C5 Z06 with Reported Frame Damage
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C5 Z06 with Reported Frame Damage
Hello all,
I just spent $6100 last week to replace a clutch in my ATSV after my last track wkd, its an engine out process and really not happy about it. I've been looking locally to buy a C5 or C6 Z06 at a low price strictly for HPDE. I've seen some good deals right under $20k for track ready C5s and not many nice C6 under $30k locally. As I continually look I just came across a recently posted an 02 C5 Z06 for $10k. Black on Red/Black. Not worried about the cosmetics because it looks its age but an autocheck on the VIN revealed that in 2012 "Auction accounced as frame damage." There have been 30k miles put on since then. Honestly if the car was priced any higher I would normally walk but $10k or less for me is worth a consideration, hence why I purchased an autocheck. Going to see if I can take a look at the car tomorrow, see if it drives straight/inspect tire wear, and try to get it to a frame/body shop to inspect it. I did a search but wanted to get some feedback from anyone thats dealt with a "frame damage" reported vehicle. Seems like a good deal if the motor and clutch check out as well as going in with a lower offer.
Thanks
I just spent $6100 last week to replace a clutch in my ATSV after my last track wkd, its an engine out process and really not happy about it. I've been looking locally to buy a C5 or C6 Z06 at a low price strictly for HPDE. I've seen some good deals right under $20k for track ready C5s and not many nice C6 under $30k locally. As I continually look I just came across a recently posted an 02 C5 Z06 for $10k. Black on Red/Black. Not worried about the cosmetics because it looks its age but an autocheck on the VIN revealed that in 2012 "Auction accounced as frame damage." There have been 30k miles put on since then. Honestly if the car was priced any higher I would normally walk but $10k or less for me is worth a consideration, hence why I purchased an autocheck. Going to see if I can take a look at the car tomorrow, see if it drives straight/inspect tire wear, and try to get it to a frame/body shop to inspect it. I did a search but wanted to get some feedback from anyone thats dealt with a "frame damage" reported vehicle. Seems like a good deal if the motor and clutch check out as well as going in with a lower offer.
Thanks
Last edited by TiptronicSoldier; Mar 1, 2021 at 08:01 PM.
Safety Car
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From: Redondo Beach CA
If I were to choose between two cars for a " high performance driving event" , I would choose the one without a history of frame damage.
If my only concerns were winning a contest, not safety, I also would not choose a car with recorded frame damage, because the accepted repair tolerances for an American car to be "straight" is one quarter of an inch, so I might be at a permanent disadvantage against the exact same setup that rolls truer. Foreign cars, 8mm off is straight enough to pass for original straight, a little tighter requirement, if memory serves.
I regret being so negative, call me chicken. But then I also seek to avoid all mechanical failures, even stuff that breaks in the driveway causes me upset. I would think the major concern would hopefully not be a catastrophic failure, but rather how the thing might react in a crash. I am reminded of how Germany will issue a pretty serious ticket for a little thing like a cracked signal lens, because they consider it a safety deal, possibly effecting how the car will respond in a crash.
If my only concerns were winning a contest, not safety, I also would not choose a car with recorded frame damage, because the accepted repair tolerances for an American car to be "straight" is one quarter of an inch, so I might be at a permanent disadvantage against the exact same setup that rolls truer. Foreign cars, 8mm off is straight enough to pass for original straight, a little tighter requirement, if memory serves.
I regret being so negative, call me chicken. But then I also seek to avoid all mechanical failures, even stuff that breaks in the driveway causes me upset. I would think the major concern would hopefully not be a catastrophic failure, but rather how the thing might react in a crash. I am reminded of how Germany will issue a pretty serious ticket for a little thing like a cracked signal lens, because they consider it a safety deal, possibly effecting how the car will respond in a crash.
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Haven’t really gotten many responses from the owner so probably will make a pass. A carfax/autocheck isn’t the end all so at least wanted to inquire about the damage and get it checked but the lack of response for details is probably a good reason to keep looking. I’d assume if any damage was minor or an overstatement from carfax the owner would have a detailed explanation to the extent and how it was repaired.
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Good luck with your search. Keep in mind that although the C6 Z has more power, the C5 Z is lighter. IMHO the C5Z is a better platform for HPDE.
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Good luck - being as cautious as possible when it comes to vehicle safety is a good thing, especially when looking to use the car for competitive purposes. I too would want it inspected by a really good body shop just for peace of mind.
Last edited by Vetteman Jack; Mar 2, 2021 at 06:01 PM.
