I'm a long time corvette lover and it's finally time to pull the trigger. Now I'm faced with a dilemma do I go for a new '08 vette even though the color I want is no longer available (Le Mans Blue) or do I go with an older model and get a Z06. Now I know the obvious the Z06 will be faster and the convert. will be fun with the top down, but the Z06 I can afford will likely be the 2006 model and I hear bad things about the '06's.
Any advice? Is a good used Z easy to find? IS the '08 that much slower than the '06 Z? Whats up with this Jetstream Blue, any chance a darker color will come out in '09?
You do realize this is a "Z06" site, so we're gonna be pretty biased.
What will its primary use be? Street only? Some track? Mixed use?
What is the fastest car you've ever owned or driven? The reason I ask is because the Z06 may be more car than you necessarily want, especially at that much of a premium (or new vs. used). Test drive one first.
"IS the '08 that much slower than the '06 Z?" Although it's not on par with the Z06's performance, I wouldn't use the term "slow" to describe one. Only you can decide if the performance of a Z06 is worth the extra cost and if you can live without a drop-top. The best advice I can give is to read magazine articles, stats, and simply test drive both cars.
For what it's worth, any time someone asks about the convertible vs. the Z06, my gut always tells me they'd be happier with the convertible. Good luck with your decision and welcome to the forum.
You do realize this is a "Z06" site, so we're gonna be pretty biased.
What will its primary use be? Street only? Some track? Mixed use?
What is the fastest car you've ever owned or driven? The reason I ask is because the Z06 may be more car than you necessarily want, especially at that much of a premium (or new vs. used). Test drive one first.
"IS the '08 that much slower than the '06 Z?" Although it's not on par with the Z06's performance, I wouldn't use the term "slow" to describe one. Only you can decide if the performance of a Z06 is worth the extra cost and if you can live without a drop-top. The best advice I can give is to read magazine articles, stats, and simply test drive both cars.
For what it's worth, any time someone asks about the convertible vs. the Z06, my gut always tells me they'd be happier with the convertible. Good luck with your decision and welcome to the forum.
That's great advice. You can't go wrong if you listen to it. Welcome. I think once you drive both, you'll know which one is for you.
Thanks, its realy tough to find someone who will let you test drive a new or used corvette especially the Z06. Main use, street, I love to drive fast and if I could get one on an oval I would but as far as drag racing or timing I probably wouldn't. Fastest car, currently we own an '06 350Z convert. and its quick and I've driven some quick tuner cars and a 2004 vette but nothing like the Z06. I love the idea of the Z06, but I'm weary of buying a used car. You never know how somone has treated it. Personally, I'd like to buy new so I know how its been broken in, but can't afford to drop $80k just yet. Being in Houston I'll get to drop the top often but its hard to resist the draw of the Z06!
So, problems with the '06 Z06? Should I be worried about a first year car?
Thanks, its realy tough to find someone who will let you test drive a new or used corvette especially the Z06. Main use, street, I love to drive fast and if I could get one on an oval I would but as far as drag racing or timing I probably wouldn't. Fastest car, currently we own an '06 350Z convert. and its quick and I've driven some quick tuner cars and a 2004 vette but nothing like the Z06. I love the idea of the Z06, but I'm weary of buying a used car. You never know how somone has treated it. Personally, I'd like to buy new so I know how its been broken in, but can't afford to drop $80k just yet. Being in Houston I'll get to drop the top often but its hard to resist the draw of the Z06!
So, problems with the '06 Z06? Should I be worried about a first year car?
I've got an 07 Z, so no personal experience with the 06. Some have had a problem with the roof delaminating. Check whether that has been fixed or checked by the dealer. I'm sure others with an 06 will chime in. Some haven't had any issues at all. I haven't had any issues with my 07.
Both are great cars but are quite different. Driving each should make up your mind. C6Z's are showing up on the used car lots so it shouldn't be too tough to get to drive one. There are 3 on the lots locally that I know about so I don't imagine it is much different elsewhere. A regular C6 shouldn't be too hard to get a test drive on. Even the regular C6 is going to be faster that what you are driving. You my find it is not worth the price differential for the Z. I drove a new regular 08 C6 this week and I was impressed with the performance.
If you want a top down experience? Get the 2008 C6 436hp Z51 convertible. (11 to 14 grand off new) probably zero to 60mph in 4 seconds, top speed 190mph
If you want all out b@lls to the wall crazy fast in a hard top then buy the C6 Z. I believe zero to 60mph in 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 198 mph
Fwiw..I just went from a 2001 Z06 with cam and headers etc...to a C6 Z51 coupe and I'm digging it. The NPP exhaust is really cool too.
Good luck deciding...
Remember 2008 model year brand new converibles are being offered with HUGE DISCOUNTS!
Thanks for the replies! I wanted honest responses from Z06 owners and ya'll have been great. Sounds like I really need to find some used cars, but I may be leaning more to the 2008. I guess I'll have to wait a while before becoming a Z06 owner, wait until I can buy a new one (and this ;08 is paid off). I'm a firm believer in keeping special cars for life, either of these will be special.
One last question, JBsZ06 you mention sales on the 08's.... can you tell me where you are seeing these sales? Here in Houston vettes rarely get discounted, if ever.
Thanks
That's a tough call since you like both. I would test drive both and see which one you like better. The actual drive is what's going to help you decide. Then compare prices. Good luck and welcome to the site.
Now I know the obvious the Z06 will be faster and the convert. will be fun with the top down, but the Z06 I can afford will likely be the 2006 model and I hear bad things about the '06's.
Any advice? Is a good used Z easy to find? IS the '08 that much slower than the '06 Z? Whats up with this Jetstream Blue, any chance a darker color will come out in '09?
I test drove a used C6 Z06 before buying a new 07 Z06. The 06 had 14,000 on it and felt/sounded a bit rattley. I have read some articles showing the 06 is a bit slower and suspension is tuned differently than the 07s. Rumor?!?
I would wait until January and make an offer on a new 07 Z06... the 08 Z06s will be adding inventory at some dealerships. Some may haggle. I am a former convertible (Mustang Cobra) nut and have had melanoma twice. No more verts for me. If obnoxious speed is your bag, get the Z06... if fun in the sun in a cool Vette vert is you, do it baby! Rubber side down please. Have fun! I LOVE my Z06! No mo' Fords!
I have read some articles showing the 06 is a bit slower and suspension is tuned differently than the 07s. Rumor?!?
The '06 cars are slightly faster if anything in the 1/4 mile. There are more verified reports, including videos and timeslips of '06 cars than '07's for what it's worth.
Very late '07 cars and all '08 cars have new rear shock valving which, although subtle, is noticeable on bumpy roads or on tracks, especially at the limit. The suspension is otherwise identical.
The roof delamination issue was resolved on most of the '07 cars as they no longer use a Polycarbonate roof panel, but rather a Sheet Molded Compound (SMC) roof panel.
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I am a former convertible (Mustang Cobra) nut and have had melanoma twice. No more verts for me. If obnoxious speed is your bag, get the Z06... if fun in the sun in a cool Vette vert is you, do it baby! Rubber side down please. Have fun! I LOVE my Z06! No mo' Fords! 
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