12 2005 - 2008 Chevrolet Corvette | The Bargain Sports Car
By David Zenlea
You've probably heard the stereotype about Chevrolet Corvette drivers. They don't race. They don't modify. They go on leisurely long-distance drives and have a special "Corvette wave." Although General Motors marketers vociferously deny that the demographics for their iconic sports car are skewed toward graying Sunday drivers, they readily admit that their target buyer is a married male between forty and sixty years old. Compare that to Nissan's ideal 370Z customer: thirty to thirty-five and single.
What does all this have to do with hot used cars, you ask? Well, it means that if you're looking for a used car that can do 0 to 60 mph in less than five seconds and hasn't been raced, slammed, or tortured by a pimply teenager who can't drive a stick, the Corvette can be a very safe bet.
The sixth-generation (C6) Corvette debuted in 2005 with 400 hp and promptly bested the redesigned Porsche 911 Carrera S in our head-to-head comparison. "The Corvette returned every volley the 911S fired its way," technical editor Don Sherman wrote at the time. Chevrolet followed up with the supercar-slaying Z06 and, most recently, the over-the-top, retina-rupturing, 638-hp ZR1. We've named each iteration an All-Star, so your choice depends largely on your budget. A low-mileage 2005 base model can be had for less than $30,000, but we recommend spending a bit more for a 2008. Not only will it likely have a nice chunk remaining on its 5-year/ 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, but it also will have more power - up to 436 hp from its 6.2-liter LS3 V-8 - and markedly better shifting and steering feel. A paddleshifted six-speed automatic replaced a dated four-speed in 2006 and, teamed with the LS3, was capable of helping the Vette to a 4.3-second sprint to 60 mph.
So, yes, the car we perennially pick as the best budget sports car also proves to be a smart, fun, used-car proposition. Did we mention that it typically goes for about $20,000 less than a Porsche 911 of the same vintage?
Price Then $46,950 (2008, base)
Price Now $36,000
> Awards
All-Star ('05, '06, '07, '08)
> Watch Out For
The C6's small-block V-8s are practically bulletproof, but the components charged with handling all their power - especially the early four-speed automatic - haven't fared so well. Also beware of electronics hassles on 2005 models related to the then-new keyless ignition. And of course, check for signs that the car has been raced or modified.
> Fun Fact
The Corvette wave is an age-old tradition that's taken very seriously by many enthusiasts. Not returning a wave - even from those in older cars - is considered an egregious breach of etiquette.
> Certified Pre-Owned
1-yr/12,000-mile warranty, if original 3-yr/36,000-mile warranty has expired
> Web sites
corvetteforum.com, digitalcorvettes.com
> Specs
- 6.0L V-8, 400 hp, 400 lb-ft; 6.2L V-8, 430/436 hp, 424/428 lb-ft; 7.0L V-8, 505 hp, 470 lb-ft;
- Rear-wheel drive