Thinking about buying C-6

[Andy F.]

I am thinking about buying another Vette. A C-6....any years to stay away from or move toward? I would also assume ....as with old...the more original they better? I want a auto (so my daughters could drive it once in a while) and a tan int. Other than that, I am open.

[Tom H.]

Re: Thinking about buying C-6

Andy !

Since you like the auto, you might better like the 06 and up since it used the 6 speed paddle shift. The 05 was a four speed auto. Nothing wrong with that, but the 6 speed is fun.

Buy low mileage and good condition. Follow most of the same rules as buying a classic. If you see one you like, send me the VIN I will be glad to run service history for you.

[Clem Z.]

Re: Thinking about buying C-6

i owned a new 05 and now a new 08 and the 08 is worlds better than the 05. i would buy the latest one that meets your budget and having owned a new 97,99 and a 02 C-5s i could see the improvements in the later models. JMHO

[Chuck S.]

Re: Thinking about buying C-6

I am thinking about buying another Vette. A C-6....any years to stay away from or move toward? I would also assume ....as with old...the more original they better? I want a auto (so my daughters could drive it once in a while) and a tan int. Other than that, I am open.

There were some minor problems with the first year, 2005, but, to my knowledge, all model years since have high build quality unlike the older cars.

There are probably no problems that should keep you from buying a 2005 if you find a really nice one. Initially, there were problems with the front crank pulley not being torqued properly for a certain VIN range. This range is published, but I don't remember what it was. By this time, that issue has probably been self-resolving with repairs made under warranty.

If you want an automatic, the C6s are equipped with the tried and true four speed transmission through 2006. Starting with 2007, they are equipped with the newer six speed automatic. That transmission, like the manual six speeds, has two overdrive ratios. A few owners noted a tendency, as I did with our six speed Malibu (same basic tranny, fwd, lower torque capacity), that it tends to remain in the higher gear beyond the point where we're accustomed to automatics downshifting. I expect GM engineers have long since tuned the transmission to better fit a performance car.

You may want to rethink letting your daughters drive your C6, unless they're 30 something and highly responsible. There is some history of adult men losing control of and crashing C6s because they were unaccustomed to having 400+ HP under the go pedal. A C6 is not their grandmother's Accord.

[Tom H.]

Re: Thinking about buying C-6

VIN range for crank pulley. Belletin # #05-06-01-001D Do a google search, you can read all about it.

Models: 2005 Chevrolet Corvette

with 6.0L Engine (VIN U - RPO LS2)

Built Prior to VIN Breakpoint 55111039

[Clem Z.]

Re: Thinking about buying C-6

You may want to rethink letting your daughters drive your C6, unless they're 30 something and highly responsible. There is some history of adult men losing control of and crashing C6s because they were unaccustomed to having 400+ HP under the go pedal. A C6 is not their grandmother's Accord. [/quote]
good point as corvette owner since 1959 i still get a suprise every time i floor my 2008 how QUICK it is and what ever you do DO NOT turn of traction control and active handling !!!!

[Paul H.]

Re: Thinking about buying C-6

My brand new 05 6 speed was an early Precision red car. It was an electrical nightmare. GM bought the POS back after 12,000 miles of torment. Most have had good luck with the later C6's. I'm still not a fan of the keyless doors and ignition. Get a good battery tender if you don't drive it regularly because they eat batteries if they sit.

[Michael J.]

Re: Thinking about buying C-6

Just my 2 cents, but if you are thinking about buying new iron, you get a lot more bang or the buck with a 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS. Lots more thumbs ups and stares too, and the LS3 in it with the 6 speed manual is awesome.

[Clem Z.]

Re: Thinking about buying C-6

i also had a precision red 05 VIN 101359 and had no problems with it except the time at the C-5/C-6 bash at the NCM in bowling green where the GM engineers tried to update my radio and blew it up. they air freighted a new one in and installed it the same day.

[Tom H.]

Re: Thinking about buying C-6

i also had a precision red 05 VIN 101359 and had no problems with it except the time at the C-5/C-6 bash at the NCM in bowling green where the GM engineers tried to update my radio and blew it up. they air freighted a new one in and installed it the same day.

ooooops !!

[Clem Z.]

Re: Thinking about buying C-6

ooooops !!

they were all excited because it happened while i was away from the car and they even bought me a nice polo shirt from the NCM. there were 6 CDs stuck in the radio they could not get out so they sent them to me later. they were embarrassed but i just laughed about it. there were corvette owners there bitching about everything imaginable. i told them as long as i could get it started to get mrs clem to lunch there was no problem. the people that screwed it up were from siemens who made the radios or something that had to do with the radios. i showed the the GM engineers where i had put rubber bumpers to keep the door edges out past the leading edges of the rear quarter panels so the paint would not be sand blasted off. they later did the same thing in production but i never got any credit.

[George C.]

Re: Thinking about buying C-6

they were all excited because it happened while i was away from the car and they even bought me a nice polo shirt from the NCM. there were 6 CDs stuck in the radio they could not get out so they sent them to me later. they were embarrassed but i just laughed about it. there were corvette owners there bitching about everything imaginable. i told them as long as i could get it started to get mrs clem to lunch there was no problem. the people that screwed it up were from siemens who made the radios or something that had to do with the radios. i showed the the GM engineers where i had put rubber bumpers to keep the door edges out past the leading edges of the rear quarter panels so the paint would not be sand blasted off. they later did the same thing in production but i never got any credit.

Someone at Bowling Green got a $20,000 suggestion award.

[Edward S.]

Re: Thinking about buying C-6

I have only owned 3 new vettes in my life, so I can only speak for 1 year C6. After some surgery I needed a car without a clutch and had to have power steering. Last Dec. when everything was hitting the fan between Washington and GM once the first shutdown started many dealers here in the east were looking to dump inventory - I went on line and found a 2009 C6 Coupe at a dealer not 5 miles from my house with just about everything I would have ordered if they were taking orders at the time, including Atomic Orange/tan interior. Could not believe the deal I got, it is by far the best all around vette I have ever own. If someone asked me to write a letter to GM on what to change or add to the car, I would be hard pressed to think of something to write. One of the best things I like is I get about 8 miles per gal. with my 65 ( what good is a big block if your not booking most of the time ) I get 29 with the new one. For all I know all the C6's could be great, but for now 2009 gets my vote. Good luck.

[John H.]

Re: Thinking about buying C-6

New C6 coupes are $39K at dealers all over the Detroit area right now.

[Nick L.]

Re: Thinking about buying C-6

I just purchased a 9K mile 2006 A6 coupe for a fair weather daily driver. I previously had a 2002 Z06 which was modded with a HCI setup and produced a very frightening 467 NA RWHP. I was always impressed with the power that new technology makes, but I was never satisfied with the C5 in other regards. I like the C6 far better. Of the 6 Corvettes I've had, this one is the first automatic. I was adamant about getting the A6 transmission, as I have my 67 L-68 for those days when I feel like shifting gears (I never thought I'd specify an automatic in a Corvette, but just turned 30 and guess my prefences have evolved). The car is FAST and still incredibly docile. Even my gf was taken by surprise at how comfortable and easy to drive it is.