KOTYKB

I just sold my 2004 BMW M3 because it was rediculous maintaining the vehicle! So I'm now looking to buy a 2005 Corvette Convertible with chrome wheels.

Here is a pic of the M3


2005 Corvette Z51 with chrome wheels 16,000 miles - $31000

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false


It seems like a great car and I plan on putting an aftermarket Navi system in the Vette then it will be fully loaded! Let me know what you think of the price and I've been looking all over the country for a month now and I can't find any Convertibles for under $30K with lower miles

bonnell

Welcome to the forum. You will find that the Corvette does not require much maintenance.

As far as your 2005 deal, you might want to look here under C6 For Sale. There are usually very good deals and well maintained cars.

This morning the first entry was 2008 JSB with 20K miles for $32,000. The 2008 has some significant changes beyond the 2005.

Just a thought.

There is nothing wrong with the 2005 model but the 2008 has the LS3 engine and some steering changes.

Good luck.

mcandrew67

31k is high for a 2005. You can probably find them mid to high 20's if you look.
Nice looking M3 by the way....
And welcome to the dark side...
David

wingbone

Welcome the Forum, you will definetly appreciate the Corvette which ever year you decide to buy in the C6 version.

NOCRISIS

welcome,,,,,

gene0809

Jsb 4me...

WELCOME..

dvilin

Welcome to the Forum, as for the deal on the 2005 it is NOT a good deal you can do much better and I would look for the newest you can afford. There have been several improvements since 05.

NYC6

Welcome.
Im replacing my DD with a new BMW 135i in April. Can you share what kind of maintanace costs you racked up with the M3? Your warranty should have kept you fully covered till at least into 08. What out of pockets did you have in the time you owned it?

Wayne O

That's a nice looking BMW! If you don't need the utility of a small sedan going to a C6 should be a good move. I've owned three different BMW's over-the-years (one 3-series and two 5-series Bimmers) and they all had their share of issues. I still like BMW's though. I'm no expert on used car prices but I agree wmcandrew67...$31K seems high for a 2005. Have your comps in-hand and if that's the car you want make the owner a more realistic offer. We all know one's asking price and what they'll take are likely two different things.

My modified 2005 has been incredibly reliable and trouble free. Despite the improvements made with each model year, for me none would warrant 'updating' my 2005 to a more current model. That said I strongly suggest you buy the newest model year you can afford. Inspect the complete service history of the vehicle you want. With a 2005 I'd make sure the roof panel has been repaired/replaced pursuant to the recall. There was also a potential crank-pulley bolt problem with early VIN 2005's...make sure 'your' car falls outside of the VIN range or has had the issue addressed. Lastly, avoid any C6 (of any year) that has a history of electrical/battery/starting problems. A small number of C6's have been plaqued with what is referred to as DBS (dead battery syndrome). You might want to checkout the C6 FAQ's page for a more complete list of potential issues.

I'm not trying to dissuade you from a 2005. As a general rule I feel you're always better off buying the newest model year possible and all cars have potential issues. I can't stress enough how pleased I am with my 2005...it's been a wonderful car in all respects. Good luck and let us know what happens.

edved

That was my first thought. Hopefully, you haven't yet committed to the car. Either way, you'll be happy. They're great cars. Welcome to the forum!

peter pan

Good luck in your search for your C6

KOTYKB

I have looked all over Autotrader,Cars, Carsoup, and I can't find ANY C6 Corvette Convertibles under 30k that's in good condition with lower miles. Please let me know if any of you have luck finding some online.

FYI I'm from Minnesota but I'll fly then drive it back from anywhere in the country

LS2-Zomb!e

Altc

Look at the forum dealers websites you can pick up a C6 at a better price.

LarryMJones

BMW's are just like WW2 German Panzer tanks. Great precision pieces of machinery, just wouldn't hold up in the field.
You can lump Ferrarias, Lambos, and Porsche into that same category.

The typical American driver just won't put up with the extreme maintenance cost on these vehicles.

A big pushrod V8 can handle a lot of abuse those brands can't.

I'm not talking about race cars with stables of factory mechanics to keep them running, for a few miles.
LJ

Gearhead Jim

Talking to my friends who own them, the BMW's don't seem to require more work than similar Corvettes. But when the BWM does need work, bend over and grab your ankles.

The Corvette engine and steering got major upgrades in 2008, try to get an 08 or 09. Especially coming from the BWM, you'll want the best steering available.

Raazor

Nice step "up". Post up some pics of that beauty when you get her.

BMW's generally have a bad rap sheet when it comes to maint. I'm seeing more and more of it. I'm glad I decided on the Lexus when I was hunting for my DD.

Scott's_C6

Check out Cars.com Here is the best deal for low mileage:

2005 Chevrolet Corvette
$30,991
4,509 mi.
Le Mans Blue Metallic, 2 door, Convertible, AUTO, 6.0L V8, Stock# 55125954.
Dealer: Emich Chevrolet (Lakewood, CO)

Happy Shopping! You will love the torque. It is unbelievable.

jhohler

Emich is where I bought my 07 LMB from, and its pretty close to where I live. They are a group of top notch people and their service dept is fantastic!! I've had nothing but good dealings w/ them.

jamesbertero

I got my 2006 with 18k miles with F55 for just over $27k with one small chip on the front bumper, but otherwise perfect. Keep shopping....everything is on sale in this crazy economy.

Just hurry up AND BUY ONE!!! You are gonna love it!