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The short answer is yes.... Here's a small list of the 05 problems
-Steering Column Lock
-4l60e automatic (the worst trans GM ever made)
-Various electronic issues
-Weak Differentials
-Weak Axles
-1 year off ECM with completly different pinout than the e38 controllers they went to in 06 and kept through the rest of the c6 run. BCM is also a 1 off year... both are hard to source replacements and sourcing additional pins for the 05 is a whole ordeal.
Theres probably more I'm missing but these are the most notable. The 4l60e is equivalent to a boat anchor that occasionally will shift gears if you ask it nicely but more likely it will leave you with 5 neutrals and a headache. 06 up they went to the near bullet proof 6l80e and a stronger diff. If your shopping manuals not as big of a deal as they all got the T56 up until 2008 when they went to the TR6060, but I believe even the manual 05s have a weaker diff. I would def shop 06 and up if it we're me. Nothing against folks that have 05s but they are probably the most problem prone c6.
Last edited by StayinStock; Apr 19, 2023 at 12:38 PM.
What should I be aware of when looking at a low mileage 2005 Vert? Should I stay away from a first year?
I have owned my 05 since brand new. The only thing that comes to mind is the harmonic balancer was replaced at 72,000 miles. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the 4 speed automatic transmission and they are very strong no matter what a previous poster on here stated. I wouldn't keep a car this long if it wasn't a great car and I am currently at over 81,000 miles.
Bought my 07 about 15 months ago. When looking I wanted a coupe and 06 and newer. As already mentioned, inferior transmission and diff. That combined with too many 1 year only parts that can be difficult to find just didn't make it worth a potential headache down the road.
I have owned my 05 since brand new. The only thing that comes to mind is the harmonic balancer was replaced at 72,000 miles. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the 4 speed automatic transmission and they are very strong no matter what a previous poster on here stated. I wouldn't keep a car this long if it wasn't a great car and I am currently at over 81,000 miles.
Your one of the lucky ones then... Very strong is laughable at best... Plenty have unalived themselves in everything from gm trucks to cars with less power than a Corvette.
I'm another original owner of an '05, M6, vert. now with 61K miles on the clock. Been perfectly reliable for the past 18 years. No problems whatsoever aside from normal maintenance items (fluids, filters, battery, brake pads & rotors, etc) & no problem with the harmonic balancer.
Continues to run great & if you can find one with reasonable mileage & that you can confirm has been well maintained, then go for it!
Your one of the lucky ones then... Very strong is laughable at best... Plenty have unalived themselves in everything from gm trucks to cars with less power than a Corvette.
At least they are not as bad as the 2015-2019 A8 along with many other pickups, vans, and trucks. The A8 GM transmission has a large CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT right now on their very poor transmissions.
I have a 2005 6sp convertible with 24K. I purchased it in August of last year. The only issues I have had is a bad throttle body on the way home from dealer, they quickly resolved. The other issue is that a hydraulic line for the tonneau cover developed a leak from rubbing against a screw, per the Chevy technician. It is my understanding that the hydraulic parts for the convertible are discontinued, however they are available from Top Hydraulics.
I have no regrets with my purchase. I did my due diligence and purchased from a dealer I trust.
The 4L60E had been around for a long time. We have it in our 2001 Corvette coupe (55K miles so far) and I had it in my 2002 Silverado, which is still on the road (sold it to my brother-in-law) with 130K miles and counting. For a daily driver, I don't see an issue. Now for drag racing? That might be a problem. It really just depends on what you plan to do with the car.
That said, we did have a busted shift linkage in the 2001 not long ago, but that wasn't transmission related. And I am SOOO glad I got the diesel in my 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 because it came with the 10-speed, not the 8-speed.
I have a 2005 6sp Z51 only issue I’ve had in 6 yrs of ownership is harmonic balancer replacement. Absolutely love my 2005!
Do you remember roughly how many miles at the time of replacement? I might be dealing with replacing mine as well but it's stupid expensive. I'm replacing the belt and pulleys tonight so hopefully that fixes my chirping noise. I'm happy with my 05. No regrets.
The short answer is yes.... Here's a small list of the 05 problems
-Steering Column Lock
-4l60e automatic (the worst trans GM ever made)
-Various electronic issues
-Weak Differentials
-Weak Axles
-1 year off ECM with completly different pinout than the e38 controllers they went to in 06 and kept through the rest of the c6 run. BCM is also a 1 off year... both are hard to source replacements and sourcing additional pins for the 05 is a whole ordeal.
Theres probably more I'm missing but these are the most notable. The 4l60e is equivalent to a boat anchor that occasionally will shift gears if you ask it nicely but more likely it will leave you with 5 neutrals and a headache. 06 up they went to the near bullet proof 6l80e and a stronger diff. If your shopping manuals not as big of a deal as they all got the T56 up until 2008 when they went to the TR6060, but I believe even the manual 05s have a weaker diff. I would def shop 06 and up if it we're me. Nothing against folks that have 05s but they are probably the most problem prone c6.
That's a little harsh on the 4L60, they usually leave you with 3 neutrals. Not much better, but you know, better. They also appear to be much more reliable on light C6s than other applications they were used in that were heavier. They're not good sports car transmissions IMO, but I think it'd be fine in a stock power c6. That said, the 6 speeds are light-years better. This coming from a guy with an ls2 and 4L75 daily.
Other neat features of 05, you have to park the manuals in reverse or they drain the battery. The steering wheel is unique but widely hated. They have an ugly satellite radio wart on the roof.
Personally, I would spend the little bit more for an 06, because those things matter to me. To others, those things don't and they can save a couple grand with an 05.
That's a little harsh on the 4L60, they usually leave you with 3 neutrals. Not much better, but you know, better. They also appear to be much more reliable on light C6s than other applications they were used in that were heavier. They're not good sports car transmissions IMO, but I think it'd be fine in a stock power c6. That said, the 6 speeds are light-years better. This coming from a guy with an ls2 and 4L75 daily.
Other neat features of 05, you have to park the manuals in reverse or they drain the battery. The steering wheel is unique but widely hated. They have an ugly satellite radio wart on the roof.
Personally, I would spend the little bit more for an 06, because those things matter to me. To others, those things don't and they can save a couple grand with an 05.
lol the 4l60 has done me dirty to many times, I have no nice things to say about them. 3 in the c5, 2 in the tbss, one in a Silverado, 2 in a trans am… we have history lol 😂
lol the 4l60 has done me dirty to many times, I have no nice things to say about them. 3 in the c5, 2 in the tbss, one in a Silverado, 2 in a trans am… we have history lol 😂
Yeah, but don't you modify your stuff to have, like, a bajillion horsepower?
It's great that there are many '05 owners that haven't had any issues. However, the fact remains that there are numerous one year only parts that can't be found if something does happen. It's also known for torque converter failure. One off part that is near impossible to find.
if you're buying a car now, why chance it when you can just spend your money on a '06 or newer.
