I'm looking to buy a real nice C6 Convertible with low miles. I've looked at 2, both 2007's.
This is a concern, what do you think.....

A 2007 off a GM lease with less than 8K miles. Beautiful car, but no record of an oil change since put into service 4/07. I've called the dealer that leased it, and they had done a warranty service at 4500 miles, but no record of an oil change. No records of service are with the car. Is this one to pass up? The manual states to change the oil at least once per year, even if low miles driven.

Another I considered, but could not agree on the price had 11K miles. One oil change prior to trade in at a Wal Mart. Al least it got Mobile 1 put in...but Wal Mart for a new Vette??

 

I change my own oil so there will be no record of my car being serviced either. Could be he did his own, or could be he never changed the oil.
Take a look at the oil in the engine now, pull out the dipstick and take a look at how dark it is. If he went by the oil life monitor alone, it wouldn't have triggered an oil change alert. Even though it was over a year.
David

 

Thank You David,

The GM dealer that has the car has already changed it, and they don't seem to know if it may have been changed before.

Assuming the original oil has been in there for 8K miles and 30 months, is this a really bad thing?

Would GM give me a problem if I had an engine warranty issue?

I just find it hard to understand how someone could have a $64K car, and not maintain it well, or at least have records. Even if it was just leased.

Dennis

 

If it has been 30 months, and no oil change the oil could have broken down a lot. Sometimes guys who lease cars don't take as good care as they know it's only there's for a limited time and it's usually under warranty the entire lease time. Not everyone, but probably a higher ratio than those who buy.
David

 

8k miles is definitely not a problem without an oil change. The oil will NOT break down in two years, either. It sits longer than that in the original containers in many instances.

Much more important would be how the 8k miles were accumulated, maintenance, driving style, etc., and you'll NEVER KNOW that answer. Did it warm up enough to evaporate water vapor in the oil when started, was the owner good to the clutch and gears, was the paint protected (etc.)?

I would drive the car, visually inspect it, and if you're not mechanically inclined have an expert (or friend) look at it with/for you - including while it's up on a lift. If it seems right I definitely would not worry about 8k miles without an oil change. Many now wait for the oil life monitor to tell them to change, and it most likely wouldn't have done so in two years and 8k miles. It takes somebody who cares about cars to change more often - and differing opinions abound on what the time/mileage intervals should be. MANY folks change much more frequently than the manufacturer recommends, and if that makes them happy it is a great way to spend their money. Most of us here drive our 'Vettes enough to change a mimimum of annually - some multiple times.

I wish I had a close neighbor who changed every 3k miles. I'd always take their used oil for my DDs and lawn machinery. Good luck and happy motoring,

 

That was a great explanation. I've always been one of those "neighbors" and change oil in lawn tractors, tiller, generator, a Goldwing, and cars way more than I'm sure is needed. I almost always use synthetic in everything, so I'm just wasting some $'s for my peace of mind.
I feel a bit better about that particular car after your post, so I may pull the trigger. Just a 3 hour drive away.
Thanks,
Dennis

 

I would not be concerned regarding when an oil change was perfromed on 8K mile '07. If the car was not abused in it's short life, there will be absolutely no potential damage done to the engine from not changing the original factory fill Mobil One. Relax and celebrate when you get it.