out. To be honest the lack of dealers/specialists was one of the things putting me off
How does this look? Its on the bonsai cars website (www.bonsaicars.com under japan stock, theres a red roadster on there as well). I imported a car through them a few years back and it was great, they did lose the service booklet mind
Chevrolet Corvette C5 1997, 70k, grade 4, leather, bose, 19
Option1 price: £12500
Option 2 Price on the road: £13350
(Japan Stock Car)
Still have my doubts about LHD, i take it you just get used to it after a while?
Edited by gep on Wednesday 18th April 19:25
If you are after an auto then LHD is even easier as you don't have to get used to righthand gear changing!
Can I ask what is your budget? Do you want auto or manual (manual is a lot more fun IMHO)? Do you want targa (coupe), convertible or hardtop (Z06)?
The Z06 (I just happen to have one for sale on PH Classified ) is the equivalent of an XKR to an XK8 if you get my drift i.e. it is the more focused performance car. I have one as a daily driver and it does everything you want brilliantly. Comfy, air con, abs, traction control, cruise control when you want it, 0-60 in 4.1 secs huge boot, light steering and clutch. Returns about 24MPG in commuting mode over a 70 mile per day trip on 'A' roads.
Can I ask what is your budget? Do you want auto or manual (manual is a lot more fun IMHO)? Do you want targa (coupe), convertible or hardtop (Z06)?
The Z06 (I just happen to have one for sale on PH Classified
) is the equivalent of an XKR to an XK8 if you get my drift i.e. it is the more focused performance car. I have one as a daily driver and it does everything you want brilliantly. Comfy, air con, abs, traction control, cruise control when you want it, 0-60 in 4.1 secs huge boot, light steering and clutch. Returns about 24MPG in commuting mode over a 70 mile per day trip on 'A' roads.After a while, like, er, 2 minutes you will have forgotten its LHD. No matter how often you look, there aint no gears in the door pocket!! Another massive strong point is the endless supply of mods etc you can do. Drive it stock for a while, then the bug WILL bite, but theres so much knowledge around you can tap into for advice to help you along. Noisy pipes are essential, and will be expected!! Hehehe. Cant advise on the jap one without seeing it, but search this forum and there are lists of things to look for when buying. They are tough these Vettes and will withstand extreme abuse, unlike the Jag. Look for - quiet engine, no smoke, sound bodywork, look at jacking points for damage, tidy interior and evidence of oil changes. Check for fluid leaks, but they arent usually serious.
Be sure all the warning lamps extinguish after engine start up.
Good luck, and lets hope we have a positive result soon !!!! You WILL NOT regret it - Trust me......
Be sure all the warning lamps extinguish after engine start up.
Good luck, and lets hope we have a positive result soon !!!! You WILL NOT regret it - Trust me......
gep said:
To be honest the lack of dealers/specialists was one of the things putting me off
How does this look? Its on the bonsai cars website (www.bonsaicars.com under japan stock, theres a red roadster on there as well).
...
Still have my doubts about LHD, i take it you just get used to it after a while?
How does this look? Its on the bonsai cars website (www.bonsaicars.com under japan stock, theres a red roadster on there as well).
...
Still have my doubts about LHD, i take it you just get used to it after a while?
The lack of dealers / specialists isn't an issue: there's plenty of UK-based places for parts, and anything obscure can be sourced from the U.S. in a matter of days. In fact, you can often get a bit for a Corvette quicker than a Ford Focus!!
They don't need much fixing anyway - normal items, as said, oil, filter [it doesn't have cam belts!] and spark plugs about it. And there's all of us (and loads more not on PH) here to help... The factory service manuals - like the thickness of 2 yellow pages!! - are cheap (I can't remember how much, but £50-£100 or so) and basically detail every job, fault code and the like.
While I maintain my car at home, bigger jobs which would be a pain for me [in particular, changing the clutch], my local garage can deal with. The corvette is made to be simple to maintain...
LHD as noted - *not* an issue. Honestly. Believe me - it takes about 5 minutes, and - we've had loads of discsussions before (see archives!)... - there are some advantages anyway...
Finally - and I could get shot down... but I never seem fond of the Japanese-import Corvettes. May be just cosmetic, but they always seem to be 'deflowered' in my eyes, often with spoilers and bodykits which aren't becoming... don't know if underneath they're still the same though... presume so... anybody else got ideas on this?
I have had just the one car, a C5 coupe, for 5 years and had no problem. I found driving in London easier in it than other cars because it was left hand drive as it was easier to judge the distance to parked cars. Its as happy driving around town as on the autobahn or the track. Driven mine to Sicily and back too so no problems with long journeys either. Do get rid of the runflat tyres if you want a better ride though !
The Jag is an XJS in a newer frock, and is more of a GT, however the Vette is that bit closer to being an exciting US muscle car (er, well, actually it is thinking about it!).
I think that price for a '97 doesn't sound the best, and it looks a little unloved under the hood. Think I'd look for a UK car myself. The Jap model also seem to have a few mods to make them suitable for the jap market, can make finding stuff about them a little tricky, Euro or US cars are no real problem.
Just my opinion - I think if there was more of a saving on it it'd be more attractive.
I think that price for a '97 doesn't sound the best, and it looks a little unloved under the hood. Think I'd look for a UK car myself. The Jap model also seem to have a few mods to make them suitable for the jap market, can make finding stuff about them a little tricky, Euro or US cars are no real problem.
Just my opinion - I think if there was more of a saving on it it'd be more attractive.
franv8 said:
The Jag is an XJS in a newer frock, and is more of a GT, however the Vette is that bit closer to being an exciting US muscle car (er, well, actually it is thinking about it!).
I think that price for a '97 doesn't sound the best, and it looks a little unloved under the hood. Think I'd look for a UK car myself. The Jap model also seem to have a few mods to make them suitable for the jap market, can make finding stuff about them a little tricky, Euro or US cars are no real problem.
Just my opinion - I think if there was more of a saving on it it'd be more attractive.
I think that price for a '97 doesn't sound the best, and it looks a little unloved under the hood. Think I'd look for a UK car myself. The Jap model also seem to have a few mods to make them suitable for the jap market, can make finding stuff about them a little tricky, Euro or US cars are no real problem.
Just my opinion - I think if there was more of a saving on it it'd be more attractive.
Francis, I'm ashamed of you !! The Vette is THE US muscle car !!!!
and definitely the most exciting one !!! It defines "muscle car" !
You are right, He should think seriously about a UK sourced C5, as a first Vette, the support etc from a dealer would be a nice bit of security.
Is your Vette finished yet?
Sorry Dave - yes you're not far off the mark!
You know when someone says a word to you you immediately visualise something in your mind - I can't help but think of the old steel bodied two door mahoosive things that were designed with forward thrust in mind and a bit less concerned with corners or stopping! So on that I suppose things like the 427 Cobra also fit this (wasn't it a touch heavy at the front?) - but yes - taking this out of my mind the Vette is a musclemobile!
As for my car finished - I guess you had a look at my profile - I swapped the motor a while ago, and it's been mostly on the road since, sailed straight through its MOT first time this year. I did post on CCCUK about a power loss problem, luckily a second hand pump lying around the garage fixed that so yes it goes. Finished - never on this 86 - there's always something else to do. Currently sporting the subtle matt red paintwork...
(Cor - I do go on a bit!)
You know when someone says a word to you you immediately visualise something in your mind - I can't help but think of the old steel bodied two door mahoosive things that were designed with forward thrust in mind and a bit less concerned with corners or stopping! So on that I suppose things like the 427 Cobra also fit this (wasn't it a touch heavy at the front?) - but yes - taking this out of my mind the Vette is a musclemobile!
As for my car finished - I guess you had a look at my profile - I swapped the motor a while ago, and it's been mostly on the road since, sailed straight through its MOT first time this year. I did post on CCCUK about a power loss problem, luckily a second hand pump lying around the garage fixed that so yes it goes. Finished - never on this 86 - there's always something else to do. Currently sporting the subtle matt red paintwork...
(Cor - I do go on a bit!)
Alright guys... think i'm coming round to the idea!
I've found a place down the road from me in wood green (american car imports, anyone heard of them?)that have a few C5's, think i'll try persuade them to let me take one out for a spin and see what the fuss is about!
Insurance- who are you guys with, the usual adrian flux, sureterm etc i take it?
Cheers for all the comments!
I've found a place down the road from me in wood green (american car imports, anyone heard of them?)that have a few C5's, think i'll try persuade them to let me take one out for a spin and see what the fuss is about!
Insurance- who are you guys with, the usual adrian flux, sureterm etc i take it?
Cheers for all the comments!
I think I might be able to offer a bit of objective advice here. I have been the owner of a 2001 C5 coupe for about a year now, but prior to that I had an XK8 for five years. Seemed like a natural progression to me: I've always loved big GT's, but I wanted something a bit harder and faster than the Jag. Plus I've always had a bit of a thing for Corvettes anyway. Anyway, suffice to say, the C5 fits the bill perfectly and is probably the best car I've ever owned (including the Ferrari that I ran as a "weekend" car a few years ago!). Compared to the Jag it's faster, better-handling, better-looking, rarer, more reliable, and cheaper to run.
Forget any pre-conceptions you had about American cars being big wallowing tanks that can't go round corners - the Corvette is nothing like that. And don't worry about the practicality aspect - I use mine every day for commuting and regualarly average 27mpg (best I've got is 31mpg), whereas the Jag rarely exceeded 25mpg. Insurance is also cheaper if you go through a specialist broker (I use MC Edwards). And of course, in theory, the only servicing it requires is oil and filter changes until the big one at 100,000 miles. Plus you've got a body that doesn't rust, the targa roof, a great engine note, the list goes on. As you can see, I'm a bit of convert!
Downsides? Well, the quality of the interior trim on the 'Vette is not as good as the Jag's. Most C5 interiors in this country seem to be black and it can look a bit dour, plus the quality of the seat leather is a bit cheap, etc. If you prefer the hushed wood & leather ambience of a gentleman's club, then the Jag is a better choice (the 'Vette can seem a bit loud, particularly if you've got the standard run-flat tyres). Other minor things: I miss the auto transmission's J-gate selector on the Jag which I found very useful, plus the standard hi-fi in the 'Vette is not that great (don't be fooled by those Bose speakers), whereas if you find an XK8 with the Harmon-Kardon system, it's superb. I also occasionally miss having those vestigial rear seats - OK they're tiny but they can be used to take a third passenger for short journeys - not possible in the 'Vette of course. Oh, and tyres are more expensive for the 'Vette!
Minor gripes aside, though, the Corvette is a great choice. Don't worry about the left-hand drive - as the other guys have said, you quickly get used to it. More of a problem is the width of the car (it's wider than an XK8) which can make it a bit intitmidating if you regularly use narrow country lanes (as I do).
Not sure about that Japanese import you posted though. There are plenty of good quality Euro-spec C5's in the UK and most have been cherished and will be relatively low mileage. The Jag will probably be a cheaper purchase, but could end up costing you more in the long run. Go on, get the 'Vette, you know it makes sense...
Forget any pre-conceptions you had about American cars being big wallowing tanks that can't go round corners - the Corvette is nothing like that. And don't worry about the practicality aspect - I use mine every day for commuting and regualarly average 27mpg (best I've got is 31mpg), whereas the Jag rarely exceeded 25mpg. Insurance is also cheaper if you go through a specialist broker (I use MC Edwards). And of course, in theory, the only servicing it requires is oil and filter changes until the big one at 100,000 miles. Plus you've got a body that doesn't rust, the targa roof, a great engine note, the list goes on. As you can see, I'm a bit of convert!
Downsides? Well, the quality of the interior trim on the 'Vette is not as good as the Jag's. Most C5 interiors in this country seem to be black and it can look a bit dour, plus the quality of the seat leather is a bit cheap, etc. If you prefer the hushed wood & leather ambience of a gentleman's club, then the Jag is a better choice (the 'Vette can seem a bit loud, particularly if you've got the standard run-flat tyres). Other minor things: I miss the auto transmission's J-gate selector on the Jag which I found very useful, plus the standard hi-fi in the 'Vette is not that great (don't be fooled by those Bose speakers), whereas if you find an XK8 with the Harmon-Kardon system, it's superb. I also occasionally miss having those vestigial rear seats - OK they're tiny but they can be used to take a third passenger for short journeys - not possible in the 'Vette of course. Oh, and tyres are more expensive for the 'Vette!
Minor gripes aside, though, the Corvette is a great choice. Don't worry about the left-hand drive - as the other guys have said, you quickly get used to it. More of a problem is the width of the car (it's wider than an XK8) which can make it a bit intitmidating if you regularly use narrow country lanes (as I do).
Not sure about that Japanese import you posted though. There are plenty of good quality Euro-spec C5's in the UK and most have been cherished and will be relatively low mileage. The Jag will probably be a cheaper purchase, but could end up costing you more in the long run. Go on, get the 'Vette, you know it makes sense...
v8d said:
Corvette, mate, No question. Jag is nice, but a Vette is a Vette. Bombproof engineering, and dead easy and cheap to fix if it does go wrong. Plus you get loads of nice chaps on here to share your experiences with !
I thought about an XKR a while back, but decided to keep my old 78 Vette and got a C5 to go with it. And dare I mention depreciation ! Jags are in freefall 2nd hand, but a 4or5 yr old Vette is pretty stable if you look after it. Good luck, and let us know when you have made the right choice! Hehehehe
I thought about an XKR a while back, but decided to keep my old 78 Vette and got a C5 to go with it. And dare I mention depreciation ! Jags are in freefall 2nd hand, but a 4or5 yr old Vette is pretty stable if you look after it. Good luck, and let us know when you have made the right choice! Hehehehe
You mean 'vettes depreciate,?
Seriously, they hold their value exceptionally well.
Haven't given up, want one even more now!
Cheers for all the comments, esp Black_C5
The general consensus seems to say avoid the jap vette (its at 11,850 now btw) but how much should i really be paying for a decent '98-'00 auto? Difficult to really work out, the few i've seen vary massively. Any sites where there are a few for sale? Autotrader only has a couple, i've looked on here obviously
Quite like the look of those new mustangs now i've been looking as well... a guy down my roads just bought a black V8, sounds AWESOME! ... i wont go there!
Thanks again!
Cheers for all the comments, esp Black_C5
The general consensus seems to say avoid the jap vette (its at 11,850 now btw) but how much should i really be paying for a decent '98-'00 auto? Difficult to really work out, the few i've seen vary massively. Any sites where there are a few for sale? Autotrader only has a couple, i've looked on here obviously
Quite like the look of those new mustangs now i've been looking as well... a guy down my roads just bought a black V8, sounds AWESOME!
... i wont go there! Thanks again!
Edited by GEP on Wednesday 9th May 20:14
Edited by gep on Wednesday 9th May 20:27
GEP said:
how much should I really be paying for a decent '98-'00 auto?
Depending on year, specification and condition I reckon you're looking to spend £14k to £18k so long as the mileage isn't inter-galactic. There are cheaper cars out there but I wouldn't buy them. On the other hand I've seen nothing to suggest a C5 isn't good for an easy 100,000+.
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