Need help on Z06 purchase choices

[ZebraStripe]

After shopping around for a used Z06 (the new ones are a great deal, but I really don't want to spend $42k+) I am pretty much down to deciding between two cars- a 2001 with 17k and 2002 with 12k, both are Torch Red and about the same price, with the 2001 being ever so slightly cheaper at $33k vice $34k. Pretty simple so far, right? Get the lower mileage, newer Z. Here is the dillema-
The 2002 is completely stock and extremely clean. Nice car. TR with black interior.
The 2001 had been modded a bit and looks great. As best I can tell, it has the following parts installed:

Mechanical:
-Baer Eradispeed 2pc F&R slotted/drilled discs
-Intake (don't know the brand, but there was a logo on it)
-Full Carbon Fiber engine kit

Exterior:
-Smoked turn signals
-Mesh fender grate (on the side duct)
-Side strake molding (sorry if I don't know the common name for some of this)
-Chromed 2pc (probably just 2pc look) Z06 wheels with Toyo Proxxes rubber
-Z06 rear plate between the suspension links
-Raised 'Corvette' insert on rear bumper
-Rear spoiler (formed to not really stick up, but kinda sticks out the back around the sides and top of the rear. I know someone knows what I am talking about)

Interior:
-Two tone red/black interior (mod red I guess? It's red on the lower dash, doors and center seats)
-Two tone steering wheel with 'Corvette' embroidery and color logo insert on airbag
-Two tone shift boot
-Passenger airbag 'Corvette' lettering insert
-Z06 logo on door below a/c controls
-Z06 logo trunk partion
-Corvette logo trunk lid carpet

All in all, maybe $5k worth or stuff, maybe more.

That is all I can recall and there may be more items I left out. I would give up the HUD on the '01 and there is the slight power difference stock. I am not really worried about the oil consumption issue after reading on what causes it. I like the '01 overally package much better, but I do realize the '02 would be a better foundation for future mods. Here is a pic of each:
The 2001


The 2002

[Don Benson]

Check the service record on the 01. See if it has been re-ringed or not. IMO, sounds like a "coin toss."

Don

[Mark C]

Go with the "virgin" car. You can bet the '01 has some pretty hard miles on it. You may be starting from scratch with the '02, but at least all mods and hard driving will be known to you. Good luck, hope to see you around the forums.

[IT L GO]

To me not even a close call, BUY the 2002. There are two many improvements in the 02 vs. the 01 not to mention resale value.

[2MchFun]

Originally Posted by IT L GO

To me not even a close call, BUY the 2002. There are two many improvements in the 02 vs. the 01 not to mention resale value.

[IT L GO]

The 02's have it all over the 01's
1. 20 HP
2. HUD
3. Pup cats on '01
4. Smaller intake inlet '01 (air filter cover)
5. Cam
6. Valves
7. Rings
8. Many/some/few depending on who you talk to had Oil consumption issues.

[IT L GO]

OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM!!
ALL '01 LS6's DO NOT HAVE AN OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM!!

[SLVRZ06]

I had an 01 and now I have an 03. The 01 was a great car and I loved it. The 03 is definitely much better. For the $1000 dollars your getting much more car. Get the 02.

JS

[ZebraStripe]

Well, it is not really only $1k difference after you factor in the cost of the add-ons. I would say the true price difference is at least $3k-$4k. One of the reasons the '01 is $33k is because of the adds.

[ZebraStripe]

I will honestly admit I am considering a new 2004 coupe also for about the same money. I know it is not as fast and responsive, but they all are damn good IMO. The car will ttechnically be for my wife (but I will get plenty of time behind the wheel also

[z06-2nv]

Buy the '02

[Fast Lane]

Will they let you drive the Z's? I drove an 02 Z and immediately traded in my 01 MN6 Z51 coupe. If you are leaning toward a coupe do not drive a Z06.

[ZebraStripe]

Yes, I drove them both. The 2002 did feel slightly faster (like it should be). Against the recommendation of the majority here, it looks like the 2001 will be in our future. I took my wife to see the 2002 today (I found that one after she looked at the 2001) and while she definitely liked it, she still liked the 2001 much better (based on looks really...dang women!). However, I did explain the virtues of the '02 and she conceded to get that one instead, but the dealer had a supposed policy no to take Capitol One checks (my finance company, used to be PeopleFirst) and wanted to do the financing in house. I think they just are trying to gouge more money and it really turned my wife off, although if they can beat the current terms I have arranged then I guess there is no problem. Capitol One is extremely competitive and I really don't see them doing better though. Which brings me to the 2001 model...

That dealer had no issue with Capitol One and offered slighly more for our trade (after the obligatory haggling after the initial round of lowballing). My wife loves the exterior and interior of the 2001 and I would agree mostly, as in those aspects it makes the 2002 look downright plain. We'll see on Monday though after the guys with the 2002 get back with me.

I suppose as a first time owner for both of us, either one will be a phenominal car. I am actually a bit miffed at this poing a Chevy for spoiling what would have been an ideal car with the 2001 issues, if you know what I mean. If it were not for the 2002 improvements, they decision would not even be a contest. The 2001 model as outfitted is that nice. I turns out that the intake is a Breathless Performance Vortex Rammer, Power Coupler and Power Duct. With just those mods, the 2001 should be putting out 400 ponies, at least on paper according to the manufacturer.

[gsjack]

In the long run, the 02 would be a wiser choice IMO.

[Goody]

Get the '01 and save yourself about $3-$4K on mods. If you are a mod type then you will likely change the heads/cam anyway and do an exhaust as well. There goes half the list from the naysayers out there. Anybody can add the HUD to the car if you really want it that bad as well......

The resale value is a wash for the most part, especially if you keep the car for 4 or more years.