I think I'm going to buy a Corvette

[yottabit]

You won't be able to get a loan without collision.

Do you really want to put crap tires on a vette? One of the local autox vette guys switched to a miata because of the cost of tires of coarse he was buying really good tires that didn't last very long.

Inexpensive != crap necessarily

Some of the sets on discount tire direct that have the best reviews (Like the Hankook Ventus) cost $750 for a set

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/searchTireMatchingPairs.do?mps=-50&yr=2005&vid=009186

 

[JackBurton]

Inexpensive != crap necessarily

Some of the sets on discount tire direct that have the best reviews (Like the Hankook Ventus) cost $750 for a set

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/searchTireMatchingPairs.do?mps=-50&yr=2005&vid=009186

Best reviews != best tire

Hankook's are ok, but they don't compare to some quality tires like the Michilen Pilot Super Sport's.

 

[Arkaign]

Best reviews != best tire

Hankook's are ok, but they don't compare to some quality tires like the Michilen Pilot Super Sport's.

True enough, but unless you're racing the car or really really hooning it, it doesn't make a lot of difference in daily driving, and the Hankooks will be a little quieter and last a bit longer. To be honest there's not a lot of opportunity to really take even a base C6 anywhere near its limits on the road.

Would I prefer better tires? Hell yeah! I'm just not sure its worth the expense if you are just commuting and occassionally giving the throttle a good mash in sane limits.

 

[jlee]

True enough, but unless you're racing the car or really really hooning it, it doesn't make a lot of difference in daily driving, and the Hankooks will be a little quieter and last a bit longer. To be honest there's not a lot of opportunity to really take even a base C6 anywhere near its limits on the road.

Would I prefer better tires? Hell yeah! I'm just not sure its worth the expense if you are just commuting and occassionally giving the throttle a good mash in sane limits.

After driving on Star Specs, I'd never put all seasons / etc on my MR2. I have no traction problems under power, incredible brakes, and it grips so nicely in curves. Plus, I can go autox without bringing another set of wheels.

If good tires help me avoid just one accident during my lifetime, it's worth the price premium all along.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

I would get liability and comprehensive

Comprehensive is the real money maker IMO. Meaning you can actually save money from your insurance. It protects against Theft and other major crap like that, and also damage from road hazards etc, glass. It's also the cheapest portion of my insurance.

By opting out of the Collision (someone correct me if I'm wrong) the only thing I would be losing is safety from 1) I crash my car accidentally and 2) someone uninsured hit me

If I own the car I'm willing to take the risk of #1 (I'm not going to drive it like an idiot and if I do it would be on a track where insurance doesn't cover me anyway) and #2 is unlikely enough that I don't need to pay for Collision (the most expensive kind of insurance on a car like this)

Why do I concern you?

I'm aware of the cost of Corvette tires (which by the way you can get a nice selection for UNDER $1k online) and the costs associated with owning a sports car. In fact one of the reasons I'm pursuing the Corvette is because of it's low operating costs for essentially exotic like performance. If I wanted to keep the car running at all times I could put aside at least $3k, but since it's essentially a toy there would be no rush to fix it if it did break down. And since I do almost all my work myself I don't think it would be too expensive. Although I'm planning on getting a lift for the Vette.

Also I'm not saying "YAY C6 CORVETTES ARE FINALLY 20k!" because that's the most I can afford, but because that's the most I've decided a toy car is worth to me

I think Collision insurance is basically paying for your own negligence. Maybe it's because I'm from NH where you aren't required to wear seatbelts or helmets or have health or car insurance (not that those aren't good things). I just think it's ridiculous to consider a world without insurance crazy because that's like calling a world without personal responsibility crazy. I'm willing to accept the risk that I might wrap my Corvette around a tree and not have it covered under insurance. I keep Liability because I don't want some jerk suing me if I tap their rear bumper (I'm not perfect) but if we lived in a society that wasn't so sue-happy I probably wouldn't. And I keep comprehensive because to me it's the useful insurance.

Even if I did severely crash a $20k Corvette and it was totaled, there would easily be upwards of $10k of parts to sell on it

You concern me because you sound like most young kids who want their first sports car... not accounting for proper insurance, maintenance, and the costs that come along with all that.

Your logic about how "if the person somehow gets away" (wtf are you gonna race them down and ram them off the road?) and even if that happens you'd have $10k in parts so it's somehow ok is what makes you a shining example of someone who doesn't need a $20k sports car.

You then go on to explain that you're going to get liability only in case you tap someone (as you so eloquently put it, everyone makes mistakes) yet you want to save money and not get collision... but you're going to have a lift installed just for the corvette??

How can you afford a house, a lift, but aren't going to cough up a couple hundred bucks a year for collision on a >$20k car?.... And you're going to "work on it yourself to save money".........?


Yeah, you getting a vette definitely does concern me.

 

[Zivic]

.... exotic like performance....

I didn't really read exotic in that post did I?

 

[AdamK47]

Why are you looking at American cars like the Corvette? You should only be considering Japanese makes.

 

[JackBurton]

True enough, but unless you're racing the car or really really hooning it, it doesn't make a lot of difference in daily driving, and the Hankooks will be a little quieter and last a bit longer. To be honest there's not a lot of opportunity to really take even a base C6 anywhere near its limits on the road.

Would I prefer better tires? Hell yeah! I'm just not sure its worth the expense if you are just commuting and occassionally giving the throttle a good mash in sane limits.

The Pilot Super Sport's are VERY quiet and you don't have to do crazy launches to appreciate them. My wife's car came with Pirelli P Zero's which were about $400 per tire when I bought the car and had issues with wheel hop and the rear end sliding out from under me when taking tight turns at relatively slow speeds (ex. making a right turn on a street in front on my place in 2nd gear at about <20 MPH). Admittedly this particular street is pretty slippery, but with the PSS's, my rear end no longer slides out from under me and I have much better traction in 1st and 2nd. Simply put, the PSS's allow the car to perform the way it was designed to perform. Anything less would be a compromise in perform. Even better, the PSS's cost me less than the P Zero's and have better tread life (~30K miles vs 10-15K miles with the P Zero's).

 

[yottabit]

I didn't really read exotic in that post did I?

You really don't think a C6 Corvette is comparable in performance to some exotic cars? Maybe it's my definition of exotic that's faulted, but I know a base Corvette can spank some Porsches that cost a lot more money, and it can't be too far behind something like a Maserati/Aston Martin or even a Ferrari GT. Certainly it's not far out of reach with some modifications

I'll be working on the car myself because I want to, it has a byproduct of saving money. Lifts are cheap now. I'm not paying for Collision insurance because I don't want to, not because I can't afford it. I'm not paying for a $50k sports car because I don't want to, not because I can't afford it. I'm not looking at Japanese cars because I don't want to

I'll get a Corvette because I want one

Simple

I'm on a budget, which is ~20k-25k, for a TOY CAR. I chose this amount because it's surplus money I can allot without having it affect anything else I need in life (like buying a house, paying my bills etc) Yes, I'm trying to stick to a budget, but it's not because I'm spending every dollar I have on this thing, it's precisely so I don't overextend myself and can continue to live comfortably. And since it's a toy, it's not necessary for me to insure it's operational constantly, which is why I'm not worried about the financial "burdens" associated with sudden costs like buying tires or getting hit.

If I didn't spend $20k on a Vette I'd probably end up with a bigger home theater and some more computers and going on a couple vacations. Things I'm willing to sacrifice for a year or two to get a car like this

And by someone getting away I meant I couldn't catch the license plate and the fact that they actually hit and run. Understand I'm living and driving it in rural NH

I used the Hankooks as an example but the PSS you guys mentioned are only a little over a Grand, that's honestly not a ton of money compared to what I'm used to spending on performance tires. Yeah they might last 20k miles but that will equate to a LOT of Sunday driving

 

[Insomniator]

If you can afford a 50k sports car then why are you asking us if you should get a 20k one? You mentioned it being a silly financial decision but it sounds like you have a lot of money? It doesn't matter what age you are... if you can afford something then you can afford it. We can go into an entirely new topic about what X person can and can't afford based on their current and prospective situations.


It sounds like you've made up your mind already, good luck and make sure you find the right one. Don't kill yourself (or anyone else) in it.

 

[Zivic]

You really don't think a C6 Corvette is comparable in performance to some exotic cars? Maybe it's my definition of exotic that's faulted, but I know a base Corvette can spank some Porsches that cost a lot more money, and it can't be too far behind something like a Maserati/Aston Martin or even a Ferrari GT. Certainly it's not far out of reach with some modifications

the thing with "exotic" is that they are about so much more than a straight line acceleration or even road courses. They have a look, feel, exclusivity that the corvette just can't match.

For example. given my choice between a cayman (not even an exotic) and a base vette, I would take the cayman, despite the vette posting better numbers in some areas.

A vette is a great car, especially when you factor in the $, but please don't pretend it is something it isn't

 

[AdamK47]

the thing with "exotic" is that they are about so much more than a straight line acceleration or even road courses. They have a look, feel, exclusivity that the corvette just can't match.

For example. given my choice between a cayman (not even an exotic) and a base vette, I would take the cayman, despite the vette posting better numbers in some areas.

A vette is a great car, especially when you factor in the $, but please don't pretend it is something it isn't

And it's American. Big minus there, right?

 

[AMCRambler]

Do it.

Got a GTO with an LS2 in it myself. I keep having to talk myself out of upgrading to a vette, should have just waited till now and bought one.

One warning though, horsepower is addictive. When I bought a GTO I told myself 400hp will be all I could ever need. After driving it for 4 years, I find myself wanting more.

 

[AMCRambler]

You concern me because you sound like most young kids who want their first sports car... not accounting for proper insurance, maintenance, and the costs that come along with all that.

Your logic about how "if the person somehow gets away" (wtf are you gonna race them down and ram them off the road?) and even if that happens you'd have $10k in parts so it's somehow ok is what makes you a shining example of someone who doesn't need a $20k sports car.

You then go on to explain that you're going to get liability only in case you tap someone (as you so eloquently put it, everyone makes mistakes) yet you want to save money and not get collision... but you're going to have a lift installed just for the corvette??

How can you afford a house, a lift, but aren't going to cough up a couple hundred bucks a year for collision on a >$20k car?.... And you're going to "work on it yourself to save money".........?


Yeah, you getting a vette definitely does concern me.

Corvette has to be the cheapest out there for cost of ownership. Yeah they depreciate, to a point, but they're also damn near bullet proof. Tires and brakes will most likely be the majority of the expense. And Mobile 1 oil changes. Especially if its a weekend driver car. Won't get anywhere near the wear and tear of a daily driver.

Plus, if you do your own work, it'll probably cost what a regular car being taken to a shop would.

As for the insurance, you need the collision, at least until its paid off.

Now if you're not pulling down enough to afford the car, then you need to reconsider. When you said hefty down payment though, sounded to me like you've got a decent chunk of change to throw at the purchase. How much do you make and how much are you going to finance if you don't me asking?

 

[AMCRambler]

the thing with "exotic" is that they are about so much more than a straight line acceleration or even road courses. They have a look, feel, exclusivity that the corvette just can't match.

For example. given my choice between a cayman (not even an exotic) and a base vette, I would take the cayman, despite the vette posting better numbers in some areas.

A vette is a great car, especially when you factor in the $, but please don't pretend it is something it isn't

Vette posting better numbers in some areas? Like all of them you mean?

I love how some people just can't admit that Americans have made a better car. The thing could outperform every Porsche in the line up, have a built in stripper pole and shoot martinis out of the vents and they'll still claim they'd buy a Porsche. Enjoy your Coxster.

 

[yottabit]

the thing with "exotic" is that they are about so much more than a straight line acceleration or even road courses. They have a look, feel, exclusivity that the corvette just can't match.

For example. given my choice between a cayman (not even an exotic) and a base vette, I would take the cayman, despite the vette posting better numbers in some areas.

A vette is a great car, especially when you factor in the $, but please don't pretend it is something it isn't

Notice I only said "comparable in performance" not prestige or anything else

I think the mistake I made in this thread is saying I couldn't afford a more expensive car when really I should have said I couldn't afford it within the budget I've created.

 

[Puddle Jumper]

Vette posting better numbers in some areas? Like all of them you mean?

I love how some people just can't admit that Americans have made a better car. The thing could outperform every Porsche in the line up, have a built in stripper pole and shoot martinis out of the vents and they'll still claim they'd buy a Porsche. Enjoy your Coxster.

The Porsche does have a vastly superior interior which matters to some people.

 

[RearAdmiral]

If you want something unique, you better have the bank account to back your "dream." If it is affordable and unique, the reason more people don't own it is because they don't want it. A Pontiac Aztec is unique too, but I sure as hell wouldn't want to own one.

Unique does not necessarily equal "special" or better.

Corvettes are every day cars. Nothing dream worthy about them to me post '60s.

 

[AMCRambler]

The Porsche does have a vastly superior interior which matters to some people.

You can put lipstick on a pig I guess.

 

[AMCRambler]

Corvettes are every day cars. Nothing dream worthy about them to me post '60s.

I would agree that up until the late 90s they've been less than spectacular. Starting with the redesign and the new motors in 1997 though GM has turned them around. Have you driven any of the newer ones?

 

[Zivic]

Vette posting better numbers in some areas? Like all of them you mean?

I love how some people just can't admit that Americans have made a better car. The thing could outperform every Porsche in the line up, have a built in stripper pole and shoot martinis out of the vents and they'll still claim they'd buy a Porsche. Enjoy your Coxster.

the vette is a good car. would I own one? .... maybe. it would be fairly far down the list of cars I would rather own...

NSX
S2000
RX7
GT3 porsche
Evo X
STI
factory five kit car
heck, I would buy a miata before a vette (like the example in this discussion)

It isn't all about the numbers. Driving feel, aesthetics, interior, sound, sadly even the perceived image of the car plays into it.

That said, I would own a vette over a camaro and possible a V6 mustang. To me a vette is just a plasticy, fischer-price-esq, crappy interior car with a big motor that numerous neighbors of mine own, and that I see at least a handful of everyday.

 

[AdamK47]

the vette is a good car. would I own one? .... maybe. it would be fairly far down the list of cars I would rather own...

NSX
S2000
RX7
GT3 porsche
Evo X
STI
factory five kit car
heck, I would buy a miata before a vette (like the example in this discussion)

It isn't all about the numbers. Driving feel, aesthetics, interior, sound, sadly even the perceived image of the car plays into it.

That said, I would own a vette over a camaro and possible a V6 mustang. To me a vette is just a plasticy, fischer-price-esq, crappy interior car with a big motor that numerous neighbors of mine own, and that I see at least a handful of everyday.

You should never get one. I mean, what would people think of you? You don't want that.

 

[Zivic]

You should never get one. I mean, what would people think of you? You don't want that.

Consider two cars are the same in almost every other aspect, but the stereotype. At that point it plays a part in the decision making. I am not saying it is the only factor, just that I does play a part. I would rather own a chic car Miata before a vette so what say you about that?

 

[AdamK47]

I don't really follow. Can you go into the specifics of the sterotype?

 

[manimal]

I don't really follow. Can you go into the specifics of the sterotype?

What if the cars name had a letter before N with a number after 2? just saying..


While I have bought many cars that were considered girly or worse to some Zivic does have a point. I used to despise IROCs because of all the guys in high school that drove them. I have softened on that position but the car remains low on my lists.

I do feel we are evolving as an automotive species with smaller cars become more en vogue.

I personally have had a love hate relationship with vettes. The C6 did a TON to make me change my mind.

I still stand behind my unpopular assessment from a few vette threads ago that I thought the base C6 is a better value and daily driver than a Z06.