carnut169

Just sold my BMW M-Roadster and am ready for a new toy.

I could buy a C5 Z06 now, or wait a couple months and with this year's bonus get a C6 Z06. Some of the posts here have me concerned- seems these cars may have engine issues? I'd be buying used so who really knows about how the cars are treated.

Also thinking the values may drop a bit with the new C7 about to come out.

Any thoughts/ suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Unreal

Wait for c7 to come out to atleast see what happens. Make sure you have either $4k to swap some parts, buy a warranty that may cover it, or have $12k+ in an account ready to go if the motor does.

Gary '09 C6

^

Random84

I think the C6 Z is a better value, but as you've read there's obviously a lot of concern for valvetrain stability - and a lot of opinions. For a daily driver, IMHO it's not an immediate concern but something that should be kept in mind for consideration. I had an `08 with 23K miles and two previous owners, I was planning on checking the heads within the next 10K but traded in the car. The next owner had them checked, and they were fine so my worry was all for naught.

Unless you're road-coursing the car, the vast 99+% majority of these cars will not fail (regardless of track or otherwise), but to the best of our collective knowledge the higher the miles / the more abuse the more possible a failure - which of course makes sense in high performance cars and moreso in used HP cars.

I think most would agree that you have very LOW risks under 30,000 miles, but more substantial risks OVER 30,000 miles. The overall odds are very, very low regardless - but if you're here, you're probably an enthusiast, and you'd likely sleep better at night at the least having the heads checked (or doing it yourself) early on in ownership. What kind of "fix" you choose could vary depending on your budget, use and comfort level.

I still think the C6 Z06 is an excellent buy - you just have to factor a few more things into the cost of ownership (like tires, brakes, gas, etc). Your mileage, naturally, may vary.

tim414

All mass produced cars depreciate. With that said;

With the intro of C7, it will be the standard model. It will not have the power of the C6Z. A 'Z' model will not be available for another model year or two after the C7 intro.

Yes, there are LS7's with issues. GM admitted as much. If your buying used, I would srongly suggest getting the heads done and then it will be solid as a rock.

These cars have NO OTHER issues. They brake, corner, accelerate and are flat out fast, both in terms of acceleration and top speed. The torque of the LS7/427 is awesome. They are definitely sweet cars for sure.

After mine is out of warranty I plan to do the upper engine w/new heads, ti/molyB valves/bronze guides etc...as I do plan to hold on to my 427 coupe for many, many years to come.

If your looking for later year models from 2010 +, there are fewer of those around.

2010=518
2011=978
2012=478

With the 427 Vert out, I doubt there will be many Z's built during 2013 model year.....

Your best selection will be 2006-2009 model years.

I would NOT worry about the depreciation of a used Z06. Since your buying used, the biggest hit will have already occurred.
Good Luck.

Add: Z06's hold their value better than most other cars.

carnut169

Thanks. What is the aprox cost of have the heads done? I will definately track the car 3-4 times a year

winzerguy

I purchased a 2006 Z06 in September 2006, used with 400 miles. I drove as a daily driver making sales calls until September 2012. It had 156,000 trouble free miles on it when I sold it to a friend for $18500. I ordered and now have a 2013 Z06 being used in exactly the same way with 6600 miles on it. Obviously, I love these cars. The 2013 is a better car, quieter, better interior and with the magnetic shock system which is great.
I would not hesitate to purchase perhaps the best Corvette ever, used. The valve issues are overblown for those of us who do not track or modify the drive train. If you plan to modify the engine just do it with the idea of a potential issue and plan($$) for it.
Save the Wave,

90sundevil

Lets not forget what the GM dealers did with the C6Z and ZR1 pricing in the first model year and they will do it again with the C7Z.

carnut169

Nice to hear. I know nearly every car has some weak point. I will not buy a modified car nor will I modify the one I do buy. 505hp should suffice...

The M was stock 240hp which was not enough so I added a supercharger which gave the car about 360hp- it was a fun little car but I'm ready for better.

tim414

Then you seek C6Z06....

The cost of head work could only be having the factory engine checked for issues, if none, your out LESS than a grand and near naught if you do the checks yourself.....I am not mechanically inclined as my formal education is in applied health science. If issue found 1800-5.5k....depends on what you want to have done.

For me, I'm going with aftermarket heads/valves/guides. Just so I can add a few horse's without fear later-on....but that's just me....as I stated, you can do much less and be fine....

tim414

capevettes

I guess my 15,000 mile 06 Z has many miles left. Nice to hear this. Keeping mine stock, no track days and only spirited street driving. I am post warranty and am not worrying. I'm driving. Best, most trouble free Corvette I have owned in 41 years of Corvetting

BadboyZ06

The C6Z is a great car. I have a 2006 and its not a daily driver and has 24,000 some miles on her. I have no plans to sell it and asked my dealership about head concerns. This particular dealership I take my car to said they have not had any of the C6Z's they sold come back with head problems. I have read the problems other forum members have noted, and I would take the car back to the dealership if they still have a warranty and have not modified the engine.

The newer C6Z have options that were not available in the first model year 2006, like the magnetic ride control. And I am surprised at the prices I see on EBAY like this one.http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2012-...item2a26d5053b.

That is a bargain as I paid $73K for my 2006 without the newer features this car would have. You will be happy with the car as I have been and my car is completely stock.

Good luck in your decision and definitely shop around.

Mr. Gizmo

by a 2010 grand sport and slap a super charger on it.

Too-Fast

Buy a C6 Z06, they are awesome cars, you should be able to get a great deal on one, especially now. You will have a 5 year warranty, plenty of time for your engine to blow up (ha). Seriously, they are really, really nice rides

ATC399

Get another Beamer...

Yule

Excellent, thoughtful and rational thread. I have been agonizing about purchasing a new '13 in stock Z06 from one of the forum dealers, but have been very concerned reading the threads about loose valve guides, blown exhaust valves and poor geometry on the Forum. I even went and test drove a new in stock '13 Shelby GT 500 today as a potential alternative. But the car I really want is the Z. My car will be driven around 4,000 miles a year of easy cruising, no track time or modifications. I would like to own this car for quite some time, similar to my ownership experience with my 30,000 mile '04 Corvette Coupe, which has given me fantastic service and which I will trade for my new car. My confidence is being restored.
Thanks

JBauer47

Every time I think about getting rid of the Z I just can't do it. The torque the sound the grip. I just don't see any other car as fun for under 100,000. A good set of tires and a half way decent driver lets a stock Z waste cars much more expensive on the track.

If you eliminate all the valve threads you aren't going to see a whole lot of major issues. My AC blows ice cold. Never had an electrical issue. Never left me stranded.

No removable roof means mess less squeaking and rattling. My car feels much more solid then my CTS V did.

I get 28 mpg highway. Name another 500hp car. That does that.

The Z feels perfectly balanced to me. Surprisingly light.

Yes. I'm on my second motor but I beat the tar out if my first one for 30,000 miles. Including 12 track days in 90 plus degree whether.

I'm covered until 2014. Hopefully the valve situation will sort out. Otherwise I'll get the heads done and some Brembos and call it a day.


MC

Turbosixx

I've owned several 10 second cars and one high 9 second car throughout my 36 years of existence. Out of all my cars, the Z06 has me giggling like a school girl every time I drive it.

Mookster

5yr/75k mile GMPP warranty was $1500 for me when i bought my 09 Z earlier this year. I sleep well at night. If you buy from a GM dealer you can add GMPP to any year and im not a warranty kinda guy...this is my first time getting extended warranty and this was my 21st car purchased.