darer

Hey guys,

I love speed and acceleration and that's why I want to sell my SUV and buy a good and fast car. I've been considering a few different cars, but at this point I feel like I really want a Corvette. The only problem is that I know nothing about corvettes and I really need some help to make the right choice.

I am looking for a second hand car and I see that the 2005-2009 corvettes are in my price range. But I really have no idea what's the difference between them and what should I look for or avoid.

So here are some questions that I have in my mind right now:

1. What's the difference between C6 and Z06?
2. How often (after how many miles) you need to change the oil? (I'm asking this because some other sport cars surprised me)
3. From which year (or model) they started putting head-up displays on them? This is something that I really want to have on my car.
4. Are there any common problems for some of the models that make them less attractive than others?
5. How many models are there actually and what's the difference? Talking about Corvettes in my year range (2005-2009).

Any tips, advices, opinions are welcome. Or may be tell me what would you pick if you were me (and why)...

Thanks!

Boba Fett

dude...are you being serious...?

MikeyTX

Use the search function in advanced mode. It has the answers to all your questions ..................

GS Diva

First of all, welcome to the World of Corvettes! You're focusing on a great sports car. Let's see how much help I can give you. Hopefully, other folks will be able to add some helpful info for you, also.

Corvettes are put into generations, so to speak, from C1 to C6. The C6 generation began in 2005 and continues through model year 2013. The C7 series begins in 2014. C6 is the generation. Z06 is the performance model.

There are several models. There is a coupe, a convertible, a Grand Sport coupe or convertible, a Z06 and a ZR1. Both the Z06 and the ZR1 model are the performance cars and only available in a non-removable roof and 6-speed manual transmission only.

Corvettes use synthetic oil and typically can go between 5,,000-7,500 miles between oil changes.

There are different option packages. The base car is a 1LT with limited options and goes up to 4LT. I am attaching some links that can give you detailed information which might help you.

If there is anything I can do to help you find that "perfect" Corvette, please don't hesitate to contact me. Let us know how you are progressing.

Elaine

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/buying.html

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/

6893Vette

Welcome to the forum.

You packed alot of questions in your post. For starters, I would pick up a copy of "Corvette The Great American Sports Car". It will give an overview of each year and some of the changes that were made year by year. This will get you started down the learning path. Car and Driver also published "Iconic Cars", it contains reviews of Corvettes that may be helpful. Specifically, it contains reviews of the Base Corvette, Z51, Z06, and ZR1.

Throughout the C6 run (2005-2013) the Corvette got better. 2006 a new 6 speed transmission was introduced, 2008 the engine went from the LS2 to the LS3, etc. Heads up display is available in every C6 model year. I suggest that you read up and than come to the forum when you have specific questions, want to narrow down the choice, etc.

One last thought, check out the Corvettes that are for sale on this forum, it will give you an idea of the prices.

Good luck

Jef1230

Thanks for taking the time to help this guy out and point him in the right direction.

Aviator

JRS_MY_C5

Like so many have said in the past, buy the latest model you can afford.

J.R.

johnodrake

Answers in bold

Raazor

buy the oldest GS you can find with the lowest miles on it then blow it

Glennm27

I gave a few thoughts above in RED

lsbrodsky

Your question is sort of like "What should I order for dinner in a restaurant?"

I would advise you to first determine what kind of driving you want to do and then how much money you can afford to spend. Those will narrow the choices, I suspect.

While the more exotic choices, the ZR-1 and the Z06 have a lot of go fast and stop quickly goodies, unless money is no object you can modify the less expensive versions and capture many of the same thrills more cost effectively. Maybe why so many of us add performance modifications.

Another thing you can do is spend the money to go to one of the schools and drive them all. Also a way to narrow the choices.

I do not think that any one person's advice here should point you to a particular model or trim level because that person is not you.

Even if you just go buy one that costs what you want to spend and looks nice to you, you cannot go wrong. I love my Vette, I love looking at it, and I love driving it. I bet almost all of us do.

Larry

69L79

A GrandSport. Manual, NPP, 3LT. The best all around Vette. Best looking Vette, also.

JoesC5

A little misinformation in your reply.

1) Who determines what is enough? The Z06 is the lightest C6 and has the most horsepower normally aspirated. Many people who purchase the base C6 spend loads of money increasing the horsepower of their base C6. Look at all the aftermarket companies selling air intakes, superchargers, cams, complete engines etc. My stock Z06 has more horsepower then a stock base C6 yet many base C6's have more horsepower then my Z06 due to the owner souping their car up.

2) 3,000 miles may be for some owners, but the synthetic oil used in the C6 will last much longer then 3,000 miles. I change the oil in my Z06 once a year(maximum time that GM suggests) and that equals around 5,000 miles of MY driving between oil changes, and the remaining oil life is around 25-30%.

4) The 2006 Z06 did not have rocker arm problems. That was with a selected few 2007 Z06's. The 2006 Z06's did have some problems with rear axles being weak, and GM changed the axle design several times during the 2006 run, to correct the problem.

6) There is no such thing as a 2009 Grand Sport. First year for the Grand Sport was 2010.

darer

Thanks a lot for the information guys! It was really helpful. I'm going to read a bit more and will keep you updated.

I forgot to mention these things but, I'm not a race track guy and my budged is around $30-$35k. But since I live in Europe, I should buy one from here, or if I get a good deal I could buy one from NA and have it transported to where I'm from.

germanc5

You can definitely get a good example of a 2008 or newer with 3lt trim level and low miles (<40,000 miles) for that price. Also, if you have never owned or driven a car with more than 400 hp then the base c6 I think will be plenty. Love ours!

Now I have no idea what shipping would be to Europe or if you included that in your budget.

TLS_Addict

Get a base Z51....they were offered over there.

If you dont track it you wont ever notice a difference and the more compliant suspension and less tracking tires (being that they are more narrow) will be easier to drive on some crappy roads. Also, no GS's around 30-35k unless beat and left for dead.

Seadawg

I know a couple guys that have bought here and shipped over, so it should be considered. I expect corvettes could bring a premium price, compared to other cars that are made there.

Do a search here on the forum, and be sure you look at all factors, because there may be tarriff or tax implications, depending on what part of Europe you are going to ship to, etc.

Glennm27

Glennm27

replies above in red