Purchasing 2003 Z06....Pre purchase help
#1
Cruising
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Purchasing 2003 Z06....Pre purchase help
I am looking at purchasing a yellow 2003 Corvette Z06 with 66K miles on Tuesday. I have some concerns with the vehicle. Not so much mechanical but if it has had body work previously. The car has a clean Carfax. I have noticed a few things that concern me such as the information stickers on the drivers door jamb look either worn or like they had tried to remove them(tire information and vehicle information). Not sure if cleaner of some kind could rub them off. Could be nothing. I also noticed some paint that had chipped off on the inner bolts under the hood on the drivers fender but not the passenger. Could be common with the car but not 100% sure. Last thing I noticed is the area on the passenger lower door where the fender, door and body kit meet is slightly recessed. No body damage or anything just looks like the panels don't exactly match. Not exact like the drivers side. Once again may be a common thing and may just need some adjustment. Car s really clean and may just be paranoid.
Any advice or other things to look for would be great. Considering having it put up on a rack or a car inspection service done. Seller is open to having it checked out prior. Does not seem like he is hiding a thing but never know as he is not the original owner.
Any advice or other things to look for would be great. Considering having it put up on a rack or a car inspection service done. Seller is open to having it checked out prior. Does not seem like he is hiding a thing but never know as he is not the original owner.
#4
Racer
I am looking at purchasing a yellow 2003 Corvette Z06 with 66K miles on Tuesday. I have some concerns with the vehicle. Not so much mechanical but if it has had body work previously. The car has a clean Carfax. I have noticed a few things that concern me such as the information stickers on the drivers door jamb look either worn or like they had tried to remove them(tire information and vehicle information). Not sure if cleaner of some kind could rub them off. Could be nothing. I also noticed some paint that had chipped off on the inner bolts under the hood on the drivers fender but not the passenger. Could be common with the car but not 100% sure. Last thing I noticed is the area on the passenger lower door where the fender, door and body kit meet is slightly recessed. No body damage or anything just looks like the panels don't exactly match. Not exact like the drivers side. Once again may be a common thing and may just need some adjustment. Car s really clean and may just be paranoid.
Any advice or other things to look for would be great. Considering having it put up on a rack or a car inspection service done. Seller is open to having it checked out prior. Does not seem like he is ding a thing but never know as he is not the original owner.
Any advice or other things to look for would be great. Considering having it put up on a rack or a car inspection service done. Seller is open to having it checked out prior. Does not seem like he is ding a thing but never know as he is not the original owner.
#5
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I agree that you should look at the stickies at the top of the page - lots of very helpful info in them. And if you are concerned about some potential previous body damage, by all means have a trusted body shop look the car over. Better to spend a few bucks now making sure all is right rather than buying the car and having some unexpected surprises pop up.
#6
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St. Jude Donor '05
Bit about a body shop looking at it good idea
not all fender benders are reported to carfax
If it checks out at the bodyshop even if its had a mishap or two nothing to worry about. Avg car has one every 4 yrs no big deal.
if hes owned it awhile its probably fine
not all fender benders are reported to carfax
If it checks out at the bodyshop even if its had a mishap or two nothing to worry about. Avg car has one every 4 yrs no big deal.
if hes owned it awhile its probably fine
#7
Melting Slicks
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I would not go that far to state it is far from GOOD! The panel alignment is very good for a mass produced sports car. If panels looks misaligned they were not that way from the factory.
#8
Melting Slicks
Required reading (IMO), stickies at top of the page. I know others have other opinions, but unless its practically being given to me, I don't buy damaged cars. Get a thorough bumper to bumper check by a fluent C5 shop/tech (not theirs). Please keep in mind that there are plenty of pristine C5's out there for sale, and that includes Z's. There is no good reason to buy a damaged/problem car. Good luck and best wishes!
#9
Racer
Have it checked out if you can afford it just for peace of mind! You may sleep better. I have a 97 that has not been wrecked and the passenger side lower door does not meet the rear fender as well as on the drivers side. The door protrudes just a little. Not a perfect fit and I know it has not been wrecked and it is just on the passenger side.
#10
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Thanks everyone! Finally made the jump. Had the car fully inspected and was told it was super clean. Little small leak from the rear end. Owner ended up pulling a binder out with everything single service from oil changes, to if they thought the blinker was too fast to double D mods receipt for the stereo console. Everything from the first 2 owners in pastic sheets in a binder. Very happy with the purchase and glad I made the jump from Mustang Cobra's. Plus I feel like I got a hell of a deal.
#14
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Very nice...! you'll love it.
#16
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From the pic looks like a nice ride. Best of luck with it.