I may have found the vette I'm looking for. It's an 03 and is under 15k miles. Unfortunately it is over 10 hours from me, so I may have to fly out there and drive it home.
I've run the CARFAX and all is well. I've asked a lot of questions and logged the replies, and all seems to check out.

What else do I need to be aware of in buying the vehicle? There is no more manufacturer warranty. Is a retail extended warranty worth it for a clean (per CARFAX) Z06 under 15k miles?

Anything I need to pay careful attention to on the test drive other than the obvious?
Should I take it to a local mechanic to check it out when I fly out there?

I appreciate the advice from you "vets" (pun intended) as I hope to join the ranks soon.

 

Bought an '01 last September that was 1000 miles away. If you have time, probably wouldn't be a bad idea to take it to a dealership to get it checked out and to get them to change the oil if it needs it. If the battery hasn't been replaced, you need to know that they typically don't last much longer than 3 years. Mine went south about 2 hours after I left on my 1000 mile trek home. No biggie, just inconvenient since it wouldn't jump off and the nearest parts store was 25 miles away. Other than that, no problems. Just look at the car very closely and make sure you buy a round trip ticket in case things don't look right. Good luck and let us know what happens. Mike

 

Its very simple! Check the fluids, tire pressures (recommend 28-30 PSI ) Grab a extra large coffee and HIT THE ROAD!

Before you plop down the cash, look the car over for any fluid leaks, or abnormal noises or smells. Check the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC)

This is the absolute best C5 Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) web site!!!

http://www.corvettedoctor.com/Code_Main.html
http://www.corvettedoctor.com/index.html


Go to “technical data base” and then to “Corvette ECM Computer Codes”. Then select your year car. Read the instructions and then scroll down to the "READ MORE" window to view the code definitions.\

Here is another very good site:

http://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_cod...d-ii-codes.php

Make sure to include the H or C suffix!!


Write down and post your DTC’s Then clear them ALL!

Sound effects are cool too! 

If they haven't been checked for a while, there may be quite a few. Write them down, clear them all and take the car for a test drive.

Operate the HVAC system in all modes, roll the windows up and down, and make sure it does what it is suppose to do.

Drive the car. It should drive straight and STOP straight on a level straight road. But the binders to their paces! Give the car a couple of nice hard brake runs. Make the ABS work! It was designed to and it will feel good to experience it.

C4, C5 and C6's have a tendency to want to follow road wear ruts. C4's were the worse of the bunch but any car with very wide tires will experience some stability issues on rutted roads. It will want to follow the ruts. On straight level roads, there should be ZERO wandering or suspension looseness!

When you get back from the test drive, recheck the DTC's,,look again for leaks and any weird noises or smells. If you get really picky and want to make sure your not buying a leaker,,,take the car to the car wash and wash it. When your done check the passengers and drivers foot wells for leaks then look in the rear hatch and check the wells for water.

If it all works out,,,,ENJOY your drive home!! If it has issues, you can haggle or pass it up.

Good luck and let us know how you make out,

Bill Curlee

 

great information, thank you

 

Have you checked auto trader? There are two with less than 10,000 in the Huntsville area. They are only about 70 miles from you. Good Luck. Worth the drive though, if it is what you want.

 

How much are they asking. I have been on the fence about getting rid of mine.

 

Hope the car is everything you expect.

However, be prepared to walk away.

 

you have to have that mind set now matter what you go through to find it. Also look the area up yo see if there is a shop that specializes in vettes and make an appointment, if the seller feels confident in the car there shouln't be a problem letting a qualified mechanic check it out. Spending maybe $200 is alot better than spending KKK's later. Good luck!

 

maybe a fourm member lives near it and check it out first for you ! Where is it ? I would be happy to help if possible ! Good luck ! Keep us posted !

 

They were around $34,000 I think. Both were red '03s, but neither showed up when I looked this evening. One had 8300 miles and the other 9200 miles I think.

 

I don't know what your budget is, but unless this car is some super deal, I'd look a little harder. Used ZO6's with super low miles are really pretty easy to find. My old 04 Z is sitting on the chevy lot in Greenville SC with 8K on the odometer & full warranty through Nov. this year. I know the history on it from day one. As far as having to drive back, thats all the fun.

2 cents

PM me if you want a contact name and number at the dealer.

 

Less than KBB for its mileage.

I am prepared to walk away and eat the plane ticket and carfax cost if necessary.

I am still on the fence about taking it to a local mechanic and whether or not to acquire an extended warranty.

 

I would buy an extended warranty...Just for the peace of mind..............Seems like you have one you never need it....You don't have one you need one....Or mayby just my luck

 

Just be ready to void your extended warranty! It is pretty hard to resist even lightly modding it. I got a $4k warranty bumper to bumper. I've had the car 60 days and nothing has gone wrong, so I threw headers and intake on it (which most likely voids the warranty unless I find a good dealer willing to look it over) and my next plan is a cam package...

 

Be sure to check for the tire inflation kit. THey aren't hard to find, but it makes life easier if it's with the car. ZO6's do not have Run Flats as the OEM tire.

 

EXCELLENT recommendation!

BC

 

Find a good mechanic or paint and frame shop that is close to the seller. Pay over the phone to have the car put up and checked for accidents, frame work, condition of paint, test drive, leaks, etc, etc. Should cost you about $100.00 (cheaper than a plane ticket + your time) and you'll be sure the car is clean. That's what I've always done.

 

My 2 cents on extended warranties when your vehicle is out of warranty. They typically are so restrictive that they are not worth much. I just checked with a large Chevy dealership locally (San Antonio). Admittedly, I did not ask the service mgr, but I did ask some service writers. They told me that I was wasting my money because the warranties have so many restrictions.

At that point, I googled extended auto warranties. One insurance broker wrote back and sent me a policy. I am in the midst of going through it right now. My problem with this warranty is that it seems to eliminate anything related to recalls and technical service bulletins (TSBs). Sad part is: THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF SERVICE BULLETINS ON EVERY CAR. Additionally, this warranty covers cars up to 20 years old--??????? Strange.

I have previously purchased Toyota warranties which would cover cars up to 5 years old. Today Toyota covers car only up to 3 yrs old.

Take advice from other forum members. Hire a mechanic. Or take it to a shop. A few bucks for an independent "expert" opinion is cheap when you are spending 20k, 30k, etc.

Ed

 

Is that what is pictured below?



Great idea about the call-ahead mechanical check. I will likely do that.


I have heard similar things about extended warranties fine printing their way out of reimbursement, but have no personal experience.

 

Here are the ones I had seen before. Sorry, both are '04s. Still not bad prices.


http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...000&cardist=34


http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...000&cardist=38