Likes- dislikes?
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,752
Likes: 699
From: Covington KY
2022 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I had an '05, my first 'vette, I have no complaints. As already mentioned the '05 had a weaker rear diff but from what I know it only matters if you plan to race the car. The column lock issue only affects manual trans cars so not a concern on the A4. Also the '05 is the only C6 with the 4 speed auto, the rest are 6 speed. I have also heard the ECM is no longer available if you should need one but I can't really say if that is a real issue or not. The "wart" antenna was on the halo on coupes and on the trunk lid on convertibles. Maybe it has already been removed from the car you are looking at? As for the steering wheel I actually like the '05 wheel compared to the "Cobalt" wheel put in the '06 thru '11 model years. If the price is right I wouldn't hesitate to buy another '05 if I were in the market.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,097
Likes: 398
From: ARKANSAS
My only issue is not with my Vette. It is a wonder to drive. I live in NW Arkansas and everyone has a big-*** pickup truck. They cannot see you. I've been cut off many times. Not just Vettes of course. Any small coupe that doesn't sit up as tall as a F150 with 35" wheels. I mention this because I had another incident just yesterday. Raining. I'm in the right lane next to a big pickup. He decides to enter right lane. Turns on signal and almost forces me into a drainage ditch. I pull in to gas station and ask him why he tried to destroy me. Said he never saw me in his mirrors. He apologized. But always keep that in mind. we live in a world of SUV's, Pickum-ups, and even crossovers. So be aware. But for sure BUY A VETTE!!!!!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 7,144
Likes: 1,546
From: Florida
As mentioned, the 05 is the only C6 that used the E40 ECU which supported the 4 speed auto platform then all other C6 years used the upgraded E38.
the E40 is pretty rare if it goes bad. Likely you will be in the used parts space - Ebay, junk yards etc.
also, as a tuner, the E40 presents some challenges if going in that direction.
For me, if I was in this market I would be looking past an 05.
the E40 is pretty rare if it goes bad. Likely you will be in the used parts space - Ebay, junk yards etc.
also, as a tuner, the E40 presents some challenges if going in that direction.
For me, if I was in this market I would be looking past an 05.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 3,708
Likes: 344
From: Texas By God
I have a great 05 M7 with Z51 option, great car very reliable and fun. Downside is the LS3 can run off and leave the LS 2 behind and the 05 does have a supposed weak rear end. I did cam headers heads and intake to jeep up with stock LS's
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 17,377
Likes: 6,523
From: Melbourne, FL
My only issue is not with my Vette. It is a wonder to drive. I live in NW Arkansas and everyone has a big-*** pickup truck. They cannot see you. I've been cut off many times. Not just Vettes of course. Any small coupe that doesn't sit up as tall as a F150 with 35" wheels. I mention this because I had another incident just yesterday. Raining. I'm in the right lane next to a big pickup. He decides to enter right lane. Turns on signal and almost forces me into a drainage ditch. I pull in to gas station and ask him why he tried to destroy me. Said he never saw me in his mirrors. He apologized. But always keep that in mind. we live in a world of SUV's, Pickum-ups, and even crossovers. So be aware. But for sure BUY A VETTE!!!!!!
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 4,448
Likes: 1,386
From: SC
My only issue is not with my Vette. It is a wonder to drive. I live in NW Arkansas and everyone has a big-*** pickup truck. They cannot see you. I've been cut off many times. Not just Vettes of course. Any small coupe that doesn't sit up as tall as a F150 with 35" wheels. I mention this because I had another incident just yesterday. Raining. I'm in the right lane next to a big pickup. He decides to enter right lane. Turns on signal and almost forces me into a drainage ditch. I pull in to gas station and ask him why he tried to destroy me. Said he never saw me in his mirrors. He apologized. But always keep that in mind. we live in a world of SUV's, Pickum-ups, and even crossovers. So be aware. But for sure BUY A VETTE!!!!!!
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,037
Likes: 331
From: Long Island New York
'05, Z51, 4 speed Auto, 41K miles, wart, steering wheel, LS2...funny how folks are complaining about the "wart" when every car in the World has some type of XM "wart" on it. A4 is the tranny of choice if you're building a race car, ask any real racer (not the keyboard racers), they are an upgrade of the tried and true C5 transmission. Rear end is weaker but it's only an issue if you race hard and do a lot of hole shots. Under normal driving it's gonna outlast you. Radio sucks but then again EVERY C6 radio sucks, change it our when you can. Harmonic Balancer COULD be an issue but the HB on EVERY C6 COULD be an issue. Someone said the LS3 could "run off and leave" an LS2, maybe a bit of an exaggeration, a tenth or two difference, that' s about it. Motor Trend tested the '05 C6 when it first came out, it ran a 12.7 112.3 MPH quarter mile and 0-60 4.3 seconds ...https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2...-corvette-z51/ They also tested a 2008 LS3, it ran 12.5 115 MPH quarter and a 0-60 at 4.1 seconds https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2...olet-corvette/ And a lot would depend on the drivers. Good luck on your choice, yours being a one owner low mileage car I'm betting you're gonna be just fine.
Last edited by RobLo; May 6, 2022 at 04:20 PM.
