I’m wanting to get a c5 6speed and found a 2004 vert with 21,000 miles just wondering If the low mileage is something I should worry about

 

Go for it. Post pics when you get it.

 

What did you see? Did you see a lot to be worried about.

 

Nope, don’t see any cause for alarm with a 2004 with those miles. That’s what, a little over 1k a year? Figure if they didn’t drive it during bad weather or winter, that’s about right.

But if you do get it, I would have all fluids replaced so you have a baseline.

 

Given the information I have; 2004, 21k mikes; sounds good to me, but there is SO much more to consider. If you can provide any additional details, that will help us help you.

 

More important than the mileage is the history (and price). Was it wrecked, raced or flooded? Do you know service history. Be prepared to change fluids, battery, tires and other rubber parts.

 

No worry on the low mileage but make sure the maintenance history looks good.

 

If it checks out, that’s a great find.

Then…check the DOT date code on the tires as they may be the originals! If so, slap a new set on asap.

Have your brake system thoroughly flashed, and change all fluids. That’s a good reference to start with. And we’ll want some pictures!

 

21k miles on an -04 is less miles than my 2000 had when I bought it over 20 years ago in 2003

I would think you found a good one sir...if all else looks good, grab it while you can

 

I bought a low mile 2002.

Do a Carfax and learn the history.

Go over the car and check the needed stuff. Oil leak, fluid conditions tire age, anti freeze condition. Test them odds you will need to flush the brake fluid nd anti freeze. I change all fluids but Anti freeze as it tested new.

Leak wise it should be dry but it could show some dampness on the diff axle seal. Most leak a little.

Look for rodent damage to wires. Pull the covers off and pull the battery. It should have a gel battery but if it was changed to a regular acid you want yo look for acid damage to wires and computer.

Check the tires. Mine were from 2014. Make sure they match. Too many C5 tires are two different brands.

Get the car in the air and look for damage to the chassis or scrapes. make sure the radiator is dry and not clogged with leaves or grass. Check the air dam.

Check the interior. Seats are prone to cracks on low mile cars if not treated. Sone times you can recover them sone times not.

The leather if lose means the foam is damaged. The springs will cut the foam and you will end up on springs to leather.
Easy to fix with new foam. If the seats rock or move it is also an easy fix as bushings can fall apart and heavy drivers can break supports. Both are easy fixes.

Treat this car just as if it had high miles. Low miles often means fluid and tire changes but anything can happen.

Investigate the roof condition. If in need of work due to wear, damage or loose window can run $1500 to replace.

Depending of the care low miles can be good or bad. Too many cars are parked and forgotten. I have looked at cars with 10k miles i would walk away from. Paint damage from getting things piled on them can be an issue. Check the paint everywhere. Even garage dings are common on stored cars.

 

A 2004 C5 6 speed Convertible with 21,000 miles is a nice find. As long as it was stored carefully indoors in a climate controlled environment and maintained properly it should be a nice car. Make sure to get the maintenance schedule. At 20 years old it will have some little issues and some costly issues. Window regulators, rocking seat, seat bolster bladders, harmonic balancer, belts, tires and fluids may need to be addressed. If it has the F55 suspension, the shocks will be obsolete as will be most of the electronics.

 

....

 

Fuel tank problems?

 

Rare but expensive if needed. My neighbors lost a pump at 8K miles long after the warranty went out. Sitting was hard on the pump.

This was one of several reasons I look for a 01-03 mostly 02. Just tried to put the odd better in my favor.

 

What me worry?... 😁 Always with GM.

 

 

Here is the deal. The tanks and fuel system in the 04 is an early 05 C6 system. They used tanks with the sending unit and pump that come out from the top. In a C5 they have access panels the C5 not so much and the tanks, exhaust and torque tube have to come out. Not cheap or easy.

The earlier cars have the access for the pump and tank on bottom side and can be removed through the fender well.

Trouble is rare but it does happen and I have seen it. Low miles in some cases can be more of a problem. Old fuel can damage pumps.

You just need to either buy a car that you feel comfortable with or just be prepared for the cost of owning specific Corvettes. If you can afford to fix it this is not a big deal but if you can not do it yourself or pay someone to do it you will end up with a car in the garage you can't drive.

The owning experience of a Corvette is often related to how you pick the car. Learn the issues and costs involved for each year. Also know what you can afford or not afford. Low miles is not always a sure thing to trouble free driving.

Most problems are rare but they do happen. My low mile car already needed a Converter pipe. But that was in my wheel house also I could get the pipe at cost.

 

Buy this book before you buy anything.

 

The above is only true for an automatic transmission; with a manual you can get the fuel tanks out. Not much room, not any fun at all!....but do'able, even for a 67 yr old.

 

You should link your thread here. That was true grit 👍