first vette
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
first vette
Well, I lost the bidding on the first two vettes I tried to buy. However, I am now going tomorrow to hopefully purchase a 2004, spiral gray, automatic convertible with 4800 miles. Most important options are on this car.
This will not be a daily driver but a short trip and weekender. I keep reading in other publications, i.e. consumers report about reliability concerns. Their opinions seem very different from those on this forum. I do keep reading about the low quality of the seats. Are there things I can do to keep them looking good???
Any feedback is appreciated. This forum has been a great help---Thanks.
This will not be a daily driver but a short trip and weekender. I keep reading in other publications, i.e. consumers report about reliability concerns. Their opinions seem very different from those on this forum. I do keep reading about the low quality of the seats. Are there things I can do to keep them looking good???
Any feedback is appreciated. This forum has been a great help---Thanks.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Best of luck and hope you get the Vette
The seats are not the best but I find if you give them plenty of moisture using a good leather conditioner they wear resonably well. Didn't stop the stiching spltting at the seams on mine on the drivers side though.
Overall reliability is just as good as any other car. Mines a DD and it does great. Can't help thinking some of the parts are not of the highest quality. You'll get to know the common problems.
May not be an issue on an 04 but take a good look at the battery and also the rear diff seals for leaks.
The seats are not the best but I find if you give them plenty of moisture using a good leather conditioner they wear resonably well. Didn't stop the stiching spltting at the seams on mine on the drivers side though.
Overall reliability is just as good as any other car. Mines a DD and it does great. Can't help thinking some of the parts are not of the highest quality. You'll get to know the common problems.
May not be an issue on an 04 but take a good look at the battery and also the rear diff seals for leaks.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: NOVA VA
Originally Posted by topdog212
I keep reading in other publications, i.e. consumers report about reliability concerns.
Excessive right foot useage may lead to an unreliable heart!!
Last edited by astrolite; Jun 18, 2006 at 12:08 PM.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 367,305
Likes: 24,575
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
The LS1 engine is very reliable. Common problem areas are the rear differential seals, the column lock problem, and rocking seats. Of course there may be other problems that occur, but these are the most common. For your seats, just keep some good leather conditioner worked in. The stock seats are prone to fast wear - you can always upgrade when finances allow.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 14,372
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis IN
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Congrats and I hope everything works out for you. I have a 2000 Vert with 57k miles and my seats are still looking great. 
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,346
Likes: 5
From: Mustang OK
Originally Posted by topdog212
...(snip) I do keep reading about the low quality of the seats. Are there things I can do to keep them looking good???
Any feedback is appreciated. This forum has been a great help---Thanks.
Any feedback is appreciated. This forum has been a great help---Thanks.
and good luck with the purchase. 
Great color choice too.
You can find a lot of very good info on keeping your seats and the rest of the car looking nice in the Car Car Disussion section of the Forum. Some very knowledgeable people along with a few professional detailers hang out in that section.
