[Z06] 2003 Z06 Known Problems
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 170
From: oregon
plan on replacing the valve springs the week you buy it
nothing else is really a pressing concern
100k mile 2003 z06 could have a very wide spread in price. a one owner freeway driver that still has a virtually like new engine will be on the top end of the range
a tracked car, oil burner, rattle trap or other issues may be as low as 14k with salvage titles going as low as 10k
with average mileage cars like this how they were driven and maintained is everything. since you have to fix the seat and change the valve springs 16.5-17.5 would seem more realistic if it's a well kept car. if the car had above average paint, no interior damage, everything worked, no leaks AND they provided cylinder leakdown results the 19k might be do-able but this doesn't sound like what they are selling
this forum is kind of odd with mileage, most people don't seem to drive their cars much and or they track them and wear and tear is completely different
most 2003 cars that have been used as a driver should be around 120k miles. anything under that from not being driven in winter to who knows obviously makes it lower, but, daily drivers are going to have paint that's more rough and more interior wear as well. pay accordingly
nothing else is really a pressing concern
100k mile 2003 z06 could have a very wide spread in price. a one owner freeway driver that still has a virtually like new engine will be on the top end of the range
a tracked car, oil burner, rattle trap or other issues may be as low as 14k with salvage titles going as low as 10k
with average mileage cars like this how they were driven and maintained is everything. since you have to fix the seat and change the valve springs 16.5-17.5 would seem more realistic if it's a well kept car. if the car had above average paint, no interior damage, everything worked, no leaks AND they provided cylinder leakdown results the 19k might be do-able but this doesn't sound like what they are selling
this forum is kind of odd with mileage, most people don't seem to drive their cars much and or they track them and wear and tear is completely different
most 2003 cars that have been used as a driver should be around 120k miles. anything under that from not being driven in winter to who knows obviously makes it lower, but, daily drivers are going to have paint that's more rough and more interior wear as well. pay accordingly
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,150
Likes: 6
From: NS
I've got a 2003, 60k miles. Only problems were column lock (easy fix with the bypass kit), dirty ground on the left front frame rail affecting EBCM (easy fix) and both radiator tanks cracked. One annoying problem is the exhaust "jingle" from the H-pipe. Not really a problem, just a unique noise from a Z06. I installed an X-pipe which eliminated it. Oh and a cracked bezel around the HUD from the sun. Cheap part but a PITA to replace.
The biggest potential issue is valve springs. If this is an early 2003 car it likely has the yellow springs. Open the oil filler cap on the valve cover, look in with a flashlight. If you see a yellow spring you should find another car or plan on replacing them as soon as you buy it.
The biggest potential issue is valve springs. If this is an early 2003 car it likely has the yellow springs. Open the oil filler cap on the valve cover, look in with a flashlight. If you see a yellow spring you should find another car or plan on replacing them as soon as you buy it.
Last edited by Atok; May 7, 2013 at 05:36 AM.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 427
Likes: 54
From: oroville ca
I know if you look really well and get lucky ... I found a 2003 with 60,000 original miles on it with no issues at all runs like it was new and new tires brakes in dash ac heater controls new led version and black too!! oh with a cat back exhaust brand new as well for 17,000 .. This is not everyday though so I am buying it this weekend
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,360
Likes: 3,383
From: Central TX
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
I know if you look really well and get lucky ... I found a 2003 with 60,000 original miles on it with no issues at all runs like it was new and new tires brakes in dash ac heater controls new led version and black too!! oh with a cat back exhaust brand new as well for 17,000 .. This is not everyday though so I am buying it this weekend
Racer
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 430
Likes: 219
From: Tampa, Florida
You might consider an aftermarket warrantee/service agreement. I have had a new "batwing" oil pan installed, new computer chips, etc.. None of it cheap to have done.
That said, we are getting cool air now at our latitude. My car was just RDF (real damn fast) today. I can barely use first gear in this weather, the car rips through it subsecond. I start off in second, and I'm doing 65 in a blink. I have a Dewitts radiator, and when I got home to my driveway, the car was running at 153 degrees. For the money, you can't buy a more thrilling car to drive. I got the longtube headers and a short shifter. It's a constant passion fruit of easy to do upgrades.
That said, we are getting cool air now at our latitude. My car was just RDF (real damn fast) today. I can barely use first gear in this weather, the car rips through it subsecond. I start off in second, and I'm doing 65 in a blink. I have a Dewitts radiator, and when I got home to my driveway, the car was running at 153 degrees. For the money, you can't buy a more thrilling car to drive. I got the longtube headers and a short shifter. It's a constant passion fruit of easy to do upgrades.
Last edited by DECON BLUE; Nov 24, 2020 at 07:12 PM.
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