Hey guys,
I'm just curious as to what typical issues you have with your Z's , especially with higher miles. Are there any issues that are pretty much "expected" with a 02+ Z06 or that is very common? Do you all have many problems or issues with your Z06? I'm just curious, it is a car I am considering in the future, and I like to do a lot of research

 

Speeding tickets .

 

Clutch hang, broke defroster tabs, diff oil leak, worn syncros (high mile), steering column lock up, interior trim/leather wear (high mile), maybe a couple more.

Still, buy one. Buy one that qualifies for ext warranty & get the warranty.

 

The three sort of "common" problems for a 2002+ are probably

1) Column Lock - GM has issued a number of recalls for this. Make sure the car either has a CLB (Column Lock Bypass) installed from a third party vendor, or the car is "up to date" on the recalls. If you get hit by the "dreaded" column lock problem you are basically stranded until a tow vehicle can haul you to a service location as either your steering wheel is "locked", or in some cases it is "unlocked" but the car won't run because it thinks the steering is locked.

2) EBCM and/or BPMV issues - The Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) is the computer that controls several functions - Anti-Lock braking, Active Handling, Traction Control, and Rear brake Proportioning. There have been a number of owners who have had problems with a failure of the EBCM, or the BPMV (the pump that actually generates brake line pressure under command from the EBCM). Unfortunately these problems occur without warning, so there is nothing you can do to be "proactive" about them. The good news is the car can be driven with a failure of these systems, but you don't have the added protection of ABS, AH, TC, etc.

3) Electrical issues - Like any car today, the Corvette is loaded with electronic systems. However, unlike most cars, the Corvette basically has a "plastic" body. So, all systems need a clean connection to the vehicle chassis for "ground". The good news is that if there are problems with grounding a system, once you find the problem it is usually cheap and easy to fix. The bad news is these can be a pain to find the source of the problem. See Bill Curlee's excellent "sticky" at the top of the TECH forum on electrical issues for more info on this.

Here's my bottom line on the Corvette from a "mechanical" point of view ...

The Powertrain (Engine/tranny/differential) is, unless seriously abused, virtually bullet proof. The engine is well designed and reliable, the transmission (both manual and automatic) are proven, and the diff is also very reliable.

The chassis is rock solid. Jack the car at a jackng point and you will immediately notice there is virtually no flex in the chassis. Try jacking, say, the Front Left tire and the Rear Left will come off the ground at virtually the same time. The car is structurally very strong.

There are some issues with electrical systems, etc (as mentioned above), but one GREAT advantage to a Corvette is that it is a CHEVROLET. Parts and labor are reasonable in comparison to many foreign vehicles (Achtung ... you VILL pay for that part...) and service is available almost anywhere.

Finally, find a car that has as many 3rd party vendors making parts/accesorries for it as the Corvette ... you can find ANYTHING to make your Vette suit your tastes ... engine mods ... stripes ... gauge faces ... whatever ... the aftermarket for this car is almost unmatched.

Hope this helps,

 

Smart wo/man ...amen... There is a way to try and unlock it in a pinch by wrenching the steering wheel one way (or the other) then trying to turn the ignition key.Mine is on the fritz right now. Luckily research herein will identify a vendor that rebuilds inexpensively compared to GM. I rationalize driving sans EBCM as it's just like driving a Viper D'OH! Dayum, that's three in a row for me. I even installed a 150 AMP alternator to resolve "dimming" issues...

Even though my 2002 Z06 is/has suffered all of the issues mentioned above AND I'm not a wrench bender (i.e. I pay more for labor than most everyone else here) I still strongly recommend purchasing a C5 Corvette Z06. It will bring a smile to your face too often to count.