C6 question
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Anoka Minnesota
C6 question
Shopping for a C6 (05-07) and I've heard 05s aren't the best,Is this true because of it being the first of a new model year or just some guy who has a problem car.Any of these years better than an other?I'm I going to notice any real difference from my 98?Just looking for a good car about the only thing I really want is HUD and an auto trans.Sound off guys.CJ.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 10,548
Likes: 176
From: Upstate NY
There are plenty of happy '05 owners but there have been some reports here of difficulties with rear-end problems and batteries going dead if not parking an M6 in reverse, etc. With most other things being equal I would look toward the latest model I could find. I bought an '06 last year and have been happy with it. Good luck finding your car and I think you will realize that it is a step-up from the '98.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6,412
Likes: 1,295
From: Bluffton, SC
This topic has been covered many, many times on this board. Here's a quick synopsis:
1. Manual transmission cars have a "shift to reverse" feature which can be a PITA. Also steering wheel lock.
2. MN6 cars are at risk for random battery drain due to BCM software anomolies. A TSB did correct this.
3. Relatively weak rear end, although not a major problem area.
4. First 11,039 cars were at risk for improperly torqued crank pulley bolts. TSB corrected this by installing a diamond embedded washer.
5. Coupes are at risk for de-laminating top panels. TSB and recall for this.
A few other mechanical and/or electrical gremlins did pop up, but not to any great extent. If you are buying a 2005, it would be prudent to check out the service history to see just how many of the TSB's and/or recalls were actually performed.
My own 2005 had a slew of typical issues the first 18 months or so, then was rock solid until I sold it in 2008. The 2005 was a good car, but did need some TLC to get through its initial teething period.
1. Manual transmission cars have a "shift to reverse" feature which can be a PITA. Also steering wheel lock.
2. MN6 cars are at risk for random battery drain due to BCM software anomolies. A TSB did correct this.
3. Relatively weak rear end, although not a major problem area.
4. First 11,039 cars were at risk for improperly torqued crank pulley bolts. TSB corrected this by installing a diamond embedded washer.
5. Coupes are at risk for de-laminating top panels. TSB and recall for this.
A few other mechanical and/or electrical gremlins did pop up, but not to any great extent. If you are buying a 2005, it would be prudent to check out the service history to see just how many of the TSB's and/or recalls were actually performed.
My own 2005 had a slew of typical issues the first 18 months or so, then was rock solid until I sold it in 2008. The 2005 was a good car, but did need some TLC to get through its initial teething period.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 16,023
Likes: 1,645
From: Toronto, Canada
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
I have an 07 but I would recommend, budget allowing, to get an 08 because of the bigger engine and other minor improvements (for e.g. steering), just my two cents.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,583
Likes: 1,664
From: Pearland / Houston Tx
Early C6s are fine cars and you can find out all you want to know by searching the forum.
Also search aftermarket HUD installs and you will see that you can add one in about 4 hours for about 400 bucks. That may keep you from limiting your car search to only 3LT trim level cars.
Also search aftermarket HUD installs and you will see that you can add one in about 4 hours for about 400 bucks. That may keep you from limiting your car search to only 3LT trim level cars.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,706
Likes: 552
From: St. Peters MO
C7 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
2018 C7 of Year Finalist
Shopping for a C6 (05-07) and I've heard 05s aren't the best,Is this true because of it being the first of a new model year or just some guy who has a problem car.Any of these years better than an other?I'm I going to notice any real difference from my 98?Just looking for a good car about the only thing I really want is HUD and an auto trans.Sound off guys.CJ.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 6,813
Likes: 287
From: Toronto Ontario Canada
The 4 speed automatic was bulletproof and if you find one with the 3.15 rear end it is quick. First year 6 speed autos were slow to change gears.
CF Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,313
Likes: 25
From: Tucson Arizona
Problems affect certain cars in every model year...not just the 2005. The mandatory shift-to-reverse feature (when parking) is no big deal. In fact, I feel parking the car in-gear...in reverse is advisable. A small percentage of C6's from various model years have been affected by the random battery drain issue. Battery tenders (whether actually needed or not) are popular with C6 owners across the board. The differential was improved with the 2006 model but unless you're doing high RPM launches at the drag strip the 2005 rear end should hold up well. The very early VIN 2005's did have a crank-pulley bolt issue, however, this problem occasionally affects post 2005 models as well. The separting roof panel problem was not limited to 2005's. The problem was rectified through a national safety recall. With any used C6 I'd make sure the roof panel concern has been addressed.
Despite regular hard use my (modified) 2005 has been incredibly reliable and trouble free. As a general rule, I suggest you buy the newest model year you can.
Despite regular hard use my (modified) 2005 has been incredibly reliable and trouble free. As a general rule, I suggest you buy the newest model year you can.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
