What would you do? (Car choices)

[Gray_Ghost]

I've been looking a LOT and test driving a few cars. I want a new toy and I'm paying cash. $20k is my budget. It needs to be reliable enough to DD for the summer and fall. My drive to work is 10 minutes so no big deal there. I've owned two Cobras, both supercharged and they were NOT DD rides. Weekend only. Lol. So, here's my list.

C5 Z06 (H/C/I/E)
Gen 2 Lightning (stock or near stock)
S197 GT (not really fast, but low mileage examples are cheap now that the 5.0's are out and I want to do FRPP cams if I get one)
'03-'04 Cobra (LOTS of paperwork if I buy another Terminator)

Yes, there's a Chevy, but I know a few of y'all have "upgraded" to Corvettes. Also, the Lightning is the only Automatic I'm even considering. And it's the only one of the list that I've never driven. Thoughts? Other suggestions?

 

[thepizz]

The Vette is the best DD type on your list. Don't get a s197 though...let the retro die off.

 

[Gray_Ghost]

Thanks for your input. Anybody else?

 

[jrandy]

i am kinda in the same shoes as you are right now. i vote for the c5 Z w/ h/c/i

 

[nckissfan]

Z06

 

[whtgt02vert]

I went from a 02 gt to an 03 Z06 now looking to get back into a 13 gt or used cts-v

 

[Screw-Rice]

$20k Will get you a nice LS2 GTO with some cash left over. Responds well to mods like all LSx based cars. Nice interiors and have a solid drivetrain.

 

[Ibleedblue13]

Z06 H/C/I and call it a day, unless of course you need a backseat. I will agree with the GTO IF you like the styling. A lot of people don't and equally as many love it

 

[tistan]

Get the Lightning. Fast comfortable and functional if you have any toys to tow, or make frequent trips to Home Depot or the parts store, or if you have a dirt bike or four wheeler to throw in the back.

 

[Mr.Bolt-on]

The zo6 bubble top would be a good choice but I'd prefer the cobra. The s197 would be a great handling 4 seater. They respond great to modifications.

I like the lightning too but I'd only get it if you've got other toys to tow... Or get it then a fast car with it later.

 

[05satinGT]

I had a 05GT and loved it. It would make a great DD IMO. Comfortable, feels very tight and nimble, still has some balls and they sound sick with cams. I'd choose that from what you have chosen. And the thing won't give you one damn issue, they are indestructible.

 

[LUBaseball2]

I'm pretty much in your shoes too.. I sold my car Friday and I'm gonna go the 03/04 route for a DD on a 25 mile round trip to work...

 

[cobra777]

Just to mix things up a bit (my vote would naturally be 03/04) what about a Jeep SRT-8. A more practical version of the Lightning option. Of course with a warranty included in the deal. It is in the Chrysler family after all.

 

[Gray_Ghost]

Thanks guys. Cobra777, 2 problems with your suggestion. 1: Find me an SRT8 ANYTHING for under $20k with decent miles. 2: it's automatic. The Lightning I could handle being Auto, as I would convert it eventually.

 

[Camaro_94]

You planning on buying one stock and then modding it... Or buying one already modded?

My advise... Spend a little more and buy one already modded. I paid 25k for my Z06 last year, then dropped another $20k in mods. Absolutely nothing was "half-assed" on it, and I went through the entire car, but it's basically got a H/C/I/n2o/full Bolton/RPM trans and LS7 clutch setup. You can save a ton by buying one already modded. A lower milage and clean built one can go for $25-30k all day.

I love my C5 Z. It's like nothing else I've ever driven. For $20k though, my vote is for the cobra since I think you will be able to land a cleaner one of those compared to a Z06.

 

[SBVERT03]

If you don't care about backseats then I would go with the Z06. Although it will be harder to find a real nice one for 20k than a cobra, I have seen some pretty nice ones a little above that. But I mean you can't go wrong with an 03/04 cobra either! I'm sure you'll be happy either way!

 

[thepizz]

I went from a 02 gt to an 03 Z06 now looking to get back into a 13 gt or used cts-v

Just mod the Yaris!

 

[Planter]

c6 z06. c5's are ugly

 

[Gray_Ghost]

Camaro_94, both Z06's I'm looking at are modded. Heads, cam, intake, headers, exhaust, etc... The one I've actually driven has close to $8k in receipts for Go-Fast goodies. And you were one of the people I hoped would chime in so thanks!

Planter, beauty is in the eye of the beholder bro. Besides, I have a $20k budget, not $50k. If that was the case I'd be showing off my new to me GT500 with True Forged wheels...

 

[cobracide]

C6 Z06 or 2003 Cobra. Your turn.