Can't do it. The Corvette is probably the ONLY American car that I would
ever consider buying. Still, if I could afford $50K to spend on a car, I
would also keep an older miata as a second toy.

Pat

This is a no-brainer, Tom. You don't want to die wondering if you blew a
life opportunity by passing up the Vette--better to take the leap while
you're young enough to enjoy it, and see what happens. If it's a
mistake, you'll deal with it and move on, but you won't suffer the
regret of indecision.

And I'd keep the Miata, if possible. It's not worth much as a trade, and
you won't want to be without a roadster for those beautiful spring days
and warm summer nights.

Gas mileage? Paying 50K for a car half again as big with no more room?
Having to deal with the members of the Corvette forums vs. Miata
forums? Knowing that you could buy a nice low mileage Miata for what
you will lose in depreciation the first day?

OTOH you only live once and it's only money.

Tom, like some of the other responses, I would buy the Vette but keep
the Miata. Tell your insurance agent that the Miata will be a low use
vehicle, put enough liability to keep yourself protected, then do away
with any collision. You'll keep your insurance cost down and be able to
have both. I'm thinking of using the same logic with a new Boxter and
my 50k mile '90. (I have another daily driver)

You've nailed it! Corvettes are the "attainable dream car" for a lot of
American buyers. Most of them lusted for decades so they are not about to
find any flaws at this point.

It's just a car. If you can truly afford it there's nothing wrong with
buying one. On the other hand there are thousands of cheap cast off old
dream Corvettes for sale that were babied by their first owners.

-John

If you can truly afford the 'Vette and you want it,
don't die wondering if you made a mistake (you're
probably better off buying the 'Vette than drinking a
1961 Cheval Blanc out of a foam cup at a burger joint).

It sounds like you might be able to afford to keep
a Miata, as well.  Cars aren't like women (despite
romantic notions to the contrary), they don't
get jealous, you can have more than one at a time.

So my helpful counseling is - just do it.

;-)

Think about it.  It's not like you can take either one with you when you go,
so...

Just Do It!

Personally, I thought the C5 was one of the best iterations of the Corvette.
That is, until I saw a C6 up close.  Chevy will have a tough time topping
this one 10 years from now.

If, in the afterglow, you find it's not what you thought, I doubt finding
your way back into a Miata will be tough to pull off.

Oh yeah, take if from someone who knows -- there is nothing like a V8 with a
stick.  Nothing!

Tom,

I, too, have lusted after a 'vette since 1992.  It's simple, as most
everyone has already said.  Buy the 'vette coupe, and keep the Miata.  Your
Miata is worth squat as a trade-in anyway, and I can't see going from a
convertible to a coupe.

If you were going to completely replace the Miata, I don't see why you're
not considering the C6 convertible? They're even going to produce a Z06
convertible later this year as well.  I think that would be the only car
worth considering to replace a Miata.

If I had the money (and room in my garage) myself, I'd be seriously thinking
about doing the same thing.

Regards,
H.

My info is a bit dated. I've had two Vettes, a 1961 and 1968. Lost a job and
had to get rid of the first one. On the 68, I bought it used for $3000 (my
mother told me about it - its owner worked with her, was getting married,
his bride-to-be insisted that he get rid of it and get a family car), kept
it for 4 years, and sold it for $3800. At that time, almost all the gadgets
on the car were vaccuum operated, there was a bundle of hoses that ran
through the center of the car that was 4" in diameter, and they leaked as
they got older. I was a perfectionist on it, and wanted everything working.
Plug changes - let it cool down overnight, then 7 of the 8 came out fairly
easy, the last one needed a contortionist with a lot of snapon tools. I did
enjoy the car. It wasn't as much sports car as the Fiat spyder I had later,
or the Opel GT, or the MG-B (or my present 328 BMW convertible). It also
wasn't as much true sports car at the time as my wife's 1997 Miata.
GM has refined the car over the years. My feeling is that of a lot of your
responders - get the Vette, if you can afford it, it will not preclude your
doing the other things that you need to do (family responsibilities, giving
to church/charity as you feel needed, etc.).  If you can do it, keep the
Miata, you can always sell it 3 months later if you really feel that you
don't need it.
My Fiat was the only car I owned twice - I traded it for a 3/4 ton van, then
bought it back a year later (10mpg on the van, 40mpg on the roadster); that
turned me on to having two cars. Even with one new car, they do break down
and you need something to drive. Two used cars don't cost that much more
(mostly the extra insurance), and you've still got a ride.
BTW, I did drive the BMW roadster also before buying the 4 seater, the 4
seater handled just as good as the roadster.
Jim

I currently own a tastefully modified '91 Miata, but in the past (many,
many years ago) I owned two '67 Vettes, so I understand anyone lusting
after one.

While I am sure I would love driving a new Vette, I can't get past the
looks of the car.  To me the styling just doesn't look right.  I think
the car is too small for the design. The rear end doesn't look very good
and the front end, dare I say it, looks Japanese, which is not
necessarily bad--unless, of course, you want an American V8 sports car.
 I wouldn't pay 50K for a car no matter how good it was if I wasn't
happy with the way it looked.

Now if you like the looks of the car and have the money, I would say buy it.

I would gor for the C6, and keep the Miata.  A 14 year old Miata has very
little trade in value, so why not keep it?  I have only heard great things
about the new C6, just like I have only heard great things about Miatas.  I
wish I could insure two cars for 1200 a year.  
-------------
Alex

OK Tom, I've seen your Miata. Here's what I offer: Sell me the '92 for $1500
and buy the 'Vette. I'll sign a contract that states if at any time in the
next 12 months you don't feel you made the right decision I'll sell you your
Miata back for $1500. I promise not to drive the snot out of it. Seriously,
call me if you want to sell it.

BTW, my OTM mechanic sold his Corvette to start his auto repair business,
swearing that as soon as he could afford it he would get another. He now has
a very clean white C5, partially due to the money I've spent keeping our
former OTM Chrysler Concorde in operating condition.

Just as a note, the 2006 model is offering a 7.0L 427 "small block"
engine...  500hp and 7000rpm redline.  Slightly more info at:
http://www.chevrolet.com/corvettez06/

Maybe this partial reality check will help.

http://www.canadiandriver.com/discus/messages/67/26681.html