Looking for advice...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 243
Likes: 4
From: Lecanto FL
Looking for advice...
Hello all,
I've been on the C2 and C5 forums, first time here on C6
I've had a 2004 (C5) convertible since new, now thinking about selling and getting a used C6. Finances keep me at the older end of the scale...
Currently looking at a 2005 and a 2006 -- both convertibles -- and each with about 50K miles. Not a big step up in years from a 2004, I realize, but ride quality, color choices, and other options keep me interested.
Are there known issues I should know about in these early C6's? I'm trying to keep cash outlay to a minimum, but sometimes there are things that "everybody knows" that say "spend a little more and get a couple years newer".
Thanks in advance for any and all advice.
Frank
I've been on the C2 and C5 forums, first time here on C6
I've had a 2004 (C5) convertible since new, now thinking about selling and getting a used C6. Finances keep me at the older end of the scale...
Currently looking at a 2005 and a 2006 -- both convertibles -- and each with about 50K miles. Not a big step up in years from a 2004, I realize, but ride quality, color choices, and other options keep me interested.
Are there known issues I should know about in these early C6's? I'm trying to keep cash outlay to a minimum, but sometimes there are things that "everybody knows" that say "spend a little more and get a couple years newer".
Thanks in advance for any and all advice.
Frank
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 16,896
Likes: 5,359
From: T-Town WA
2016 C6 of Year Finalist
You are going to get answers all over the board but...
I sold my 2005, 1SB, 6spd, vert with 45,000 trouble free miles. Yes, I had a couple dead batteries because I forgot to leave it in reverse. I never had DBS (dead battery syndrome) nor did I ever have an issue with the steering column lock. I didn't have the auto so there was no concern over potential shifter issues.
My recommendation:
Do your due diligence on cars in your price range. Find a local vette mechanic and let them go through the car first. When you find the one that trips your trigger...buy it!
I sold my 2005, 1SB, 6spd, vert with 45,000 trouble free miles. Yes, I had a couple dead batteries because I forgot to leave it in reverse. I never had DBS (dead battery syndrome) nor did I ever have an issue with the steering column lock. I didn't have the auto so there was no concern over potential shifter issues.
My recommendation:
Do your due diligence on cars in your price range. Find a local vette mechanic and let them go through the car first. When you find the one that trips your trigger...buy it!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 243
Likes: 4
From: Lecanto FL
You are going to get answers all over the board but...
I sold my 2005, 1SB, 6spd, vert with 45,000 trouble free miles. Yes, I had a couple dead batteries because I forgot to leave it in reverse. I never had DBS (dead battery syndrome) nor did I ever have an issue with the steering column lock. I didn't have the auto so there was no concern over potential shifter issues.
My recommendation:
Do your due diligence on cars in your price range. Find a local vette mechanic and let them go through the car first. When you find the one that trips your trigger...buy it!
I sold my 2005, 1SB, 6spd, vert with 45,000 trouble free miles. Yes, I had a couple dead batteries because I forgot to leave it in reverse. I never had DBS (dead battery syndrome) nor did I ever have an issue with the steering column lock. I didn't have the auto so there was no concern over potential shifter issues.
My recommendation:
Do your due diligence on cars in your price range. Find a local vette mechanic and let them go through the car first. When you find the one that trips your trigger...buy it!
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
there is major disagreement on this, but the '05 was a great year car except that it did have a few issues which were not present in the '06 model. as with your C5, things change every year, every generation, and many times even during a model year. for that reason, you won't go wrong with either year's car, but if you can get an '06 for around the same price as an '05, do it.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10,467
Likes: 1,149
From: Wayne Township WI
Because of the nature of the C6 (highly computerized & $$) owners generally had their cars serviced, under warranty, at a Chevy store.
As the MYs aged many people went independent for their service needs; but, until they did go indy whatever was done to the car was documented so whatever C6 you find will have documentation w/ GM.
When you find a C6 you think you want & before you bid, get the VIN.
Swing by a GM dealership, ask they run a GMVIS for you, IIRC this is done at no charge. A good C6 will have a good maintenance history proving it as opposed to a car with never resolved nagging issue(s).
FWIW rule of thumb purchasing a pre-owned C6: newer the better.
Not saying one cannot find an older MY that isn't solid, just there were '05 issue(s) addressed for '06.
G/L
As the MYs aged many people went independent for their service needs; but, until they did go indy whatever was done to the car was documented so whatever C6 you find will have documentation w/ GM.
When you find a C6 you think you want & before you bid, get the VIN.
Swing by a GM dealership, ask they run a GMVIS for you, IIRC this is done at no charge. A good C6 will have a good maintenance history proving it as opposed to a car with never resolved nagging issue(s).
FWIW rule of thumb purchasing a pre-owned C6: newer the better.
Not saying one cannot find an older MY that isn't solid, just there were '05 issue(s) addressed for '06.
G/L
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 118
Likes: 12
From: Cypress Texas
I have an 'o7 vert A6 with 53kish miles. Bought it a few of months ago. So far I have had the shift cable (repaired) and harmonic balance (ordered parts Monday). These seem to be hit or miss but too common failures.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 243
Likes: 4
From: Lecanto FL
Lots of times "first year" issues get resolved by following year. This is info I was looking for and appreciate. Thanks to all who've responded.
Frank
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2015 C6 of the Year Finalist
Forget about anything you hear.
Each and every model year brings with it improvements, and refinements.
All you need to do is buy the very latest model year, that meets all of your criteria, that you can afford.
You'll never go wrong!