[Z06] 2004 z06
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 318
Likes: 0
From: Kissimmee FL
2004 z06
Thinking about adding a vette. Carmax has a 2004 Z06 Comm. with 57,511 miles and wants 25,900.00, firm. I like the car but is this high or low with the amount of miles on it. the mileage is my real concern. Also any standard or known problems with this year and model. thanx....G
Pro
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 747
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento CA
The miles are a little high but if the car is what you're looking for I wouldn't let them stop you. I am not aware of any known problems that are 04 specific 
edit- I just looked the car up and it's a Z16! (comm edition Z06)
edit- I just looked the car up and it's a Z16! (comm edition Z06)
Last edited by urwtdrm; Jan 1, 2009 at 09:31 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 185
Likes: 2
From: Bay City Texas
Mine has ~33k on it. The only problem I've really had is the leaky rear output shaft seals. More of an aggravation than problem. I did replace the passenger side mirror motor. And then there's the belt that I noticed being half off the tensioner pulley. Replaced the tensioner/pulley assembly with a C6 part. Seems like every problem known to these cars (C5's in general) is hitting mine one by one. I would think with 57k, most problems would already be fixed.
Having said all this, l do love the car. Plenty of power for me, great handling, great manners, great gas mileage. Kinda hard to get to hook up and can get tricky on slick roads.
Don't know that this is a plus, but the Z16 does seem to attract a LOT of attention.
Seems like the price is in line with the mileage but since I don't intend to sell mine, I really don't keep up with values.
Having said all this, l do love the car. Plenty of power for me, great handling, great manners, great gas mileage. Kinda hard to get to hook up and can get tricky on slick roads.
Don't know that this is a plus, but the Z16 does seem to attract a LOT of attention.
Seems like the price is in line with the mileage but since I don't intend to sell mine, I really don't keep up with values.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 2,460
Likes: 352
From: Madison Alabama
I bought mine from a fellow club member three years ago in Feb. She had 11K on it then and I've added almost 20K in 3 years. No problems, great car and she has been my daily driver for the last 6 months...that's about to change as I'm looking for a new (old) DD. The only thing I've done is replaced the tires.
The price seems fair assuming it's stock and clean. CarMax follows the Blue Book pricing fairly close; what does it book for?
One thing I'd check is the tires. I'm pretty sure the previous owner replaced the tires with 50K+ on the clock; what type are on the car now? Check the inside of the front's, they wear bad there because of the agressive set up. You'll need to turn the wheel to full lock to even be able to see the tire wear.
Good luck, you'll love the car! Let us know if you have any other questions.
The price seems fair assuming it's stock and clean. CarMax follows the Blue Book pricing fairly close; what does it book for?
One thing I'd check is the tires. I'm pretty sure the previous owner replaced the tires with 50K+ on the clock; what type are on the car now? Check the inside of the front's, they wear bad there because of the agressive set up. You'll need to turn the wheel to full lock to even be able to see the tire wear.
Good luck, you'll love the car! Let us know if you have any other questions.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,375
Likes: 97
From: Somewhere in the Mid 9's TX
no big deal. I picked up my 50th anniversary Z 3 months ago with 70k on it. 5,000 miles, and 60 passes at the track later, the car is awesome. The clutch is going out, but that is expected with the amount of abuse it has already seen from the track.
The car I bought was what I was looking for. It drove, rode better than many low mileage Z's. It was a 1 owner, and used for commuting.
Don't be scared of the mileage. My professor back in college put 240,000 on his 97 C5 and it was fine.
Check the car fax, see how many owners, pay a reputable corvette shop 100 bucks or so to do a thorough inspection and compression test, and you should be fine. These car's are not the best built cars, but do go 100-200k if taken care of. Good luck.
Mark
The car I bought was what I was looking for. It drove, rode better than many low mileage Z's. It was a 1 owner, and used for commuting.
Don't be scared of the mileage. My professor back in college put 240,000 on his 97 C5 and it was fine.
Check the car fax, see how many owners, pay a reputable corvette shop 100 bucks or so to do a thorough inspection and compression test, and you should be fine. These car's are not the best built cars, but do go 100-200k if taken care of. Good luck.
Mark
Team Owner
Joined: May 2007
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From: Sarasota Fl. U.S.A.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 56
From: Oakville, Ontario Ontario
Lots of low mile Z's out there for not much more money...that's what I'd go for. In fact, I just did 
Just bought a 6,600 mile '03 Z06 with warranty for $26,400 that is absolutely mint!!!
Just bought a 6,600 mile '03 Z06 with warranty for $26,400 that is absolutely mint!!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 5
From: Jupiter FL
Sometimes it's hard to find out how the car was used. But I'd ask about the service history, extended warranties, major repairs that were done, etc. Also, do a carfax, and pay to have the car inspected by a qualified mechanic. A good mechanic can tell if a car has been well cared for or if it has been beaten up throughout its lifetime. A PPI is well worth the money. And if you can get an extended warranty (or better, if the car has one that can be transferred to you), so much the better.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 185
Likes: 2
From: Bay City Texas
Actually, in my travels, I've found huge differences in available traction on various roads. Where I live, the roads are slicker than snot. In Virginia mountains, traction is actually pretty good. Wet roads bite no matter where you are at.
As far as miles on the car goes, 57k is nothing to worry about assuming there's no damage from abuse to begin with.
If you like the car, my vote is to buy it. But then, I'm kinda biased.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 318
Likes: 0
From: Kissimmee FL
Pass
Went and looked at it, wow what a POS. Im surprised CarMax would put that car on their lot. Salesman told me it had been there for 3 months which sent the alarms up. Anyway, tires werent new and had about 10k left on them. Drivers seat tore in 2 places and the interior looked like someone had lived in there. The drivers door and passengers door where the Bose speakers go appeared to have rust halfway up the speakers and additional rust was found on both door hinges where it looks like it had been in water and was in fact water damage. Carpet smelled of water and very rough with a ring going around the interior as if it had sat in water. Salesman claimed he didnt know of any damage other than the right fender had been repainted (poorly) . I had thought highly of CarMax prior to this but after looking at this car I dont know . Anyway thanx for the replies and as I say it never hurts to look but I doubt if anyone will buy this vehicle....G
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,209
Likes: 12
From: Montgomery Alabama
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
I have seen a few Z16's in the low 20's that were in much better shape than what you describe.
A guy in my club just bought one with 50K miles for $21K
I was offered a 12K mile example that still smelled new at the CarMaxx in Birmingham for 25K a few months ago. I heard they dropped the price to $21K before they sold it.
I wouldn't pay more than $25K for one right now, even in pristine condition.
Another thing, Carmaxx will negotiate on their prices, even though the salesmen say they won't.
A guy in my club just bought one with 50K miles for $21K
I was offered a 12K mile example that still smelled new at the CarMaxx in Birmingham for 25K a few months ago. I heard they dropped the price to $21K before they sold it.
I wouldn't pay more than $25K for one right now, even in pristine condition.
Another thing, Carmaxx will negotiate on their prices, even though the salesmen say they won't.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: OTOWN FL
Went and looked at it, wow what a POS. Im surprised CarMax would put that car on their lot. Salesman told me it had been there for 3 months which sent the alarms up. Anyway, tires werent new and had about 10k left on them. Drivers seat tore in 2 places and the interior looked like someone had lived in there. The drivers door and passengers door where the Bose speakers go appeared to have rust halfway up the speakers and additional rust was found on both door hinges where it looks like it had been in water and was in fact water damage. Carpet smelled of water and very rough with a ring going around the interior as if it had sat in water. Salesman claimed he didnt know of any damage other than the right fender had been repainted (poorly) . I had thought highly of CarMax prior to this but after looking at this car I dont know . Anyway thanx for the replies and as I say it never hurts to look but I doubt if anyone will buy this vehicle....G
I saw the ad in the autotrader also. I cant believe carmax would put this wreck on their lot for that price.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 2,460
Likes: 352
From: Madison Alabama
...The drivers door and passengers door where the Bose speakers go appeared to have rust halfway up the speakers and additional rust was found on both door hinges where it looks like it had been in water and was in fact water damage. Carpet smelled of water and very rough with a ring going around the interior as if it had sat in water..
if it's not too much trouble I'd like to get the VIN on this car. We need to add it to the data base over on Z16.org...:o for CarMax huh?
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: Chesapeake Beach MD
Sorry it didnt work out for you. Dont let the miles scare you as long as these cars are taken care of not abused the motors and drivetrain are near invincible!! I bout my Z16 with 27k miles on and and drive it daily and currently have 34k miles on her. Car has been perfect and is a blast to drive.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 564
Likes: 0
From: The Great Nation of North Carolina
I have an 01 Z with 69K on it, I have been driving it for a year, shy of adding gas and changing the oil there have been zero issues. I bought the car from the original owner with all purchase and service records, he was retired military, over 60 and drove around with his wife. The car was purchased 20 miles from where he lived. Now I'm almost 60 and drive around with my wife !
Knowing the history is very relevant.
My 01 Z is a great car...but I do plan on selling it and getting an 04 Z at some point.
Miles are not a problem, overall care is what matters.
good luck
t
Knowing the history is very relevant.
My 01 Z is a great car...but I do plan on selling it and getting an 04 Z at some point.
Miles are not a problem, overall care is what matters.
good luck
t