[Z06] Z06 durability
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 574
Likes: 0
Z06 durability
Ok, so my roomate has owned 3 Z06's in the past 3 years
-'02 stock 36k miles
-'02 stock 18k miles
-'01 P1SC 8k miles
I drove the '01 8k mile car and it felt really really solid, like a brand new car.
He drives his cars REALLY REALLY hard so that might be the exception to the rule. But he said there was a HUGE difference between the 36k mile car to 18k mile car as far as tightness in the body, suspension, power, smoothness, squeaks and rattles.
I'm now shopping for a Z06 and was told not to buy one over 35k miles b/c they go to junk (as far as feeling brand new) after that point.
I wanting to get the most car for my money. If there is a '02 w/ 35k miles for 26k and a '02 w/ 15k miles for 29k, I could justify spending 3 more thousand on a car with half the mileage.
Just wanting to know your opinions on that matter! Thanks
-'02 stock 36k miles
-'02 stock 18k miles
-'01 P1SC 8k miles
I drove the '01 8k mile car and it felt really really solid, like a brand new car.
He drives his cars REALLY REALLY hard so that might be the exception to the rule. But he said there was a HUGE difference between the 36k mile car to 18k mile car as far as tightness in the body, suspension, power, smoothness, squeaks and rattles.
I'm now shopping for a Z06 and was told not to buy one over 35k miles b/c they go to junk (as far as feeling brand new) after that point.
I wanting to get the most car for my money. If there is a '02 w/ 35k miles for 26k and a '02 w/ 15k miles for 29k, I could justify spending 3 more thousand on a car with half the mileage.
Just wanting to know your opinions on that matter! Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,786
Likes: 22
From: Cary NC
I have an 02 Z06 that just turned 32K miles. It has about 10 AX events and 10 DE events on it. The rest is commuter miles and I don't rag on it on the street. I do on the track.
It doesn feel loose or sloppy, doesn't squeek, creek or rattle. And it does not magically go to hell in a handbasket at 35K miles. Like anything it depends on how bad you beat on it. But they are not junk by any stretch of the imagination.
When my previous Vette, a 92 coupe, had a 100K on it it felt more loose and creaked. The drivetrain was still pretty much original. The C4 was notorious for creeks. The looseness was easily solved with new shocks and rubber bushings in some of the common places. The C5 probably won't creek as easily since the chassis is more rigid and the fiberglass is a different composite design. Rubber suspension bushings will wear over time and can be replaced to "freshen up" the ride. The drive train will last if you don't beat the crap out of it everytime you drive it.
It doesn feel loose or sloppy, doesn't squeek, creek or rattle. And it does not magically go to hell in a handbasket at 35K miles. Like anything it depends on how bad you beat on it. But they are not junk by any stretch of the imagination.
When my previous Vette, a 92 coupe, had a 100K on it it felt more loose and creaked. The drivetrain was still pretty much original. The C4 was notorious for creeks. The looseness was easily solved with new shocks and rubber bushings in some of the common places. The C5 probably won't creek as easily since the chassis is more rigid and the fiberglass is a different composite design. Rubber suspension bushings will wear over time and can be replaced to "freshen up" the ride. The drive train will last if you don't beat the crap out of it everytime you drive it.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 290
Likes: 1
From: naples fl.
my 02 has 38k on it and is tight. no problems. no rattles. the only irritating noises i hear in the car is my wife complaining about my driving. some people just don't understand why someone would wait till the last second to smash the brakes before turning hard and getting on the throttle hard.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 574
Likes: 0
I guess what I'm asking should I pass up a 35k mile car and buy a 10-15k mile car for $2-3k more....would the lower milage be worth it?
I'm going to be honest I will be beating the crap out of my Z06 75% of the time!
I'm really not that picky I've had 2 F-bodies and we all know they are know for their creaks and rattles!
I'm going to be honest I will be beating the crap out of my Z06 75% of the time!
I'm really not that picky I've had 2 F-bodies and we all know they are know for their creaks and rattles!
Dogface
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 25,974
Likes: 120
From: At the Beach, FL
St. Jude Donor '15, '17
Got 51K on my 02Z. You could not tell the difference from it when it was new. In fact it rides better now because I changed the tires to Michelin PS's. Z's do not go to crap just because they have miles on them. They go to crap because some owners do not maintain them well and abuse them.
Last edited by dwjz06; Nov 16, 2006 at 02:33 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,786
Likes: 22
From: Cary NC
Originally Posted by TransAmGT
I guess what I'm asking should I pass up a 35k mile car and buy a 10-15k mile car for $2-3k more....would the lower milage be worth it?
I'm going to be honest I will be beating the crap out of my Z06 75% of the time!
I'm really not that picky I've had 2 F-bodies and we all know they are know for their creaks and rattles!
I'm going to be honest I will be beating the crap out of my Z06 75% of the time!
I'm really not that picky I've had 2 F-bodies and we all know they are know for their creaks and rattles!
As I'm sure you are aware if you want to beat the crap out of it 75% of the time. Keep a nice juicy budget for repairs and learn to do all the labor yourself. These cars we made to take out to the track (road racing). And they do quite well against cars that cost a lot more money. The Porsche guys just love us and our cheap American junk
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,936
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas NV
Only difference I noted on the way up in mileage is that the car got faster and louder. (prior to mods) I'd say this was due to the engine losening up and the exhaust losing packing material from WOT.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,920
Likes: 2
From: North Bend WA
If you don't plan to accumulate mileage quickly once it's yours, I would absolutely recommend spending the extra $2-$3k and getting one with half the miles. This is the actual advice I followed, since I know that resale value is greatly affected by mileage and I want to get top dollar myself when I'm ready to upgrade.
If you plan to drive it a lot, then I see somewhat less value in that plan, but the same argument could be made that you will always ultimately end up with fewer miles if you buy it with fewer miles, right?
Good luck you to you, and I look forward to hearing that you found a Z06 to call your own.
If you plan to drive it a lot, then I see somewhat less value in that plan, but the same argument could be made that you will always ultimately end up with fewer miles if you buy it with fewer miles, right?
Good luck you to you, and I look forward to hearing that you found a Z06 to call your own.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,228
Likes: 5
From: Gainesville Georgia
I've got 39,000 on my 02' Z with a procharger & I don't have one single squeak or rattle anywhere!! This Is one tight car, I can't even amagine how the new C6 Is!!! I used to go to the track almost every weekend also, and still no problems, I love this car!!
I would take either one, go for the one that Is In better shape and has the best deal. Best of luck.
This Is one tight car, I can't even amagine how the new C6 Is!!! I used to go to the track almost every weekend also, and still no problems, I love this car!! I would take either one, go for the one that Is In better shape and has the best deal. Best of luck.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,756
Likes: 6
From: Gulf of Mexico Florida West Coast
Not an expert on miles, but definately on durability. Why? My car has not blown up. Bad driving, miss shifts(badly) drive like a stole it, air born-really, etc. Puts my pick up truck to shame. There is an expression that best describes the C5 - Bullet Proof. Well almost, but you get the idea.
In short do not be scared of miles, just get the car checked out before you buy and enjoy.
In short do not be scared of miles, just get the car checked out before you buy and enjoy.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,625
Likes: 1,180
From: Raleigh
My 01 Z just rolled over 73k miles. I got it at 69k miles in July and other than routine service the only thing I replaced were the rear outer tie rod ends. Car is rock solid. It does have some dings but that is to be expected. Car is an awesome daily driver and the best 21 grand I ever spent!
) with 35k on it, got it in feb of this year with 11k on it.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 229
Likes: 2
From: Charleston South Carolina
When I was searching it was for anything with 60k miles or less on a 03-04 Z06.....found 02 with 19k miles and bought it on the spot...but would have been just as happy with the others.
One thing when not driven very much is might have some leaks or sticking door actuators from not being used very much.....also, things may show up that can only find from putting miles on it that would have been covered under warranty but will now be your full expense. So there are two sides...
Most important is how it was cared for.....but anything under 60k miles that had regular service and regular driving would be a great car all things being equal.
Good luck with new ride....
One thing when not driven very much is might have some leaks or sticking door actuators from not being used very much.....also, things may show up that can only find from putting miles on it that would have been covered under warranty but will now be your full expense. So there are two sides...
Most important is how it was cared for.....but anything under 60k miles that had regular service and regular driving would be a great car all things being equal.
Good luck with new ride....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 56
From: Milan Indiana
Z
Have 86k on my 01Z( 10th one built #54) and must say its quiet as can be with no rattles at all. Mostly stock. Ive had 15 other Corvettes of various years but this is 3rd C5 and best one I've driven Miles didn't scare me at all. Good luck
Last edited by pnewt; Jan 20, 2015 at 03:34 PM.
