Hi all, considering moving up to a c-6 from my c-5, which I love but needs upgrades. Seems like most of the upgrades I want are already in the c-6. Being an older gent (70) I dont feel the need to require a standard shift any longer. Can I get some opinions on c-6, as to what to look out for and what to require looking forward. This is not something I plan on doing tomorrow so I am doing my homework and hopefully get many helpful suggestions and hints and tips . Thanks in advance.

 

There are many of the same issues on the C6 that the C5 has so your existing knowledge should be helpful. There are lots of C6's available with low mileage at a reasonable price. With an automatic it will cost more to repair if you have fuel pump related issues. Also you may have the typical gear shift selector issues. Look out for harmonic balancer wobble. Look for an 06 or above model to avoid the four speed automatic so you can get the more efficient 6 speed. Good luck in your search.

 

Look out for more horsepower, better interior, better exterior, better handling, more comfortable, better gas mileage...etc. Went from a 2001 coupe to a 2005 coupe, night and day difference. You won't regret it.

 

Great choice. Most important thing to look for is the Harmonic Balancer wobble. $1000-1200 repair bill if it does go. Really common problem that plagues both the C6 and the C5.

I would look for a 3LT or 4LT so it comes with the HUD Display, Nav, and heated/power seats on both sides.

If you can swing it, look for a Grand Sport to get the wide body look.

2008+ Get's better steering feel and the LS3 engine. 2005 Automatics have weaker rear ends. 2005-2007 was powered by the under rated LS2 which claimed 400HP but produced more on the flywheel.

Other than that, the cars are absolutely amazing!

 

I too am older (68 soon to be 69). I came from an 03 Z06 to my current 08 base with Z51 option. I originally made the switch because I have always liked the looks of the C6 over the C5. Because my old car was a "Z", there wasn't any increase in power in getting the C6. I, like you are contemplating, opted for the 6spd. auto this time around. I'm very happy with my choice, and it is easier for my wife to drive it. The main differences I noticed between the C5 and C6, were that the C6 feels more solid, is more comfortable, has better steering feel, and has way better headlights (the C5 was nearly impossible to drive at night on low beam).

I would suggest looking for at least a 3LT, as it has nearly all the options offered for the C6, including HUD, heated seats, telescoping steering wheel, etc.

Problems I have faced are the headlight lens deteriorating with age, auto trans. shifter bushings, and the dreaded fuel smell (cracked fuel pump fitting). The shifter bushings aren't that big of a deal, the headlight lens are getting difficult to find, and the replacement headlight assemblies are costly, and of course the fuel pump issue. That can be expensive especially with the A6. Mine cost nearly $3000. GM has come out with a service bulletin to cover the fuel pump replacement on 08 and newer cars (so far) depending on mileage and age. These are just some of the major things to look out for.

All in all, the C6 is a great car, and I am very pleased with my decision to upgrade.

 

Get the newest one with the options you want you can afford. Bought mine new in 2006 with the 3LT & Z51 options & have never regretted it; one of the best cars I've ever owned. Good luck in your search and there's no doubt you'll enjoy the C6 no matter which one you get

 

I'd recommend a 2008 or later.

The bigger LS3 engine started in 2008, and they also improved the steering system to make it both lighter and more precise.
The paddle shifters on the automatic tranny also started automatically blipping the throttle for downshifts, and general shifting improved somewhat.
Finally, a performance axle ratio became available as a stand-alone option, or it came automatically with the Z51 suspension.

The Grand Sport model came out in 2010 and took over most features of the Z51 suspension, but tire selection is much more limited if you get a GS.

You can have fun in any Corvette, but...
We traded our 2001 C5 for a 2006 C6 and wondered what the fuss was all about, the 2006 didn't seem all that much better.
Then we traded the 2006 for a 2009, the difference was night and day.

 

My wife and I just added a C6 to our garage and we learned a lot during our search.

I agree with all of the above and add these items:

1. Automatic shifter cable: The shifter has some type of bushing (two actually; one front and one rear) that was not designed properly to last the lifetime of the car. The issue appears to be a sort of time bomb as it is not a matter of if it fails but when. This issue could leave you stranded somewhere.

2. Harmonic balancer failure: This issue appears to be more specific to the LS2 engines but can be found on some LS3 models. The hub will fail and start to wobble. Complete failure could result in damage to the front of the engine. Good news is failure is not sudden and can be caught and corrected early.

3. Electrical issues: Seems the C6 is prone to electrical issues if the cranking battery is allowed to fall below nominal operating voltages. In other words, if the car battery gets low you will have some odd electrical problems.

4. Door handle failure: The electrical door handle switches can fail and not allow normal entry into the vehicle. This is not a big issue as the handles are easy to replace and not expensive. Also the handles can be repaired by the average DIY'er.

I am sure I missed some things from my shopping notes but those are the big highlights. I looked over the C6 model year changes that I found on the web as well. Eventually we settled on the 2010 and newer models due to all of the upgrades.

One more thing of interest, the 2005 models seems to be a crossover model. It is a sort of C5/C6 hybrid. A lot of the C5 interior issues and some mechanical seemed to be brought over for this one year. In 2006, most of these issues were resolved.

Best of luck!

 

I also am 70. Just made the switch 2 weeks ago from a 2003 to a stock 2013. You won't be disappointed. Much more car and many more conveniences too many to list. Mine has 20K miles, had it checked by a corvette mechanic from my dealership. My logic was this will
probably be my last car, why wait.

 

You guys give me hope! I an turning 65 and i started to think i was getting too old to drive a Corvette maybe i should sell and get a comfy 535 or a Benz but i love my 3 LT 11 GS with MN6 and would be very hard to separate with it. Some one suggested 4 LT, on those i watch for leather separating from the dash.

 

The 4L65E 4 speed is the strongest automatic ever put in a C6.the LS3's had much more issues with the delaminating harmonic balancer

 

Hey, thanks for all the info and opinions, got what I need to make an informed decision. Youguys (and gals) are a huge help, thanks again.

 

I think most everyone will recommend what they bought, and will cite something bad they heard (which may or may not have merit) about one they didn't buy.

I can tell you not to shy away from an '05. A4 is darn-near bullet-proof, and most issues will have been resolved, or most likely won't rear their heads at this point. This can be said about all older C6s however. M6 is reliable, but not as fuel efficient as an A4, because you have to be going 80 before you can really utilize 6th gear (the difference is only a mpg or so).

LS2s are great. LS3s are great. LS7s are great. Each has it's own idiosyncrasies, but if you are aware of them, you can eliminate or greatly mitigate them.

I think the only thing everyone here will agree upon, is that the C6 is an awesome car!

 

Well said Lisa!

 

Have fun - I'm turning 77 next month! I went from a 99 to a new 05, and now a very slightly used 11.