So my father picked up a MY2000 C5 with 39k miles in mint condition a few weeks back. Unfortunately, the seller didn't mention the CAI. Three days later, he hydrolocked the car in 6" of water. Thankfully insurance covered a new long-block straight from GM with 0 miles.

The dilema is this: the same dealer has a MY2002 vette with 30k miles on the lot. It's almost the exact same car, and my father is considering trading back for the untouched vehicle. I personally am telling him a 0-mileage engine was a great stroke of luck on his part, and to hold onto the car. Thoughts?

 

I'd rather have a newer car 2002 with less miles on the whole car. IMO

 

Will the dealer do the '02 for the same price as the '00? If so, I'd maybe trade-up IF AND ONLY IF the '02 car is in as good a condition or better than the '00 car.

Condition and maintenance of a Vette has a lot more to do with reliability and enjoyment of the car over it's year and mileage.

The LSx motors are very easy to work on and are bulletproof, so if the '00 is a good car, take the new motor and have fun. It's not rocket science to do a swap on these cars.

 

Both cars seem to be in great shape. Moderate wear of the leather on the driver's side is the only issue in either vehicle. The 00 car has the aftermarket intake, which has already been replaced with another short-ram style intake to reduce the chance of another hydro-lock. The 02 has the factory airbox. Paint might be the only other difference... the 00 is red, so compared to a new car, there might be some slight degree of fading. The 02 is white, so of course the color is perfectly true.

I'm hoping he sticks with the 00. I look good driving red when we swap cars.

 

If it's a zero-cost trade, I say go for it. If your father will take a bath on trade-in value, I say stay with the old car.