[Z06] 2003 Z06 question
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 599
Likes: 13
From: Gainesville Georgia
2003 Z06 question
I have an opportunity to buy a 2003 Z06 with 35,760 miles. The tires are new but they are Toyo tires which I know nothing about. The exterior color is quick silver and interior is black. I was not in the market to buy at this time since I have a 2007 C6 Z51 Coupe, but the price of the Z06 is $26,500. The car belongs to someone I know and who happens to be the second owner. Is there anything in particular about the 2003 that one should be aware of? I would not be getting rid of my C6. Thanks
Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 652
Likes: 0
From: Carthage NY
Other than the infamous column lock issue (which is easily fixed) there's really nothing to be worried about. With buying a used Z06 (much like any other car), I would inspect to see if it has been ragged on. Clutch condition, fluids, interior, the usual..
Just curious, why get the Z06? Building a collection?
Just curious, why get the Z06? Building a collection?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 599
Likes: 13
From: Gainesville Georgia
Good question, especially when I would prefer a C6 Z06 with the LS7, but presently those are too pricey and the $26.5K price for the C5 2003 is enticing. I could possibly sell it for a profit, don't you think? Or I could give it to my wife.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 640
Likes: 0
From: Orange County CA
That seems like a great price if everything checks out. Other than the valve springs and shift fork (and the CLB already mentioned) there's nothing to be overly concerned about.
Even if you have to put new brake pads on it and change all the fluids I would think you could flip the car and make a little something for your efforts.
Even if you have to put new brake pads on it and change all the fluids I would think you could flip the car and make a little something for your efforts.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 640
Likes: 0
From: Orange County CA
Broken valve springs, especially once you approach 60k miles. There were several instances of a valve spring failing and the dropped valve taking out the engine. Some were luckier and got away with just replacing the broken spring.
And besides, this was a perfect excuse to have a cam and headers installed since I was replacing the springs (at least that's what I told my wife).
And besides, this was a perfect excuse to have a cam and headers installed since I was replacing the springs (at least that's what I told my wife).
Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 652
Likes: 0
From: Carthage NY
That problem is on the '03s?? Wow. This is the first time I've heard of it.
If it was me, and I had the kind of money you're talking about, I'd trade the C6 in for C6Z, but it sounds like you have other plans in mind.
Having said all of that, I think you'll like the C5Z better than your C6.
If it was me, and I had the kind of money you're talking about, I'd trade the C6 in for C6Z, but it sounds like you have other plans in mind.
Having said all of that, I think you'll like the C5Z better than your C6.
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Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,510
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From: Coconut Creek FL
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 599
Likes: 13
From: Gainesville Georgia
I agree with you about the price being in the 30's. My latest issue of Corvette magazine, Sept 2007 on page 68 indicates average prices from $36K to $38.5 for average to good condition. For one that needs TLC the price is $29.5K. For show quality the price jumps to the $40's. I might just be selling my Harley Street Glide and my wife's VROD to get that car and then flip it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 5
From: Jupiter FL
I have an '03 Z with 25K miles on it. Excellent car. You'll have a lot of fun with it, and if you really clean it up so it sparkles, you will probably make a few bucks on it if you flip it. Just remember, you are paying state sales/use tax on the car when you buy it, so that adds to your overall cost of acquisition, plus any other money you put into it.
Silver/black is a nice combo. Don't worry about the fuel pump issue, unless you are planning on substantially modding the car with turbo or SC kit. The mid-'03s and '04s have an in-tank pump that is hard/expensive to replace. Earlier cars have an external pump, if that matters to you. Otherwise, these are great cars. As long as it's not been beat on, you should have a lot of fun and good running with it.
Silver/black is a nice combo. Don't worry about the fuel pump issue, unless you are planning on substantially modding the car with turbo or SC kit. The mid-'03s and '04s have an in-tank pump that is hard/expensive to replace. Earlier cars have an external pump, if that matters to you. Otherwise, these are great cars. As long as it's not been beat on, you should have a lot of fun and good running with it.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 815
Likes: 1
From: Georgetown TX
I agree with you about the price being in the 30's. My latest issue of Corvette magazine, Sept 2007 on page 68 indicates average prices from $36K to $38.5 for average to good condition. For one that needs TLC the price is $29.5K. For show quality the price jumps to the $40's. I might just be selling my Harley Street Glide and my wife's VROD to get that car and then flip it.
Anyone on here would have to agree that there is no way that average '03 Z06 prices, even for those in very good condition, would be anywhere close to $36K to 38.5K USD. More like $31K to $33K with under 30k miles.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 227
Likes: 0
From: Garden Grove CA
I am pretty sure that if you look closely at that article, it is in CANADIAN DOLLARS (no, I am not kidding), which means $30K is about $28.4K USD.
Anyone on here would have to agree that there is no way that average '03 Z06 prices, even for those in very good condition, would be anywhere close to $36K to 38.5K USD. More like $31K to $33K with under 30k miles.
Anyone on here would have to agree that there is no way that average '03 Z06 prices, even for those in very good condition, would be anywhere close to $36K to 38.5K USD. More like $31K to $33K with under 30k miles.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,061
Likes: 266
From: Slower than a speeding bullet................ Fort Lauderdale, FL
It's a fair price. May be worth a few $$$ more.
There are a lot of low, low mileage cars around, and the ones with higher miles command less.
There are a lot of low, low mileage cars around, and the ones with higher miles command less.