I would like to introduce myself to the forum, My name is Bob I live in Northern Illinois and have been bitten by the performance bug. I'm coming from the pages of clubgp.com and thoroughly enjoyed my time there and the 05 Grand Prix GXP I formerly owned. I'm a 54 year old fisherman and have been well served by my Four Letter Word Ranger trucks the past 15 years.

I was looking to cure my 14 second, 300 HP minimum with fishing trip cargo room itch, after researching some 20 odd vehicles I found what I thought I was looking for in the multi-purpose Pontiac. Unfortunately 323 ft lbs of torque through the front wheels isn't as much fun as it sounds so with 16.5K miles I trader her in for another daily driver Four Letter Word Ranger.

Now that I have and have a vehicle to take on Chicago's winters and learned that no one car can do it all, its time to select something a bit less sensible. As far as I'm concerned there is only one choice, the ZO6! I have been researching and shopping for about 6 months and yesterday took my first test drive, needless to say I might forget about fishing and take up driving as my new hobby. With your indulgence I would like to get my initial stupid newbie questions out of the way.

The particular car in question is an 03 ZO6 with 20K miles and an "asking" price of 32.5K. The car looks to be in very good condition, properly maintained and not obviously thrashed like some of the others I have seen. While inspecting the interior I noticed the drivers side window would not go down with the key in the "accessory" position as the passenger side did. The window worked fine (down and auto down) once the engine was started, is this normal or something to be conserved about? While driving in mainly heavy traffic I was able to shift through the gears with no problem and only encountered CAGS once, am I correct this only happens while attempting to shift between 15 and 20 MPH and if not in this range all gears can be accessed? Lastly (for now) Is there an easy way to determine if the electronic steering wheel locking system has been disabled? Is there anything else peculiar to the ZO6 I should be looking for?

Thanks again for holding my hand through this initial period, I do feel I have a pretty good idea what I'm considering getting into with the ZO6. I realize it won't be cheap to maintain and fully plan to carefully learn how to drive/control this potent vehicle. Now on to the initiation, what do I have to do? Eat a dead carp or go on a snipe hunt?

 

I'm new too, but can address some of your questions:

• Price
  I got my Z for less than that with less miles and more options, so I know there are better deals to be had. However, I looked for mine for about two years, keeping an eye on the market, and this was the first one I made an offer on; in my case, patience paid off. Like the forum guys told me, a car is only worth what someone else is willing to pay for it, so just don't buy any car on impulse, even if it's gorgeous (and they are).
• Window
  If memory serves me correctly, my driver's side window goes up and down in Acc. position. Your window issue seems odd to me but maybe I'm missing something.
• CAGS
  Easily fixed w/ a kit, which the forum vendors sell for a reasonable price
• CLB
  If you can turn the wheel when the car isn't on, then it is disabled.
• Other issues
  Make sure it doesn't burn oil. I think this was more a problem with some 2001s, but I doubt it would be an issue for you - can't hurt to ask though.
  Tread on the tires. Tires are expensive so it would be nice to not have to replace them for a little while.
  Door seals. My passenger door leaked in the rain on the drive home. I don't know if the seller knew about this problem, but it doesn't matter. It isn't something I wouldn't have bought the car for, but is something I'll have to fix.

Good luck finding "the one".

 

Thank you very much for your quick reply MeefZO6 , I am counting heavily on the expertise of this forum to help me make this difficult and costly decision.

If you don't mind me asking how much of a difference in price between yours and mine are we talking about. There may be a difference, price wise, in the North vs. South, I know prices here are somewhat higher in warm weather as opposed to cold. This is obviously a balancing act between model year, mileage, price and vehicle condition. I have only been "shopping" for 6 months or so and have found many higher mileage cars for less money but not many with the combination of 20K, 03, admirable condition and price I am willing to pay.

As for the driver side window, it did not go down when I turned the key to acc or run (the passenger side did) but operated as expected when the key was turned to start. Maybe an issue or just a glitch but these are the types of things I can go back to the dealer with in attempting to lower the price tag. Something else you may not realize, in the great State of Illinois I will have to pay 7% sales tax on a used car so every dollar I get knocked off the price is more like $1.07.

I am assuming the Goodyear F1's are original and look to have a good deal of meat left on them as opposed to another 03 I looked at wearing bald drag radials. I understand this is a high performance machine and expect that it's previous owner will have "stretched it's legs" a time or two but I have no interest in a vehicle that shows signs of having been thrashed. This car was traded in by a "rich boy" (salesman's term) for, of all things, a turbo Porsche cayenne.

After sitting in the lot in the cold the car started just fine, the brakes, steering, clutch, and suspension gave no warning signs of impending problems. I was a little surprised the engine compartment was dusty after seeing many "you could eat off of it" examples on the web but it was just that, dust not oil or grime. I guess the hood line weather stripping is popular among the first "mods"? The manager apologized profusely over the car being dirty and promised it would be professional detailed before I took possession. There was one noticeable B-B sized stone chip on the hoods leading edge and the finish showed the swirling of (God forbid) automatic car washes but nothing my gentle hand and a few coats of Zaino can't cure.

After looking around at this site's E-store and seeing a replacement HUD control panel I think the dimmer **** was either missing or broken off. Again not the end of the world but more negotiating ammunition. Keep in mind going from $33,995 to $32.695 was just the first step in the dance. I told the Bentley/Bugatti store's manager I had a couple other cars I was going to look at and would get back to him. I will give him a story about their attributes in an e-mail this week and see how much more he will discount his.

So there you have it, I really don't get the feeling I'm rushing in to this. I have a wife who has no opinion on the subject (unless it's about the yellow color she hates, no offence to the Millennium crowd), no kids to leave my money to and have been a smoker for so long I probably won't be around to see 'retirement". I currently have a good paying job (though that situation could always change) and have saved up enough money to pay for this car with cash. I could buy a "standard" C5 and chase the aftermarket for the 55-60 missing HP or wait till next year and buy a new C6, though I am much more attracted to the C5 (no offence to the C6 crowd). There is the option (and expense) of having Carmax flatbed me a car from cross country or find an EBay car in Florida etc and deal with the logistics. Finding an 02-04 ZO6 worth having and finding it relatively locally has reduced the number candidates for this to be my first "Corvette summer".

Again I welcome and appreciate your opinions, thanks!

Ain't she purdy...

 

looks like you've found a great car there. i remember when i was in your shoes, it's very exciting!! i would work the dealer hard and without mercy. i'm sure you plan to!!

like you mentioned, finding a great Z local to you really cuts down on your selection. i think your on the right track in thinking spending a little more for the convinience is worth it.

i would not recommend buying a standard C5 and trying to replicate the Z. not worth it in my opinion. you have to remember that it's not just a HP difference between the two cars.

based on the info you've posted here and the fact that you took the time out to do this i'd say you've found the car you want. go for it.

 

There is nothing wrong with the price. The EB is a highly desirable color only made for 2 years and yes maybe you could find one a little cheaper somewhere around the country after a long search. It is not worth the effort. You found one close to home in the right condition and at a reasonable price. Don't wait. When it starts getting warm in the great white north it does not take long for spring fever to hit the hermits that have been hiding inside all winter. That car could be gone by next week. Negotiate your best deal and sign the papers. Enjoy.

 

I suggest also introcuding yourself in the Great Lakes forum, so you can eventually meet up with the Chicago Crew and see some amazing cars.

 

In my case, I had to wait as long as I did in order to afford it. If you can afford it, I'd say go for it. I would get it checked out by a mechanic (unless it's a certified pre-owned thing) and see if the seller can come off the price to accomodate your having to fix the afore-mentioned issues. You may even want to get a few quotes from around town for stuff like the paint chip and see if the seller will come off that amount, per issue.
Good luck.

 

Jump on board man . I was in your place from August to November when I bought my 02 EB Z. It is a great feeling to own one of these. You'll stare out the windshield and see the wheel humps and you'll be in love, trust me. Happened with both my Vettes. When you buy her, get lots of pics up here. How long will you hold the Mod bug off? Took about a week for me, before I gave in.

Josh

 

Go for it! I'm 60,bought my O4MS,ZO6 last year. I live in Okla.,found it in Fla.,wife and I flew down and drove it home,best trip I ever had.Life is to short,don't look back!

 

Thanks for the input boys! Here is the sob story I just sent to the dealer, let's hope it saves me a few more shekels? And get's me in the drivers seat...

"Dear Eddy,

I would like to thank you and your sales team for taking time to show me your Blue ZO6 Corvette. I looked at one of my remaining candidates last night, this one from a private owner. Though his is an 02 with more miles and a less desirable color he is asking 4K less and more importantly the car was in impeccable condition.

In the short time I spent with your Corvette I noticed a long scratch high on the rear passenger fender and a stone chip on the leading edge of the hood. I realize life happens and nearly no car is perfect but these are things I will have to address at additional expense. I don't know if it was a glitch but the drivers side window would not go down with the key in the acc or run position only once the engine had been started. As far as I can find that is not normal. I also believe the HUD dimmer **** is missing or broken off.

Though the dusty engine compartment was not a big concern It does speak to the way the car was treated by it's former owner. The C5 is notorious for gobbling up debris in it's radiator shroud and when I inspected it sure enough it was full of leaves and even had a plastic bag caught up in it. Again minor items but they do add up. I'm not looking forward to removing the "swirl" marks from the entire cars finish, which show it saw more automatic car washes than hand washes.

Judging from the class of cars your are surrounded by I'm sure you understand the premium costs for parts and service on these premium cars. Something I am very concerned about was the fact the car is running on empty. If whatever sediment that my be on the bottom of that gas tank makes it's way to the injectors it's next owner may be looking at a couple thousand dollars in repairs.

I hope to see my final candidate tomorrow night, another 03 with similar miles and a less desirable but acceptable color, again it's at a lower asking price. Either way I will let you know where I stand. If necessary I might want to come out one more time to give your car a more thorough inspection, possibly Thursday night. I would appreciate the car being washed and treated to a couple gallons of gas.

My decision may not necessarily come down to money but any of these cars will nearly kill my piggy bank. When I left your store Saturday we were at $32,695, sharpening your pencil further would certainly add to the chance of me buying that Blue ZO6 from you. I don't begrudge you making a profit as long as I feel I'm making the right deal.

Thanks again to you and the staff,

Bob Stencel"

 

well i guess all you can do now is wait and see what happens. another thing to consider is if any of these cars come with a warranty and if there is a transfer fee. just don't wait too long, spring is right around the corner and everyone is getting their tax returns around now and you can be sure you're not the only one craving a corvette summer!

 

 

I only spent about one week doing research but I was able to close a considerably better deal than what you're looking to pay here. Have you spent alot of time on autotrader or cars.com?

Last december I was able to get one in Dallas (2003 Z06 millenium yellow) with 16.9k miles. He had it priced on the internet for 32k. I offered him 32k out the door (taxes/licensing/fees included) and he agreed after a quick word with his manager. When I saw the sales printout, he had to price it down to $29k or so to get it to me out the door for $32k lol.

I'm not sure if I got some really rare deal, but it sure seems like there are better offers to be had than the one you're going after. My best advice is to search the south, avoiding florida. States like TX, Alabama, Georgia etc have much better prices on average than places like California, Florida, etc, and these areas lack the harsh winter conditions.

Buying local is a big factor, and I had to drive mine about 900 miles to my next home, but I think it's still worth it to use a wide-area-search, especially since it has zero miles driven in winter up North where they use salt etc... can you certify that this car you want has never seen salt?

 

Another thing you might consider:

I found my car on "the auction site of which we do not speak". It looked great, but the price kept climbing to higher than I was willing to pay. I was disappointed and made my peace about not getting it. The auction closed, and I saw that it did not meet the reserve price. I emailed the seller to inquire if the car was still for sale, since the reserve was not met. It was, and he wanted 34k. I told him what I was willing to pay, and we ended up agreeing on a price that was actually a few hundred less than the original final bid.

That said, be persistent and patient, and jump on a deal when you find a good one. You can't go wrong with a Z06

 

Looks like I found a winner! I'll know more come Saturday!! I have to change my screen name though, the car's not BLUE.

 

Congrats, and welcome to the Corvette community! Some friendly advice, if this is your first Corvette (especially a ZO6), you would do yourself a favor if you took a high performance driver education class. One of the best is Spring Mountain. You use their ZO6 to learn what these cars are really capable of. Best investment you'll ever make.

My DD is a GXP so I know where you are coming from.

 

cool! i was wondering whatever happened to you. keep us imformed!

 

I hope I don't jinx it but I changed my screen name because I'm not buying that EB but closing the deal on a QS tomorrow!