Abubaca

Hoping to shop for a C5Z soon. Need to move the current hot rod, so trying not to count the chickens too early. ...of course here I am on the forum if that tells you anything!

...so I know from the Thirdgen F body world, lower mile cars can actually sometimes be MORE headaches than they're worth, especially if they'll be driven a bit, which hope to do with the C5. No DD status, but no measly 500 miles a year either. Of course, thirdgens are quite a bit older, so it's not really apples to apples. I'm finding several C5Z in the 24k to 50k mile range, and that's kinda been my target. Kinda worn in a little but not worn out. Just curious what the general opinion is.

Mr. Black

For a longer term keeper. 25k or less for me.

Wharf Rat

Low mileage Vettes are easy to come by compared to Camaros, Mustangs, etc. I bought a 93 with 30k miles 2 years ago and an 03 Z06 with 17k last year. Since these older Vettes have deteriorated in price so much you can find low mileage unmolested cars for not much more than average condition/mileage examples. I've never bought that low mileage is worse than high mileage theory either. That is just **** that people say when they are trying to sell something with a zillion miles on it. I will gladly pay a few extra grand for a stockish low mileage car than something overly modded or used up.

As far as a C5Z specifically, they are not hard to find with sub 50k miles give or take. Might cost you an extra 5 grand over the 100k+ mile cars but I think it is well worth it.

Beer:30

Low mile (<60K) C5s are plentiful. For a Z06...check the valve springs.

3sACROWD

Maintenance is key to these cars. If the car is well maintained, it should go a long ways. The engine was designed to go 200k miles and the chassis to hold up for 400k miles. The C5 was designed to go the distance. I looked at approximately 30 Vettes before I bought mine. I wound up with the highest mileage car of the bunch however the maintenance was by far the best and it showed.

Abubaca

I'm seeing what you guys are saying. Plenty of options for lower mile cars. ...and my gut is also telling me the lower the better. Early 2000 isn't THAT old. As for valvesprings, what do you check? I've heard they can break, but is there something you can check?

byte_me

The valve spring issue was something on 2002 cars and up, there was an entire thread about the years and the folks who had the issues. As for the Z, I was in your boat about a month ago and found an incredibly clean, well documented, low mile 01 Z06 black on mod red (20K miles) and paid $20K. I thought it was a decent deal. The only things I have done were to change the fluids and drive it...you are going to have some to tell you to stay away from an 01 since some have had oil consumption issues due to the type of piston rings and flutter at certain RPMs...mine had the oil consumption test done, and was determined to NOT have the issue...the car is flat out awesome, raw, and powerful just like a sports car should be....the key is to look for one that has good documentation, and hasn't spent its life being beat on...there are a lot out there, and reasonably priced for what you get in these cars.

Good luck on your search, and hope you find that Z that you just have to have...Of all the Corvette's I have had (8 total with many C5's and a C6 in that mix) the C5 Z06 just blows them away for style and raw performance...and mine is completely stock! lol

Not4spd

Bought my 03 with 57K on it 5 years ago. Now it's still running strong with 90K on it. I wouldn't hesitate on a higher mileage Z06 if it's the color you are looking for. Good luck

SLOWRYDE

As an owner of an 03 Z06, I will echo what others above have said. Mileage is deceiving. If the car has only 6000 miles on it, but those miles were driven at the red line on race tracks, that's not a car I would be interested in if I were in your shoes. Conversely, if you find one with 40k miles that was driven at 1800 rpms on the highway for a majority of the time, those miles wouldn't be nearly as concerning to me. Bottom line is do your due diligence with pre-purchase inspections and you will find the C5 Z is a wonderful machine that you will enjoy for a long time.

Abubaca

Thanks for the input guys. ....doing lots of reading. Thanks!!!

killian96ss

I would also go for lower mileage if you can. I bought my 02Z with 8.8k miles on it 2 years ago for $25k. It was basically like a brand new car, but since it was 15 years old I replaced the valve springs for safety, changed all the fluids, installed new belts, new tires, etc. It's been a great car so far and nothing comes close for the $ spent, not to mention it puts a big grin on my face every time I drive it! Good luck with your search!

Steve