Depreciating Corvettes: The Top 10 of 2005

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Continuing with our discussion of Corvette Pricing Trends from 2005, we now look at Corvettes whose values are still depreciating. The C5s (1997-2004) continue to show single digit depreciation results with one moving to a no-change designation, however, none have moved into the positive column at this time. The 2005 model C6s are showing low double digit depreciation, the norm for a new model. In the depreciation chart, the majority of Corvettes were C5 models, same as last year, with two new additions this year, the C6 models and one of the C4 models – the 1996 Collector Edition Roadster.

TOP 10 DEPRECIATION MODELS
Year Model % Change Average Price
2005 Coupe 14% $44,200
2005 Roadster 12% $55,000
2000 Hard Top 10% $22,500
1998 Coupe 9% $19,900
1999 Hard Top 9% $21,500
2001 Roadster 9% $30,000
2002 Z06 9% $32,000
1996 Coll. Edt Road 8% $22,000
1998 Roadster 8% $24,000
2004 Z06 8% $40,500
The 2005 C6 Corvette Coupes and Roadsters were at the top of the list in 2005 with a 14% and 12% depreciation factor, respectively. This is not surprising since this is the norm for first year standard production Corvettes. Adding to the low double-digit depreciation factor is the fact that a number of these Corvettes sold at over list price initially due to pent up demand and this activity inflated the original base prices. Two of the Hard-Top models made the list, 2000 and 1999 models. These show a higher depreciation level than the Coupe and Roadster in their respective years primarily due limited options available on these models and no way for owners to “catch rays” with the fixed roof concept. Two of the early model C5s also made this list, the 1998 Coupe and Roadster reflecting single-digit depreciation. Please note that single depreciation for a newer model cannot really be considered as “bad”. Many of today’s buyers are looking at the 1999-2000 models that offer more options and are passing on the 1998 models. The good news is in the buyer’s arena. A C5 for $20,000 is a real buy considering all of the handling, performance and technology that the C5 provides. Two of the Z06s made the list. Their depreciation results can be attributed to the introduction of the C6 with comparable horsepower (Z06- 405HP vs. C6 @ 400HP). Also, they are no longer ‘King of the Hill’ especially with the new 505HP Z06. Two other models, a 2001 Roadster and the 1996 Collector Edition Roadster, appear on the list without any specific market or performance reasons. Credit
Bob Kroupa of Vette-N-Vestments contributed this content. Bob is publisher of the Corvette Market Letter and the 2006 Corvette Price Guide, both available for purchase in the VetteFinders.com Online Store.


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2 COMMENTS

  1. The collector’s edition (96) is a bit of a surprise that it is a big depreciator. Perhaps the value of C5s is now so great that even the collectable c4’s have lost their charm.

  2. Just bought one with low mileage, all the opts and the LT4 one year only engine. Buy low, sell high?

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