I'm looking at an 03 Z06 this weekend. Was wondering if you guys could help a newbie with anything special I should look for or ask about (recalls, potential problems, typical signs of misues, etc...). Appreciate any experience you could share. Thanks.

 

i suggest reading 3 or 4 pages of threads.

that would educate you.

 

This should keep you busy for a while.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-z...tions-faq.html

If you need to know anything else about a Z06, use the search function. Just look for signs of abuse, neglect, and shoddy repairs. Check the rearend for leaks. Look underneath it GOOD. Good luck.

 

Since you are a newbie, there are many things that you should look at before purchasing the car. The search funtion will aid you. The C5s had column lock problems, so you need to know if the recalls were done by Chevrolet (take VIN number to Chey dealer and they can pull the repair codes) and/or if the column by-pass unit was installed by the owner. Check to see if the correct battery is in the car, an improper battery will cause you problems. You need a AC Delco battery Part # 19001632; CCA 700, RC 120 or equivalent. You will look at the obvious things such as tires, paint, etc. You should find out all that the owner(s) have done to the car in the way of mods, both cosmetic and performance. Does the trunk lid pop up high enough for you to get your fingers under? May need a "popper". Check the Drivers Info Center (DIC) and get the codes so you can see what is wrong. I believe the procedure is on the site as well as what the codes mean. Is the shifter stock (long throw) or an aftermarket short throw, or a C6 short throw? What exhausts are on the car? Factory exhausts are titanium and light weight. After-markets have great sounds, but can drown you out in the cabin, so you must find out with a test ride at highway speeds and do some wide open throttle tests to hear the sounds. If new brakes have been installed, determine if they were after market or OEM. Sometimes the after markets do not stop the Z06 as it should, especially the cheaper versions. Need to verify the tire size. Wrong sizes affect active handling among other problems. How many fobs are there and do they work? Keys are expensive as are the fobs.
When I purchased my Z06, I made a comprehensive check list and checked for each item. I then decided what I could reasonabyl fix or change, and what I would not accept. This is the part of the fun of purchasing a used corvette, just don't buy the car unless it meets your specifications. Let us know how you did.

 

Fill out your profile so people can see where you are from. Maybe someone local to you from the forum would be willing to go look with you.

 

And so will this
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=984927

 

Wow, some great info besides the FAQ. I'll be looking soon also. Subscribed!

 

I've been looking at the C5 Z06 myself. Seen some pretty attractive deals lately. I did some research and see that there are some issues to be aware of like the valve springs, steering lock issue, and the rear axle seals. I also read through the facts section and found some good info. The one question I have that I haven't found an answer for yet is one year better than the other, which model year has the least amount of problems.

 

Thanks everyone. Cor24vette, the weights measurements thread was very helpful. Thanks.

 

Look at the clutch fluid reservoir to see how clean it is. There are some good pointers in the "sticky" section on top at the beginning of this Z06 forum's "Frequently Asked Questions" section. All the problems are discussed there. Learn now to minimize learning the problems later.