C6 Corvette Price: MSRP, Trims & Real-World Cost

The C6 is the sixth-generation Chevrolet Corvette, sold from the 2005 through the 2013 model years. The C6 generation included several very different cars: the base coupe and convertible, the Grand Sport, the Z06, and the ZR1. Prices vary a great deal among them, which makes a single "C6 Corvette price" misleading.

Below, original prices for several of these models are shown first, followed by recent individual auction results for used cars. The two sets are kept apart because they answer different questions: what the car cost new, and what buyers have paid for it lately.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price, before destination, taxes, registration, and options. Each of the rows below belongs to a different year and model, so they are not directly comparable to each other, only to cars from the same year.

The Grand Sport sat between the base car and the Z06. The Z06 was a track-focused model with a larger engine, and the ZR1 sat at the top as a supercharged halo car. As the rows show, the ZR1 started well above the others. The convertible Grand Sport also cost more than the coupe, which is typical of Corvettes in general.

How much was a C6 Corvette base model?

The rows above do not list a base-model price, so check a period road test or brochure for the specific year you care about. Equipment levels, called 1LT, 2LT, 3LT and similar, changed the price of any given model.

C6 values depend on the model, the year, mileage, and condition. The results below are individual completed sales on Bring a Trailer, an online auction site. Each is one car on one day, not an average.

The pattern across these sales is clear. The ZR1 sold for far more than the Z06 and Grand Sport cars, in line with its higher original price. The 2006 Z06 with about 15k miles sold for more than the 2007 Z06 with about 38k miles, which suggests how much mileage can matter. The ZR1 and the Grand Sport convertible both sold for less than the original prices listed above, though the model years differ, so the comparison is only rough.

For any car you want, compare several recent completed sales with the same model, year, and similar mileage.

• Model. The ZR1, Z06, and Grand Sport each have a distinct market.
• Mileage. Low-mileage cars sell for more than high-mileage ones, and the gap can be large on performance models.
• Body style. Coupes and convertibles are priced differently, and the preference shifts by buyer.
• Transmission. The six-speed manual is wanted by many enthusiasts; an automatic is a different market.
• Options and packages. Equipment level and special packages influence the price.
• Condition and history. Accident history, repainting, and track use can lower a car's value.
• Modifications. Changes to the engine or suspension limit the pool of interested buyers.

Order a vehicle history report to look for accidents and title problems. Then have a qualified independent mechanic, ideally one who works on Corvettes, perform a pre-purchase inspection. Ask for service records and look at the tires, brakes, and signs of track use. For Z06 and ZR1 cars in particular, ask how the car was used and maintained, since high-output cars are more costly to repair.

You can also check for open recalls by entering the VIN on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Confirm that the title is clear and in the seller's name, and ask whether the car has any aftermarket modifications that could affect insurance or resale.

The purchase price is the start. Tires, brakes, fuel, insurance, and routine service are ongoing costs, and they differ among the base car and the high-performance models. Insurance premiums depend on the driver, location, and model, so get a quote on the specific VIN before buying. For the Z06 and ZR1, expect parts and service to cost more than for a standard Corvette.