C6 vs. C5 Reliability ?
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 2
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From: New Jersey
C6 vs. C5 Reliability ?
Hello,
I'm a new want a be Vette owner and the C5 and C6 are in my budget. say with 30/40 k miles. Which one is more problem free and has the more reliable motor etc.? I like the looks of both, but not as fond of the pop up lights on the C5, which I would think can become a problem not working right...
Thnaks for any basic info.
I'm a new want a be Vette owner and the C5 and C6 are in my budget. say with 30/40 k miles. Which one is more problem free and has the more reliable motor etc.? I like the looks of both, but not as fond of the pop up lights on the C5, which I would think can become a problem not working right...
Thnaks for any basic info.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,294
Likes: 482
From: Brea CA
Both are very reliable. I have both and the major issues with either are pretty much the same. Harmonic balancer and battery issues.
My C5 has 177k on it and the C6 has 61k.
Only work on the C5 that would not be considered normal maintenance is the front and rear main seals were replaced along with the balancer. Did have to replace the EBCM at around 40k and did both rear wheel bearings.
So far have not had to put anything into the C6 other than gas, tires and oil.
I do most all my own work on both.
Now don't ask what was spent on personalizing and upgrades.
For you, drive both and see which fits you better. As some others have said in these kinds of threads, don't worry about the miles on the car worry about the maintenance documentation. If it is clean and serviced regularly I would not hesitate to buy a 150k mile car and drive it.
Gary
My C5 has 177k on it and the C6 has 61k.
Only work on the C5 that would not be considered normal maintenance is the front and rear main seals were replaced along with the balancer. Did have to replace the EBCM at around 40k and did both rear wheel bearings.
So far have not had to put anything into the C6 other than gas, tires and oil.
I do most all my own work on both.
Now don't ask what was spent on personalizing and upgrades.
For you, drive both and see which fits you better. As some others have said in these kinds of threads, don't worry about the miles on the car worry about the maintenance documentation. If it is clean and serviced regularly I would not hesitate to buy a 150k mile car and drive it.
Gary
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Welcome to the forum!
I have had both models, actually on my second C6.
Similar chassis, upgraded power train in the C6, and both models very reliable.
Unless you find a C5 Z06 that is a "must have" then I would recommend a C6 over the C5 all day long for the increased power, and updated interior.
I have had both models, actually on my second C6.
Similar chassis, upgraded power train in the C6, and both models very reliable.
Unless you find a C5 Z06 that is a "must have" then I would recommend a C6 over the C5 all day long for the increased power, and updated interior.
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2019
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From: New Jersey
Hey Gary, Thanks a lot for the info. I'm not much into doing heavy duty mechanical work on my own, so this is why I have asked. I don't want to many problems. I know nothing yet as far as the upgrades etc... Looking for a stock Corvette first. What the hell is a Harmonic balancer? I though that was the instrument you blow into with the Blues band !?
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 4,303
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From: yardley, pa 19067
I’ve had both. A 99 C5 for 9 1/2 years and my current 13 Grand Sport for almost 6.. If your budget can afford it go for a late model C6.. The LS3 has 430HP vs 345 for the C5’s LS1. I only sold my C5 since I love the widebody C6 GS and bought it new in 2013.. Zero issues since new. I’d say look for at least at 2010 C6 since it had a lot of improvements over the early years.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,294
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From: Brea CA
Hey Gary, Thanks a lot for the info. I'm not much into doing heavy duty mechanical work on my own, so this is why I have asked. I don't want to many problems. I know nothing yet as far as the upgrades etc... Looking for a stock Corvette first. What the hell is a Harmonic balancer? I though that was the instrument you blow into with the Blues band !?
Gary
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Race Director
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From: Melbourne, FL
C5 headlight motors can wear out, c6 headlights craze up and leak... kinda a tradeoff.
If my max budget was low to mid 20s, I would get a c5 and save the money for upgrades and repairs.
If my max budget was low to mid 20s, I would get a c5 and save the money for upgrades and repairs.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2012
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From: Central PA. - - My AR15 identifies as a muzzleloader
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Hey Gary, Thanks a lot for the info. I'm not much into doing heavy duty mechanical work on my own, so this is why I have asked. I don't want to many problems. I know nothing yet as far as the upgrades etc... Looking for a stock Corvette first. What the hell is a Harmonic balancer? I though that was the instrument you blow into with the Blues band !?
I tend to agree on the C6 recommendation. But that's more about the car than it is about reliability. They are however newer, that's guaranteed.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 109
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From: Peachtree City Georgia
C6 definitely an upgrade over the C5 . Like the increased HP on my '08 with the LS-3 plus the six speed tranny. I had to replace the electronic door release modules & right rear wheel hub assembly on the '08 but other than that love the enhancements with the C-6.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: South East
You can get opinions from the forum, however you really need to drive not one but at least 2 of each generation and see what feels better to you.
This is the C6 section, so most will say C6 is better. Post this in the C5 section, and it will probably be the other way...
This is the C6 section, so most will say C6 is better. Post this in the C5 section, and it will probably be the other way...
Safety Car
Joined: May 2016
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From: Erlanger, Kentucky
I have had both; a 2002 C5 Z06 and currently own a 2011 C6 Grand Sport. They are both very very reliable.
The C6 has more updated styling and has the LS3 which is a great engine. C6 is also a bit more refined and comfortable to drive.
C5Z also has a great engine; the LS6. Styling is late 90's so a bit dated. Feels a bit more raw and visceral which some people like.
Both are great cars.
The C6 has more updated styling and has the LS3 which is a great engine. C6 is also a bit more refined and comfortable to drive.
C5Z also has a great engine; the LS6. Styling is late 90's so a bit dated. Feels a bit more raw and visceral which some people like.
Both are great cars.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 902
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From: Kerrville, Texas
I had a low mileage C5 and now have a low mileage C6. I never had any problems with either one in over 7 years. The C6 is more comfortable and quieter. It seems to be a better car and obviously cost more.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
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Car for car I favor the C6 over C5. Chevy improves these cars every year so naturally C6 is more refined. That is not to say I would recommend a heavy used C6 over a pristine C5. Condition, miles, service history, car fax and who owned the car are key factors to consider. I would look for a stock Corvette. Stay away from Corvettes that have been modded unless you know who did the work and you are handy enough to deal with non-stock parts and issues. Most Chevy dealers will not work on heavy modded cars if that matters. Good luck.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Harrisburg PA
Would this also be true of the LS9 in the C6 ZR1? Thanks!