Looking at a 2005

[Thomas H.]

I know this has nothing to do with resto, but many here have done what I am contemplating and I could use some guidance.

I'm considering getting my 71 a playmate in a 2005 6spd coupe. Is there anything in particular I should look for when inspecting the car?

Thanks

Tom

[Clem Z.]

Re: Looking at a 2005

I know this has nothing to do with resto, but many here have done what I am contemplating and I could use some guidance.

I'm considering getting my 71 a playmate in a 2005 6spd coupe. Is there anything in particular I should look for when inspecting the car?

Thanks

Tom

have the VIN run thru a GM dealers computer to see the cars history. i owned a new 2005 for 3 years and no problems and it was a very early build. if it is a standard shift you MUST put the trans in reverse when you shut off the engine or the battery will go dead because the computers do not shut down

[Roy B.]

Re: Looking at a 2005

I would conceder a 06 which is totally different the a C5 looks the same but a better new generation of a C6.

[Jim D.]

Re: Looking at a 2005

I have a 06, paddle shift love it. I have two 67s hardly drive them now that the 06 is here. Now looking for a Ron Fellows 07 ZO6...get it or a 06

[Clem Z.]

Re: Looking at a 2005

I would conceder a 06 which is totally different the a C5 looks the same but a better new generation of a C6.

the 2005 is a C-6

[Louis T.]

Re: Looking at a 2005

Hi Tom,

Whether you buy from an individual or a dealer, you may want to seriously consider buying a car with a GM extended warranty. I have heard that it is transferable to the new owner for a nominal fee, however, if the car didn't already have one, GM will not sell you one if you don't buy the car from a GM dealer. (Others can correct me if I don't have this right.) Given the complexity of such a car and the potential cost of repairs, if you are going to drive it extensively, everyone I know who owns a C-5 or C-6 recommends it.

Good luck!

Louis

[Paul H.]

Re: Looking at a 2005

Tom, I purchased a 2005 Z51 6 speed coupe new when they first came out. It was a very early car. The car was a complete electrical nightmare. GM bought the car back after numerous failed attempts to repair a random battery drain situation as well as several other electrical problems. The 05 6 speeds were prone to battery drain and other electrical issues. Some cars were fine. I would not own another 05. By design, the 05 six speeds needed to be shut down in reverse or the battery would drain. Mine would drain even though I followed the procedure. I would only consider a C6 if it were an 06 or newer.

[Jim T.]

Re: Looking at a 2005

I would closely examine under the car. The quick lube shops that lift cars to change oil may not of lifted the car where it is supposed to be lifted, same goes for tire shops.

[Tom H.]

Re: Looking at a 2005

If you buy a 2005 from a GM dealer, it can be run through the Certified program and you'll get a 12 month 12000 mile warranty. This is just new to the Certified program and begins Monday.

[Bill C.]

Re: Looking at a 2005

Tom;
I purchased a 2005 cpe.in June. It is an auto. The previous advise on checking the vin. at a dealer is good advice. When I checked mine the car needed 6 computer updates. Watch the condition of the tires(especially the fronts). They are expensive and difficult to get(I learned the hard way). My wife and I drive it daily and we are in love with it.
btw;drove it back fron Carsile and got
30.5 mpg.
Bill

[Jim W.]

Re: Looking at a 2005

I bought a fairly early C6 in March, 2005 and drove it for almost two years with zero problems or issues. Great car and enjoyable to drive.

[John D.]

Re: Looking at a 2005

thomas,

If you post the last eight digits of the VIN I will post the warranty history here for you from GM VIS (vehicle information system).

jd

[Thomas H.]

Re: Looking at a 2005

All,

Thank you for the input. This is going to be a tough decision since it appears to have been very well cared for and my favorite color (Lemans Blue).

As much as I enjoy my LS5, it is not a car I can really drive on a regular basis. I have been watching the C6 prices waiting for something to come along in my price range. This is the first one I have found that meets my requirements, but I need to do some more research on it before pulling the trigger.

My partner in crime manages a Chevy dealership and he can run the VIN for me on Monday.

If it happens to land in my dirveway, I'll post a picture of the pair. Should look neat, a Bridgehampton Blue 71 next to a Lemans Blue C6...........

Thanks again....

Tom

[Richard M.]

Re: Looking at a 2005

The C6 is a wonderful design. I can't seem to stop driving mine. Take it on all long road trips, typically 32 mpg on the highway.

My friend has a 05, and had the problem with the roof. Appears GM had a recall, due to the outer roof panel becoming loose, and in some cases flying off! When you do your vin check, it should have been corrected. They re-glued the panels together. There may still be a "creaking or snapping" sound in the coupe roof, which is typically corrected with some silicone lube occasionally applied to the front and rear roof weatherstrip seals.

Also, this may seem odd, but you may want to check that the engine vin derivative is a match to the car, located left rear of the cyl case, tough to read from up top, but easier to see when the car is on a lift using a flashlight & mirror. I'd think that the GM records would show any engine swap on file, but "caveat emptor" as usual. I posted a thread here back in June about it, with a picture of the pad from my Helm's repair manual.

Rich

[Bill C.]

Re: Looking at a 2005

Tom
My C6 I previously spoke about is also Lemans Blue. People remark that it is a beautiful and unusual color. It looks good next to my 63
Daytona Blue cpe.
Bill