). I love my 2011 Grand Sport convertible.
C6 GS Question
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 2
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From: California
C6 GS Question
I'm buying my first C6 soon, preferably a Grand Sport. So I was wondering if anyone whos had a 2013 GS has experienced a lot of problems with it, as I've seen one guy on here who said his was a mess out the factory. I've also seen 2013 is one of the years to avoid for the C6.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 1,968
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From: Richardson Texas
2025 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I’m a relative newcomer to the C6 world, having gotten mine about 10 months ago. My 2013 has been mechanically flawless (knock on wood). Of course, when I first got it, I checked everything I could and I drove myself crazy using all of my senses trying to determine if anything was amiss. There was a thread not too long ago on the Forum where a poster asked a very similar question based on some statement about C6 years to avoid. The experienced folks on the Forum had some great, logical responses, basically saying that there were no facts offered to back up that statement about 2013 and maybe another year or two.
One thing to keep in mind is that these are used cars, now 11 years old, and things will need to be fixed at some point. But, as far as I know, there are no fatal mechanical flaws. This is the ultimate year of the C6, so the kinks should have been addressed on the LS3 cars.
Good luck with your quest.
One thing to keep in mind is that these are used cars, now 11 years old, and things will need to be fixed at some point. But, as far as I know, there are no fatal mechanical flaws. This is the ultimate year of the C6, so the kinks should have been addressed on the LS3 cars.
Good luck with your quest.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 6,139
Likes: 1,962
From: Morris County New Jersey
Nothing wrong with a 2013. I'm not sure where this nonsense started recently about avoiding a 2013. If you want a GS, 2012-13 models would be the most desirable. Nothing wrong with any of them, but 2012-13 got the new seats and a little nicer steering wheel and a few other small changes.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2020
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From: San Jose, CA
2023 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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No major issues with my 2013 GS. I have a friend who is a tuner of GM vehicles and in his opinion, they are the best Corvette to own.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 17,377
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From: Melbourne, FL
Wherever you saw 2013s should be avoided was wrong and nothing they said should be trusted. It was probably a bullshit AI written "article", or worse yet flat out wrong info from the C&S Corvettes YouTube.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,308
Likes: 2,210
From: San Antonio, TX
Only thing I could think of is if people get confused on the 2013 - 427 Convertible which had the same engine as the Z06 but more of the body of a GS convertible.
Think about it this way, any 2013 model car is already 11 years old. Whether a car has been driven or if it sat for most of its life, there could be stuff wrong with it.
But look at the problems on the "new" C8 that's been out for 5 model years. There's still issues w/ the transmission.
So new or old, do a physical inspection on it, and have a little extra cash set aside to fix any small things that pop up.
Best of luck,
Jason
Think about it this way, any 2013 model car is already 11 years old. Whether a car has been driven or if it sat for most of its life, there could be stuff wrong with it.
But look at the problems on the "new" C8 that's been out for 5 model years. There's still issues w/ the transmission.
So new or old, do a physical inspection on it, and have a little extra cash set aside to fix any small things that pop up.
Best of luck,
Jason
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,286
Likes: 611
From: DFW Texas
I purchased my 2013 GS in 2016 when the standard 36-month warranty expired. I did pick up an affordable 3rd party warranty to cover the car for 5-years or 100k miles. I had a problem with the fuel odor that required replacement of the fuel pump and was covered by the Chevrolet special coverage adjustment. At the same time, I used my soon to expire 3rd party warranty to replace a wobbling harmonic balancer. Both of these issues are common across the C6 model years, so you should check on this prior to purchase of a C6. Other than the two aforementioned items, my car has been trouble-free.
GD
GD
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Southeast TX
I've had two 2013 Vettes. Still driving the second one. Puts a real **** eatin' grin on my face every time I take it out.
First one was a GS that I added a Heartbeat blower and all manner of other ****. 660+ rwhp. No issues whatsoever. My current C6 is also a 2013. Heads and cam rig at 500rwhp. No issues with that one either. Any year C6 is pretty damn good. I think the 2013's are the best. Anyone stating that 2013 have "issues" that the other year models don't is a dumbass. Don't believe anything else they tell you either. They've proved that they are clueless.
First one was a GS that I added a Heartbeat blower and all manner of other ****. 660+ rwhp. No issues whatsoever. My current C6 is also a 2013. Heads and cam rig at 500rwhp. No issues with that one either. Any year C6 is pretty damn good. I think the 2013's are the best. Anyone stating that 2013 have "issues" that the other year models don't is a dumbass. Don't believe anything else they tell you either. They've proved that they are clueless.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,340
Likes: 722
From: Chicago N/W Suburbs
Three months ago, I bought a 2013 GS convertible with 12,570 miles, automatic transmission, with 3LT option group, NAV Radio, Dual Mode Exhaust, and Magnetic Ride Select.
The car had one problem when I bought it. The $50 vacuum solenoid that supports the Dual Mode Exhaust, located behind the right rear tail lights, was bad. I replaced it along with the burnt-up supporting fuse located by the passenger feet, and all has been well with the car since.
I love the car, so very happy to be an owner of a last year C6 60th Anniversay. BTW, I also love the little improvements made over previous model year GS's, though not sure if it is identical to the 2012 with exception to the 60th badging.
The car had one problem when I bought it. The $50 vacuum solenoid that supports the Dual Mode Exhaust, located behind the right rear tail lights, was bad. I replaced it along with the burnt-up supporting fuse located by the passenger feet, and all has been well with the car since.
I love the car, so very happy to be an owner of a last year C6 60th Anniversay. BTW, I also love the little improvements made over previous model year GS's, though not sure if it is identical to the 2012 with exception to the 60th badging.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 589
Likes: 256
From: The Woodlands, TX
I've owned my 2012 GS for 3 and a half years now. Really is no different than the 2013. I've replaced a battery, spring adjuster bolts, and had an issue with the fuel pump relay plug in (15 minute fix). The biggest issue I have had so far though was leaking fluid from the top of the reverse lockout solenoid which let to me spending a lot in upgrades while the cradle was dropped. It's 12 years old now, and I know things will happen over time as it ages. Just be on top of the maintenance and take care of things as soon as they come up. I'm not in the position to buy at this time, but will soon be looking for a 2013 427..... when I make that jump I already know that I'll probably have invest in head work to it but am looking forward to having it in the garage next to my GS.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2013
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From: Charles Town WV
2024 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
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13 GS here... 150k (the last 70k spent absolutely thrashing it every chance I can) and its still ticking along other than a few self induced mod related issues. Its been reliable as I could ever hope for. I'd wager to say as far as c6 goes 12/13 are the best two years, they had pretty much all the bugs worked out by then. There was some stupid AI generated article floating around claiming that like FAUEE said, completely false info in it. Buy the 13, you wont be disappointed.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
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From: Colorado Springs Colorado
2024 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I think the bad rap on 2013 was for ls7 engine bearings on Z06 and 427 convertibles. See this. Just a bad batch though, not a material or design flaw, they all use lead free bearing now according to that thread anyway.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 4,448
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From: SC
There was a post a few months ago that also mentioned seeing the 2013 on a list of years to avoid. The OP posted a link which everyone who read it agreed it was complete AI generated BS. The 2013 is arguably the best year C6 GS. I bought mine in 2016 and other than one plug wire falling off and the 4LT leather dash issue have not had a single problem. Oil, tires and batteries have been my only expenses. My headlight lenses are getting bad but that happens to absolutely every brand of vehicle.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
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From: Port St Lucie Florida
2025 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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'11 GS here.
Bought in early '20 and it has been flawless from day one.
As others have said, I would discount the anecdotal info on the '13.
The '12 and '13 do have the upgraded seats and steering wheel.
Other than that, it is the same car (I believe) as the "11.
Personally, I would take an '11 over a '12 or '13 if were in overall better condition, given the same options.
Bought in early '20 and it has been flawless from day one.
As others have said, I would discount the anecdotal info on the '13.
The '12 and '13 do have the upgraded seats and steering wheel.
Other than that, it is the same car (I believe) as the "11.
Personally, I would take an '11 over a '12 or '13 if were in overall better condition, given the same options.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,340
Likes: 722
From: Chicago N/W Suburbs
Any year GS is a VERY good year. 2010 and 2011 have a few great colors that were not available in 2012 or 2013. But the later have...
- updated steering wheel with unique GS logo
- more comfortable seats
- more speakers for the sound system
- USB port in the center console to store your music, accessible via the navigation radio.
There may be other little upgrades that I can't think of at the moment.
Oh, I think the USB port with navigation was introduced in 2011, not 2012.
Then there is the general rule about most every vehicle, the newer, the better. The lower the miles, the better. The more features like 3LT Option Group, Magnetic Ride Select, Dual Mode Exhaust, the better...for the benefit of resale and collectability.
- updated steering wheel with unique GS logo
- more comfortable seats
- more speakers for the sound system
- USB port in the center console to store your music, accessible via the navigation radio.
There may be other little upgrades that I can't think of at the moment.
Oh, I think the USB port with navigation was introduced in 2011, not 2012.
Then there is the general rule about most every vehicle, the newer, the better. The lower the miles, the better. The more features like 3LT Option Group, Magnetic Ride Select, Dual Mode Exhaust, the better...for the benefit of resale and collectability.
Last edited by Ron Dittmer; May 25, 2024 at 11:47 AM.
Le Mans Master
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From: Cypress TX
CF Community Team
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2025 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I'm buying my first C6 soon, preferably a Grand Sport. So I was wondering if anyone whos had a 2013 GS has experienced a lot of problems with it, as I've seen one guy on here who said his was a mess out the factory. I've also seen 2013 is one of the years to avoid for the C6.
Thank you.
Thank you.
