Hi,

I am thinking of getting a C5 Z06 (2002+)
Do have a some questions:
Can a Z06 be a daily driver?
How reliable are Z06's? (have heard that they can have problems)
What's the fuel economy in real live?
How much service do they need?
How much miles is the max they can take? 250,000?


This is a special question
Do they have the Speedo with KM/H on it?

I am thinking of taking a modified 2002+ Z06 (nothing to extreme) some thing for daily use.

have head a good look at the for sale ad's looks like they go for $28,000 - $36,000 (sounds like great value for performance)

 

1. Yes
2. Very. The corvette is one of the highest quality cars that GM builds. I have had more problems with my Acura than I have had with my corvette.
3. 22 to 24 mpg. I averaged over 27 mpg on an 900 mile trip and I consistently get 23 in normal driving. I can't resist giving it more throttle than necessary.
4. Average level of service. It does not need anything special.
5. As long as you want to keep it. The engine will last a heck of a long time and you will always be able to find parts for it.
6. Electronic dash can be switched to either km or miles.

Before you consider modifying it drive one stock. It has so much performance out of the box you really don't need to do much especially for a daily driver.

You can find very nice ones in the low 30's

 

When I first got mine, I had no idea how the hell I was going to use it as a daily driver. It was my first RWD car, and first car with any power. Took a little getting used too, and the Active Handling has saved my *** more than a few times.

Mileage is all over the place for me. I live in San Francisco now, and well let's say I don't get the best mileage. Maybe 15-17 around the city. Freeway I just set the cruise control at 70 and get an easy 26.

I've only had mine in for service once. The Active Handling/ABS/TC computer took a crap. Fortunately it was under warranty, so it didn't cost me a thing. I'm not a big risk taker though and got the extended warranty. I used the one on my last car like nobody's business, so I figure it's worth it.

-Jason

 

Dude

When the ZO6 came out in 01,,,I had an issue with GM asking $5K more for basically the same car!!! Not for me!!! I had a 98 and with a few mods, could beat a Z,,no problem!

Then I drove one!! O M G!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


It was a MUST HAVE CAR on the SPOT! I purchased my Electron Blue 02 ZO6 on 15 June 02, one week after the test drive!

The sound, the performance and the handling are OUTSTANDING!! The looks are just as impressive! Mine was my wifes daily driver for over three years! Then I got the hand me down ZO6!:bb I installed headers, VARARAM, ported TB, 3" Stainless Works exhaust system, CCW 505A rims, prellie P Zero tires and a professional tune. I still get 28-30 MPG highway, 16-18 city highway and still use it as my daily driver. Other than warranty work I have not had any issues!! Its real close to 400 RWHP! Hell,,Im still on the OEM ZO6 clutch!

I take it on 300 mile business trips without one worry! There isn't any special maintenance. same maintenance schedule as a standard C5 coupe or a vert.

Its a sweet car! It is a FRC Fixed Roof Coupe,, better known as a (Factory Race Car) but you can still drive it like any other car!

The only down side of a Z is:

Stock Factory sound deadening is basically zilch! You can add additional sound insulation. I did! Made a noticible difference!

The road feel is better but you will feel the bumps more than a standard C5. Nothing that noticeable. Hell,,,my wife enjoyed driving it!

Seats have less padding and are lighter. Not as comfortable as a standard C5. I like the seats. Better road feel.

You cant remove the top! Not a big deal for me! Wife didnt like it. She had to have a Corvette with a removable top. Purchased a 06 C6 Z51 Coupe.

Your rear tires will wear out a LOT sooner than the fronts!!!!!

It will take a 3' crow bar to pry the grin off your face once you drive one!!

You will acquire a HP MOD addiction!!!

If you can swing a Z, GO FOR IT! If you can't, save cash until you can!!! You will not regret it!!!!!!!!! It is a relaay cool car with POTENTIAL!

Bill Curlee

 

MORE FUEL FOR THE ZO6 FIRE!

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1599815

BC

 

I had a '98 coupe that I did lots of mods to and swore I'd never sell. Then I took a test drive in an '03 Z06. That was all it took. My Z is my almost daily driver. When the weather is crummy I usually drive my truck to work, but when the weather is nice I'll take my Vette. First of all, it's the best way to make a crummy work day good. It also gets double the gas mileage of my truck, even better than my wife's Audi. As far as maintenance is concerned it's quite minimal, mainly just oil changes and occasionally cleaning the Callaway Honker air filter. The Z06 is probably your best all-around, do everything car, and fast, too. Even has a large trunk for all the long-distance trips I've taken in it.

 

Thanks for the help!

The stock stereo does look kinda ugly i would want to change that just for the looks! Seats look great (I like racing seat my self!) I do like a hard ride so that's good to.

Would change the exhaust just to hear that big V8 (just love the sound it makes!)

Trunk space is not a problem for me but it's always a great plus.

Gas mileage sounds okay.

Starting to get a plan of what to do:
Get a modified Z06. (with some performance mods)
Put a nice wing on the back ( http://www.westcoastcorvette.com/ima.../large/745.jpg )
Put some canards on the front (http://www.westcoastcorvette.com/ima.../large/736.jpg)
Put some nice wheels 18" (http://www.fikse.com/images/aro.jpg)
That's it (DRIVE IT!)

 

My '01 is a Daily Driver

Very reliable with regular maintenance (oil changes, etc)

22-24mpg on Highway and High teens in town. I'm averaging 16mpg because of my heavy right foot and Dallas traffic jams.

Regular service including Oil changes, air filters (I suggest getting a re-useable K&N style), brake pads, etc.

Mine currently has around 92k and drives better than my previous '98 coupe which had 65k. These cars are strong and hold up well. Chassis is rock stiff with tight steering & great performance.

 

I sold all my extra cars and got a 2004 Z06, so I have to drive it everyday. I have had no mechanical problems, so it is doing better than the "family" Impala. Just get prepared to spend lots of money on new tires.

Not sure what is the max. number of miles they will last. There are several people in our local club that have over 100,000 miles, but none at 200K.

 

I've got a 02 Z06, and like it a lot, I say you'd love it too All I have heard is good on most of all your questions.

 

My Z06 gets 26 mpg daily driving. And it has 111,000 miles with no mechanical problems. But I think that wing would look on a Z06. Just my opnion.... But the car is solid. That's a fact.

 

I agree about the wing. It is too small to be functional. The canards can help with brake cooling if you track the car.
Bill

 

If you are going to go with front and rear spoilers check out www.caravaggiocorvettes.com. Their parts were designed by John Cafaro, the designer of the car, so they fit and look right.

 

Another cool ZO6 post to bring out some more facts:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1187875

 

Okay thanks do you know any good Corvette specialist that can find one for me.
And that can export it for me?

 

Nice selections on the wheels

My car:

I do not have any real complaints that I can pass on to you about the car, I love it. There is a button that you can press and it changes every form of measurment from english to metric (speedo, HUD, climate control, etc..)

I noticed you are from the netherlands, My sister just moved to Zwolle for a semester Good luck on your search, I assume these things are hard to come by in your country

 

You got C5's here (quit a lot) but no Z06 and a new Z06 cost you €125,000 (that's with out any options And there are no options here) that's more than 2 time you pay for a Z06 in the US. So that just sick!

I live near Amsterdam so that's other side of the country.
The rims look ultra super cool!

 

HOLLAND????? WOW,,,,I JUST realized that your in Holland! Thats going to be a tough one! I have been to Amsterdam once when I was in the Navy. Very unique and rewarding expierence! Very nice country and really friendly people!

Ill ask around and see what it entails to get a car over there!

BC

 

Yes It can be a daily driver...Mine Is, and I've gone all around the country with her~very comfortable. The unreliability you've heard about Is most likely Vettes that take a beating everyday. Most people don't think of that, If you take care of your car and do proper mait. she will most likely run over 200k miles~ unless you get a bad apple. Even with all my mods and some track time I have not had a problem except tightening my S/C belt a couple of times(older Procharger design)~ If you beat the crap out of any car It will have problems eventually. These Vettes are great cars, very comfortable and reliable If cared for properly. Best of luck

 

Final answer... BUY ONE!