SSR viable Vette alternative??

[jammadave]

OK - well, got the little lady all grinning, she was even saying we shuldn't put the top down because it's nasty outside right now, but once in the truck she was the first to reach for the drop-top button - she loved the ride and we're definitely getting an SSR!

Here's the painful dilemma. 2005 for $44,900, rebate included (this one is packaged out to a $50k+ MSRP) Or identical 2004, also brand new, for $35,800.

Now, either way i go the monthly payment is going to kill me because they wont give me the good bucks for the Vette, but I doubt they will wait while I try to sell it myself and pack up a bigger down payment, heh. Hmmm. I guess, is the 2005 better *enough* to warrant paying 9K more for? I do have to drive the 2004 first to find out for myself - the smaller engine doesn't bug me, especially if the exhaust note is different, I don't love the 6.0 between 1500 and 2000 RPM - and the door panels can be changed out. That's all *I* can see different, but I know there's a steering change as well (retrofittable on 04?).

The sales weenie I met with tonight tried to tell me the 04s were tanks by comparison. I hope he's right, if he expects me to buy an 05 without even having tried the 04. My original sales guy is fine, but he wasn't in tonight.

*sigh*

Dave

[thefalguy]

Originally Posted by jammadave

Actually, I did just that. My girl's dad gave me the inside scoop on discounts for still-new 04s and I ran with that, as the only ones he had were in colors I didn't like, and he couldn't get anybody to DX him for one of theirs.

If all goes well, and I like the drive of the 04 as much as the 05, I'll be coming home soon in a new 04 Ric Silver for under $36k. (from MSRP being over 48k)

W000t!

No offense Dave - but 36 is kind of a stiff price for an 04 (today).

[Calcustom]

Dave,
There are some other differences between the 04' and 05' one of them being the hood "prop rod" vs. the hood "gas struts" on the 05'. Not a big difference untill the hood crashes down on your head the first time.

I can't be positive but I feel the 05' has been refined to eliminate some of the issues noted on the 03's and 04's. Just my opinion, no proof.

Either way it is a GREAT vehicle. I personally prefer the 390hp but I am a sucker for horsepower. I am sure the extra 90 hp difference and a few subtle changes between the 04' and 05' to some consumers is not worth $9,000.00, but I feel it is, again just my opinion.

Keep in mind $9,000.00 can buy an awful lot of mods to an 04' if you go that route!!!!

I agree with thefalguy, price of an 04' should be closer to low $30's

[Z16Z06]

Originally Posted by jammadave

OK - well, got the little lady all grinning, she was even saying we shuldn't put the top down because it's nasty outside right now, but once in the truck she was the first to reach for the drop-top button - she loved the ride and we're definitely getting an SSR!

Here's the painful dilemma. 2005 for $44,900, rebate included (this one is packaged out to a $50k+ MSRP) Or identical 2004, also brand new, for $35,800.

Now, either way i go the monthly payment is going to kill me because they wont give me the good bucks for the Vette, but I doubt they will wait while I try to sell it myself and pack up a bigger down payment, heh. Hmmm. I guess, is the 2005 better *enough* to warrant paying 9K more for? I do have to drive the 2004 first to find out for myself - the smaller engine doesn't bug me, especially if the exhaust note is different, I don't love the 6.0 between 1500 and 2000 RPM - and the door panels can be changed out. That's all *I* can see different, but I know there's a steering change as well (retrofittable on 04?).

The sales weenie I met with tonight tried to tell me the 04s were tanks by comparison. I hope he's right, if he expects me to buy an 05 without even having tried the 04. My original sales guy is fine, but he wasn't in tonight.

*sigh*

Dave

He's got more play room on that 05 in pricing.. i found yesterday a brand new 05 with a sticker also of 50 plus grand selling for 42 grand im considering it if i can get this guy to call me back. But if you dont mind a barely used one with 300 miles on it there is one in the for sale section at a good price. in fact two used 05's with low mileage in the for sale section here. Plenty of dealerships in other states from me selling new 04's for 30grand too. So dont settle for that guys pricing. I'm yet to drive an 04 too.. that 05 felt SO good last week. good luck

[redlinedadoo]

I thank the 05 is worth the extra money myself.

[jammadave]

Welp - I did it. Surprisingly, to me, I chose Smokin' Asphalt, out of the colors available. Almost went with UV, but I doubt I'd enjoy that color every single day. Besides, I'ma paint the bottom half silver anyhow =0)

Ended up with an 04, for a couple reasons - basically the price was better by default than the 05s, I found out I can change the door panels to 05s if I really feel the need, and the engine felt fine to me, albeit a little anemic in at-speed passing power. I can also likely do something about the prop rod.

What really clinched it for me though, was the dealer with the 04 offered me 8 THOUSAND more for my Vette than the other guy. So the $9,000 difference became a $17,000 difference - at that point I felt it'd be stupid to try and get back into "deal" terms with the dealer that had the 05s. (The dealer I went with didn't have any 05s in colors I wanted, else I may have checked out that route.)

So in the end, I came out with no cash out of pocket, and STILL lower payments than the Vette (which I had a well-valued trade AND $4k cash toward). I'm pretty happy, and the hour's drive home was only marred by nasty rain denying topless driving.

Woooohoooo!

I'm going to get the VIN and see if all the 2004 TSBs/known bugs have been done - there are a couple weatherstripping leaks and other minor things the dealer has noted and will fix next week.

I'm going to definitely ask a few questions over the coming days, mostly regarding how to upgrade this, remove that, change out this other thing... Heh, I also have a design in the works that should make you ALL happy, if it goes the way I am hoping. (Just a little life-easier add-on I drew up; I somehow feel compelled to modify this truck as it's a hotrod to me)

Cheers!
Dave
2004 Smokin' Asphalt, TRIKKY (for now) in VA.

[Calcustom]

Good for you Dave! Enjoy.

[wildcat66]

Sounds like you made out great and have the best ride of your life for it. Can't wait to see your little surprise for us!!!

jammadave,

Congrats on your purchase. You won't be disappointed. These things are pretty easy and fun to mod. I just swapped out the exhaust on mine - sounds like a race car now - Ground Force lowering kit, 4.56 gears and programmer, etc. By the time I'm done I should be able to get 05 performance to go with improved ride and handling at a substantial savings over the newer model. Enjoy

- psy

[HARDOC]

Originally Posted by jammadave

Welp - I did it.
Ended up with an 04, for a couple reasons - basically the price was better by default than the 05s, I found out I can change the door panels to 05s if I really feel the need, and the engine felt fine to me, albeit a little anemic in at-speed passing power. I can also likely do something about the prop rod.

I'm pretty happy, and the hour's drive home was only marred by nasty rain denying topless driving.

Woooohoooo!



Cheers!
Dave
2004 Smokin' Asphalt, TRIKKY (for now) in VA.

You are going to LOVE IT!! No question!! Welcome.

Don

[HePaid4mySSR]

Congratulations!!