I started looking at C6 corvettes this weekend. I'm looking to spend about 30,000. So I know I will be looking for earlier ones. What are the areas I should be looking at. I want a manual but will consider and auto. Is it okay to buy a higher mileage one. I am not going to modify it at all. I am not new to corvettes having had a 61, 67, multiple C3's, 94 and a 99. Right now I have a 1972 ZZ502 big block coupe 4 speed so that is my toy.

 

With most cars take a look at what maintenance has been done to the car. Watch for harmonic balancer wobble, oil pan seeping (mine has seeped since I got it at 3800 miles but it has never hit the ground, I am waiting to see if the harmonic balancer will need attention and I will have it all fixed at the same time) and gas tank fitting leaking. These are probably the most costly things to fix but I would not let them deter me. I opted for the 2008 3LT Z51 A6. I like the upgraded interior of the 2008 and the LS3. I would have no problems with the 2006-2007 and the LS2 either. Good luck with your search!!

 

I bought a very low mileage 07 for 28k 1.5 years ago and prices are down since then. At a budget of 30k you can get a very decent car. No regrets for me and I was fine with the LS2 motor, but the silver interior on the car looks like trash and was the first thing I got rid of.

 

I purchased a 2006 A6 LS2 in 2009 with 6K miles on it. It now has 120+K miles. Normal maintenance items and fluid changes at regular intervals as required. No issues with the HB.
I'm on the 3rd battery, 5th set of tires, 1 set of tire pressure sensors on last tire change, replaced the shocks to Bilstein, replaced the sway bar end links, one set of brake pads. Replaced the rear axle nuts when I changed the rear diff fluid, just because, not because I was having any problem with them.
1 set of front hood struts, 1 set of rear hatch struts.
Still on original plugs and wires, but overdue for a change over the winter. Will also change the AT fluid and filter over the winter hibernation.
The only minor issues I had to deal with was tieing back the Shifter lock out pawl, and had to replace the passenger side window regulator due to a frayed cable that jammed it up.
I replaced the headlight lenses as the originals were showing their age.
I had to reseat a SWPS connector the other day due to a "Service Traction Control System" alarm code, but it cleared OK after reseating and zip tying the connector as per the TSB
I do all the work myself on the vehicle. I have a GM VCX NANO (TECH II) scanner that has come in handy for checking codes, Bleeding brakes, etc.

Good Luck on your seach.

 

Agree with above posts. High mileage is not a problem if car looks good (i.e. everything works, paint is not chipped, interior is not worn, etc.) and has been maintained. If you want a stick get a stick. At one time I bought a used automatic '89 because it was a fantastic deal even though I wanted a stick. Always regretted it.

 

read this thread from 8/11/2023....

The guy ask almost the same questions as you.....His budget is $30k also.

Despite today's market, how much would you guys realistically pay for a used C6? - CorvetteForum - Chevrolet Corvette Forum Discussion

 

They are easy to find.

I friend of mine recently sold his 2009, non Z51, 2LT, auto, coupe for $30K at 34,000 miles. The car was perfect. The car was exceptionally maintained.

I posted this for the OP as a comparison.

 

How about mileage. I se alot of high mileage ones in my price range.

 

Keep looking for lower mileage cars like post #7.

 

This has C 6 info your asking about-

 

Newer cars have some improvements, most notably the LS3 motor in 2008. But overall they are basically the same car, you will always trade off miles for newer. In other words for your $30k, a 2013 car will have more miles on it than an 06 car. But I think in your budget you can get an LS3 car with under 50k on it pretty easily. In 08 they made a lot of base LS3 cars. In the years following that there were far fewer base cars and more GS and Z06 cars. So if you are looking for a base car and want an LS3 it will likely be an 08.

I would not stay away from an 06 or 07, especially if you find one that is well cared for. I know most of use low miles as an indicator of the condition of a car and it is not a bad approximator, but sometimes there is more to it, so I like to say well cared for. I don't think 05's are horrible cars, but unless someone is on a tight budget, I would get a newer one.

so yes, I agree with post #7, that is the kind of deal that I would be looking for.

 

I look online at C6s for sale at least once a week (I have a 2012 GS but i really enjoy looking at these beautiful cars) on the main car sites.
For $30k, you can get a very clean low mileage C6, there are many for sale right now. Figure out the specs you want and go for it.

 

No need to buy a high mileage. Look at autotrader and filter for 2006 to 2013, $30k budget, and less than 45k miles and there are 118 examples to choose from. And 34 w/ manual transmission.

Since you're "nowhere USA" it's hard to help you find one that is close to you.

You could filter by color, coupe or convertible to narrow your search even more.

Best of luck.

Jason

 

This video is crap and should not be listened to AT ALL. It's sad how you can spot literal garbage on YouTube and if you wrap it around some legit looking packaging people will.believe the literal lies you're saying.

 

Thank you for your help. I'm in NY. Long Island.

 

What do you think of this one. Saw it in person and looks clean.


http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/fd...-773fce6fb253/

 

I would stay away from a 2005. If your budget is 30k I would definitely go 08 or newer many available with low miles in 27-30k range. Take your time the end of the season is upon us and many good deals can be had.

 

Seems like a nice car. That one being a manual avoids the biggest issue with the 05s, the A4 transmission, which is just "fine". It works, and is reliable, but it's a truck transmission and the later 6 speed autos are better in every way.

The 05s do have some other quirks. You have to leave it in reverse when parked or it drains the battery. The rear axle isn't as strong (but is plenty fine for stock power - it only becomes an issue with big power addersike nitrous or forced induction).

If it's the color and options you want, and its close, go for it. It's better to get the car you want at a higher price than never get what you want. A lot of guys will say "well why not open your search up to cars across the country from you", and that works for some people I guess, but not me. I don't have the time or desire to fly across the country to see a car and maybe drive it back, and I don't love the idea of buying a vehicle sight unseen. They have services that will go inspect cars for you, but you're just adding more and more cost to a vehicle.

Ls2 vs LS3 has been, and will be, debated forever. They're both great motors. The LS3 is better in every way but cost. You also don't notice the difference unless you're racing an LS3 right next to you, and even then, it's a close race, really up to the drivers shifting and traction management.

 

My 07 is a weekend trip car. I wouldn't gain anything by going with an ls3. I also wouldn't have lost anything by getting an 05 with a weaker rear. There is no perfect car for everybody. I personally stayed away from the 05 because certain parts are one year only and difficult to find. Have had a chance to drive some later model c6 cars. I didn't feel much of a difference except the steering was night and day compared to my 07. No question the later models are better, but my only regret is not purchasing a widebody.

 

I agree with you. I want to get the best I can within 25-72 miles. I am not going to modify or race this. I have my 72 for that. This will just be a pleasure car.