I'm interested in buying a 05 vette sometime withing the next two months. I can't find anyone willing to sell under MSRP. Any advise? Anyone knows where I can find my idea car below MSRP? I don't want to wait until next summer or later, so that's not an option.
The dealers on corvetteforum.com and corvetteactioncenter.com both seem to be going from $500 to $2000 off MSRP. I'm in CA but picked up the last two Vettes in Montana and saved a lot. Not a trip I'd want to do in January, I admit. Most will arrange delivery to a local dealer for a small fee, couple hundred bucks. Track down Ken Fichtner in MT and tell him Randy sent you and you can probably get one ordered to your spec if you want a coupe. The vert is going to be a lot tougher to get at a discount since they aren't shipping in volume yet and many are still waiting to get cars ordered very early this past year. Good luck!
Corvette convertible production is expected to start in November and will, although constrained, be a part of the current consensus volume (approximately 1/3). Because the convertible will be in "ramp up" mode, initial orders will be limited with respect to the number of power folding tops (CM7) and also to available top colors.
I just read a rather disturbing thing about the new convertible.
Apparently, if you break the rear window you cannot replace it. You have to replace the entire top.
Now true, those rear windows don't break that often, but that would be a somewhat unfortunate expense for the owner, ripping off a perfectly good top for the sake of the window.
I'm not surprised. They seem to have found an early problem with the 6 sp and a badly machined part having to swap out the whole tranny. After reading about the issues on the '97 think I'll just wait awhile for things to settle down. Some times it pays not to be the early adopter.
a possible recall due to overheated brake fluid in the lines running close to the exhaust manifold, and re-routing of the rear brake lines due to contact with the differential housing.
Thanks starrow68 for the info. I'll give Ken a call and see what kind of deal he can give me. Hopefully he can arrange something with a local dealer here in the DC/MD area, MT is a bit far to go to pick up a car.
Now reading about all the problems, makes me wonder if I should wait a while.
Has amyone seen the option for the interior whereby you can chose to have the exterior color match the inside on some of the panels. It looks like it's a stick on process and may look cheap in person.
I always wonder where they get these reviewers. First of all, I have my first Vette, an 04 auto coupe. I have sat in a C-6 and found the seats about the same as in my C-5. Having said that, I have a troublesome back, with frequent spasms, and I have had no problems with long drives in the C-5. Six hours at a time and no aches or problems at all. In fact, if the C-6 seats are "superior" as most have reported, then I can't see anyone having a problem with the seats. I like them better than the ones in my 99 300M and in the wife's 00 Eldo. They mold to the body, even a somewhat portly one great. And the quality of the leather is excellent. At least as good as in my other two vehicles. I just wonder what these guys are looking for. Next, the interior. I never have been overly concerned with how plastic looked. I know what it is, and if it is functional and stands up to the sun and aging, it is fine with me. I generally like wood but not in this kind of car. Come on, who cares if a Corvette has a wood grain finish? Actual owners who have had other Corvettes say it is quieter than the C-5. My C-5 is fine as is. Maybe my "tanker's ears" make me impervious to the road noise, but it doesn't sound much different that my 300M, altho the wife's Eldo is quieter. But as with many things at lot depends on the individual. My loud is someone else quiet, and so forth. And the feature I like best, other than the power, is the HUD. Took me 5 minutes to fall in love with it, and not having to look down at gauges [spelled the traditional way] is really great when at highway speed. I love the C-5, and if the C-6 didn't drop the pop up lights and wasn't a first year build I would have considered one. But getting out the door with a loaded C-5 for $39K wasn't too bad.
The critics don't figure they are earning their pay unless they complain.
The comment about turning off the HUD after a short view was a classic, if I don't understand it, rather than work with it I'll turn it off and then comment, what an open mind. I'm another leading edge baby boomer that has a bad back that got so bad a few years back I quit taking long driving trips, until i got the Corvette. I've gone 8+ hour days in the seats and my only issue is about angle of the knee to the gas pedal even though I have the telescoping steering wheel, not any issue with the C-5 seat. Looking forward to the C-6 being better. Now I just have to get some seat time in a C-6 which might just happen pretty quick if I can take a couple days off to go to Spring Mountain for the Advanced course, they have two C-6's to add to the 8 Z06's, whoopee!
Despite literally volumes written on the subject, I for one think the C5 seats hit the mark, when it comes to long distances and as a consequence, longer time (or vice versa)
My guess is that these reviewers probably spend maybe 2-3 hrs max at a time in the cars and come at it from that parameter.
I have on order a yellow convertible with tan roof and interior. Not many have driven a 'vert yet but the dealer says that noise is dramatically better - 5 layer roof.
I also have on order the z-51 package. From what I have seen on other forums, there appears to be a growing issue over the rims. The "polished rims" which are supposed to be shiny and look like polished chrome sometimes look that way, and sometimes not even close. Those rims are $1245 more. GM is looking into that. Anyone out there have a C6 with these rims and are you happy with them?
We have two C5's with polished rims and they look great on both cars. The 2002 has 31k miles and can't say I go to great lenghts to get brake dust off even weekly. They do get cleaned when I swap over to the track wheels since doing it off the car is one heck of a lot easier.
Convertible production was supposed to begin this month, but I have heard that there have been delays, something to do with the top. Anybody heard that?
Missing the opportunity to get some C6 seat time due to work. Sarbanes-Oxley may make some feel better but sure has me working too hard, and we aren't even covered yet.
Finally got a test ride in the C-6 while the wife's Eldo was getting a service at the dealer's. My C-5 Vette salesman took it out for a ways and I drove it back. I tried to concentrate on the changes. On balance, the cabin did seem a little quieter. I didn't notice much difference, if any, on the torque off the line or elsewhere, but we only did city streets and about a half mile on I-65, so it was really kinda hard to judge. I did chirp the tires off one light. He filled it up and I noticed that the gas button was now out of the center console, and it took about six tries for the gas door to open. Anyway, it was a nice ride, but I am happy with my 04 C-5. The C-6 has been there since early October. Thought it would be gone by now. It was auto in Machine Silver. No idea on the mpg it was getting, forgot to check that.
PT Warehouse finally got the sunvisor plates to me that will cover the ugly decals. They fit the C-5 perfectly. I got a set in black with gold lettering saying "Corvette" on them. They have several colors to choose from. Unfortunately, the C-6 has an even bigger and uglier sticker than on the C-5, like twice as big, so they will fit at least the 03 and 04's.
Finally. I own a C5 (2004) but wanted to drive the C6. Very impressed. Very tight, smooth, and quicker than the C5. Now if GM would only bring back the pop-up headlights, maybe one would be sitting in my driveway!!!!
NDMike88--I agree on the headlights. That was the major disappointing style factor for me. Course the $10K discount made it an easy decision to go with the last C-5 too.
My father bought a C6 for his 60th birthday..."C6 at 60," he jokes. It is a wonderful car, so good that the C7 will need to be a clean sheet design. At 30 I would want a mid-engine C7 that copies a Porsche Carrera GT with the Corvette rear glass hatchback, and uses a regular gas 330hp Northstar V8 and 6-speed paddle shift like the dual clutch Audi TT. A < $40K, lighter, low maintanence, high mpg, 20K miles/year daily driver and weekend get-away. A 500hp version could still be an option for racing and ego.
330hp Northstar V8? The LS2 is a much more powerful engine, significantly more compact, and lighter - It's probably the best part of the car.
The Corvette would be ruined as you describe it, it would basically become a cheap alternative to a Porsche Boxster, rather than the world class sports car that it is.
"Chevrolet says the median age of new Corvette buyers is 49 years, and the median age of all Corvette owners is 56 years." "... median buyer age has increased with price over the years" ...they average 6,400 miles per year."
I think a 30 year old couple might consider a $25K Dodge Magnum V6 station wagon or Honda Minivan, and a $35K sports car to cover the family + fun needs. The sports car would mainly be used for commuting and errands during the week, brisk runs to night clubs, and weekend get aways. Over 15K miles per year. Quality & Reliability is #1. Cost of ownership is #2, Styling #3, Sporty handling #4. and monster performance way down the list.
I think a C7 with the styling of the Porsche Carrera GT + C6 hatchback would attract younger buyers. The mid-engine could save 200# in drive shaft, bell housing and muffler pipe weight, give a large front trunk, quick-store volume under the hatchback, provide grocery bag space behind the front seats, plus a flat floor that might allow an optional center rear mini-seat for a young child or a squished worker for a lunch run. 87 octane is mandatory with a 6-speed semi-automatic transmission to give > 20 mpg city and >30 mpg freeway. A volume version of the 4.6L V8 Northstar seems the best match. The I6 would be too high.
As extremely low sales of the Pontiac GTO show, 400 hp is less important than styling and efficiency to younger buyers.
I think most young auto enthusists are buying small Japanese cars and becoming loyal to these brands and high quality. GM will need to make a strong effort across their entire product line, including the Corvette, to keep market share.
A flashy mid-engine C7 auto show concept car to test expanding the market might be a good idea while the current C6 runs through its evolution.
There have been strong rumors that the 2006 model year will bring one of the new GM 6 speed RWD (6L50, 6L80 or 6L90) automatics to be built at the Willow Run facility.
If so, it will almost certainly offer 'manumatic' shift capability.
- Ray
Recalling last data seen = more Corvette buyers still select the current automatic . . .
"Chevrolet says the median age of new Corvette buyers is 49 years, and the median age of all Corvette owners is 56 years." "... median buyer age has increased with price over the years" ...they average 6,400 miles per year."
I think a 30 year old couple might consider ... "
Interesting thing about these marketing types, given that the baby boom is turning 59 this comming year and mid point is just getting to 'Corvette age' at a point where kids are gone and it's just two of you, what segement of the population is growing fastest? I don't think the Corvette is for 30 somethings with a kid, ok I did an MG for a dozen years married but hey we had 3 cars and 2 drivers, tougher to do back then. There will always be young people who want performance and will reach up to the Vette, but the crowd that can afford it will be those with disposable income after kids are out of school. Best earning years of your life, if all went well!
Exactly what is the deal with (no) Test Drives in the Corvette “Market Space”?
At so many dealers this seems to be an issue.
I just parked a Jaguar S-Type R in our company lot - after a quick drive with my boss. It is mine for 1.5 days – an extended test drive. And this was offered by the dealership’s General Sales Manager without me asking.
It seemingly cannot be MSRP – as the list on this Jag is $61K+.
It seemingly cannot by HP / TQ, as the S-Type R has 390 / 399 – certainly close to that of the new ‘Vette.
And the “R” is pretty limited production. My dealer (north of Atlanta) is a pretty large Jag store – and they only have 2 “R”s.
I will not even consider buying a new Corvette (or any other vehicle) without a thorough test drive. Not that I don’t believe that it is an excellent sports car, I just need to be comfortable that the dynamics suit MY preferences.
Perhaps that is a local dealership issue. I personally did not get to test drive the "actual" one that I end up buying, since I "ordered it" from the factory. They were more than willing to let me drive any in stock at the time. So when it did hit the ready area at the local dealer, (before you sign the paper work) I would guess you would want to give your "inspection" at that time. That would be my main issue, come warranty and issues times that is the only real car that you would really care about.
Happens that the same thing went on when I wanted to buy my first Corvette. Basically the dealer said, 'would you buy this 350hp, 6sp car as new with a couple hundred miles on the odo?', and I agreed that it did seem good with 6 miles on the counter. That led to test driving used Corvettes, which is a lot of fun, BTW! And that led to the web, Edmunds among others and I found a much better deal without the haggle. Have fun in the the R-Type, wish I fit into the XKR, but since I got the Vette I haven't really had much time for regret, too many smiles and having too much fun. I have yet to see a current Jag at a track event, but it is a different beast.
is the new corvette low slung? I am 19 years old, and i definitely want to purchase this car. But I truly do want a car that has that Ferrari-type driving position in terms of "lowness", like a high powered motorcycle. I like low slung cars that are wide, low, and possesse aggressive styling....
Most notable for the couple little misses by the author, after he notes that being given something as special as a Vette requires the designers and I'm guessing any reviewer to get it right. He lauds the MSRC but also talks about the 186mph top speed, which only relates to the Z51 suspension model. He then talks about the $53k sticker with options and makes a fatal leap that it is $1k under prior year, instead of a few thousand over. But none the less, good review:
How please consider the following if you want to earn my business:
1. Improve the warranty commensurate with cars in this price range. The Mazda Miata has a 50,000 mile warranty with roadside assistance. A Mazda economy car has a 50,000 mile warranty.
2. Consider selling the Corvette with the Hummer with a more upscale dealer experience. Maybe you could sell it at a Cadillac dealership or similar enviroment?
3. If this is the leading edge of your technology how about a 5 speed automatic transmission??? Or a six speed like Mercedes. Or maybe even a CVT. This would have been better money spent than the electric door handles.
4. You have improved the interior but you must do better. Look at the Audi TT for $20,000 less. Or the Mazda RX8 for $30,000 less for the base model. The interior also needs a more distict flair like the older Vettes that I have owned.
5. Include side airbags as a standard feature like competitors in this price range. The new Kia for $13,000 has six airbags. Having to pay extra for a $50,000 car for side airbags is out of touch with the marketplace today.
If you work on these issues and more you will definately have a great chance of selling the Vette to a broader audience.
I think the Chevy Corvette folks are probably one of the American cars' success stories. There are a lot of spins offs from this. In fact out of a myriad of "issues and focus groups" made a pretty conscious decision to address those issues important to their perceived buyers of their app 34,000 yearly production crop.
So for example, the examples that you cited probably did not statistically micrometer out as statistically correlative!? So for example there are probably not a lot of Corvette owners who bought a Kia or Mazda RX8 instead of a Corvette and vice versa. Or bought a Audi in lieu of a Corvette or vice versa.
So for example, I might be a statistical anomoly or truely in their laser beam target market. On the anomoly side I have TLC's Honda Civic and VW Jetta TDI. On the laser target beam side, I was the EXACT average age they say the average vette owner buy his/her Vette/s
I think bpraxis does make some very good points, though. The interior DOES need more work, it's not a $50K car interior and I think it would turn some buyers off. A more sophisticated automatic transmission makes sense since so many Corvettes are sold as automatics, so that's a "no-brainer" if you will pardon the expression.
Airbags,well I dunno, that's neither here nor there, and where you sell the car---well, it's a Chevrolet, and it belongs therefore in a Chevrolet dealership.
A better warranty is a good idea. The car has not been stunning in reliability so buyers could use that little bit extra assurance.
I'm trying to view myself as a potential Corvette buyer and the items I mentioned would be turn offs for me personally. I'd want a longer warranty because I think the car needs it, and I'd really like to see a supercar have a supercar interior and switchgear.
As for the automatic, that's not my cup of tea, and the "skipshift", while incredibly annoying, is easily dealt with.
I am also struggling with most of the issues mentioned above with the C6. The C6 is really the first Vette that I have ever really thought about buying. There are some good Vette dealers around the US but they are pretty few in number and seem to be more in the eastern US. I have made a couple of attempts to learn more about the C6 by visiting some of the local dealers. In both cases I was pretty disapointed in the concept of a 50K car being sold by people who really knew nothing about it and were more interested in trying to sell me a truck than a world class sports Car.
I see the C6 as the first really world class sports car that GM has built in the US. The C5 started the change in direction by GM and the C6 just refined it.
The C6 really deserves a better dealer network and a better warranty. The new Chevy Cobalt comes with a 5 year 60K powertrain warranty. Yet the 2x more expensive C6 comes with a 3 year 36K warranty??
I am still attracted to the C6 though. I am spinning up to buy one once I see what the 06 version will have or won't have. After having nothing but Hondas and Toyotas/Lexus with stellar reliability I sometimes think I am crazy to even consider a C6.
Comparisons that pick on specific items in opposite directions seem less than useful. Ask for more warranty but compare to cars with lower prices, maybe your not as close to the market as the car is.
1. Got 6/60 and 5/60 warranty on the two C5's we have, not a great additional cost and the 2002 has already recouped about half it's cost for an electronic module that is not a common problem.
2. Hummer's are in many cases sold at Chevy dealers.
3. Why get an auto in a sports car? Enough said!
4. Price comparisons are way off, at least according to Edmunds:
Pricing TT Corvette RX-8
MSRP $36,900 $43,710 $26,875
Invoice $34,100 $38,246 $24,844
Hardly $20k and $30k differences.
Then compare low 200's HP for the other two to Vette with 400 HP and it gets better mileage than the Mazda and within a mile or two of the TT, fantastic technology there. You get what you pay for.
5. AS to air bags they add weight and if you understood the split market that is addressed you'd know that many don't want that but others don't care, perfect reasons for making it an option.
Your broader audience isn't being addressed but a well researched audience is and it's on target.
I have to agree about the west coast dealers not being up to speed on the vette, partly due to low volume which they perpetuate by their approach. Buying off the internet is the best approach and either pick up and make it a vacation, done that twice, pick up at the factory or take courtesy delivery at say a Caddy dealer and get your pampering. Good research will save a lot, talking to sales people will waste a lot of time, JOMO.
"automatic transmission makes sense since so many Corvettes are sold as automatics, so that's a "no-brainer" "
Let's see what happens this year, when the 6sp is standard and the auto is the option, the reverse of the past C5 approach. Having spent a long time looking for a Vette it bacame obvious that dealers who didn't have an order to fill put what the marketing manager called for on the floor and more often than not that was standard, auto. So, those who bought from local dealer, what was available, got auto.
Like i said, let's see how '05 final production numbers come out, may not change much since they are same cost, where 6sp was $900 option before but I think it will migrate some.
Yeah I think the ratio's of automatics to manuals trasmissions is something on the order of 65%. The Z06 model has a "no option" 6 speed manual transmission. So if normal production is app 34,000 and Z06 production is app 16-18% 5440-6120 manuals. So that means that app 6000 non Z06's are 6 speed manuals for a 6 speed manual total of app 12000/34000 or 22,000 are automatics.
" 3. If this is the leading edge of your technology how about a 5 speed automatic transmission??? Or a six speed like Mercedes. Or maybe even a CVT. This would have been better money spent than the electric door handles. "
With a manumatic six speed automatic now (or at least announced, officially) available on a RWD GM vehicle with 400+ HP (the STS-v) there seems to be a real possibility that GM will eventually install said device in a C6.
I understand that there may be some issues with fitment in the C6, considering the physical dimensions of this 6 speed compared to the current 4 speed. But I’d be pretty amazed if Chevy didn’t have something like this upgrade in mind during the C6 design process. . .
We’ll see.
The warrantee and dealer service issues are valid from my viewpoint, as well. It appears (from other boards) that most buy their Corvettes in spite of these obstacles. Good for them!
My $.01 (discounted from MSRP). . .
- Ray
Arthritis requires an automatic, but I am still interested in a C6 . .
Comments
Corvette convertible production is expected to start in November and will, although constrained, be a part of the current consensus volume (approximately 1/3). Because the convertible will be in "ramp up" mode, initial orders will be limited with respect to the number of power folding tops (CM7) and also to available top colors.
Apparently, if you break the rear window you cannot replace it. You have to replace the entire top.
Now true, those rear windows don't break that often, but that would be a somewhat unfortunate expense for the owner, ripping off a perfectly good top for the sake of the window.
Now reading about all the problems, makes me wonder if I should wait a while.
Comments please.
Thanks
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2005/chevrolet/corvette/100375991/road- - testarticle.html?articleId=103666&tid=edmunds.h..wkedmunds.ro- - adtests.1g.*
The comment about turning off the HUD after a short view was a classic, if I don't understand it, rather than work with it I'll turn it off and then comment, what an open mind. I'm another leading edge baby boomer that has a bad back that got so bad a few years back I quit taking long driving trips, until i got the Corvette. I've gone 8+ hour days in the seats and my only issue is about angle of the knee to the gas pedal even though I have the telescoping steering wheel, not any issue with the C-5 seat. Looking forward to the C-6 being better.
Now I just have to get some seat time in a C-6 which might just happen pretty quick if I can take a couple days off to go to Spring Mountain for the Advanced course, they have two C-6's to add to the 8 Z06's, whoopee!
My guess is that these reviewers probably spend maybe 2-3 hrs max at a time in the cars and come at it from that parameter.
Thanks
Head up new Vette vs. 911, good review.
Not many verts out there yet to get any feedback.
I also have on order the z-51 package. From what I have seen on other forums, there appears to be a growing issue over the rims. The "polished rims" which are supposed to be shiny and look like polished chrome sometimes look that way, and sometimes not even close. Those rims are $1245 more. GM is looking into that. Anyone out there have a C6 with these rims and are you happy with them?
Thanks!
Convertible production was supposed to begin this month, but I have heard that there have been delays, something to do with the top. Anybody heard that?
Thanks
Missing the opportunity to get some C6 seat time due to work. Sarbanes-Oxley may make some feel better but sure has me working too hard, and we aren't even covered yet.
http://www.forbes.com/2004/12/06/cx_sk_1206test.html
PT Warehouse finally got the sunvisor plates to me that will cover the ugly decals. They fit the C-5 perfectly. I got a set in black with gold lettering saying "Corvette" on them. They have several colors to choose from. Unfortunately, the C-6 has an even bigger and uglier sticker than on the C-5, like twice as big, so they will fit at least the 03 and 04's.
The Corvette would be ruined as you describe it, it would basically become a cheap alternative to a Porsche Boxster, rather than the world class sports car that it is.
http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/coupes/0402_chevrolet_corvet- te_c6/
The top speed is 200 mph
thanks
Host
from the web:
"Chevrolet says the median age of new Corvette buyers is 49 years, and the median age of all Corvette owners is 56 years." "... median buyer age has increased with price over the years" ...they average 6,400 miles per year."
I think a 30 year old couple might consider a $25K Dodge Magnum V6 station wagon or Honda Minivan, and a $35K sports car to cover the family + fun needs. The sports car would mainly be used for commuting and errands during the week, brisk runs to night clubs, and weekend get aways. Over 15K miles per year. Quality & Reliability is #1. Cost of ownership is #2, Styling #3, Sporty handling #4. and monster performance way down the list.
I think a C7 with the styling of the Porsche Carrera GT + C6 hatchback would attract younger buyers. The mid-engine could save 200# in drive shaft, bell housing and muffler pipe weight, give a large front trunk, quick-store volume under the hatchback, provide grocery bag space behind the front seats, plus a flat floor that might allow an optional center rear mini-seat for a young child or a squished worker for a lunch run. 87 octane is mandatory with a 6-speed semi-automatic transmission to give > 20 mpg city and >30 mpg freeway. A volume version of the 4.6L V8 Northstar seems the best match. The I6 would be too high.
As extremely low sales of the Pontiac GTO show, 400 hp is less important than styling and efficiency to younger buyers.
I think most young auto enthusists are buying small Japanese cars and becoming loyal to these brands and high quality. GM will need to make a strong effort across their entire product line, including the Corvette, to keep market share.
A flashy mid-engine C7 auto show concept car to test expanding the market might be a good idea while the current C6 runs through its evolution.
You are describing a totally different car, it sounds nice - but calling it a Corvette makes as much sense as calling it a Beetle or a Miata.
There have been strong rumors that the 2006 model year will bring one of the new GM 6 speed RWD (6L50, 6L80 or 6L90) automatics to be built at the Willow Run facility.
If so, it will almost certainly offer 'manumatic' shift capability.
- Ray
Recalling last data seen = more Corvette buyers still select the current automatic . . .
"from the web:
"Chevrolet says the median age of new Corvette buyers is 49 years, and the median age of all Corvette owners is 56 years." "... median buyer age has increased with price over the years" ...they average 6,400 miles per year."
I think a 30 year old couple might consider ... "
Interesting thing about these marketing types, given that the baby boom is turning 59 this comming year and mid point is just getting to 'Corvette age' at a point where kids are gone and it's just two of you, what segement of the population is growing fastest? I don't think the Corvette is for 30 somethings with a kid, ok I did an MG for a dozen years married but hey we had 3 cars and 2 drivers, tougher to do back then. There will always be young people who want performance and will reach up to the Vette, but the crowd that can afford it will be those with disposable income after kids are out of school. Best earning years of your life, if all went well!
At so many dealers this seems to be an issue.
I just parked a Jaguar S-Type R in our company lot - after a quick drive with my boss. It is mine for 1.5 days – an extended test drive. And this was offered by the dealership’s General Sales Manager without me asking.
It seemingly cannot be MSRP – as the list on this Jag is $61K+.
It seemingly cannot by HP / TQ, as the S-Type R has 390 / 399 – certainly close to that of the new ‘Vette.
And the “R” is pretty limited production. My dealer (north of Atlanta) is a pretty large Jag store – and they only have 2 “R”s.
I will not even consider buying a new Corvette (or any other vehicle) without a thorough test drive. Not that I don’t believe that it is an excellent sports car, I just need to be comfortable that the dynamics suit MY preferences.
Is that too much to ask?
- Ray
Confused . . .
does the Vette qualify?
me: the only version of the GTO that was available had 350hp. The 400hp version is due in a month or 2.
http://cbs.marketwatch.com/news/story.asp?guid=%7B477DE8C6%2D9F59- %2D418E%2D98A3%2D2EBE2B7D1B82%7D&siteid=mktw&dist=
1. Improve the warranty commensurate with cars in this price range. The Mazda Miata has a 50,000 mile warranty with roadside assistance. A Mazda economy car has a 50,000 mile warranty.
2. Consider selling the Corvette with the Hummer with a more upscale dealer experience. Maybe you could sell it at a Cadillac dealership or similar enviroment?
3. If this is the leading edge of your technology how about a 5 speed automatic transmission??? Or a six speed like Mercedes. Or maybe even a CVT. This would have been better money spent than the electric door handles.
4. You have improved the interior but you must do better. Look at the Audi TT for $20,000 less. Or the Mazda RX8 for $30,000 less for the base model. The interior also needs a more distict flair like the older Vettes that I have owned.
5. Include side airbags as a standard feature like competitors in this price range. The new Kia for $13,000 has six airbags. Having to pay extra for a $50,000 car for side airbags is out of touch with the marketplace today.
If you work on these issues and more you will definately have a great chance of selling the Vette to a broader audience.
So for example, the examples that you cited probably did not statistically micrometer out as statistically correlative!? So for example there are probably not a lot of Corvette owners who bought a Kia or Mazda RX8 instead of a Corvette and vice versa. Or bought a Audi in lieu of a Corvette or vice versa.
So for example, I might be a statistical anomoly or truely in their laser beam target market. On the anomoly side I have TLC's Honda Civic and VW Jetta TDI. On the laser target beam side, I was the EXACT average age they say the average vette owner buy his/her Vette/s
I think bpraxis does make some very good points, though. The interior DOES need more work, it's not a $50K car interior and I think it would turn some buyers off. A more sophisticated automatic transmission makes sense since so many Corvettes are sold as automatics, so that's a "no-brainer" if you will pardon the expression.
Airbags,well I dunno, that's neither here nor there, and where you sell the car---well, it's a Chevrolet, and it belongs therefore in a Chevrolet dealership.
A better warranty is a good idea. The car has not been stunning in reliability so buyers could use that little bit extra assurance.
I'm trying to view myself as a potential Corvette buyer and the items I mentioned would be turn offs for me personally. I'd want a longer warranty because I think the car needs it, and I'd really like to see a supercar have a supercar interior and switchgear.
As for the automatic, that's not my cup of tea, and the "skipshift", while incredibly annoying, is easily dealt with.
I see the C6 as the first really world class sports car that GM has built in the US. The C5 started the change in direction by GM and the C6 just refined it.
The C6 really deserves a better dealer network and a better warranty. The new Chevy Cobalt comes with a 5 year 60K powertrain warranty. Yet the 2x more expensive C6 comes with a 3 year 36K warranty??
I am still attracted to the C6 though. I am spinning up to buy one once I see what the 06 version will have or won't have. After having nothing but Hondas and Toyotas/Lexus with stellar reliability I sometimes think I am crazy to even consider a C6.
1. Got 6/60 and 5/60 warranty on the two C5's we have, not a great additional cost and the 2002 has already recouped about half it's cost for an electronic module that is not a common problem.
2. Hummer's are in many cases sold at Chevy dealers.
3. Why get an auto in a sports car? Enough said!
4. Price comparisons are way off, at least according to Edmunds:
Pricing TT Corvette RX-8
MSRP $36,900 $43,710 $26,875
Invoice $34,100 $38,246 $24,844
Hardly $20k and $30k differences.
Then compare low 200's HP for the other two to Vette with 400 HP and it gets better mileage than the Mazda and within a mile or two of the TT, fantastic technology there. You get what you pay for.
5. AS to air bags they add weight and if you understood the split market that is addressed you'd know that many don't want that but others don't care, perfect reasons for making it an option.
Your broader audience isn't being addressed but a well researched audience is and it's on target.
Let's see what happens this year, when the 6sp is standard and the auto is the option, the reverse of the past C5 approach. Having spent a long time looking for a Vette it bacame obvious that dealers who didn't have an order to fill put what the marketing manager called for on the floor and more often than not that was standard, auto. So, those who bought from local dealer, what was available, got auto.
Like i said, let's see how '05 final production numbers come out, may not change much since they are same cost, where 6sp was $900 option before but I think it will migrate some.
With a manumatic six speed automatic now (or at least announced, officially) available on a RWD GM vehicle with 400+ HP (the STS-v) there seems to be a real possibility that GM will eventually install said device in a C6.
I understand that there may be some issues with fitment in the C6, considering the physical dimensions of this 6 speed compared to the current 4 speed. But I’d be pretty amazed if Chevy didn’t have something like this upgrade in mind during the C6 design process. . .
We’ll see.
The warrantee and dealer service issues are valid from my viewpoint, as well. It appears (from other boards) that most buy their Corvettes in spite of these obstacles. Good for them!
My $.01 (discounted from MSRP). . .
- Ray
Arthritis requires an automatic, but I am still interested in a C6 . .