I have been thinking about getting back into the world of Corvette ownership and was considering a C6. Had one or more Corvettes for 30 years. Sold my one, a C5 ‘04 Commertive Edition convertible, a couple of years ago and still regret that move.

So, was wondering what is the best C6 and what years, models, equipment should be avoided.

Any constructive advise would be appreciated.

 

If budget is not an issue and you don't mind not having a removable roof or convertible get a ZR1 or Z06. If you have to get a convertible, get a 427 vert. If you like the targa top and wide body then your choice is a GS. '08 and newer models have an LS3 with a little more power over the '05-'07 LS2. The most affordable cars are base model coupes which are narrow body LS2 or LS3s. They are great cars too. Then what options do you want?

They are all nice, but its really a matter of what you want? Then narrow it down from there.

 

2012 or 2013 ZR1. Done.

 

I'd go for a ZR1

 

Ultimate horsepower is not high on my lists of must haves. ZR1 would be nice but would come at a premium. I love the vette for travel, love to road trip in them. Maybe a solid car with great suspension and mag ride? Maybe a GS?

 

Can't go wrong with a GS. The LS3 is an awesome engine. And plus then you get the targa top with the widebody. Great touring car.

 

Newer the better? Maybe focus on a 2013?

Any options to avoid/stay away from?

 

Welcome to C6 and good luck in finding your perfect car. The guys on here are very helpful but if you start threads with what is the best C6 you're going to get the type of answers you did, with ZR1.

If you're really wanting help it would be beneficial to give us more info.

What is your budget?
--This is probably this biggest factor in what you could get.
You stated you had a C5 convertible, so are you wanting another convertible?
- If you don't want a convertible the coupe has a removable top except for the Z06 and ZR1.
Do you want an automatic or manual transmission?
- Again if you want automatic that rules out the Z06 and ZR1
What activities do you plan to do with this new Corvette?
-- daily driver? weekend cruiser? Drag Race or Auto Cross?
You mentioned travel and road trips and maybe a GS.
Are you particular about a color? Or any color you don't want?

Answer the above and you could narrow your search.

 

Yes, they are all fine. But there is only one “best”.

 

Thanks for the input. I consider myself fairly knowledgeable about Vettes, was more interested in what is good in C6s and what should be avoided.
I would not be tracking a car and I out grew street racing about 50 years ago. I love a VETTE for road trips and general travel. I like convertibles but think a coupe would make a better road car.
Thinking a 2013, newer better, GS in either coupe or convertible. Would be happy with automatic or standard. Main concern is what options to avoid.

 

I don't have first hand knowledge of this, but others have said the leather dash becomes a problem on the 4LT cars. I'd go for a 2LT or 3LT car. I wanted the memory seats, dual mode exhaust (NPP), Heads up Display (HUD). i didn't care about the Magnetic Ride Control. I like the factory radio and nav, or rather they don't bother me. Others will say they're **** and replace them with an aftermarket radio and add a backup camera.

If budget is not a problem, then buy the 2013 GS with the least amount of miles in the color and transmission that you want. Check the dates on the tires because a new set of tires will set you back at least $1k.

Don't over think it. Best of luck to you.

 

You can't go wrong with the 2009 and newer mag ride, especially with the updated calibration from Jim Mero. It made a big difference in my ZR1 in the Tour mode and made the wife happy, too. We've had it out for extended weekend trips lately, and it rides very nice. When she's not in the car, the Super Sport mode is VERY entertaining on the twisties.

If ultimate power isn't your goal, I'd opt for the Grandsport. I almost ended up with a Centennial Edition Grandsport convertible before I finally jumped into the ZR1. No regrets.

Best of luck in the search.

 

For your needs/wants it sounds like the GS is the best option. The manual transmission coupes come with a hand-built LS3 engine with dry-sump oil system same as the Z06 & ZR1. The autos & convertibles come with a wet-sump oil system.

The leather dash included in the upper interior trim packages (4LT, 3LT?) has an issue with delamination due to poor gluing from the factory. Replacements are no longer available, so it could be an expensive fix. I’d avoid it.

The OEM navigation head unit is about 20 years outdated, so don’t pay more for a car with that. If you live in a cooler climate where you would use heated seats, then look for a vehicle with that interior trim pkg.

Manual cars all have a 10 yr/120k mi extended coverage on the clutch master cylinder from the in-service date. If past that date it’s an $87 part for the updated mc & about an hour of your time if you’re fairly handy.

There’s also the same extended coverage on the gas tank plastic flange which has tendency to crack. If past that coverage it could be an expensive fix.

Many low/mileage cars are still on the original tires (don’t know why) so replace any tires more than 5 years old. Most low-mileage cars haven’t had their fluids changed either regardless of years, so plan to replace all fluids.

I had a ‘12 GS & now an ‘11 Z06. They updated the seats in the ‘12-13 cars, they’re a little wider at the top. Inflatable lumbar and side bolsters make the seats more comfortable for either version pre/post ‘12.

 

Or the wide-body Vert.

 

Thank you, this is what I was looking for. Does this apply to all C6s or only specific models/years?

 

And, I have the "one".

 

 

Might also be a good idea to drive a couple C7s.

 

Tough to beat the looks of a wide body C6, if top level performance isn't a issue then the LS3 will give you good power with a rock solid reputation

 

For a road trip car, I wouldn't go GS. The tires and brakes are more expensive and less commonly available. The wider tires are a little noisier. There's fewer options for tires, especially in an all season, and they dont last as long.

I'd get a non Z51 narrow body car personally.