Zorro O

I’m going to pick up a used C6 for a cross country trip, going from the west coast to the east from DC down to the keys then back along the gulf. I need some idea when in years or miles that things like water pumps and alternators start to give up or anything else I might have a problem with. I’m looking at 2008/2010 convertibles either base model of GS with an automatic. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks for your time.

449er

Actually, C6 Corvettes are reliable cars, most people who post here are complaining about an issue with their car, but few people post about how reliable their cars are. I say buy one & drive the heck out of it. The C6 cars don't have a high rate of failures with the water pumps or alternators, batteries can be an issue though

Welker1

There really is no way to predict; I've read horror stories of people who have had multiple issues such as those you've questioned within the first 2-3 years of ownership (under 25k miles). On the flip side, I've heard multiple stories like mine; I've owned mine since new, almost 100k miles and 12 years later the only mechanical issue/repair it's had/needed is the shifter and cable were replaced a couple years back.

LMB-Z

109,684.8 miles

RIKKI Z-06

My Dad's 07 has 110,000 on it ZERO problems, East coast to West coast and in between. Z51 6 speed.

pagosawingnut

64,000 miles on my '08 and, other than the fuel tank recall, (knock on wood) NO ISSUES!

Kenny94945

One can never predict.
The C6 Vettes are reliable.

Follow the service manual for fluids.
Visually inspect the suspension even go as far as placing a torque wrench on every bolt you can reach and also inspect the undercarriage & wheel wells.
A major break down could be the know issue of the harmonic balancer wobble, so inspect that too.

Continental travel break downs can suck.

Flats perhaps being the most common and a real "headache" as the tires are not usually stocked in many stores.
Plug kit, inflator, flash light, jack, cell phone, credit card can be best advise.

New battery may not be a bad idea.

Water pump, ignition coils, belts, alternator, fuses, headlights, fuel pump etc one can never predict.

Have fun on your trip.

LowRyter

it looks like the common failure items are harmonic balancers and fuel tanks each item can go out at any time. Add some linkage problems with auto trannies.

there are some annoyances like the older GPS radios, TPMS and creaking tops.

All can be fixed. The fuel tank issue being worst. The hi po models might have additional issues but for the typical LS2/3 cars, that's all Iv'e read.

owc6

My '05 didn't start breaking until ~ 150,000 miles. My '09 Z06 never broke at all.

kevinkar

Everyone who says it's impossible to predict are correct. Every car is different, even exact duplicates. One could have a perfectly built and installed water pump and the other can have a pinch in a gasket that leads to leaks at 1500 miles. You just never know.

Best thing to do is keep it well maintained and have a cell phone and a country-wide safety net like a AAA membership.

69L79

I have logged over 70K combined in a '10 GS and a 12 ZR1. Routine items like oil changes, coolant change, battery. Not much more. Three sets of tires on the GS. Two sets on the ZR1. Very reliable cars. I toyed with the idea of a manual C7 GS. But, when I read the C7 Forum I nixed that idea. C6 > C7 all day in terms of reliability.

BigBlue

K9KUZ

Slightly off topic: Forget AAA! They can't find or help you without a specific street address.
Personal experience.

Don-Vette

Same maintenance as any other car nothing special just read the owner's manual and follow it

ruxvette

When does it start to break? The day after the car is built.
Jeezus, just shoot me.

Yokesc5

Eritosthenes

There are a few items that are more or less predictable. Replace your TPM sensors when they're ten years old (batteries). Replace your battery every 3-4 years (2 years in hot climates like Florida). With a non-aggressive alignment, front tires will typically last 20K-22K; rears about 40K. Change oil when the DIC drops to 5%. Change antifreeze every five years, and automatic transmission fluid every 50K (recommend having a dealership do this). For a manual transmission, change the clutch fluid every two years. Replace the battery cables (both red & black) every 100K or 10 years, whichever comes first. Door pads and rear opening buttons usually need to be cleaned or replaced every 7-8 years. The lexan headlight lenses really start to cloud after about ten years (Umnitza.com has replacements). Harmonic balancers tend to fail after about 50K miles, but this varies. If/when yours does, replace it with an after-market HB. The OEM part is a POS. Clean the crud from the bottom 4"-6" of the radiator with air and water hoses every year.

ben z

My time is very limited so a breakdown would be a trip-killer for sure. If I'm going more than about 100 miles from home I rent a car. If it breaks down the rental company sends out a flatbed with a replacement car and picks up the broken one and I'm on my way. My son who lives 10 hours away by car is in the same situation and also rents. If your schedule is flexible then I wouldn't worry about it, but definitely I wouldn't embark on an x-country trip with a car I just bought, I'd want to drive it a week or two so to pick up on anything that might be a potential breakdown issue.

LowRyter

really Ben?

wayback

Well I did replace plugs, wires , shocks and pads by that mileage. GM replaced the fuel pump.

Changed all that again at 200,000 miles...Not the fuel pump though. Alt replaced also.