Lfuehrersr

I'm planning to make a final decision on buying an early MY C6 in the next two weeks.

Looking at 2006/07 vs 2008/09 models with between 20000 and 60000 miles.

I know about the hp difference in the ls3 vs ls2. Are there any other differences that could impact long term reliability in a non-modified engine (maybe an aftermarket tune only) between these two engine series?

Also, can anyone offer advice on any potential problem areas on the engines or other areas of the car to look for in these model years of 2006 to 2009?

Thanks in advance for your help,

Larry in Tampa

cclive

You can read the GM promo literature or it will be quoted here, but to me there isn't a dime worth of difference between any of those years. GM is good at promoting new features to bump sales year by year, but again, to me, those are very minor features that don't amount to much. I've driven a number of cars from those years and there is more difference from one individual car to another than there is from one year to another. Opinions will vary here on the forum as you will see....

My advice is to find low mileage, with the color and options that are important to you and don't worry too much about the year.

tennblkc6

ls2...ls3 for street...not worth looking into. follow the advice posted above.

C6ToGo

Agree with above. You want a 10-yr old vette. And maybe your first.

So ignore all the chatter about 15 more HP with an LS3 (specs are 30 but really 15), smoother steering with 08+, etc. Get the newest, lowest mileage you can afford and be a happy vette owner.

Lfuehrersr

Thanks for your suggestions!

Actually, I have owned 2 2006 Coupes over different periods of time - one new and one used. They were daily drivers and I loved them both, but I'm looking for a convertible this time. I want to invest less in the car, and drive this one only when the weather is nice enough to have the top down!

Lfuehrersr

Thanks cclive! I appreciate your feedback and suggestions!

TerryL

I have just the car for you, immaculate inside and out.

AORoads

I think the best-condition car, with relatively low miles and well-maintained will make the difference. More than the years or horsepower. If this sounds a bit like an echo of Chris's post above (cclive), it is. It's reinforcement of good advice.

cclive

I'm almost (but not quite) a little disappointed at the lack of disagreement...

TerryL

Be thankful!

Smitsd

Have to agree with the advise that's been given.
As the owner of an 05 convertible, I would suggest to you to inspect the operation of the convertible top to make sure the tonnue cover is not hitting the top when raising and lowering.
History has shown that the straps that hold the rear window part of the top in the up position lose their tension over time causing top and tonnue to hit each other raising and lowering,
You probably know this from owning previous C6's but be sure to check the harmonic balancer. A well known problem for many C6 owners.
Use the search box to check these and any other info you might be looking for. It's your best friend when searching for information.
Good luck and wishing you well.

v26278

There was a time when the LS3 platform was the latest and greatest. That time is long gone. Truth is, the difference is incremental and for factory stock street use, pretty much irrelevant other than the LS3 models are all newer than the LS2s, and newer is better all else being equal.

PAULEB07

IMHO...I own a 2007 Z51 3LT, Everything I wanted.I don't regret the purchase, but if I had to do it again definitely a 09 and up. Maybe a Z06 or GS. Make sure its exactly what you want!
Nuff Said!

Good Luck!

RicardoFors68

We own both LS2 and LS3, the 08 being a convertible, only difference i could feel is that the paddle shifting in quicker. Both cars have z51,the 08 has npp. Both drive the same, vert is noisier top up or down, is expected to. They get maintained the same way.

unixcorn

I was in the same boat as you. I had a new 2013 and just couldn't stand seeing that much money sitting most of the time. I traded it for a practical car but missed having a Vette so I bought a 2008 Vert. Now it can sit and I don't mind. Good luck with your hunt and let us know when you find what you want!

CSixDude

Check for fuel smell at the rear of the car. Look at the sticky at the top of the form about gas leaks.

Lfuehrersr

Thanks everyone for their comments and suggestions! It is much appreciated advice, and I'll post photos of the car after I make the final decision

Lfuehrersr

Sounds good, TerryL. But I'm looking for one closer to home - hopefully in the state of Florida!

0VMS_Racing

Try and go for an LS3.

ssmike56

I was looking at '08/'09's too until I came across my '06 fully loaded in the right color and low mileage for several grand less! I jumped on it with no regrets! The 30 hp difference was not a concern for me, the LS2 is plenty fast! Moral of the story is get the most for your budget and get the Corvette that is optioned and color that you want!