Future money pit?
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 423
Likes: 125
From: New braunfels, tx
Outside of a door actuator and the transmission bushings, my car has been rock solid for the last 4 years and 40k miles
I had the harmonic balancer done but it had life left, just wanted the insurance of a new one
I had the harmonic balancer done but it had life left, just wanted the insurance of a new one
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 190
From: Austin TX
The biggest issue with the parts are going to be the first year, 2005 models that had one off parts (ECM, rear diff, tranny, etc.). The other years had a good amount of parts made and inventory will be plentiful for the near future. There is some argument about prior year models of Vettes (and other cars) that they shared parts with other platforms so if you cant find it for your specific model, another model may have had it. Unfortunately, the C6 (C4 & C5 as well) didnt share with other platforms.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 1,516
Likes: 432
From: Ruskin, FL
There is some argument about prior year models of Vettes (and other cars) that they shared parts with other platforms so if you cant find it for your specific model, another model may have had it. Unfortunately, the C6 (C4 & C5 as well) didnt share with other platforms.
Or Corvette sharing parts with other Chevy's, because that they do. While we all hear of the "Corvette Tax". That's only partially true. The C6 shares a steering wheel with a Chevy Cobolt. The A/T shifter **** with Volvo. Many basic mechanic parts are shared. You just have to look at oe interchange numbers.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 190
From: Austin TX
Do you mean C4 sharing parts with C5 and C5 with C6?
Or Corvette sharing parts with other Chevy's, because that they do. While we all hear of the "Corvette Tax". That's only partially true. The C6 shares a steering wheel with a Chevy Cobolt. The A/T shifter **** with Volvo. Many basic mechanic parts are shared. You just have to look at oe interchange numbers.
Or Corvette sharing parts with other Chevy's, because that they do. While we all hear of the "Corvette Tax". That's only partially true. The C6 shares a steering wheel with a Chevy Cobolt. The A/T shifter **** with Volvo. Many basic mechanic parts are shared. You just have to look at oe interchange numbers.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 2,520
Likes: 1,170
From: Northern Wisconsin
Yesterday I replaced an ignition coil that failed due to an internal short. The car was in my garage and it was simple for me to diagnose and replace because I have a bi-directional scanner and all the other usual tools. Total cost for me was $33.79. This type of thing can be expected to happen. If you had to tow the car to a shop for diagnosis and repair, it would have cost you a few hundred dollars. So, depending on your skills, ongoing costs can vary a lot.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 1,516
Likes: 432
From: Ruskin, FL
Yesterday I replaced an ignition coil that failed due to an internal short. The car was in my garage and it was simple for me to diagnose and replace because I have a bi-directional scanner and all the other usual tools. Total cost for me was $33.79. This type of thing can be expected to happen. If you had to tow the car to a shop for diagnosis and repair, it would have cost you a few hundred dollars. So, depending on your skills, ongoing costs can vary a lot.
Would it have been any different if you had a truck or Firebird or... (of course the Firebird would be '02 or older)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 2,520
Likes: 1,170
From: Northern Wisconsin
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 1,516
Likes: 432
From: Ruskin, FL
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Instructor
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 221
Likes: 105
I'm convinced that electronic issues of various kinds can be forestalled by the consistent use of a Battery Tender or similar charger with a "brain." That's because many of our cars are not driven enough to keep their batteries fully charged therefor leading to grounding and similar issues.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 488
Likes: 315
From: SoFlo
2024 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Future money pit...absolutely! Any older sports car has this possibility. With the help of the internet there is nothing you can't find, you just have to look. I think back to the 80's when i was just getting into the hobby of cars and wow how I found parts for my 60's and 70's mustangs and really don't know. I only had local scrapyards and auto parts stores. Anyone remember the Autotrader newspaper? You had a small black and white grainy photo with a 2 line description and a phone number. In 2026 I really love my 2009 money pit cause when I need to spend money on it it's just a click away!
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 16,531
Likes: 2,410
From: Out Where the Buses Don't Run, Eglin AFB/ Niceville FL
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 Corvette of the Year Finalist -- Modified
2021 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified
2020 C7 of the Year Finalist -- Modified
2020 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I have had my 2006 since new and the only thing not working right now is the CD player. I've been able to get any other part that has failed or broken with little to no effort.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,460
Likes: 374
From: Maryville TN
St. Jude Donor '06-13,'16-'17, '19
Tom
Racer
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 498
Likes: 211
From: Wisconsin
2023 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
First, Stay away from the dealer. Find a local shop you can trust. Second , I do see your point about a lack of tools , skills ,and a place to do the work yourself. I am in the process of transitioning to that reality myself. I have the tools, the skills and the place to do the work but age has taken away the ability to do all but the easiest things. It is a shock to me, after doing my own work all my life, what it costs to have the work done for me. I feel very luck for having been able to avoid those labor costs up until now. Labor is often 2/3rds or more of the cost of repairs.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,335
Likes: 742
From: New Jersey-ish
2024 C6 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
I have QuickJacks and a Snap-On tool box full of every tool under the sun. I have adopted the policy of "either I can do it, or it doesn't get done." I offer my help to anybody who needs it. And I agree, stay away from dealers. I have supposed two world class shops here and they won't even speak to you for minor stuff.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,460
Likes: 374
From: Maryville TN
St. Jude Donor '06-13,'16-'17, '19
Tom
Last edited by TCW; Apr 29, 2026 at 05:46 PM.