Problems with low miles?
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Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
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Problems with low miles?
Hey, I was wondering what are some of the problems that you would run into with buying a C5 with really low miles. Im looking to buy a C5 Z06 and some that ive seen only have about 7k miles on them. Ive heard that some gaskets can go bad if they dont get oil every once in a while. Can someone shed more light on this for me? Thanks.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,036
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From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Look through the stickies at the top of the C5 section for common problems that occurred on the C5. The lower the miles the less likely these problems happened and were repaired under warranty which increases the likelihood that you will be paying to fix some of them on your own nickel.
If a dealer told you he was going to sell you a 2010 Vette with 1K miles on it but the warranty was void would you buy it? A lot of people would if the price was low enough. Same goes for a 6 year old brand new C5. Notice I said if the price was low enough not higher.
Bill
If a dealer told you he was going to sell you a 2010 Vette with 1K miles on it but the warranty was void would you buy it? A lot of people would if the price was low enough. Same goes for a 6 year old brand new C5. Notice I said if the price was low enough not higher.
Bill
Intermediate
Joined: May 2009
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From: Wauconda IL
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,979
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From: Wichita KS
With 7k miles everything should be fine, broken valve springs are NOT common problems, what is a commom problem on higher milage CAMMED vette is the rockers spilling their needle bearings. If the price is right get it.
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Thread Starter
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Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Columbia SC
Problems with low miles
Watch out for low-mile Z06s used as track cars. There are quite a few of those and 'tho they might have low miles they are hard ones. Look for original tires in decent shape as an indicator of use (no guarantee, as they might have had another set of wheels/tires). Low miles by themselves don't necessarily mean trouble--I recently bought a 4500-mile Coupe that was--and so far is--perfect. A garaged car is preferable. Good luck.