Best year Z06 to buy???
 

I am going to be in the market for a Z06 this spring and would like to know what is the best year to look into. This will be my first Z06 so I would like to know what to look for and any issues they might have. I have other corvettes in the past but want to move up to the Z06 world. Please give me your thoughts. Thanks

I would buy a Z07 optioned car if I bought a Z again. With a cam and some bolt-ons that would be the perfect (reasonably priced) car IMO.

2008+

The 6060 transmission is the only way to go.....

Since your starting fresh, I agree that you should start with at least a 2008 and go from there.

You did not mention what your budget range is....if that is not a issue, get a new 2012 Centennial Edition Z07 equipped with CFC pkg, 3LZ. That one will "sticker" for $105,000.....so make your best deal from there.

If budget is issue, then let us know so we know what to advise of....etc

Thanks for the info please keep it coming. What makes the 6060 trans better? I am looking in the price range of $50k

I am glad someone asked this very question as I am in the same position and plan on starting the hunt in the spring. I was shooting for at least a 2007 or newer, but will see if I can find a 2008 or newer.

Does the base Z06 at least come with Bluetooth? I was looking at the C6 and unless you opt for the 2LT package you dont get much. I have it narrowed down to the Z06 or a Grand Sport, but it seems most who pay the extra for the GS package dont splurge on getting the 2LT package and most of the GS are base model vettes.

Look for 2008....I think bluetooth appeared that year as well.

Unless your going to 'track' the Z, I do not see any difference in the T56 vs the T6060. It was in 2010 they updated the T6060 and again in 2011. They now have carbon fiber synchro's in 1-2 and 3-4 (2011+). In 2010 I think it was something to do with shafts or some other internal....do not remember. (I have one too and forgot)

Get the 3LZ 2008 in your range (2LZ and even 1LZ are well equipped).....should be able to find one this spring in that range. :thumbs:

C6 Vettes are the best equipped Vettes so far of all the generations. Even the base models have quiet a bit of comfort creature stuff.

In the Z06, you will find that it comes standard with a few more qadgets that the base model C6 (sport coupe 1LT/2LT). I think the 1LZ Z06 has standard features which equal the 2LT base Vette. (Heads up display is standard in Z06 where I think you have to get 3LT in base models to get HUD.

Anyway, go to CAC (Corvette Action Center) website. Get a user name and password and then schroll around and you can find the info you seek regards what equipment each year model/options has for that particular year.......:thumbs:

Bluetooth didn't show up until 2009.

Just get the newest you can afford. All of them have one quirk or another. I am partial to my 2008, though. But I would have loved the carbon option. The aftermarket is ripe with options, so no worries.

I wanted a 2008 or newer as the interior is a little nicer and the transmission is improved. But I found a dead sharp 2006 DSOM 2LZ at a good price and bought it. No regrets, because I can't find a thing wrong with the T56 and my interior has been tastefully modified already. Coming from the perspective of a 1995 Mustang (supercharged) to a 2000 Camaro SS to a 2001 C5, a 2006 2LZ Z06 has been perfect. Probably if I had a 2006 AND a 2008 I'd like the 2008 better...but I don't and I am very satisfied. So I wouldn't totally get hung up on a 2008 if you find a 2006-2007 that is otherwise just right.

If you haven't driven a late model Z06, be a little careful until you get comfortable in it. Amazing power.

2006 is the lightest year. And cheapest also.

If you are interested in HPDE's then the 2009 has the bigger 10 1/2 Qt dry sump compared with the 8 or 8 1/2 qt capacity of earlier models.

And the quickest and fastest as well! :D

A low-mileage, pampered 2006 Z06 is the bargain of the ages in today's market. If you look carefully, one can probably be had for mid 30's.
That is an absolute STEAL if you are looking for a world-class sports car on a budget.

CW

while I'm not sure about mid-30's :iagree: with the rest...

Disagree

2012 is the best, of course. GM makes the cars better every year.

Considering your $50k budget, I'd say go for a late 2007 build and get the lowest mileage car you can find. Just make sure it was built later in the year, so that you avoid the "roof issue" and the alleged valve spring issue. My 2007 was built late in the year, and has done fine on both counts.

The newest one you can afford. With a 50k budget that will probably be a nice 08. Maybe an 09.

2006-2007's can be had for about US$ 35,000 - 40,000. If you are on a budget, these will be your best options. Absolutely nothing wrong with them. 2007 has the 5yr/100k on the drive train which is HUGE.

2008 - they switched to a new transmission - much better in lots of people's opinions and minds (usually the ones that have 2008 or newer Z06s...go figure) and a few other tweaks (interior pieces look a little better). People that tell you a TR6060 is not better than the older tranny is in denial (or most likely has a 2006-2007 car). Again, NOTHING wrong with the old tranny, but, technology evolves and with such, products improve. These can be had for US$ 40,000 to 50,000 depending on miles and condition.

2009 - bigger dry sump and new wheel options - and blue tooth...spend a little more as well - maybe around US$ 50,000

2010 - 2011 - obviously the newest of the bunch...US$ 55,000 to US$ 60,000 used - great cars and if you can get this then that would be the way to go. If you can afford more, get a new one and be done with it.