[Z06] Z06 reliability
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Carrollton TX
Z06 reliability
i'm looking seriously into getting a Z06, and just wanted to make sure i'm making the right decision. the car will be my DD, and the two main issues i have read about are valve springs (resolved sometime in '03?) and leaks in the rear end. anything else to be worried about? i'm trying to get one w/ warranty for added piece of mind, but basically i'm just looking for yes/no in terms of whether or not Z06's are a safe bet for a daily driver. thanks.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 693
Likes: 1
From: Centennial CO
Originally Posted by The LS1 Z
i'm looking seriously into getting a Z06, and just wanted to make sure i'm making the right decision. the car will be my DD, and the two main issues i have read about are valve springs (resolved sometime in '03?) and leaks in the rear end. anything else to be worried about? i'm trying to get one w/ warranty for added piece of mind, but basically i'm just looking for yes/no in terms of whether or not Z06's are a safe bet for a daily driver. thanks.
Since you are planning to use your car as a DD I would make sure that your model is a 2004 or the 2003 in which improvements were made to the fuel injection system. The estimated highway mileage jumped from 28 to 33 which is over 15% and almost 50 cents a gallon at today's prices. GM made the changes during the 2003 production year. I would also want to make sure I could get an extended warranty as these cars are often abused.
My Z is my DD and I enjoy it, but I do worry about extended trips and bad weather. Good luck,
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,838
Likes: 85
From: DFW Texas
Originally Posted by The LS1 Z
i'm looking seriously into getting a Z06, and just wanted to make sure i'm making the right decision. the car will be my DD, and the two main issues i have read about are valve springs (resolved sometime in '03?) and leaks in the rear end. anything else to be worried about? i'm trying to get one w/ warranty for added piece of mind, but basically i'm just looking for yes/no in terms of whether or not Z06's are a safe bet for a daily driver. thanks.
Mines a DD with 32K on the odo. It's a 2004 and I haven't had one problem with it. I also have mods on mine.
Might be selling mine in a few months too.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 56,381
Likes: 79
The Z06 has one inch wider tires so it will be a little worse in snow than a C5. Valve springs have been an issue with just a few. Almost everyone's left side rear diff leaks some (seep would be a better word than leak).
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,048
Likes: 1,479
From: South Florida
Originally Posted by Charles7Mitchell
Since you are planning to use your car as a DD I would make sure that your model is a 2004 or the 2003 in which improvements were made to the fuel injection system. The estimated highway mileage jumped from 28 to 33 which is over 15% and almost 50 cents a gallon at today's prices. GM made the changes during the 2003 production year.
"The estimated highway mileage jumped from 28 to 33"
Not calling anyone a liar, but I would like more information on this subject.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 497
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton Alberta
Originally Posted by TriPinTaZ
Does anyone have any proof that makes this statement true?
"The estimated highway mileage jumped from 28 to 33"
Not calling anyone a liar, but I would like more information on this subject.
"The estimated highway mileage jumped from 28 to 33"
Not calling anyone a liar, but I would like more information on this subject.
Improvements were made over the '02 model . Some fuel supply issues were addressed .
Dan
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Racer
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 497
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton Alberta
Originally Posted by Charles7Mitchell
I disagree with the post that claims the Z is no different than the coupe or the vert, since you're planning to use it as a DD. I have not owned the basic C5, but everything I've read suggests that the Z is worse on ice and snow. I think you need to hear from a variety of sources on this. After a snow last winter left a one inch thick layer of ice I could not get my Z out of the parking lot, whereas I had no difficulty with my C4.
Since you are planning to use your car as a DD I would make sure that your model is a 2004 or the 2003 in which improvements were made to the fuel injection system. The estimated highway mileage jumped from 28 to 33 which is over 15% and almost 50 cents a gallon at today's prices. GM made the changes during the 2003 production year. I would also want to make sure I could get an extended warranty as these cars are often abused.
My Z is my DD and I enjoy it, but I do worry about extended trips and bad weather. Good luck,
Since you are planning to use your car as a DD I would make sure that your model is a 2004 or the 2003 in which improvements were made to the fuel injection system. The estimated highway mileage jumped from 28 to 33 which is over 15% and almost 50 cents a gallon at today's prices. GM made the changes during the 2003 production year. I would also want to make sure I could get an extended warranty as these cars are often abused.
My Z is my DD and I enjoy it, but I do worry about extended trips and bad weather. Good luck,
He lives in Texas . I don't think snow is going to be much of an issue. Plus who drives a powerful sports car in the snow anyways ? 
Dan
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 693
Likes: 1
From: Centennial CO
Originally Posted by TriPinTaZ
Does anyone have any proof that makes this statement true?
"The estimated highway mileage jumped from 28 to 33"
Not calling anyone a liar, but I would like more information on this subject.
"The estimated highway mileage jumped from 28 to 33"
Not calling anyone a liar, but I would like more information on this subject.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,083
Likes: 0
From: I'm not quite middle aged and I only own one gold chain! San Jose CA
My 04 Z06 is my DD and I have had no issues whatsoever. I've only got about 10k on the clock but they have been trouble free miles. My neighbor has an 02 Z that is a DD with over 70k and all he has had to do is tires and brakes. Sounds pretty normal to me!
The Z06 is a monster in a teddy bear costume...it can be extremely docile in communter traffic, but baby when you put your foot in it the teddy bear turns into a Grizzly real quick!
The Z06 is a monster in a teddy bear costume...it can be extremely docile in communter traffic, but baby when you put your foot in it the teddy bear turns into a Grizzly real quick!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,186
Likes: 7
From: Evansville, IN The GOCC, rebels without a clue.
St. Jude Donor '06
I don't use my Z as a DD, but have been in the snow with it once, in the mountains out here. I found it no harder to drive in the snow than any other car. You only need to adjust your driving to match the environment.
Before you buy make sure you crawl under the car, or preferably get it on a lift to do an inspection. If you are buying one from a private party, make sure you inspect the garage floor where the car sits for signs of drippage, etc.
Take your time with the purchase and you should be able to find "your" car is waiting for you.
Have fun. Drive safe.
Before you buy make sure you crawl under the car, or preferably get it on a lift to do an inspection. If you are buying one from a private party, make sure you inspect the garage floor where the car sits for signs of drippage, etc.
Take your time with the purchase and you should be able to find "your" car is waiting for you.
Have fun. Drive safe.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 20,933
Likes: 906
From: salem OR
Originally Posted by Charles7Mitchell
I disagree with the post that claims the Z is no different than the coupe or the vert, since you're planning to use it as a DD. I have not owned the basic C5, but everything I've read suggests that the Z is worse on ice and snow. I think you need to hear from a variety of sources on this. After a snow last winter left a one inch thick layer of ice I could not get my Z out of the parking lot, whereas I had no difficulty with my C4.
Since you are planning to use your car as a DD I would make sure that your model is a 2004 or the 2003 in which improvements were made to the fuel injection system. The estimated highway mileage jumped from 28 to 33 which is over 15% and almost 50 cents a gallon at today's prices. GM made the changes during the 2003 production year. I would also want to make sure I could get an extended warranty as these cars are often abused.
My Z is my DD and I enjoy it, but I do worry about extended trips and bad weather. Good luck,
Since you are planning to use your car as a DD I would make sure that your model is a 2004 or the 2003 in which improvements were made to the fuel injection system. The estimated highway mileage jumped from 28 to 33 which is over 15% and almost 50 cents a gallon at today's prices. GM made the changes during the 2003 production year. I would also want to make sure I could get an extended warranty as these cars are often abused.
My Z is my DD and I enjoy it, but I do worry about extended trips and bad weather. Good luck,
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 14,406
Likes: 3
From: Cypress TX
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18
No problem at all with the Z06 as a daily driver. THe car is every bit as reliable as any other C5. The only difference is the extra power you'll have in the Z. Be carefull on wet roads and you'll be fine.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 693
Likes: 1
From: Centennial CO
Originally Posted by The LS1 Z
i'm looking seriously into getting a Z06, and just wanted to make sure i'm making the right decision. the car will be my DD, and the two main issues i have read about are valve springs (resolved sometime in '03?) and leaks in the rear end. anything else to be worried about? i'm trying to get one w/ warranty for added piece of mind, but basically i'm just looking for yes/no in terms of whether or not Z06's are a safe bet for a daily driver. thanks.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
Urban Legend
Improved fuel delivery system improves:
Exhaust System performance? Huh? What does this mean?
I would not buy a later model based on "internet" claims of mlg. I don't know anyone who actually get's over 28mpg regularly while daily driving their Z. Do you really think you can ease the clutch out each time and lightly feather the throttle at every stoplight? And if you do...... are you really looking at the right segement of transportation? Could I interest you in a camry?
Different strokes I guess
Exhaust System performance? Huh? What does this mean?
I would not buy a later model based on "internet" claims of mlg. I don't know anyone who actually get's over 28mpg regularly while daily driving their Z. Do you really think you can ease the clutch out each time and lightly feather the throttle at every stoplight? And if you do...... are you really looking at the right segement of transportation? Could I interest you in a camry?
Different strokes I guess
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,984
Likes: 0
From: Central Coast CA
Originally Posted by Charles7Mitchell
I disagree with the post that claims the Z is no different than the coupe or the vert, since you're planning to use it as a DD. I have not owned the basic C5, but everything I've read suggests that the Z is worse on ice and snow. I think you need to hear from a variety of sources on this. After a snow last winter left a one inch thick layer of ice I could not get my Z out of the parking lot, whereas I had no difficulty with my C4.
