Any Problems with a 2004?
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
Any Problems with a 2004?
I'm new to this site and have posted in the New Members area. I said I was interested in a C5 Corvette and was told to look at 2001 and newer cars. I'm negotiating currently on a 2004 Corvette, 33,000 miles, coupe, automatic (this is a must as my left ankle is fused due to a ton of sports injuries when I was much younger). The tires are almost new and it appears to be in very good condition.
Are there any problems with the 2004? How about with the automatic transmission? Is there anything I should be looking at?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Are there any problems with the 2004? How about with the automatic transmission? Is there anything I should be looking at?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 26,040
Likes: 157
I'm new to this site and have posted in the New Members area. I said I was interested in a C5 Corvette and was told to look at 2001 and newer cars. I'm negotiating currently on a 2004 Corvette, 33,000 miles, coupe, automatic (this is a must as my left ankle is fused due to a ton of sports injuries when I was much younger). The tires are almost new and it appears to be in very good condition.
Are there any problems with the 2004? How about with the automatic transmission? Is there anything I should be looking at?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Are there any problems with the 2004? How about with the automatic transmission? Is there anything I should be looking at?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 146
Likes: 30
From: Perry OH
2004 Coupe, A4 transmission. 70,0000 miles- bought two years ago w/ 54,000 miles.
- I had the dark climate control unit problem- replaced w/ rebuilt one (about 2 hours work w/ help from posts on this board)
- replaced the run-flats w/ Bridgestone RE-760 Sport tires in OEM sizes- great move- much better ride.
- replaced brake rotors and put on Hawk Pads, flushed and refilled brake fluid
- flushed and refilled coolant
- replaced shocks w/ standard, but C6 shocks (Delco - good ride in the chuckhole environment of No. Ohio)
- had to replace seat leather- driver's side worn thru at bolster.
- replaced weatherstrips on targa top and halo.
All-in-all, not bad. Much was me being overly cautious.
Great cars. Love mine.
- I had the dark climate control unit problem- replaced w/ rebuilt one (about 2 hours work w/ help from posts on this board)
- replaced the run-flats w/ Bridgestone RE-760 Sport tires in OEM sizes- great move- much better ride.
- replaced brake rotors and put on Hawk Pads, flushed and refilled brake fluid
- flushed and refilled coolant
- replaced shocks w/ standard, but C6 shocks (Delco - good ride in the chuckhole environment of No. Ohio)
- had to replace seat leather- driver's side worn thru at bolster.
- replaced weatherstrips on targa top and halo.
All-in-all, not bad. Much was me being overly cautious.
Great cars. Love mine.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 2,782
Likes: 314
From: The Lowcountry South Carolina
My 04....
-Instated hyper flash to resolve turn signal problem
-resoldered circut board on a/c control panel
-rebuilt motors on headlights
-installed Hurst shifter
-next project seats
the BEST of the six Corvettes I've owned
-Instated hyper flash to resolve turn signal problem
-resoldered circut board on a/c control panel
-rebuilt motors on headlights
-installed Hurst shifter
-next project seats
the BEST of the six Corvettes I've owned
Last edited by S.C. vette; Nov 13, 2016 at 04:34 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 1,339
From: Havre de Grace Maryland
Bought my 04 vert in September 2014. Car fell outside of the VIN numbers with tank issues. Within 30 days, changed all fluids and repaired rear differential seal. In 2016, changed the run flats to better riding tires. That is it except for oil changes. Great car. 
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 90
Likes: 17
From: Southwestern Desert Southwestern Desert
Hey Rumsey - at minimum pay for a Carfax report. Not exactly precise but they are better than nothing if no prior records available. Steering lock is the only real issue IMHO but M6 is worse than the automatic. However at 33K I'd think that issue would be abated (if needed).
I think you are doing well by looking at an 04 - usually good to buy the last production year of a model. If the vehicle is clean inside/out, no leaks, age correct wear with no signs of abuse, then follow your instinct.
Either way, Good luck!
I think you are doing well by looking at an 04 - usually good to buy the last production year of a model. If the vehicle is clean inside/out, no leaks, age correct wear with no signs of abuse, then follow your instinct.
Either way, Good luck!
I'm new to this site and have posted in the New Members area. I said I was interested in a C5 Corvette and was told to look at 2001 and newer cars. I'm negotiating currently on a 2004 Corvette, 33,000 miles, coupe, automatic (this is a must as my left ankle is fused due to a ton of sports injuries when I was much younger). The tires are almost new and it appears to be in very good condition.
Are there any problems with the 2004? How about with the automatic transmission? Is there anything I should be looking at?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Are there any problems with the 2004? How about with the automatic transmission? Is there anything I should be looking at?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Last edited by Ruger Brian; Nov 13, 2016 at 06:22 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 90
Likes: 17
From: Southwestern Desert Southwestern Desert
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With regard to the gas tank issue, no matter what year C5, C6 you are considering, you should conduct a simple test to see if the gas tank is leaking. Once you decide on the Vette you want to pursue, take it to a gas station and fill it up before buying or conducting a mechanics inspection. Do not overfill, that is when the nozzle clicks off, stop filling. If the gas tank has a leak, you'll know from the strong gas odor that won't go away in a few minutes. The problem is not limited to just that group of 2004s. While this is the only year GM took action, other years have had the same/similar problem but GM took no additional action. A search on these forums will disclose a number of C6s reporting gas tank leaks. I know, I did the search and found this concern and had it confirmed by a Chevy service manager.
BTW, I had an 04 that I traded early this year and it was a great car. Had to replace the battery, the TPMS sensors and the harmonic balancer in the three and a half years I owned it, but I was still very happy with it. Never had a problem with the gas tank, but then mine was one of the first 2004s off the assembly line and not in that VIN group mentioned in an earlier post. Also, it is my understanding that the leaking gas tank is a fairly rare occurrence.
BTW, I had an 04 that I traded early this year and it was a great car. Had to replace the battery, the TPMS sensors and the harmonic balancer in the three and a half years I owned it, but I was still very happy with it. Never had a problem with the gas tank, but then mine was one of the first 2004s off the assembly line and not in that VIN group mentioned in an earlier post. Also, it is my understanding that the leaking gas tank is a fairly rare occurrence.
Last edited by roadbike56; Nov 13, 2016 at 11:17 PM.