Ok guys help me out here. I have found a 2003 Z, one owner and it is in my price range so what I need to know is what issues are there on this year model that I need to look out for. Please tell me there are NO issues on this model..... thanks for the input. PS it's all stock.

 

Are you asking specifically for information on 2003s ONLY?

There are "CONCERNS" for C5s in the 2001-2004 era. One such concern is the ECBM issue. This is not a common problem, just a known concern. I had a 2003 and a 2004 and did not have any issue whatsoever with either car. Any year, any car can have it's own problem(s). I try to ascertain how the car was used or abused. Then I take a hard look at maintenance. There are cars that are cared for, and ones that suffer neglect.

There are issues like the column lock feature that haunts all the C5s, and then you read an occasional leaking real axle issue. I would say if you can lay hands on the car, and look at things like raising the hood, and look in at the screen where the wipers lay. Is it clean or is there debris there? How about looking at the door hinges. Are they clean or covered in dirt and grease?

I'm a detail nut so I clean out the troughs where water collects. I even pull the wheels off and clean and polish the inside barrels of the wheels where all the brake dust collects.

These are things I examine and try to find a car owned by an **** retentive detail nut like myself. Then look at service records and see if you are truly buying a Corvette lovers car or just another driver.

Good luck on your decision.

 

Depending on when it was actually manufactured during the 2003 production run you may have a future valve spring failure ? There are a lot of threads regarding this issue - use the search feature and read up on it.

 

And late '03's had the Fuel Filter in the Tank like on C6's...

 

My '03 has 110k mostly trouble-free miles. Column lock, Left side diff leak main repairs I've had, not much else i can think of right now.

 

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.

 

Life's too short not to own a Z06.

 

Most of my problems was due to bad design. I had the water/air leak (fixed myself). Have electrical problems that are annoying like memory settings for the mirrors and driver side seat. They never go back to the saved position. My chip on the key worn down along with the ignition so I cut a wire and spliced it with a matching resistor from the store. So now the chip in my key is useless lol. Just small things over time. Other than that I have had 0 mechanical problems. Bought mine at 42K miles and im at 90K miles. Same clutch too. But I did screw up my tranny from a missed shift and messed up my 1st gear some how. So I will be upgrading my tranny soon and might as well throw in a new clutch while its out.

 

Oil pan gasket leak. Like others have said, not a commone issue, but it can happen. Typically this isn't a major problem mechanically speaking, but to have it done (if you don't do it yourself) can cost 800-1000 bucks for a gasket change. It is labor intensive, hence the cost.

 

Thanks guys I knew this was where to go to get my info. azmusclecar I am concerned mainly with the 03 model. This car is listed for $19,200 which I think is a very good price and I like the fact it is a one owner.

 

How many miles does it have?

 

I don't know how many miles are on it. Hopefully I will find out today. That is the only thing I was thinking would be the reason it was priced low. It has not been wrecked or at least that's what he said. I will know more once I go look at it in person.

 

Well you're wise to be suspicious but then again, some times miracles happen. That IS a very good price and there's that saying about being too good to be true. I would be interested myself at that price. Do your homework like you have and go lay hands on the car. Also get a feel for the seller as well. Sometimes the seller will disclose things not written, and then look for evidence. Follow the evidence, not just what is said. Good luck....I hope it's all you want it to be. Then the permagrin begins.

 

this is a good thread. I too am in the market for a lower mile 02-04 z. dealer locally has an o4 with 11,000 miles but wants 28k. little high, but I will keep looking. nice to know where the design flaws are in this particular model...

 

Don't forget to check for current error codes on the dic too.

 

Ok, here's the deal. The owner is a retired fireman. The car has 96k on it. The roof is starting to fade (from so many washings) and there is a small rip in the drivers seat. My son spoke with the guy over the phone and he said the gentleman was telling him all about the car, how he bought it brand new at the local dealer and always took it back to the same dealer for any service work. We decided to pass on this deal because of the mileage. BUT I still think its a pretty good deal. If any of you guys are interested it is posted on craigslist in atlanta area. Again thanks for all of your advise.

 

1 owner 2003 corvette Z06.--Awesome
The car has 96k on it. --Thats a lot of miles
Rip in the drivers seat. --New seats best repair
Roof is starting to fade. --the sun does, this not a wash mit

19,600.00

I am sure it has been well maintained and is priced high because everyone talks people down a couple grand. I would pass and find a lower mile car like you did as well.

 

I have a 2003, I've had to do:

• Column lock bypass
• leaky diff fix
• aftermarket valvesprings
• ECBM
• Rocking seat fix
• Replaced crank pulley / balancer

 

Hello all sold my base model 03 last August but will be getting into another 03 50th ZO6 by next weekend awsome deal only has 40k on it can't wait to hit the streets wish me luck

 

No issues with a GM car? That will never happen.

Valve Spring Failure
Harmonic Balancer Wobble (No GM fix for C5 right through 2013's)
Fuel Leak/cracked crossover on late C5
EBCM
etc
etc


Your reading assignment...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1249213
U will be tested when U buy one