Pros and Cons of ZR1 ownership

[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

[Dean]

I think the only thing I have worked on is the Bose speakers over all the years but I would still like to sell it. My 135i BMW has been back to the dealer a lot lot more................

[Blue Flame Restorations]

The only CON I can see is that I keep wanting more of them!!!!

[Jagdpanzer]

Now if you asked my wife she would probably tell you ZR-1s are one of the most maintenance intensive vehicles around.

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by pologreenvette

Sounds like it's been a lot of work and a lot of money.... but that goes with being an owner of any older Corvette. I'm not sure if those problems are enough to make me not buy one though

now keep in mind this has been since 1999

[RyanChappel]

Jagdpanzer....

My wife will no longer ride in mine......something about 'the speed limit'....

She doesn't care about the maintenance..

[pologreenvette]

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.

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

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

[Fully Vetted]

Yeah, you're toast, Buddy. Finish school, put some cash away and start looking. Finding your Z will not be that difficult. Just be patient and don't compromise. I found the exact year, exact color combo and the mileage I wanted within a month. And they only made 21 in the color combo I wanted so I too was expecting a long search period.

You've already stepped in the right direction seeking advice here. You can't come up with a question that can't be answered here.

Looking forward to seeing your purchase...

[ZZZZZR1]

Pros:
Rare/Interesting/Cool
Fast
Reliable? YES
Great Handling
It's a freakin' ZR1!
Permagrin

Cons:
Hard to find parts? Not hard to find these parts (name a part, we can find it) I drive my cars hard... (these cars are MADE to be driven hard!!!)
Expensive to buy and maintain? (the brotherhood makes it cheaper to maintain with advice and vast owners with parts available)
Hard to find the one I want (must be a 91 or later 6-speed, no red interior, not afraid of high miles) Now is the time to buy, cars are a bargain and it's a buyers market


Some of what I said is my opinion, but the Brotherhood is alive and well here.... It's a buyers market and buy from an owner who cared for it (AND doesn't lie that he drove it hard!)

Buy, drive and enjoy!!!



David

[WARP TEN]

Originally Posted by pologreenvette

....The one I REALLY want is a ZR1 that's just like my current car; polo green 6-spd with tan interior. I imagine that's being a bit too picky though...

That's exactly what I said, and now I have it. Worth the wait and search. To see some pix, click on my avatar and go to albums. I believe there were 31 green 95s but can't remember how many with Beige interiors. --Bob