[Z06] Thoughts before purchasing 03 Z
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Thoughts before purchasing 03 Z
So I am currently thinking about trading my mini on an 03 Z with 100,400 miles on it. They are asking 18k at the Chevy dealer which seems a bit high but I'm sure I could get it down some.
I'm trying to debate if this is worth it or if I am going to be buying a money pit.
All I know about the car is it is a 1 owner which is a plus but idk if any maint other than oil changes has been done. Last thing I want is to replace a clutch right after I get it as it will be my daily. But will only be driving about 5k miles a year.
I have read about what to look for when buying one but some things can't be checked by eye so that always worried me.
Any tips for me or things to consider?
And I already checked insurance rates and it only is about 15 more a month so not bad.
Thank you guys in advance and I'm going to continue searching the forum for info.
I'm trying to debate if this is worth it or if I am going to be buying a money pit.
All I know about the car is it is a 1 owner which is a plus but idk if any maint other than oil changes has been done. Last thing I want is to replace a clutch right after I get it as it will be my daily. But will only be driving about 5k miles a year.
I have read about what to look for when buying one but some things can't be checked by eye so that always worried me.
Any tips for me or things to consider?
And I already checked insurance rates and it only is about 15 more a month so not bad.
Thank you guys in advance and I'm going to continue searching the forum for info.
Race Director
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 15,866
Likes: 196
From: PA
100k miles is kinda high to be getting into a c5z as a daily driver imo. More than likely its on the stock clutch. Even going with a stock replacement clutch/pp/flywheel, new slave cylinder etc, you're looking at $1500 or more for parts & labor. New valve springs are a very good idea if they are original. Figure $500-$700 part/labor. Brakes are a pretty easy diy job, just like any other car. I would change ALL fluids if I were you. Figure cost for that. Not the most practical daily driver imo but Im guessing your a younger guy and not looking for practical. There will be other maintenance items but this a list to start from.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,423
Likes: 200
From: Atlanta GA
So I am currently thinking about trading my mini on an 03 Z with 100,400 miles on it. They are asking 18k at the Chevy dealer which seems a bit high but I'm sure I could get it down some.
I'm trying to debate if this is worth it or if I am going to be buying a money pit.
All I know about the car is it is a 1 owner which is a plus but idk if any maint other than oil changes has been done. Last thing I want is to replace a clutch right after I get it as it will be my daily. But will only be driving about 5k miles a year.
I have read about what to look for when buying one but some things can't be checked by eye so that always worried me.
Any tips for me or things to consider?
And I already checked insurance rates and it only is about 15 more a month so not bad.
Thank you guys in advance and I'm going to continue searching the forum for info.
I'm trying to debate if this is worth it or if I am going to be buying a money pit.
All I know about the car is it is a 1 owner which is a plus but idk if any maint other than oil changes has been done. Last thing I want is to replace a clutch right after I get it as it will be my daily. But will only be driving about 5k miles a year.
I have read about what to look for when buying one but some things can't be checked by eye so that always worried me.
Any tips for me or things to consider?
And I already checked insurance rates and it only is about 15 more a month so not bad.
Thank you guys in advance and I'm going to continue searching the forum for info.
When buying a 100K car, checking out everything is mandatory. If the previous owner has the service records, that would be helpful. Getting a short time warranty is not a bad idea either.
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Thanks for the responses, I appreciate the feedback. While I really want to get a Z, im thinking you guys might be correct and a 100k mile one might not be a great choice for my situation right now. Still in school full time so its probably better to stick to my Mini that is going to be under warranty for 2 more years instead of buying a sports car that will definitely require more attention. Not to mention I will have to haggle their price down 3k plus haggle to get a fair trade in value.
Maybe another one will come across at a better price!
Maybe another one will come across at a better price!
Race Director
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 15,866
Likes: 196
From: PA
Id have to say a mini with a 2 yr warranty remaining is a LOT better option for a college student. Mini Coopers are cool cars and much more practical. Drive it till you graduate, the c5/c6z's will still be around with lower miles when you graduate. Just my opinion. 
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 312
From: P-town Baby! Virginia
ya....that Z is over priced for the miles on it. I would say stick w your mini til you finish or are close to finishing school. Also...I would look for one w fewer miles and pay a little more......hopefully less headaches down the road.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 58
Likes: 3
From: Boise Idaho
Totally agree with the advise of keeping your mini while in school. Do not fear.....someone out there is saving your Z06 for you, when you are ready a low mile, well preserved garage queen can be found.
Found my one owner Z06 last August, 2001 C5 Z06 21,000 miles, red, with the factory plastic still on the floor mats.......a very nice example and paid $22,000. Replaced old tires, replaced battery with a AGM leak proof unit and did a complete fluid change. This Z06 puts the Porsches I have owned to shame in terms of value and performance.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 887
Likes: 15
From: Central CT
St. Jude Donor '16
I guess I'd have to disagree with the majority.
Mileage is no issue. I've had 4 Zs, ranging from 7k to 103k (currently and daily driver) and they all drove the same. They're good for 200k. The LS6 is a super reliable chevy small block that will take plenty of abuse and ask for more. Many on here, have heavily modded Zs with over 100k on them and no issues.
Why change the clutch if it's still good? Wait till it goes out to change it. I do agree on changing out the fluids as others have said. Also, don't be put off by the rattle from below when in neutral with clutch out. If it goes away when clutch is depressed, it's normal.
If you can get them down on the price, I say ditch the Mini and get the Z, no question. Otherwise, go back to the drawing board and find another higher mileage Z for less. I can't imagine that the Z is any less reliable than the UK Mini. I bought my first one a few years back while I was in school and would've done it again. You'll have to beat the chicks off with a stick and you'll actually want to go to school.
Mileage is no issue. I've had 4 Zs, ranging from 7k to 103k (currently and daily driver) and they all drove the same. They're good for 200k. The LS6 is a super reliable chevy small block that will take plenty of abuse and ask for more. Many on here, have heavily modded Zs with over 100k on them and no issues.
Why change the clutch if it's still good? Wait till it goes out to change it. I do agree on changing out the fluids as others have said. Also, don't be put off by the rattle from below when in neutral with clutch out. If it goes away when clutch is depressed, it's normal.
If you can get them down on the price, I say ditch the Mini and get the Z, no question. Otherwise, go back to the drawing board and find another higher mileage Z for less. I can't imagine that the Z is any less reliable than the UK Mini. I bought my first one a few years back while I was in school and would've done it again. You'll have to beat the chicks off with a stick and you'll actually want to go to school.
Last edited by Konrad; Apr 26, 2016 at 09:09 AM.
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Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,363
Likes: 429
From: Birmingham Al
So I am currently thinking about trading my mini on an 03 Z with 100,400 miles on it. They are asking 18k at the Chevy dealer which seems a bit high but I'm sure I could get it down some.
I'm trying to debate if this is worth it or if I am going to be buying a money pit.
All I know about the car is it is a 1 owner which is a plus but idk if any maint other than oil changes has been done. Last thing I want is to replace a clutch right after I get it as it will be my daily. But will only be driving about 5k miles a year.
I have read about what to look for when buying one but some things can't be checked by eye so that always worried me.
Any tips for me or things to consider?
And I already checked insurance rates and it only is about 15 more a month so not bad.
Thank you guys in advance and I'm going to continue searching the forum for info.
I'm trying to debate if this is worth it or if I am going to be buying a money pit.
All I know about the car is it is a 1 owner which is a plus but idk if any maint other than oil changes has been done. Last thing I want is to replace a clutch right after I get it as it will be my daily. But will only be driving about 5k miles a year.
I have read about what to look for when buying one but some things can't be checked by eye so that always worried me.
Any tips for me or things to consider?
And I already checked insurance rates and it only is about 15 more a month so not bad.
Thank you guys in advance and I'm going to continue searching the forum for info.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 517
Likes: 27
Let me give you some real world ad vice, since I just bought an 02z with 103K miles. I paid 14k and this car is a very well taken care of car...new tires, perfect stock Z wheels, nice paint, interior looks new except for a small tear in drivers seat. The car also had recent brakes and shocks. I am very happy with my buy....an idiot totaled my previous 08 coupe two months ago and i was looking for another late model, but this z came along and in the right color(victory red). The car handles better than my 08 and actually rides much tighter. There are caveats...if you are not able to wrench yourself, I would avoid these cars..here are the problems i came across which I fixed myself for very little dollars...rear wheel bearing(150), new front turn signal housings and led bulbs (100), ebcm fix (free)..new rear tie rod ends (100). That's it for now...if I had all these fixes done by a pro...would have been about 1500 or so. I drive my car daily and enjoy every minute of it...coming soon...headers, cam, shifter and tune.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,111
Likes: 304
Say what you will, I know a GM sales guy been selling Corvettes for 30 years ,anything Corvette any car with over 100,000 GM will give $5,000 act like there taking off big money on whatever you buy but in the end they giving you $5,000 for the 100,000 miles can't get a lone on the car with over 100,000 miles on it unless you got very good score and if you got good score 750 you would buy something else anyway.. Been knowing the guy for years in my Corvette club .. I have people say that can't be true was in the other office at the Dealer seen it with my own eyes.. nice 2000 Corvette 100,000 on it he gave the guy $5000 on a new GM something.. I ask if I could buy the Corvette he said sure $5,500 for he to make something ..Just saying .. I didn't really need it .. Seen it ..
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Keep the mini get a Z when youre out of school making more money
Vettes can be money pits or at least the repairs pricy
Motors are great its all the little stuff and electronics attached to them that can give you fits, havent seen on gen of Vette that isnt like that lol.
There will always be some nice lower mile ones out there, and prices arent going up so dont sweat it. Put the car on your backburner and keep working forward youll get one when the times right.
Guys seem to want to store these cars away and never use them which is good for you when youre shopping.
Vettes can be money pits or at least the repairs pricy
Motors are great its all the little stuff and electronics attached to them that can give you fits, havent seen on gen of Vette that isnt like that lol.
There will always be some nice lower mile ones out there, and prices arent going up so dont sweat it. Put the car on your backburner and keep working forward youll get one when the times right.
Guys seem to want to store these cars away and never use them which is good for you when youre shopping.
Last edited by cv67; Apr 29, 2016 at 04:55 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 6,957
Likes: 65
From: South FL
Corvettes are super cool, but engine wise, there isn't much to them - so in other words, mileage wouldn't scare me away completely so long as the vehicle was maintained properly. It's a pushrod V8. There are like 6 moving parts 
LS engines will last a long time if properly cared for. That being said, the advantage to it being a Corvette with a bit more of a scrutinizing market, you can use higher mileage as a strong negotiating tool.
They are asking too much for a 100k mile C5Z. I'd either see if I can get that price down to the 15k range as another member has stated, or look elsewhere. You'll find one
LS engines will last a long time if properly cared for. That being said, the advantage to it being a Corvette with a bit more of a scrutinizing market, you can use higher mileage as a strong negotiating tool.
They are asking too much for a 100k mile C5Z. I'd either see if I can get that price down to the 15k range as another member has stated, or look elsewhere. You'll find one
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 37
Likes: 4
That's too much for a 100k+ Z.
As far as being a DD, the reason I bought a Z is for lack of major repairs. A clutch is something that happens in manual cars...you should be prepared to pay that if the time comes. What you don't see on a Z are engine rebuilds which cost big money.
I DD a 111k Z. I recently replaced the clutch but that could have happened at 70k miles. I knew it hadn't been done in a while, it was factored into my purchase price. Tires are $800 bucks.
End all be all. Great performance, minimal depreciation, but wether it's a 50k mile car or 100k mile car, be prepared for not-cheap repairs but nothing catastrophic (like a $15k Porsche flat 6 rebuild due to bore scoring/IMS issue).
As far as being a DD, the reason I bought a Z is for lack of major repairs. A clutch is something that happens in manual cars...you should be prepared to pay that if the time comes. What you don't see on a Z are engine rebuilds which cost big money.
I DD a 111k Z. I recently replaced the clutch but that could have happened at 70k miles. I knew it hadn't been done in a while, it was factored into my purchase price. Tires are $800 bucks.
End all be all. Great performance, minimal depreciation, but wether it's a 50k mile car or 100k mile car, be prepared for not-cheap repairs but nothing catastrophic (like a $15k Porsche flat 6 rebuild due to bore scoring/IMS issue).
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 4,346
Likes: 755
From: Greensboro Nc
You guys keep talking about repairs being pricey.... Ever worked on a Mini Cooper before? My coworker used to work for mini, he got a kick out of this thread.
C5Z or nothing. Make the trade.
C5Z or nothing. Make the trade.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 741
Likes: 124
Id would have got rid of that mini a long time ago. Lol. My god nothing i would ever want to drive. In college heck yea get the z06. They run great have zero issues get great mpg. Your young have fun while you have probally the least amount of responsibilities in your life. Trust me get the z06. That is a high price so keep looking but for sure get the z06. Dont wait until later on in life or it will sit in your garage and never get driven like mine as when u have a family its hard to find the time to drive it.
Last edited by mainecobra; Apr 29, 2016 at 09:25 PM.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 741
Likes: 124
And also if driven properly and maintained 100k on a z isnt crazy by any means. And you dont need to replace the clutch either just because it has 100k. But with those miles id pay 13/14k max. For 18k you can get a low mileage 03z if u look hard enough and make a move quick when one comes available
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,111
Likes: 304
And also if driven properly and maintained 100k on a z isnt crazy by any means. And you dont need to replace the clutch either just because it has 100k. But with those miles id pay 13/14k max. For 18k you can get a low mileage 03z if u look hard enough and make a move quick when one comes available
Shakey