Yes or No ?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 18,396
Likes: 169
My 2005 has been problem free. It does have a weak differential case, and many have had serious failures that include tranny breakage when the differential case grenades. If you don't beat the crap out of the car, you should be okay. Personally, knowing what I do now, I'd look for a 2006. Difference in price should not be that much. Good luck.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 30
From: Fairfax Virginia
Probably the most common issue with the 05 is what is known a Dead Battery Syndrome (DBS) and this problem is particularly likely with the 6-speed manual transmission. The car must be parked with the shifter in reverse when the car is shut down. Otherwise, within a few days you end up with a dead battery. Sometimes even when you would have sworn that the car was in reverse, it apparently didn't think so and you would end up with the DBS anyway.
I will give credit to GM for working first year bugs out of the cars as C6 production progressed. After my 05, I went to an 07 and now I have an 09. Each has been better than the one before it.
The 05 is a good car, but if you can move up a model year or two I would consider it.
Best of luck in your search.
I will give credit to GM for working first year bugs out of the cars as C6 production progressed. After my 05, I went to an 07 and now I have an 09. Each has been better than the one before it.
The 05 is a good car, but if you can move up a model year or two I would consider it.
Best of luck in your search.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 735
Likes: 3
From: New Harmony IN
St. Jude Donor '09
Racer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 473
Likes: 0
From: Folsom CA
i bought an early 05 with 43k miles on it. I have put 20k miles on it this year. and I get to the speed limit as fast as the car will let me. I love the car. But if I had it to do over again I would get an 07 for the 100k power train warranty. But I would definitely get a C6. I just got the extended warranty to 100k. <Arnold>Do it. DO IT NOW!!!</Arnold>
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Michael S. Palmer
CF Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,313
Likes: 25
From: Tucson Arizona
Always buy the newest model year you can afford. If buying a 2005 I'd check to see if it was an early VIN number. If so, check to see if the crank-pulley bolt 'problem' was addressed. If I recall correctly, the so-called dead battery syndrome (DBS) was not limited to 2005's. As when buying any used car, check the service history carefully. I'd avoid any car with a history of electrical/battery/starting issues. IMO the 2005 differential would potentially be a problem only if you were a serious drag racer doing hard off-the-line launches. I run road course events in my modified 2005 a lot and my OEM differential is holding-up well. You might want to look to the C6 FAQs page for further information.
That said, problems with 2005's are the exception and not the norm. Most all 2005 owners are satisfied with their car. If the car has a clean history, I would not be dissuaded from buying a 2005 C6. I run the snot out of my 2005 and its been extremely reliable and trouble free....one of the best cars I've ever owned.
That said, problems with 2005's are the exception and not the norm. Most all 2005 owners are satisfied with their car. If the car has a clean history, I would not be dissuaded from buying a 2005 C6. I run the snot out of my 2005 and its been extremely reliable and trouble free....one of the best cars I've ever owned.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,999
Likes: 2
I highly recommend that you get the VIN and have a dealer do a service report on what has been done to any Corvette. There is a lot of info that can tell you what has and or needs to be done.
I love my 05 vert and it has been trouble-free since I've owned it. I bought it used with just 5k mi. However, the early history of it was not great with a replaced flywheel (a factory TSB), twice replaced radio, apparent DBS and a few other issues. I took a gamble because it had so few miles and (at the time) the price was right.
Bottom line is that I do love this car!
I love my 05 vert and it has been trouble-free since I've owned it. I bought it used with just 5k mi. However, the early history of it was not great with a replaced flywheel (a factory TSB), twice replaced radio, apparent DBS and a few other issues. I took a gamble because it had so few miles and (at the time) the price was right.
Bottom line is that I do love this car!
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,276
Likes: 8
From: Tucson AZ
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I had a 2005 6-spd manual for over 3 years with no problems. There were a few issues that surfaced on the 05 model, but many of the cars reported none... as in my case and the case of many others. I wouldn't shy away from the car just because its an 05 model ~ check the car out, do a Vin search as you would with any used vette... if you everything pans out ~ I'd go for it.
Last edited by Kreuzen; Apr 26, 2009 at 11:21 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 915
Likes: 31
From: Los Angeles CA
I bought my 05 M6 with 28K miles put about 7K miles and so far it's been awesome. It's one of the earlier VINs and no DBS issues though I checked the VIN and the car had been to the dealer to get batteries replaced a few times prior to me buying it. I even went weeks at a time before starting the car and absolutely no issues. Go for it even if it's an 05.
