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Hi
I'm long time periodic Corvette Owner. Recent was 2012 GS. Am considering a 2002 Z06, 102000 miles, good CARFAX, no accidents, damage, or visible nicks/dings, well maintained. . Car is immaculate and no signs of driven hard. But, 5 previous owners, so who knows?What should I look out for?
Thanks
Ralph
My C5z has 69k miles and I’ve replaced over $10k in parts receipts not including upgrades since buying it in ‘07 with 43k miles. All labor done by me for free.
If you don’t turn your own wrenches these cars are expensive. Anyone that has replaced only a few parts spanning 2x,xxx+ miles has a car I probably wouldn’t want.
Hi
I'm long time periodic Corvette Owner. Recent was 2012 GS. Am considering a 2002 Z06, 102000 miles, good CARFAX, no accidents, damage, or visible nicks/dings, well maintained. . Car is immaculate and no signs of driven hard. But, 5 previous owners, so who knows? What should I look out for?
Thanks
Ralph
You should look out for deer and other animals crossing the road, especially at night. Also pedestrians.
Seriously, read the stickies. What is the asking price? I wouldn't worry about 5 owners. These aren't like regular cars where people sell because of issues. Many buy them as a toy and they don't have time to drive so they sit, then eventually sell.
If you're not mechanically inclined, have a pro look the car over (PPI). Good luck.
My C5z has 69k miles and I’ve replaced over $10k in parts receipts not including upgrades since buying it in ‘07 with 43k miles. All labor done by me for free.
If you don’t turn your own wrenches these cars are expensive. Anyone that has replaced only a few parts spanning 2x,xxx+ miles has a car I probably wouldn’t want.
Good luck.
Good Lord! Was the car thrashed when you got it? What parts did you have to replace? My car had 137K on it when I got it and all I've replaced so far is fluids and tires.
Good Lord! Was the car thrashed when you got it? What parts did you have to replace? My car had 137K on it when I got it and all I've replaced so far is fluids and tires.
Car was cherry, why I bought it.
Daily drove for 2 years. Went over the full list previously, but torque tube bearing failure high rpm killed the clutch. Trans started to pop out of 2nd gear, harmonic balancer, wheel hub, ebcm issue, leaking water pump, diff gear whine, knock caused by actual spark knock from carbon buildup in the chambers and exhaust valves coked, etc.
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Look out for the normal things with any car you purchase. Make sure everything works or if not, what it would take to get it to work. As mentioned, the stickies in this section as well as in the C5 Tech section have a lot of very useful info on the platform and would be a good read when looking for a car.
Be patient. I looked for about a year before I purchased my car. Got it for $14,700 with 75k on it. Long tubes and X-pipe mods already done. That saved me at least 2k. After 7,000 miles, no issues. Going in for a stage 3 cam soon. That and the balancer and a couple odds and ends replaced as long as they're in there.
Daily drove for 2 years. Went over the full list previously, but torque tube bearing failure high rpm killed the clutch. Trans started to pop out of 2nd gear, harmonic balancer, wheel hub, ebcm issue, leaking water pump, diff gear whine, knock caused by actual spark knock from carbon buildup in the chambers and exhaust valves coked, etc.
Fixed and then some.
Sorry you had so many issues with your car. I think yours is the exception though, at least from what I've seen on this forum. I don't think most C5's have that many issues. Mine does have a harmonic balancer wobble so I will be replacing it. It does have a slight whine in the rear but nothing serious. No other issues so maybe I'm lucky (knock on wood).
The current owner has had the car for two years, driven less than 2000 miles with no issues. He believes car is well maintained, has only changed oil and filter. There are no servicing or maintenance records available. On raising on a lift, there is an oil leak from the rear of the engine, and oil on the floor, which the owner hadn't mentioned. I decided to pass on the car - I'm 81 years young, but not a wrench turner. Our last vette was a 2012 GS which we drove and enjoyed for six years. Didn't feel right about this 02. But, thanks to all for the helpful responses. Ralph
Considering buy 2002 Z06
