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Old Sep 28, 2008 | 09:48 AM
  #1  
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Default Need help please

I am thinking about purchasing a 2005 Corvette. Have owned corvettes in the past, but would like some info on the C6, especially the 05. Anything to look for in particular? Any help is greatly appreciated.
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Old Sep 28, 2008 | 09:53 AM
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I have an 06, so I can't help on the 05 request. I can only say that this is my 6th vette and favorite of all of them ('72 second). And, spend time looking at old thread (use search function) and you will find hours of good reading material on your subject of choice. Good luck, there are a lot of great deals out there for you.
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Old Sep 28, 2008 | 10:21 AM
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I have an 05. I read many many threads here on the forum and learned alot. Also I checked out the black book and spoke to a few drivers. Byfar learned most from the forum. As for my personal experiences: the c6 blew away my experience with the c4. I have had NO problems with my car. Not even the flying top. I did once leave the car not in reverse (mn6) and the battery went down. The car is everything I thought.
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Old Sep 28, 2008 | 10:38 AM
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The 05 has to be shut down in reverse which is not a big deal. You get used to it after a while. If you don't shift to reverse you will get a warning telling you to.
There is also a roof delamination recall. Make sure that it was done. If not you can have it fixed(or replaced) at your local dealer. There was also a crank pully issue on some of the earlier models. I have had no problems with mine except I got a brand new roof and no cost.
Do a carfax before you buy.
Good luck. You won't regret it!!
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Old Sep 28, 2008 | 11:08 AM
  #5  
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It's up to you, but get a 06.
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Old Sep 28, 2008 | 11:35 AM
  #6  
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I have an 05 Vert , has 30,000 miles, no problems whatsoever.
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Old Sep 28, 2008 | 12:14 PM
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I have an 05 with 20,000 miles on it and no problems. I see no reason not to get an 05.
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Old Sep 28, 2008 | 12:33 PM
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The `05 is a great car and a good value right now - - use the search feature to learn about the distinctions for each year - - it's been reviewed and discussed pretty extensively.

And post a pic when you bring it home !
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Old Sep 28, 2008 | 12:44 PM
  #9  
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I bought my 2005 coupe new and I'm very pleased with it. It's now been 17,000 miles and 39 months. A few things to be aware of:
  • There was a crank pulley problem on early-build cars. I don't have the exact VIN cut-off point but someone here will likely chime in with that. If I recall correctly, it was somewhere in the low 10,000s. There was a simple fix for affected cars (as long as the fix was implemented before damage occurred).
  • As has been already stated, cars with manual transmissions must be shifted to reverse when shutting down to avoid battery drain. This is a standard procedure (not a malfunction) on 2005s and it's not a big deal. As stated earlier, you get a reminder to "SHIFT TO REVERSE" if you forget.
  • Navigation-equipped 2005s could not play MP3s. GM issued a firmware update that corrected this (as well as an intermittent static problem when listening to FM). The update works. It's easy to do and there are a number of folks here (myself included) who could provide you with the discs and instructions should you need them.
  • A number of manual transmission 2005 owners have experienced what's been dubbed here "Dead Battery Syndrome" (DBS), where the battery drains completely while the car is sitting even though all shutdown procedures (including shifting to reverse) have been followed. It happened to me 3 times. GM issued a firmware update for this; since getting the update well over a year ago I've had no problems.
  • Note that if you get an automatic transmission, 2005 is the only C6 year that had a 4-speed. Beginning with model year 2006 the automatic has been a 6-speed with paddle shifters.
  • Delaminating painted roof panels were a big problem. GM acknowledged the problem by issuing a recall. If you're looking at a 2005 coupe, be sure this has been taken care of.

Though certainly not perfect, my 2005 has been great and I'd buy another one in a heartbeat. Good luck in your decision.
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Old Sep 28, 2008 | 12:47 PM
  #10  
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Congrats on your pending purchase.

I owned an 05 and loved it. I wish I could say I had zero problems, but that would be telling a lie. That being said, I did not have many serious issues (if you can get an 06, that would be my suggestion, but if not, follow these recommendations based on a coupe):

1) Painted Roof recall delamination (not to worry about the clear one).
2) Look for any signs of abuse-if you can have the car checked out be someone you trust-all the better.
3) Note that the steering wheel is different-personal thing.
4) When you park, it always has to be in reverse or your battery will go dead (DBS...look it up). I always park my cars in reverse so I never had too many problems with this.
5) Rear clunking noise...the dealership changed my rear fluids and it went away.
6) Look for hairline cracks in the clear top...I had one on the drivers side (they mostly take place on the passengers side) and the matter was covered by warranty-but not without some unneccessary arm twisting.

That being said, the 05 I had was the best car I've ever owned (until my recent 06 purchase). It certainly wasn't the most reliable or problem free (I came from an S2000-no issues at all in 5 years), but it always put a smile on my face and essentially made me feel good even on those days when it's hard too.

When you get your 05, enjoy it (but don't abuse it).

Red Cell.
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Old Sep 28, 2008 | 12:55 PM
  #11  
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I 've had my 05 about 1 1/2yrs it was built toward the end of the run in 05. I've had 0 problems with this vehicle so had the previous owner.
I don't see a big deal about putting the car in rev so your battery doesn't die. I have a conv so there is no roof problem although I've read on this forum about some problems in later years about the roof panels. My suggestion is buy it., and I know Talon90 will agrree with me.
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Old Sep 28, 2008 | 01:15 PM
  #12  
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From: Chatsworth California
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Originally Posted by mpuzach
I bought my 2005 coupe new and I'm very pleased with it. It's now been 17,000 miles and 39 months. A few things to be aware of:
  • There was a crank pulley problem on early-build cars. I don't have the exact VIN cut-off point but someone here will likely chime in with that. If I recall correctly, it was somewhere in the low 10,000s. There was a simple fix for affected cars (as long as the fix was implemented before damage occurred).
  • As has been already stated, cars with manual transmissions must be shifted to reverse when shutting down to avoid battery drain. This is a standard procedure (not a malfunction) on 2005s and it's not a big deal. As stated earlier, you get a reminder to "SHIFT TO REVERSE" if you forget.
  • Navigation-equipped 2005s could not play MP3s. GM issued a firmware update that corrected this (as well as an intermittent static problem when listening to FM). The update works. It's easy to do and there are a number of folks here (myself included) who could provide you with the discs and instructions should you need them.
  • A number of manual transmission 2005 owners have experienced what's been dubbed here "Dead Battery Syndrome" (DBS), where the battery drains completely while the car is sitting even though all shutdown procedures (including shifting to reverse) have been followed. It happened to me 3 times. GM issued a firmware update for this; since getting the update well over a year ago I've had no problems.
  • Note that if you get an automatic transmission, 2005 is the only C6 year that had a 4-speed. Beginning with model year 2006 the automatic has been a 6-speed with paddle shifters.
  • Delaminating painted roof panels were a big problem. GM acknowledged the problem by issuing a recall. If you're looking at a 2005 coupe, be sure this has been taken care of.

Though certainly not perfect, my 2005 has been great and I'd buy another one in a heartbeat. Good luck in your decision.
Good info.
Reply

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