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Coupes & Convertibles Chevrolet Corvette Corvettes and all things about them
1906 messages, Last post on Nov 30, 2009 at 12:07 PM
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Replying to: starrow68 (Apr 19, 2006 10:45 am) I'm not that fond of the C5 shape, I think the C4 was a better looking car. The C5 is alot easier to drive and live with. i like the style of the C6 better and will be looking for a used one in a couple of years.
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Replying to: volvomax (Apr 19, 2006 1:48 pm)
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Replying to: starrow68 (Apr 19, 2006 5:32 pm) A local guy was selling it on ebay. He had everything on this car plus forged wheels, magnaflow exhaust and a cold air intake. |
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Its been a while since I lasted posted to Edmunds. To preface, I will be buying my first C6 Vette very soon... but I thought it would be perfect timing given some of the comments here about Vette problems etc. to share with some of you my Lexus problems (past and present), my current driving comparisons and my ultimate conclusion of owning a Vette. Before I completely decided I was going to buy a Vette this year, I came to that conclusion through a series of unfortunate events. To begin with, I have owned 2 Lexus vehicles in my lifetime. The first was a 2002 ES300. 1st year redesign. It was quiet, but that's about it. Not fun to drive to say the least. I bought it thinking it was going to be ultra-reliable. Boy was I wrong. Had it in for various issues, but the biggy, a very serious problem with the transmission which to this day, I don't think they have fixed in their models. The problem being a hesitation in the shifting patterns, which in worst cases, caused me to lose acceleration through stop lights. Not the place where you want to lose acceleration! I took it in 4 times to 2 different dealerships and followed the lemon route. Case closed. While I owned the ES300, I thought, there's this nice looking LX470 cert used, 2000 with only 19K miles. A steal? Well, my vehicle has been to the dealership I can't count how many times. Its there right now btw. Problems with brakes squealing, steering, paint (entire top 3/4 had to be re painted due to clouding issue from Manufacture's defect). The service advisors always play dumb, but nice and friendly, shake your hand and send you off. Only for you to come back another day so you can shake their hand and you can take it you know where. Case open. So in my quest for a totally different vehicle, one more driveable and fun, I test drove the Corvette. WOW!!! What a pleasure. The acceleration, the braking, I just couldn't imagine the Vette drove this nice! The mag suspension made the car's suspension feel like a Lexus, but not so cushy. Just right. The interior, just right. Compared to Lexus, Lexus looks cheap. I'm sick of the shiny nasty wood crud and their plastic gadgetry. The Vette was just as quiet, except for the sweet, slight burl of the engine that could be heard with the exit of the tailpipes in the back...nice Best part I was totally impressed with, how comfortable it was to drive, it felt very drivable after just a few minutes test drive. I almost forgot I was in a sports car, until I reved the engine. The Vette's interior, I thought, was just right and much to my liking. The ergonomica was perfect, placed everything within reach that was essential for driving and pleasure. The seats sucked me in and kept me there. After I hopped out of the Vette, I continued to test drive the Mercedes C55 AMG, the BMW M3, and the Lexus IS350. No Audi S4, some of you might say? Well, 2 German cars in one day was enough for me. The C55 AMG was middle of the road for me. It drove with power, but not enough. It breaks well. The interior is good. Just not enough styling to justify 60K. Besides, Mercedes stinks these days. I test drove a CLK as well, different day. Both salesmen were aweful, didn't know a thing about the vehicles, and I almost made one of them puke in the C55 AMG. Seriously, they were both strange dudes. The M3 was a nice drive, but too bumpy for me. SMG trans is crap. I'd rather have a stick shift. Nice acceleration, more for hardcore racers who like firm seats and bouncing a lot. Styling is old, next platform comes in late 07 for 08 model. The IS350 was well, a Lexus. I hate to admit it, but I was actually considering this car. Until I racked up the price with options. That's Vette land It dawned on me and the more the salesman and I discussed how great the service was, the more I wanted to wake up out of my nightmare for the past 3 years. I felt like asking him, have you ever been serviced at Lexus? Well, it doesn't feel very good. Please see above. So the conclusion, Corvette. I'm going to have fun, so much fun. Thank goodness for American sports car, the Corvette! I suggest everyone go through the experiences I have had the last 3 years. Squealing Vette brakes will be a blessing if that's all you have go wrong. My Lexus brakes squealed like a pig farm, not kidding...So enjoy your Vett's and stop squealing! You have the best drive around and I'm going to be joining you soon! |
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Replying to: mynuvette1 (Apr 23, 2006 12:56 am) Then the question comes about learning to really drive something with 400hp, driving schools are good, especially Spring Mountain outside Las Vegas. Every day I get to drive the Vette is a good day with lots of smiles!  Randy
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Came back from the birthday bash at the museum on the weekend. Friday took a lot of rain, but Saturday was a great sunny day. They had the new Atomic Orange Vette on Saturday and I had some pics posted by CAC and Rick Conti has some up too. The color seemed a little brighter and lighter than the Daytona, moving toward a copper hue. Anyway, since I like both colors it would be hard to choose if I had to. Lots of nice vendor things, but I kept my hand on my wallet at all times so as not to do anything that would cause my wife to shoot me. One vendor does commemorative conversions of C-5 or C-6 cars to make them look like a 53. He had one there and it was spectacular but I think it was $35K for the conversion. Loved to have done it, but not to die for... 
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Replying to: mynuvette1 (Apr 23, 2006 12:56 am) Your comments on the Lexus are a bit alarming. I have owned two of them, the original was back in '92 when the SC400 first hit. To this day, I will say it is the finest car I have ever owned. Our ES330 is only 1+ years old but it has been flawless except for the tranny hesitation you mentioned. There is a TSB out for that and I had the dealer do the "fix" as such. No hesitation since. I agree with your comments on the Vette as far as performance and braking but saying the "ride" was not as "cushy" bothers me a bit. The Lexus is not made for spirited driving, especially the ES or the LS---it's a cruiser plain and simple. If you want a Lexus that can handle any type of spirited driving, then look to the SC, GS or IS models. It still won't match the Vette for handling but these are cars that can do more from the handling standpoint than the "cruisers". My Lexus is as quiet as a church mouse and super on interstate travels. My Vette is noisy, rides rough (read, handles well) but it goes like hell and that is what I am looking for...and I just turned 65 so no baloney on the "growing up" bit. Just happen to love the old pushrod V8 rumble...and on rare occasions, I do some spirited driving...and love every minute of it. I just don't get comparing anyLexus to the Vette---they are TOTALLY different cars.
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Replying to: starrow68 (Apr 23, 2006 6:58 pm) what are avg expenses per year for tires brakes etc.? Do they wear out quickly? Driving school is a must. Do you use original tires or have track slicks to slip on? Last, I was thinking the brakes would need to be replaced with more substantial brakes. They don't seem to be enough for a 400hp car? Compared to C55 AMG and M3 for their hp. Appreciate the help!
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Replying to: mcg3514 (Apr 24, 2006 4:33 pm) I agree with your comments and your experience is your experience. I'm glad you didn't have my experiences. I'm happy you have had great luck and joy with your vehicles. I wish that for everyone. That's all I wanted. I've just experienced more crud than the normal human should have to endure with a Lexus, which for me, is unfortunate. Regarding the ES300, it was the 1st year model, so maybe the lesson there is that we should avoid 1st year, maybe 2nd year re-designs. Ideally, I would prefer no problems with my new Vette. But that's probably unrealistic. Given my luck with vehicles  Can you provide your experiences with your Vette? Anything a new buyer should know would help me a lot! Thanks!
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Replying to: mynuvette1 (Apr 26, 2006 10:05 am) 1 Vette's are what they are. They are loud, crude, and don't have the best fit and finish in the world but they are unbeatable in the bang for the buck and fun to drive category. 2 No sports car is going to give you the quiet and ride that a Lexus or other luxo car will. Can't compare them they are totally different. 3 Vette issues. -Vettes aren't everyday cars, they just don't hold up. Tires will typically need to be replaced every 20-25k depending on driving habits. Brakes also don't last as long as on a conventional car. Expect some rattles and squeaks, the C5 and I'm sure the C6 are better but they have yet to match the imports in this area. Watch out for curbs! Vettes have low noses and chin spoilers that are vulnerable to parking rashes and steep driveways. Watch out for the low profile tires. They are more vulnerable to curb rash than the tires on your Lexus. Also, they don't soak up ANY bumps so expect a rougher ride. As long as you know what to expect from your Vette you will be very happy. Expecting a vette to be what it isn't will lead to unhappiness. Good Luck |
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