Juggs44

Hello fellow members,
I'm relatively new here. A bit about me. I currently daily an Audi S4 & have a 2011 GT500 vert as a weekend, car show car I can take the boys with me to. Unfortunately I have car problems being a car guy and like most of you as well, can't stop looking for cars.

Last year I had 3 cars before I sold my Miata (because who needs 3 cars! me of course) - and I miss that true 2 seat sports car experience. Therefore I've been contemplating a 2 seat sports car that's reasonable and perhaps stands a chance of retaining it's value. Cars I've been considering were a 2000-2004 Boxster or Carrera 911 (996) that can be had for less than 25k. In order to get this purchase by the boss (wife), I have to convince her if tomorrow I need to rid myself of the car, I can get most of my money back.

Therefore, after much research I've decided the 2001-2004 Z06 seems to fit that bill with some even saying the CE edition might begin to click up a bit in value. I for one, don't would not buy such car in order to "make money" on it, I don't think that's possible, but what are your thoughts on this car? You guys are much more knowledgeable with these vehicles and your opinion, thoughts, observations & potential pitfalls means the world to me. The particular Z06 CE I'm looking at has 31k miles and is pretty much stock. The owner wants $23k for it.

Thanks in advance!!

knewblewkorvette

A 04 Z06 CE with 31K miles for $23K, that's about right as he'll take less for it. Make sure it is a clear title. Only big item of an 04 I know of is the two gas tank problem. It can be very expensive to fix. Good luck with your purchase

ArmchairArchitect

I was in the same boat before I bought my 2002 Z06. I was seriously looking for a 996 era 911 but then realized the C5 Z06 was a MUCH better car to buy. More reliable (the 991-era 911s have self-grenading motors from the IMS bearing issue, same with the Boxster), and the Porsche performance and styling is very underwhelming compared to what you get with the C5 Z06.

That's a great price for that car with that mileage. Here's the low down on each year Z06:

2001: slightly less power, 385hp versus 405hp for 2002 to 2004. Sway bars were a little less thick too if I recall correctly, possibly some other minor differences. Some cars had excessive oil consumption.
2002/2003: replace valvesprings if they haven't been already- ~$100 parts + ~$300 in labor or do it yourself
2004: no known valvespring issues but had a fuel tank redesign which is very expensive to service compared to 02/03 fuel tanks, if you ever have issues.

Article on C5 Z06 values: https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cul...ciation-curve/

Sean_emory

Crussader

About 20% of all Corvettes produced in 2004 were CEs. They are not rare at all, and do not carry a premium. The fact that they are an attractive blue color is more important than the fact that they are CEs.

Juggs44

The carfax report doesn't show any Recall's or any fuel tank work performed. How can I confirm with GM whether this was done and second, how common of an issue is this and is this some sort of fire hazard? Serious cold feet I'm getting now :-(

Velocity_Vette

I don't think there is a sticky here on the forum for the VIN range. You can probably find it through a search here on CF or through a Google search. A call to a GM dealer's service department with the VIN will be able to tell you. It IS a serious issue that you have to ensure has been taken care of.

A good '04 CE Z06 would be a very good car to own though. In addition to the Commemorative package it go a carbon fiber hood and other goodies. If there was a C5 to own for the bragging rights that'd be it.

Kmcoldcars

Keep the 1996 C4 Grand Sport in mind. It is only paint and stripes on a regular LT4 engined 1996 and now commands a large premium over the regular LT 4.

fjwheeler72

You're in the same boat I was sounds like. I was cross shopping 911s, Elise, Cayman, etc and ended up with the Z and couldn't be happier. Dead reliable, fast enough in stock form and easy to make faster if you desire. Handles incredible with simple alignment and tire upgrade. And, still gets 25ish MPG, has cold AC and doesn't kill you on long rides. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another.

Juggs44

Yeah that whole IMS bearing potential blow up is scary. Question regarding this fuel tank issue, how much of a repair is it? And let's assume it hasn't been done to this vehicle, if I do purchase it, do I take it straight to a vette mechanic to have it remedied?

Juggs44

Just found the thread addressing this fuel tank leak issue and the car I'm considering does fall within the VIN range. I'm gonna reach out to my friend who works at a Cadillac Dealership to see what he can pull up. I'm assuming being a GM dealership, the service tech can find out what service was done in their network correct??

Vetteman Jack

Juggs44

That's part of my issue, the car is 7 States away from me....any idea on what that fuel pump/tank repair costs in case I need it someday?

Sean_emory

Juggs44

So I just spoke to GM. They looked up the VIN and the Special Coverage Adjustment and she said it was not performed on this specific vehicle b/c it technically was not a Recall and only vehicles at the time experiencing fuel leaks were eligible.

4XLR8N

One of my favorite factory C5's is the '04 CE Z-06.

Production was 2025 cars (Z-06 CE) out of 34,064 total Corvettes that year.

Might be a stretch to think it will rise in value, but IMO probably one of the most collectible C5's there is.

Go for it! And post up pics of your new ride when you get it!

Juggs44

Haha love your enthusiasm and eagerness to spend my $$$

Would it be wrong to buy this car and perhaps auto cross it a couple times?

ArmchairArchitect

Nope, that's exactly what the Z06 was designed for (well, proper road courses).

Juggs44

Great Article. Funny thing about the author of that article, Jack Baruth, I sold him my stock Miata Rims/Tires last year that he wanted for one of his track cars.
I guess my guilt comes in the form of tracking or Autox a limited edition vehicle.

srs244

i own an 04 ce 6 speed convertible, and contrary to a lot of what has been said here, i believe the 06 is most unique even within the CE "class" in that it is the only CE that is different color wise from the other convertibles and coipes because it has a black interior. pretty much why the convertible is also a bit unique because of the top fabric color.. while i don't remember the number (don't have my black book with me today), i believe of the 3 CE "models" they made less of the Z06's than the coupe and convertibles which book in over 2000+ made each.