Quote:
Originally Posted by mike100
Of all the things that have broken, needed service, or cosmetic enhancement, the actual engine wasn't one of them. The LT5 itself will be the most reliable part of a ZR-1. The rest of the usual failures are all C4, maybe worse since the engine has more power and the car weighs a bit more- which is harder on the chassis, brakes and drivetrain.
Since it is a more premium model, you might find yourself wanting to fix and restore the car a little more than with your LT1 car. It is also going to be more money to purchase, so you will be into the car for about double what the same LT1 car equivalent would cost you. This might sour your experience some, but it could be offset by the unique experience of the extra power.
I actually enjoyed driving my LT1 car just as much, except for when BMW's used to kick my *** from time to time. Basically figure to pay about twice as much as you are now and then decide if you would rather have a C5.
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I have no problem paying around 20k for the car I want. I've been in a C5 and, while they are a great car, they don't have the cockpit feel of the C4, which is one of my favorite things about my car. I also don't like the looks as much.
One of the things about the ZR1 that really draws me in is the fact that they are/will be classics, yet they are still fast and generally reliable. Plus I would LOVE to have an LT5 under the hood, everyone says they sound like nothing else
Quote:
Originally Posted by tomtom72
My best advice would be to finish your studies and then look around for a ZR-1. There is no down side really once you realize that you will be buying an antique. Just come to grips with that fact and you will be okay with whatever money you will have to put into the car to get it back to top condition. That would apply even if you were going to buy a late C6 by the time you graduate and get established in your profession. Any used car...is well a used car, some are just a little newer than others and will afford you some time before you have to start some type of restoration process, but eventually they all need to be "gone thru" in order for them to be "new" again. I can tell you for a fact if you like to use your toys a lot, after you do the needed restoration work to make it "new" again, there is nothing like the feeling of owning a well sorted out sports car. You know what I'm saying? It's the confidence in the car that says, "Drive to California tomorrow? Let's leave now and beat the traffic! I'm ready now, and so is my car!" 
Speaking as a rookie C4 owner....you have a major jump on owning a ZR-1 because you will already know all the C4 quirks and how to address them properly and efficiently. I am still learning the C4 and all it's nuances. The ZR-1 part is strictly a matter of learning the LT5. Oh, there is the matter of ZR-1 body parts, they are sort of extinct. If none of that stuff causes you too much concern, then I say you could do much worse in choosing which toy to get yourself! Oh, one more thing about ZR-1's.....this is a bit out in left field too!  Owning a ZR-1 is not so much a buying decision as it is a calling. The car speaks to you....even long before you ever sit in one. In your mind's eye you see yourself piloting one down some deserted road at night, and you see yourself grinning from ear to ear by the light from the panel, and you think.... "This is just too cool!" If that happens, well yes, you've got it bad and you have to have one! 
Tom |
Like I said, I'm okay with paying a little bit of money for the ZR1 because it's a car I'd like to keep for a very long time. Luckily I've already bought my first Corvette at age 20 and it's a C4 so I'm familiar with many of the problems of these cars.
I've definitely been called by the ZR1! I love my car, but when I'm driving it I wish I could crank it to 7000+ rpm. I must have one....
yeah I have it bad
