weneversleep

I'm considering the purchase of an extremely low mileage (<2000 miles) C5 Z06. Bone stock and still on the original tires. Has been started up and driven periodically, but obviously has done a lot of sitting around over the last 9 years.

Obviously, I would change all fluids and tires as soon as I get it. However, is it really worth the price premium for an essentially "new" car, or am I just setting myself up for trouble compared to a car with higher mileage?

bumble-z

What year is this Z?

weneversleep

2003 z06.

bumble-z

I wouldn't hesitate buying it.

Your buying a brand new car at less than half it's original value.
Don't let it get away .
Good luck.

skyavonee

A few questions:

1) How much would you offer for it?

2) How will you use it? (Daily driver or weekend cruiser? Will it see time at the track or strip?)

3) Are you planning to add any power mods?

Basically, if you're not gonna race it or add a lot of power mods, then this is the perfect Z06 for you. But if the price is on the steep side (like high 20's) and you plan on driving the **** out of it, or adding serious power mods, then you might be better served to find a higher mileage Z for several thousands less. Either way, good luck.

weneversleep

Well, interestingly enough, it was on eBay with a BIN price of $31,995. I was considering hitting the BIN after I had a few questions answered from the seller, and I was waiting on the response.

Just checked the auction, and it's over. Someone hit the BIN.

Oh well.

I posted another thread in the F/S area, but if anyone in the Texas area has a nice 2002-2004 low mileage Z06 for sale, let me know.

RC45

Catch 22.

If the owner/owners had kept up to date on all factory issues resolved under warranty it is a great deal.

if not - then as soon as you start driving it ALL the issues that many of us experienced during the first 3 years/36,000 miles that where taken care of under warranty willall need to be addressed on your dime.

And there are a mulittide of little thing sthat could ed up nickel and diming you to death.

Rocking seat, fuel guage, leaky diff, column lock, steering wheel sensor, ABS module, HVAC display, hazard switch etc etc.

Some ltitle things, others not so little - but all taken care of under warranty.

So as long as you go in eyes wide open. this could be a great purchase.

MY03C5Z

32k! for an 03 c5z??? It sounds like a great car with extremely low miles but no way I'd pay that kind of money for it. For comparison, my MY 03 z, bone stock with 36k on it was $23k. 36k is very low miles to me for a 9 yr old car. No way I'd pay even high 20s for one let alone low 30s. Unless you are buying it as a total garage queen to trailer around to shows I wouldn't pay that much for it.

MY03C5Z

I just read your post again, holy crap I can't beleive someone paid that price. That's nuts.

HisandHerZ06

I just paid $28,500 for a 2004 Z06 with 19k miles on it, in PERFECT showroom condition with BRAND new tires..... im very very very happy!!!

PS, if you are looking for one like that, check out www.vettecullture.com he has 2, I almost got one of his.... (PS if you go there tell him Joe sent you).

ThumperNC24

completely agree. Only reason to buy a car like that is to not drive it.

Then my next question would be - why are you buying a used car for too much money if you aren't even going to drive it?

95rtturbo

I paid 30K for my CE 04 ZO6, with 2800 original miles at the time. I wanted to get the "best" C5 ZO6 I could find. It isn't a whole lot different then purchasing a brand new car, but without the premium price (and on the negative side, lack of a warranty, but obviously it's a tradeoff). You get what you pay for.

And yes, I daily drive mine, with no worries. No "garage queen" here.

sabastian458

ALWAYS worry. Regardless of miles. The first time you dont it will bite you in the butt. Have it fully inspected and all.

hxrly

I bought my 2002 Z06 last January with 2,800 miles. It had the rocking seat problem (which I fixed) and the driver's door does not open with the remote, which I plan to fix soon. Fortunately the CAGS and column lock bypass were taken care of by the previous owner. Mine still had the original 10 year old tires... those tires will attempt to kill you with their lack of grip, so plan for a new set as part of the investment. However they do create a generous amount of smoke, so nothing wrong with having a bit of fun before disposing of them:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScUQlV9GUTo

The previous owner wanted $27,000, but I was able to bring it down to 25. I don't think I could've gotten a better deal for $25k, since the car is essentially new. I've put over 6000 miles in the past 4 months and I've had a blast doing so.

2K3Z06

Corvette owners are an odd bunch. They spend a hellva lot of money to not drive a car. Thinking (i guess) that in 20 or 30 years they will make a killing on resale. Maybe. By then your so old it does not really matter.

I love my Z06, told myself I would never sell it. 10 years and 50,000 miles later, hey its just a car. A pretty cool car, but just a car.

I didn't think they would build a car with much more than 400 horsepower, now ten years later. The 500HP club is very crowded, with 600 HP becoming the new standard. With some European cars (MB, Ferrari) with 700 HP+.

It might be time to let her go, and get one the 600+ HP machines.


IF its the car you really want, then yeah, its worth the extra dough to get what you really want.

Go for it, you only live once.

Robert Lewis

ZeeOSix

hxrly - nice '02 Zee. Better think about swapping out the OEM valve springs if they haven't been already.

AU N EGL

check the trans and diff seals. ie get under the car and run your finger along the seals.

With out heat those seals can and do dry out.

tires are SHOT do to age.

Belts and hoses may need to be replaced to to dry rot and none use.

$32K is a bit much. mid $20s, 26-28 maybe

Good Luck

skyavonee

You got a great deal on your ride; now protect it with a simple precautionary measure.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1580702853-post28.html

RamAirTA

The old Redneck Recaro mod. This is a great mod unless you carry strongside.

weneversleep

This weekend, I flew out to Phoenix and bought a 2004 red/mod red Z06 with 15K miles. Bonded with it on the 1200 mile trip home. Thanks for all of the help, everyone.