How Fast are C6 Corvette ZR1s Depreciating?

C8 Corvette delays have one member buying a C6 ZR1 instead and depreciation shouldn’t stop him.

The problem with buying almost any expensive automobile is depreciation. The Chevrolet Corvette holds its value better than many higher volume models, but even America’s legendary sports car loses value. When you buy a Corvette used, the odds are good that you will have to worry less about depreciation. The biggest drop generally comes after the original purchase-as-new. However, there are varying levels of depreciation for every vehicle on the road.

That is the concern expressed by “MDeg”, who posted in the C6 Corvette Z06 & ZR1 section, tapping the community for their thoughts on the continued depreciation of the LS9-powered beast.

Corvette ZR1 Depreciation Concerns

When the OP first posed his question to the forum, he started by explaining that he has a C8 on order, but he is getting tired of waiting. Rather than wait for a C8, he is considering a C6 ZR1, which is actually a bit cheaper than the new Stingray. While he found a good deal, the OP is worried about how much the value of the car will drop in the coming years. He also asked owners for input on what common issues to look for when shopping for an LS9 car.

I put down a deposit on my first Corvette, an Orange C8, in July of last year. As many of you know, the C8 has seen countless delays, and I’m starting to consider other options. I found a clean, low mileage 2009 C6 ZR1 that’s relatively local and has a great spec listed for $56k. My questions for current / previous Z owners are: what is the average going rate for an 09 Z, and how much further do you see these cars depreciating? I would think that the current prices are relatively close to the bottom of the curve given that they’re pretty rare, but maybe I’m naive in thinking so. My plan would likely be to have the car for a year or two and then buy the C8 Z06 or ZR1 when they come out. Any insight on these questions / suggestions on common problems etc I should ask the owner about are extremely appreciated.

His concerns make sense, but based on the input of the community, he doesn’t stand to lose a whole lot of money in paying $56,000 for a C6 Corvette ZR1.

The Perfect Response

The first person to reply was “CBMZR1”. He provided thorough information on current C6 Corvette ZR1 pricing. He also shared a list of things to watch out for when shopping.

Hello MD.
For me personally, I own a 2012 ZR1, former Corvettes include both a C5Z06 and a C6Z06 both cars awesome machines. While both of those cars have severely deprecated. I am thinking the C6ZR1’s are probably staying pretty steady in the low to mid $50’s to low to mid $60’s.. Every now and then you will find a one off around $49,900. I am also of the mindset that is really doesn’t matter if its an 09 or a 13… Although the 12s,13,s had some minor upgrades. If you have found an 09 that you like, GRAB it and hold on to it. These Corvettes are pretty special like the earlier C4ZR1 and the current 19ZR1. Hell, forget the C8Z06 and go right to the 19ZR1.

The C6ZR1″s are great Corvettes right out of the box and are easily modified with bolt ons if you are into going faster. If you pick one up you will re think letting it go. The only way I would ever consider selling mine would be to upgrade to the 19 ZR1.

In closing… I don’t think the C6ZR1’s will dip much lower than $50K.. But who knows. Just my opinion. I say buy it, and be sure to post some pics.

Things to look for… peeling dash, a pillars, rattling noises in the blower, shaking ( rotors) at 80mph. That’s really all I can think of.

Good Luck.

While some of that was opinion-based, that post answered all of the key concerns by the OP in detail.

The Community Agrees

Several other members then replied to agree with the expected price range of the C6 Corvette ZR1.

The first was “JayhawkCPA”.

I don’t see ZR1’s getting much cheaper anytime soon, so you could own one for a couple years and not lose much or potentially get all your money back. Keep in mind while the value will stay up on a ZR1, i assume they can take awhile to sell given the small pool of buyers for that old of a car at that price…usually not the same access to loans, so more likely to be a cash buyer.

The next was “spoon man”.

I dont think prices will go down much more. We are getting close to the bottom in my opinion.

Do you have a car to sell in order to buy this? If not, you can make some very aggressive offers for the right car. The worst people can say is no. If you have cash to buy, then you are sitting pretty. I’m thinking about buying and selling cars. It has to be better than this freaking stock market :/

My .02 here that may save you many of thousands….

If you want to modify the car, buy a modified one with some parts you like on it and save a ton. Then mod it with the rest of the parts you want or even remove parts and sell them for a profit.

If you plan to keep it stock, buy a 100% stock car now and keep it that way. I am sure many will agree with me on here. With a zr1 this is critical in my eyes if you plan to have this car for the long haul. Good luck with your search! At this point, it is a great time to buy an incredible car. There has never been a better time. Also, I think the prices will be even more in your favor as hardship falls upon many people in this country. There will be more fire sales popping up soon.

“Evil427” pointed out that since he bought his C6 ZR1 a year ago, prices have remained pretty steady, and that is good news for anyone looking to enjoy it for a year and sell it.

I just checked, and what I paid for mine just over a year ago is still roughly the current value, perhaps a bit more since it now has a brand new set of PSS ZP tires and two sets of wheels. But value is only what someone is willing to pay. NADA Guides shows a 1ZR (they won’t let you select mileage and options for some reason) at low-retail of $56K with a high-retail of almost $78K. In fact, my bank would have financed my car all the way up to high retail if I wanted them to. But I only paid just under $60K + tt&l (just under $64K out the door) with only 12K miles on it, and that included all of the modifications which requires an even more special buyer. I suspect most buyers want them unmolested. I personally didn’t care because the modifications were pretty much exactly what I would have done myself, and I saved a ton of money.

The OP posted a short time later, pointing out that he will wait a bit longer on the C8. However, the C6 ZR1 purchase might still happen.

Really appreciate everyone taking the time to respond. I am going to wait until we get more news on the status going forward at BG but if I don’t proceed with the C8, I think the ZR1 is the way to go.

If you have input on the pricing of a C6 Corvette ZR1, or if you have input on possible things to watch for when shopping for an LS9 car, click here to join in the conversation.

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