MacA1979

Looking for a little feedback....

I have been Corvetteless now for about 8 years while I put my daughter through college and grad school. Now that she is "off the payroll" my wife has given me permission to buy a Corvette. I have a max of about $20K to spend. So I am looking primarily at C6 options.

I have an opportunity to buy an excellent condition 2005 Magnetic Red/Cashmere M6 coupe w/ 60K miles at what I think is an incredible price (under $16k). It is 1SB but no Z51 or dual roofs. I can buy this one and have additional money for upgrades (performance & appearance) to my liking. Or should I wait and find a later model with the extra money?

I've read about most the 2005 typical issues, but figure that with the mileage most of these are either fixed or won't show up. I love the Magnetic red and interior combination. I know who has owned the car before. The carfax is clean. The car will be thoroughly gone through before I have to commit. What am I not thinking about? All opinions appreciated!

Here are a couple of cell phone pictures ......




Thanks for taking the time to look!

MacA1979

Sorry for the dual pics. Been a while since I last posted pics here. I'll try to figure out what I did wrong.

HBsurfer

Nothing wrong with a clean 2005. Any problems or recalls are surely handled at 65000 Miles. Jump back in and spend that extra money on mods.

capevettes

The 2005 Corvettes had alot of electrical issues among others. I bought one new in 2004. Ended up being a GM buyback. All due respect to 2005 owners who have had good luck, but If I were you, I would spend closer to your $20,000 budget and get a newer, lower mileage car.

theandrewo

Love the color! I have the same.

I'd go for more bolt-ons already included. You pay pennies on the dollar when the mods are already installed on the car for sale. $4k really doesn't get you a lot from stock. Full exhaust and a tune already uses more than half that leftover cash.

Dave S

I've owned an '05 since new & despite the naysayers, it's been strong & reliable all these years. The only repair I've had to make is replacement of the vent valve solenoid, which was an easy DIY fix. As long a the one you're looking at has a clean Car Fax & a good maintenance record, then go for it!

1bdvet

I have 05 with no complaints, it's my daily driver, and it's load to drive, been thinking of upgrading, but not going to, I made it mine, and I'll keep it while longer.

steveweimer

My '05 was more than reliable and a pleasure to drive and own; in 9 years of ownership, the only items I replaced were the harmonic balancer ($1100) and steering wheel lockout switch (preventative - DIY). Before you buy, check for harmonic balancer wobble and/or squeek.

jrose7004

I'd say "Go for it".

Jeff T.

At 65k if there were issues like "capevettes" posted, I'm sure they would have been sorted long ago.

Good Luck!!

Tokuzumi

If it was an auto, I'd say no, since the 2006 got the 6 speed. But the only thing I don't like about the 05s is the steering wheel. It's one of those things I can't unsee in the interior. Especially since you will be using it 100% of the time while driving the vehicle. But for under $16k, sounds like a good deal.

MacA1979

Excellent feedback! Thanks!!

mic575

Seems like an excellent deal to me if its an example of one you want.

cadyshac

Seems like a great price, no complaints about my '05.

Dman302

Not without history on the car. I had none and met some $$ bills early on that were not expected. Balanced 1 week after taking over, radiator 6 months later, Tpms twice,...she’s an exceptional ride now but the road to now has been a bit rough at times. I would go newer. Steering wheel is best feature bar none

Dutch08

My 2 cents ... if it seems like it has been taken care of, I'd buy it.

I bought a 2005 MN6 MagRed/Cashmere about two years ago (48K at the time). I think was a DD, all normal maintenance appeared to have been done. I did the following over the two years, changed all fluids, MGW shift, Black halo (wrap), new HUD (sun damage), new end links, 2012 steering wheel, GM black race spoiler, new transparent top (wrapped the old one one black on the inside), carbon fiber wrap on the center console and Corsa Sport Exhaust.

IMHO, this car is perfect !!!! and I've got about $3500 into it (I do all my own work). It has 400 hp which is more than enough for the street and my skills. Its a bit too electronically controlled for my taste, but not as much as a newer car. I get compliments at the gas stations and the grocery store by car people so I my '05 looks good to at least car people. Yes you can buy a newer C6 (and depending on the price might be a better buy), but I love my '05 and the with a few upgrades I think its better than most c6's.

My advice, look at the cost for what you might want to do to the car versus a newer model and its cost. IMHO, absolutely nothing wrong with a 2005, I would not want different model. Remember, if you have the work done for you, the labor costs/parts on Corvette's are high, in which case you might be better off with a newer car.

Ssnobrakes

Its an urban myth that 05s are bad cars. All the other years of the C6 have had their share of quirks and issues too. Most of the problems I have read on this forum are for other years and not 05s. I love my 05 and the steering wheel IMO is a lot better than the Cobalt wheel that they started using in 06.........If you like the car and feel good about it I say go for it.

saplumr

I buy GMC vehicles like people change socks. 26 in the last 18 years. Never a problem with any with the exception of a 2017 Sierra Denali diesel at $75K. It was a dud but that doesn't mean 17's were a bad batch. Stuff happens.

MacA1979

Again, thanks for all the replies! I do most of my modifications, so at least I can keep the labor costs down. Once I have it checked over I will know better if I want to proceed with the purchase. If this one doesn't work out there will be others!! I have always enjoyed the search process though!

I'll keep you posted!

corvette312

GO FOR IT !!!!!!!