Likes- dislikes?
Instructor
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 225
Likes: 78
From: Florida
If it was taken care of and the price is right buy it. I personally love my 09 with the LS3 and a6. Everyone on here will tell you the same. Just check the car out for the known issues that are posted all throughout this site.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,135
Likes: 1,309
From: North Little Rock, AR
What's not to like it is a C6. I know folks that are more knowledgeable of the first year model will chime in as it does have some quirks that '06 forward do not. I believe the rear end is weaker in the 05 than other year models. Steering wheel lock can be problematic but there is a bypass kit available. Check the harmonic balancer for wobble as this can be a problem with all C6 model years. The only thing I do not like about the '05 is the wart antenna on top of the car.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 17,377
Likes: 6,523
From: Melbourne, FL
The steering wheel and antenna on the 05 are dislikes for me. I don't like the early interior either.
That said, specific to the C6... I like the power, handling, and efficiency. I like the Targa roof and the overall lines of the car. I like the FRP body that's less likely to get dented. I like the midbass of the Bose system, but dislike most of the rest of it (it's not horrible, but also not good).
Dislikes, it scrapes on everything because it has a part literally designed to scrape on everything. It's almost too fast and has very long gearing, so it's not as fun as some cars that aren't as fast. No backseat means I can't really use it anymore as I'm always taking my kiddo places.
That said, specific to the C6... I like the power, handling, and efficiency. I like the Targa roof and the overall lines of the car. I like the FRP body that's less likely to get dented. I like the midbass of the Bose system, but dislike most of the rest of it (it's not horrible, but also not good).
Dislikes, it scrapes on everything because it has a part literally designed to scrape on everything. It's almost too fast and has very long gearing, so it's not as fun as some cars that aren't as fast. No backseat means I can't really use it anymore as I'm always taking my kiddo places.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 8,471
Likes: 3,970
From: Omaha
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
If I were going to buy an auto C6, it would be any year except 2005. 4-speed auto is certainly reliable, but it's nowhere near as nice/fun as the 6-speed auto.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,958
Likes: 707
From: WI
As I mentioned in your other thread in tech I'm very happy with my '05. Mine does have an aftermarket radio, I removed the wart, the mufflers look to be magnaflow, and I installed a vararam. Good car!
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,094
Likes: 15
From: Grant-Valkaria Florida
I had an '05 that I bought new. It was a great car and I never had any problems with it other than the normal stupid small issues with any new car. As mentioned, it is the only C6 with a 4 speed transmission, but that 4 speed is much stronger than the 6 speed. Ask drag racers that are racing C6's. I bet they have, or want a 4-speed. Good luck, just check the car over good, as you should any used car. The advantage to buying a used Corvette is that "most" Corvette people take very good care of their cars. Good luck and don't be afraid just because it is an '05.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 16,838
Likes: 341
From: Database Error Indiana
I have an 06. Pretty much the same car as an 05 except as noted above. I think the 05 should be a great car. The 08 has 38? more horsepower but I doubt you would notice the difference. If racing go 06 or up for the stronger differential.
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 787
Likes: 279
From: Reston, VA
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 150
Likes: 19
From: Greensboro, n c
I purchased an 05 with 30k miles last December, I installed the column lock bypass for about $75 I think, took me 20 minutes to do it, put on new tires, the ones on it were 11 or 12 years old, afraid to drive with them on car. Mine is a 6 spd vert with z51 package, I absolutely love it, very happy I have it. I paid $24,000 for it. Be sure to check it or have a certified corvette tech. Check the things mentioned above they are right on the money, good luck
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,396
Likes: 129
From: Plainfield IN
Team Owner
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 53,773
Likes: 5,623
From: Plantation Florida USAF(Retired) 1966-1990
U.S. Air Force
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
