2003 With 100,000 miles?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 474
Likes: 0
From: Bishop CA
2003 With 100,000 miles?
I'm looking at a 2003, with an automatic. Car looks to be in great shape. Present owner has had it since 2006 and has basically been a highway car. No leaks and everything works good. My question is the mileage, is there any scare to 100,000 miles? I might put 5,000 a year on it myself. The car is medium spiral grey and has the polished wheels on it. Really sharp car. Also what is a fair price. Thanks in advance.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,898
Likes: 9
From: Morrisville PA
Fair price, assuming hardtop, is around 11k... As long as it is cared for and stock or close to it, ls1s last a long time. You may need to replace the waterpump soon, but that is probably it for a while. They are reliable cars.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,044
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From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Highway miles are very easy miles. A high mile highway car has always been better than a low mile slowly driven car. The car that was driven by a little old grandmother only on Sundays was always a crap shoot compared to a well maintained highway car. The engine is warm a very high percentage of the miles, the oil gets all of the acid and moisture cooked out of it. Same goes for the rest of the rest of the drivetrain. Brakes don't get as hot, thus the wheel bearings don't get as hot and last longer.
Bill
Bill
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 474
Likes: 0
From: Bishop CA
Highway miles are very easy miles. A high mile highway car has always been better than a low mile slowly driven car. The car that was driven by a little old grandmother only on Sundays was always a crap shoot compared to a well maintained highway car. The engine is warm a very high percentage of the miles, the oil gets all of the acid and moisture cooked out of it. Same goes for the rest of the rest of the drivetrain. Brakes don't get as hot, thus the wheel bearings don't get as hot and last longer.
Bill
Bill
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,898
Likes: 9
From: Morrisville PA
In this economy with the way vettes are selling, there are some incredible deals out there. I would say 15k is too high for sure. Granted my car was a 99, but I only paid 17k and it had 22k on it and that was before all these crazy deals were popping up. If the car seems good to go and you feel good about it, I would probably go as high as 13. Definitely not 15k though.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 474
Likes: 0
From: Bishop CA
In this economy with the way vettes are selling, there are some incredible deals out there. I would say 15k is too high for sure. Granted my car was a 99, but I only paid 17k and it had 22k on it and that was before all these crazy deals were popping up. If the car seems good to go and you feel good about it, I would probably go as high as 13. Definitely not 15k though.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,898
Likes: 9
From: Morrisville PA
I suppose it depends on area. Just remember those are starting prices 
. As winter approaches, they will fall more and more. In the end, it is only money, if you some to spare, then what is the difference between 13 and 14k, ya know?
. As winter approaches, they will fall more and more. In the end, it is only money, if you some to spare, then what is the difference between 13 and 14k, ya know?
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Team Owner
Joined: May 2003
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From: East Meadow NY
St. Jude Donor '12
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 93
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From: Georgia
I just purchased my first corvette.
It's a 20o4 convertible.
It has 96k miles. I went and drove it, like it and bought it.
I love it, everyone has told me these cars last and last, so I think you will enjoy it.
I say go for it, I had a hard time finding the deals people on here talked about as well. I wanted to go and test drive the car I wanted.
Good Luck!
It's a 20o4 convertible.
It has 96k miles. I went and drove it, like it and bought it.
I love it, everyone has told me these cars last and last, so I think you will enjoy it.
I say go for it, I had a hard time finding the deals people on here talked about as well. I wanted to go and test drive the car I wanted.
Good Luck!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,809
Likes: 3
From: Yorktown Virginia
I dont see 15 as a bad starting price at all, of course that has a lot to do with the area also but if the car has been kept up well then you should be good to go. I always look at how clean or dirty the engine bay is, what kind of shape the wheels/ calipers are in and if the interior has been kept clean. If the engine bay is fairly clean, the wheels only have minimal pitting and dont have loads of curb rash, calipers are still fairly clean and the inside is clean then you can almost bet that the owner took pride in his vehicle.
Melting Slicks
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From: Horseshoe Bend ID
Le Mans Master
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From: Glendale NY
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18- '19
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
This is something I can talk about with 325K on my '99 and 106K on my '07. For your possible car at 100K, its just getting broken in. If the previous owner was good with oil changes and so on up to this point, the car is just fine. Look for obvious signs of problems such was abnormally worn tires, pull the codes, leaks and so on. There really shouldn't be any at this point and not for a while to come...a long while.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,898
Likes: 9
From: Morrisville PA
This is something I can talk about with 325K on my '99 and 106K on my '07. For your possible car at 100K, its just getting broken in. If the previous owner was good with oil changes and so on up to this point, the car is just fine. Look for obvious signs of problems such was abnormally worn tires, pull the codes, leaks and so on. There really shouldn't be any at this point and not for a while to come...a long while.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 600
Likes: 0
From: Bowling Green KY
I have a quicksilver '03 mn6 with 106k and am very happy with the power, the smoothness, the reliability and the image. Damn thing still draws looks and a crowd when the Corsa's start growling........... Just remember to drive within your capabilities. As I was always told the weakest thing in a Vette is the driver........ Be safe and have FUN!!!! Spirited driving at opportune times rocks !!!! If you come to Bowling Green, holler.
