Friend of mine thinks because I own a 'vette that I am an expert ....NOT! He's looking at a '05 vert, auto, HUD, etc and wants to know if there are problem areas that are 05 specific. I tried a search and didn't see anything that contained info that I'm looking for. As I recall, diff is weak and the DBS. With him being an "easy" kind of driver (won't be racing) and the car being an auto, those 2 areas should not be an issue. PLEASE let me know via this thread or PM what if any areas are a concern. He's looking for answers like yesterday! Nice, huh? Any help?

 

Mine is in for the crank pulley right now. Very common on vins 11039 and below.

Damn thing left me stranded last weekend.

 

Thanks for that input. Anyone else?

 

The diff is the only thing Ive ever heard of but I have about 440 to 450 rwhp and I drag race occasionally and havent had a problem. In fact Ive never had my car in for service except for a heated seat issue.

 

OR NEVER

 

Bring an MP3 CD with you and make sure it plays in the CD player. There was a software reflash for the nav to correct a couple glitches in the unit. Most have had it done. If not, you can do it yourself with a download from this forum.

 

Thanks everyone. This pulley issue, is it anything that can be caught or does it just "pop" without notice?

 

The pulley had a recall for adding in a spacer to allow the bolt to hold without bottoming out.

The hard top delamination issue was common.

The differential was redesigned for the 06 year due to a statistically significant number of cars breaking them with stock power on stock tires. While there are people who will chime in to say they have a million HP and theirs didnt break, it doesnt negate the significant failures....and we count failures in determining issues not 'non-failures'.

My heated seat on the driver's side didnt work out the gate but was repaired 2 weekls after purchase and has worked since (4 years)

The LS2 clutch was weak and was phased out in 2007.

The fuel sender unit had a carry over from the C5's in that it could suddenly drop to zero and back to correct readings from one sec to the next.

The MAF had a patch in the software implimented to circumvent a glitch if its high freq was passed.

A steering column connector would corrode giving a code.

The transmission could get a bit iffy about getting into 1st gear at a traffic light.

I love my 05!

 

Swap to the ARP bolt.

 

I bought my 05 vert with the power top option and A4 transmission and haven't had any problems. Some complaints were power top needed adjustment, auto volume on radio control, too much brake dust on Z51 original pads,. I have loved mine and I drive more than polish. Corvette guys are sometimes a little **** (I know it's hard to believe) and very particular about things. I don't know about anything major that would be a problem for your friend to look for.

 

Thank you one and all! He is now on his own ... I've delivered all of your input. He may soon be rejoining the ranks of 'vette owners. Thanks again.
Don

 

Might also just let him know the 05 autos were 4 speeds and if he were to move up to a 2006 he could get the 6sp auto. If that matters to him.

 

My '05 is 4 years old; I've had since new (2/05); over 27k miles; zero problems.

 

There were way more teething problems with '05's. I'd never recommend an '05 without either knowing its history or having an extended warranty.

Early '05 Z51 MN6 VIN 4997
Just over 20K miles, daily driver.

Rocker panel and underside damage per dealer PDI right off the bat, fixed by dealer with my prodding! Earlier C6's tend to have more of this due to dealer inexperience. Check your rocker panels!

DBS does not apply to automatic '05's!

Replaced squealing brake pads under warranty at 12 months. Also took care of excessive brake dust.

A/C freon removal fix at 12 months. Early '05 problem with too much freon from factory.

Repaired stuck outside rear hatch button ala Pipedreams DIY.

Paint chip damage to the front edge of both rear 1/4 panels due to poor door alignment fixed and painted.(at my expense) Home made rubber bumpers installed by me. No more chips. Now GM provides for their own bumpers. Check your rear 1/4 panels!

Did the fluid exchange for noisy rear end at 2 years. Seems to have worked, so far.

Very loose rear sway bar bolts found when inspecting underside.
Also loose passenger side rear axle bolt.

Roof finally foamed at 3 years. No delamination. Roof had slightly mismatched original DSOM paint (not uncommon with DSOM), and repainted under warranty with much better match. But they forgot to foam the roof the first time I brought it in! So it had to go back! Also to fix the tire sensors which were somehow rendered inoperative! Of course also the battery was dead when I picked it up, despite leaving the reverse warning tag on the shifter! I had to bring it back X3 to fix the tire sensors! Roof also still creaks alot. maybe less than before.

Driver seat rocking fixed. Had that fixed twice with my C5.

I still enjoy the car, but I would never recommend an '05 without a warranty.

I left out most of my MN6 related problems.

 

Good info.

 

I love my 05 and it has been great. The only minor stuff is the removable top panel problems, first gear can be a pain to get into, and after only 5000 miles, by driver's side seat shows some where. I thought it would look nicer longer.
The one thing I noticed is the alignment of the back of the door and rear fender (which sticks out just a bit). The fender lip tends to catch everything and get marked up. I saw somewhere on this forum someone sellign pads to realign the doors.

 

I have had an 05 with very few problems. Mine is a late 05 though and most were fixed at the dealer before pickup. I have a friend with an 08 that has given him WAY more problems like the roof poping.

 

My 05 is about 4 years old with over 40K with Twin Turbos since 14k? (I think) Only issues I've had was my convertible top was rubbing the carpet wearing, DBS (fixed with a flash), rear diff groan (fixed with new fluids)

I "am" one of those that "say they have a million HP and theirs didnt break"

 

bought my 05 used with 42k miles, now have 47k miles and a few mods, build date is june 05...0 problems so far...runs like a Swiss clock

 

Thanks to one and all. Haven't heard from him so I think he took a pass on the car. I'll let you know when I know for sure. He may be waiting to just drive it to work and see if I notice.