New Guy - It's finally time and I need help please!

Hi everybody...

I'm new to this forum... Like many, it's been my childhood, and adulthood dream for that matter, to own a corvette.  I've been to a few other forums and can't seem to get a good response.

Now at age 42, single, no kids and fortunately successful, I have made the decision to fulfill that dream!!

I'm not in a hurry and want to do it the best way possible. I know it may seem ironic, but despite the dream, I don't know a whole lot about Corvettes other than I just melt when I see one!

To begin... how the heck do I tell what the difference is with the models?  such as: what is the difference between the 1Lt, 2Lt, 3Lt, 4Lt?

My price range will max at 50k. Prefereably in the 40s AND I don't HAVE to buy new... 2007 or newer is my preference.

I also like the ones with the top that you can remove?? like a t-top kind of... what model is that? and what do they call that? It's not the convertible, I do know that.

As I'm sure you understand I'm staying away from dealers at this point.

Thank you all for your time in reading my post.  

Hello,

The Vette you are looking for is a Coupe. There are three basic body styles for lack of a better word. The coupe, convertible and the Z06. The option codes  1LT etc. are trim levels or option packages.

I recommend that you spend some time getting familiar with the Corvette vernacular and spend a little time at the dealerships in your area as well and ask a lot of questions. The dealers are hungry and IF you are well informed you can get better deals from them than a private seller. Get the Corvette Black book available at Motorbooks International on line. Get the Corvette magazines such as Vette Magazine.

All these resources will help you decide exactly what you want. And some dilligent research on line with resources such as Kelly Blue Book, NADA, and looking at local sellers asking prices in the paper are good ways to get a feel for the market.

Knowing exactly what you want and exactly what you want to pay will reward you with exactly the car you want. Don't get in a hurry and definitely don't go into this uninformed.

Finally, buy as much Corvette as is within your budget and body style. By this I mean that there are differences, sometimes significant, between the trim packages, and in a used car they don't make much difference in the value. Low miles are good but overall condition is more important. 2008 is better than earlier because of significant upgrades to the overall package.

Alex  

Hopefully you are still looking to buy that 1st Corvette of yours since you posted this some months ago. Alex gave a very good response to your inquires such as researching Corvettes and their history. A good book to read is; Corvette 50th Anniversary.

I found that C4 Corvettes are very affordable (usually in the 6-7k range) as is the C5 now being more affordable as the years roll by. As to "top" that is removable, Coupe. The other 2 options, obviously 1 is the convertable, the other is listed as a "hardtop" and usually found as a Z06 Corvette.

It looks like you play guitar as well so think in terms of a used guitar, make, model, year are all important. But what is even more important is the options that a particular car has installed. Obviously a Corvette with more options ordered are more favorable, and as they get older more affordable. A Z06 or a ZR1 will obviously cost you more than a standard LS motored Corvette.

Since you have upwards of 50k to spend may I suggest a C5 at your local Used Car Dealer's? or even the local Chevy dealers? My favorite place to look besides Ebay is Craigslist for your local area. You will find many avid Corvette lover's selling their Corvette for a very reasonable price with many listing the options that their Corvette has, with pictures of the car to go along. Always contact the seller and set a time and place to meet, a location that allows you to test drive the Corvette.

Good hunting in finding that 1st Corvette.    

well with 50 you should be able to buy new! why your fear of dealers? I'd be more afraid of private sellers/used/modded vette's, just keep comparing, what do you want? a circus wagon or a plain jane? if it was me I'd be looking for a 08 Z51 there are alot of cars sitting on lots and it is a buyers market! and you will have a five year warranty!