I drive a Honda S2000 currently. The C6 was out of my price range when I bought it or I would've considered it. The S2000 is extremely fun to drive, but it lacks power. I'm really not interested in going the aftermarket route with boost, so I'm in the market for a Corvette. My only real criteria is that it has a 6 speed manual.

I would like to keep it in the $25k-$28k range, so I'm probably looking at a 2006 with 30k-40k miles on it based on the pricing I've seen. I'm not too familiar with the changes between model years, so should I expect anything different between a 2005, 2006 and 2007?

Are there any problems common on the 2005 that were fixed in later models? Or, any common problems in general that I should be aware of?

Thanks!

 

The C6 will provide you with something the Honda is sorely lacking: TORQUE.

When I decided to get a C6, I thought it best to avoid the introductory year, 2005, which had some interesting, if not nasty quirks. I ended up buying a new 2007, and am totally satisfied with it.

All of the manual transmissions were 6-speeds in 2005, but I believe there were some 4-speed automatics, which doesn't concern you.

There's not much difference in the 2005-7 models, frankly, other than the quirks of the 2005. There are thousands of 2005 owners out there who have had no problems at all, and also thousands that had problems.

DBS comes to mind, "Dead Battery Syndrome", and I suppose others will chime in. My 2007 has been problem free.

 

I have 2005 model with A-4 trans with optional 3.15 gears. No major problems just a recall on targa top but that was for all the Corvettes.
Is it true then you have to wind your car up to 8,000 RPM's to get it going? What's the gas mileage on those S-2000?

 

I just picked up my 06 with 18255 miles on it for $28k. So far I'm loving this car, but admit I haven't done a whole lot of driving in her yet.

 

OK...looks like an 06+ will be a safer bet.

You do have to rev the S2000 high to get power out of it since it's a N/A 2.0 liter. It doesn't start to make decent power until around 6k RPM when VTEC kicks in. But, keeping it in that powerband at 6,000+ is what makes it so fun to drive aggressively. It's actually somewhat disappointing to drive other cars, even if quicker, once you get used to the driving experience in the S2000. That's why I know I'll need some seat time in a C6 before making the purchase.

When I used it as a daily driver, I averaged 25-26mpg back and forth to work.

 

Go for the 07 if you can get it. Less problems, possible warranty, and an updated interior. You will be glad. They are to be had in that price range. Keep looking. The C6 has more HP/Tq at 2000 rpms than your S2K has at any point.

 

I do understand that it can be fun to rev it high like some small block people like to do but doesn't that get tiring, wear out engine faster and noisy?
Alot of people also like the low end torque a V-8 gives and low rpm's comfortable driving on the freeway and not noisy. Will the S-2000 motor last as long as any other car or not because the engine has to work alot more harder to get that power.

 

I'd be surprised to find a 2007 with low enough miles to be under warranty in that price range, but I'll keep an eye out.

The lack of torque on it gets a bit tiring as a daily driver since I had to downshift a lot when passing.

There's a few people I've seen with 200k miles on the stock motor so far. The dynos I've seen at 100k+ miles don't seem to be any different than ones at 10k miles. So, I'm not too concerned about it.

 

C6 has both huge giant TQ and gimungous uper range HP.

No offense to the OP with the nice little Honda. I had a S2000 right on my tail in some turns the other day and we were very even in speed.

However when I got on the freeway it was a very different story.

I was not trying to show off or be stupid I just dont like others tailgating me.

The two cars are like night and day

 

well, I'm a guy that bought an 05 as my first vette. I purchased it with the A4 running gear. It had 14k on it and was in PERFECT condition. Not a scratch or nick on it. That said, I've had only one issue so far. That was with the top. Again, the top issue is with all years hit and miss.

I'm not sure about all the problems associated with the 05 (first model year) and I'm sure that many here can tell you about them if there are any. My advice would be to look for a car like any other used car. Make sure that it's mechanically sound, take it to a respected mechanic (if you don't know what you are doing), make only comprimises on things you can live with... and above all, negotiate...

LOTS OF USED VETTES ON THE MARKET.

I chose to get as many bells and whistles as possible and paid a little extra for an extraordinary example of "excellent condition". For the extra money - 32400 all together, I got bose, perf seats, magnetic ride, B&B route 66 exhaust, Hurricane intake, plug wires, external bling, thermostat, BRAND NEW WHEELS and TOYO tires. Oh, and a car cover

I doubt you'll find an 07 version with low miles, bells and whistles, and in good shape for less than 35k, but you never know. I would try for that if money was close. The 07 means drivetrain warranty.

Good luck!

 

As a reference point, I got my 07 1lt z51 6 speed coupe back in May with 33k miles for $27k. came with a Valentine 1, cags eliminator, tint, and corsa sport catback. just got my extended warranty 36/36 0 deductible for a lil over 1k. i dont care much for the bells and whistles of a 3lt, my only gripe is the single disc head unit, and I will be swapping that out for a 6 disc unit for 75 bucks plus the 1lt is lighter than a 3lt

 

Coming from a 94 Mustang I actually looked at an S2000 before settling on the vette. The Honda is a very well put together car, fun to drive. Having to rev the motor out is entertaining but it seemed like the engine only had two speeds, wide open (which was OK) and slow cruise (like commuting in a Civic). Also I am not a vert guy so I scratched the S2000 off my list.

Driving my first C6 was quite an experience, very different from the Honda. First off all that V8 power pays the bills. From idle to 6k (highest I got on the test drive) it pulled hard. Also I have yet to hear a 4 cyl sound anywhere near as good as a V8. But what really suprised me was not only how great the car handled but how well the suspension was tuned. The car was a Z51 and I would say the ride is perfect for a sports car. Very light on its feet for a front engine V8.

If you want more power and tq in a great handling package you will like the C6. I would not shy away from an 05 as the only real differences that I have noticed is when you shut the car off you need to shift into reverse. Also the 05s have a weaker diff. Even considering that for a performance car the C6 is an terrific buy.

 

What about individual ignition coils?

 

Seems like a pretty good deal. Did you get this through a dealer, private party, or other?

 

I think there were some mechanical upgrades in 2007 (trans?). You may want to consider the Z51 option with the man. tranny.

 

I had an 05 S2000 and it was a blast to drive. I decided that going for power with a Vette would cost about the same as the typical upgrades for the S2000. I got a 05 coupe with the Z51,HUD and a few other things. That was a year and a half ago. I would now say go at least with an 06 with the stronger differential. Also the Z51 option is good to have.

 

I also came from an S2K. I loved the car but needed more power. I thought about boosting it but I knew I would never have 400/torque at 3K rpms. There is no comparison, and I haven't looked back. There is nothing wrong with the 05s, and you will find more of them in your price range. Good luck

 

Yeah, that is a good deal. Paid more for mine, but mine only had 13K miles when I bought it. That dude got a smoking deal!

 

Private party. Negotiated the price of course, wasnt listed at that price clean carfax, clean vis (nothing major), had it inspected the day I went for it and she looked good to the tech. So I got it! and it was my first color choice to boot, plus the comp grey wheels were an even added bonus for me LOVE the black/comp grey combo.

 

Good to hear from some previous S2000 owners. That helps me confirm my decision. I had the same dilemma of whether or not it's worth spending the money on a turbo. But, after a reliable turbo kit, clutch, and differential, I'd be out of $10k and have similar performance to a stock Corvette with questionable reliability.

I appreciate the advice on the differential on 2005s. I'll try to find a 2006 or 2007.

1LT is fine with me if it allows for lower mileage and a 2007.