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I've owned an 05 auto coupe and an 05 manual vert. Drove both to about 100k trouble free miles. 05's have the known quirks which I don't consider deal breakers considering cost. I would expect you to easily drive another 50 to 100k trouble free miles and still get reasonable money for it. They're good solid cars albeit the new style electronics.
I think it's a decent deal - especially this time of year. I've had my 05 6 speed for a little over 1.5 years -- bought for 21,500 with 53K. Base with most of the options except Z51. I personally like the 05' since it's the only year with it's own steering wheel (small thing I know). Since having it, last summer I had the Cam Pos Sensor and MAF sensor go bad. I just put new Michelin run flats and ceramic brakes on (the old ones squealed). Remember that it's a 13 yr old car and that will need to be maintained. I love it and have no regrets. Also, keep in mind that if it has the translucent top, it will get HOT! Especially black on black. My tan interior gets very warm as is.
After doing a lot of research on the various models, options and known problems I bought a black/black/black '05 convertible with ~40k miles in February for $21500. Seemed like a good deal based on others available in my area.
Since I bought it I had to do a few of the common things (HB wobble/rear axle seal) but am very happy with the car. I also changed every fluid and purchased new rear tires (the original factory tires were still on the rear). Have also done a few cosmetic changes but nothing huge.
I think the price seems reasonable but depends on your area of the country. Oh, and like others have said, review maintenance records best you can...if it fits your budget and appears mechanically sound buy it.
HUM ???....never heard this one before. Could you elaborate a little bit on the difference ?? Know this is probably a dumb question....but could the average person tell the difference between the two while blind folded ??
Only Corvette I've ever owned is my '05 (for 8 years now) but I'm curious too, what is my steering supposed to feel like?
In my opinion would not buy a 05-07 because of way the steering feels. Vast improvement in the later years well well worth the added expense. This is something that will really grind on you if do much driving. Seems everybody is concerned about the larger engine but to me the improved steering rack in the 08s and up is the most important thing by far.
Originally Posted by windyC6
HUM ???....never heard this one before. Could you elaborate a little bit on the difference ?? Know this is probably a dumb question....but could the average person tell the difference between the two while blind folded ??
Originally Posted by RobLo
Only Corvette I've ever owned is my '05 (for 8 years now) but I'm curious too, what is my steering supposed to feel like?
I owned a 2005 and a currently own a 2013, so I have experience on both sides of the C6 generation. Anyone that says they can feel the steering differences from a LS2 to a LS3 is probably the same person that says they can feel the extra 6HP when the NPP is in the open position. The biggest difference between from 2005 and 2013 in terms of steering is the steering wheel.
Here is what the 2005 looked like
The steering wheel was changed in 2006 and up
I think around 2007-2008, the steering wheel was slightly changed to include audio controls. I am sure there have been improvements over the years in the steering functions but I can tell you the "feel" has not changed enough to consider the 2005 a "grind" to drive. I drove my 2005 until the day I bought my 2013. The only thing I noticed was the power lost. My 2005 was modded and producing 100 RWHP over stock so jumping directly into a stock LS3 was a huge difference.
You really did not notice the difference between the 05 and the 2013 steering feel?
Can you elaborate on difference in “feel”? It is not like driving a 2 ton pickup and then jumping into a BMW M3. Maybe you are think of the base (non-Z51). I tested drove both base and Z51. I, of course, bought the Z51 equipped C6 because the base felt like a boat.
My 2005 6 speed with 143,000 miles has been my favorite over the past 5 years!!!! Recently dealing with the stupid reverse lock function on 2005s only and will fix as needed. I would take this car anywhere after a few update / upgrades. The forum is the best way to filter out the B/S and get to the real info........!!!
Can you elaborate on difference in “feel”? It is not like driving a 2 ton pickup and then jumping into a BMW M3. Maybe you are think of the base (non-Z51). I tested drove both base and Z51. I, of course, bought the Z51 equipped C6 because the base felt like a boat.
To me the earlier 05-06 models have a heavy vague on center feel mine included. Don't know about the 07 never driven one but they have the same steering rack. Driven several 2010s and 2011s at least to me have vastly improved steering. To me the 2010/2011 feel is a connected more precise feel I can set the car anywhere in my lane with out having to fight thru the steering inputs. Think this is the reason the GM changed the steering rack and programing several times starting in 08 thru 2013. Kind of wish I held off and found a newer C6 instead of my 06 just for the improvements in the drivability. Have read the replacement steering rack for the 05-07s have improved closer machined parts to help with I am trying to describe.
Last edited by h8snow; 06-23-2018 at 11:34 AM.
Reason: spelling
Can you elaborate on difference in “feel”? It is not like driving a 2 ton pickup and then jumping into a BMW M3. Maybe you are think of the base (non-Z51). I tested drove both base and Z51. I, of course, bought the Z51 equipped C6 because the base felt like a boat.
Interesting!! I wonder if the z51 alignment, steering, or suspension has something to do with it. I didn't notice much difference between my 05 z51 and a 08 z51 I've driven recently. (My 05 has non-run flat tires.)
My f55 equip base with t has been so much fun. I did need to replace the balancer and rad but 13 year old cars will need things to keep reliable. Imo change the coolant and the thermostat upon arrival.
In my opinion would not buy a 05-07 because of way the steering feels. Vast improvement in the later years well well worth the added expense. This is something that will really grind on you if do much driving. Seems everybody is concerned about the larger engine but to me the improved steering rack in the 08s and up is the most important thing by far.
Originally Posted by windyC6
HUM ???....never heard this one before. Could you elaborate a little bit on the difference ?? Know this is probably a dumb question....but could the average person tell the difference between the two while blind folded ??
I just rolled over 37,000 on my 05 vert. Each and every mile has been awesome. If the car feels good, do it. Leave the worry to folks who are deciding which Prius to buy because one gets 1 more mpg than another.
06-15-2018, 12:07 AM
Only Corvette I've ever owned is my '05 (for 8 years now) but I'm curious too, what is my steering supposed to feel like?
