Good Afternoon,

I have owned 2 C4's (sold them) and I have been looking for a C5. But I found an '05 (C6) in my price range and it is the color/options I want.

Is it better to buy the last year of a C5 or the first of a C6 (speaking of quality and reliability not performance)?

Also, is there anything I should know/look for when checking out the car that is unique to '05's or C6's in general?

As always, thanks!

C

 

I'd vote last year of C5, you couldn't get me to touch an 05 with a ten foot pole. Too many issues. Just my $.02.

 

What a load of crap!

 

Based on your answer I know your feelings. Thank you!

Can you give me some advice on what to look for?

C

 

There is a TON of info about the "quirks" of an '05 on the forum. Most haven't had many problems beyond the steering column lock and the battery dying. I did avoid the '05 model year and got an '06, but that's just me. Find a well sorted example, do a ton of research and decide for yourself.

 

C5s are nice, but are dogs compared to any model of C6. Depends on what you are going for, every year of Corvette seem to have a lot of issues.

 

What do you intend to do with the car? Daily driver? Weekend cruiser? Intend to road race/AutoX/drag?

 

I was all set to buy an 06, but after reading and lurking here for a month I finally decided to get a slightly higher mileage 08 spending just a little more.

 

This is going to be a weekend cruiser.

I too have done some reading on the forum and felt that an '08 or newer C6 was the way to go. But like I said, this one fit my price and features.

Didnt know about the steering lock and battery drain

thanks

 

The M6 in an 05 has the column lock and it's known to malfunction. There is an easy to install bypass to fix it and a good chance whatever car you are looking at already has it done. Also, you need to leave the shifter in reverse when you park. Those 2 things are the only common problems for 05 only and were fixed in the 06> models. The rear axle housing was beefed up after 05 as well due to some reports of breakage. There are very few reports on this forum of it actually happening and when it does it's with the M6 trans and going down the track. Dumping the clutch at the track can produce what's called wheel hop and that's what causes the rear axle housing to crack. If you don't plan to track the car or have the A4 trans then it's nothing to worry about. There were a few recalls like for the painted roof coming apart, which included other years thru 08 I think, or maybe 07 and the harmonic balancer bolt coming lose (05 only) but most likely have already been fixed after 11 years. I would check the harmonic balancer while the car is at idle to make sure it's not wobbling. A common problem and can happen on any year C6 and roughly $1200 to fix. The only cosmetic difference is the 05 has the XM antenna outside on the roof or trunk while all other years have it built into the door mirrors. I've had my 05 for 6 years and the only thing it's been in the shop for as far as repairs is to have the balancer replaced. Other than that it's been nothing but tires, battery and brake pads. It's been the most reliable car I've ever had.

 

During my search I test drove several years and figured I would ultimately go with an 08 or newer but then test drove an 05. The search was over at that point. I loved everything about it. No issues with the car and a great value.

 

Bull . . .I owned a September 04 C6 (#2341) and had very few issues- all in all over 5 years it was bullet proof. Don't let people BS you based on only what they read on line. And- any necessary repairs are quite likely done 11 years later.

Pull a car fax and a dealer VIS report and find out for yourself.

And there's tons to read in these pages if you haven't already done so. Start here from yesterday: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-problems.html

 

Exactly...4 years, 45,000 miles on my '05 before I traded for my GS and it was flawless...FLAWLESS!!!

 

OP, Almost everybody on this forum who actually owns a 2005 loves it. I am on here every day and whenever this topic comes up, the 2005 owners rave about their cars just like the rest of us (I have a 2007). Mr Nubian has had a bad run of luck with his lately and frankly he is the only 2005 owner I can recall who is down on his car. A lot of people here have a theory that a first model year is a bad idea. I would bet that most of these experts have never owned a 2005. Every year of just about every car has some issues. Most problems with a 2005 model year were probably fixed years ago by previous owners.

 

Using that "first year headaches" logic I would certainly steer clear of a 2008...the first year of the LS3...

 

99% of people who have problems with 05's have never owned one. The 05's are very reliable, but can have problems like any other year. If the 05' fits your budget has the options you want, buy it and don't look back. Good luck.

 

Yes the 05's have a few quirks but by now most of those would be worked out. I wouldn't be scared off by what you read here about the 05's. If it's the color and options you want and the price is right I say go for it.

 

 

C6 is a much more refined car than a C5.

 

[QUOTE=Lateforwork;1592381015]I'd vote last year of C5, you couldn't get me to touch an 05 with a ten foot pole. Too many issues. Just my $.02.[/QUOTEI have got a 2005. It has 59,000 miles on it. The water pump was replaced at 30,000. Other than that it has been carefree.. From what I read on these forums other years have many more problems.