Jaybird29

Need you guys to help me if possible. I have been on the forum for a few years and learned a lot about the C6 Z's from you all. I have wanted a Z06 for several years and this would be my 2nd Corvette (early 90's had a low mileage mint 1980 L-82).

So, I am in the market for a nice Z06 and I keep reading about a lot of issues:

1) Heads of course (this would not keep me from buying)
2) Electrical gremlins
3) Major Oil consumption (1qt per 1k miles)
4) Interior issues (dash material lifting)
5) Lack of support from GM


Is this just part of owning a C6Z?
I see multiple threads about how everyone loves these cars and then a year later or so their car is up for sale. Makes me wonder what's the deal (besides normal life things that dictate choices).

I guess I just do not want to spend 45-55K and not be able to enjoy the car like I hope/want to.

If I am being paranoid or over thinking it, please let me know...will not hurt my feelings. This is why I am asking

CB1953

You are going to get lots of responses...here is my history:

Bought new, 2006 Z, my daily driver for five years, no issues except normal maintenance and the roof recall. I did nothing to the heads, but at 90,000 miles, did a nice cam, intake, and headers mod...547 hp. Still my daily driver, I traded it in for a 2011 Carbon Edition (115,000 miles at trade in). Put 40,000 miles on the Carbon, again no head work, and also no issues. I kept this one stock, and sold it in March of this year.
I'm not a "heads denier", just telling you the facts in my experience with both cars. The head issue was always in the back of my mind with the Carbon, I sold it simply because I was not driving it hardly at all. Both cars were awesome.

SocalChvy

I know 3 other C6 Z owners besides myself. No Cylinder head issues. One of them is sitting at 130K on the Odometer.

The cylinder head issue is real, but it impacts a small number of LS7s. You really have 2 options:

Buy a warranty or get aftermarket cylinder heads.

cseaman

So find a C6Z with fixed heads for $35-40k and you're good.

Unreal

There are also all the recalls, but those should still be fixable by dealer.

Clutch/hydralic issues are a pain, and if you are past the 10 year 120k limit of the GM good will repair, can be very costly.

Sway bar endlinks, axle nuts, etc etc.

They getting old, bushings, rubber, etc wear out. I've noticed on the older ones things like seat motors, climate control modules, dash buttons are starting to go out and wear. Seat bolsters wear, carpet peels up, etc. All 10+ year old GM stuff.

IMO, for $45-55k I would not be buying a c6z. Now in the $28-33k range, go for it, and put $5k for new tires, heads, misc and have a fun solid car for mid 30s.

Friend just went through same thing, landed up buying a 11k mile used 2016 3lt z51 stingray for ~$49k. Much better choice IMO if your price range is enough. The C7s are a huge step forward over c6 in terms of driving and daily livability. If your only goal is a race car/project/fun fast beater then the c6z is a great choice, but for something to put a ton of miles on and enjoy, I'll take a c7 any day over a c6z.

Jaybird29

Thanks. I understand the head issue and can address that. I guess I am wanting to know if a lot of owners are experiencing all kinds of issues (apart from cyl head) and that's why they don't drive and sell or for whatever reason don't drive it like they thought they would, etc.

Unreal

Part of that is they are a race car in street clothes. Many vette owners think that is cool on paper, but when it comes time to live with a car that has a bunch of quirks, rides rough, noisey, etc they realize it isn't that cool. Stiff shocks, stiff tires that like to tram line, expensive replacement parts, high up-keep compared to other models.

If you are going for a performance corvette, the c6 z06 and zr1 are awesome bargains right now for a race car/track toy/fun weekend racer.

Basically know what your buying and be realistic with what it is. If it is to cruise to weekend shows, and do highway trips, I wouldn't even consider one. If it is to dump $10k+ into upgrades and race the crap out of it at HPDEs and track days, go for it. Awesome platform.

Landru

My 'problem' is not being able to drive my bought new '08 Z06, not enough time in a day. Managed 55K so far FWIW w/ no issues whatsoever easily qualifying as the most reliable car I've ever owned.

Even a garage queen may need a little fedl'g, nothing's perfect.
And as long as you're aware of/plan to address heads, can't think of a single reason not to own a C6 Z06. Unless, you're adverse to joy.

Have you driven a LS7, yet?

AzDave47

I've done 18 + days of road course events (very experienced driver), and other performance events including many miles at 150+ MPH. At 46K miles I had the head done and full HCI work. Other than track consumables ( Lots of brake parts) and tires, I have had the headlight wiring recall done and had a couple of check engine lights, both of which should just have had the dealer update the ECM software. I bought the car used at 8K miles and it now has 50K+. I have not had the other "gremlins" you are concerned about -early 09Z here.

.gearhead.

Get one with as low miles as you can afford, either upgrade performance parts and do the guides or check them, and just have fun. The other issues are no different in terms of probability than just about any
car. Just enjoy...

Jaybird29

I test drove one in 08, but that's it. I understand the up keep of a performance car. Thanks for the feedback!

itomh

I bought an '08 Z06 this past February, I knew about the head issue and currently in the middle of doing the swap myself. Aftermarket warranties are crap, you are better off putting that money towards the head fix. I drove my Z06 for about a thousand miles and the head issue in the back of your mind will take the fun out of it, atleast for me. Adding headers, porting an milling of heads while I'm at it to make it worth the my trouble.

13MurderedZ06

I have had 2 of them and had NO issues. Actually selling a 13' due to some financial issues. Great car at a great price.

Check out a 2013 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 2LZ - $48,999 on CarGurus at https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/share/165574542

onargaroberts

This is only one data point; mine. I'm not suggesting anyone should do what I do or that I know what someone else will experience. I own a 2011 Z06/Z07. I bought it new and spec'd it for me. It has 13,500 miles on it. This power train is stock; right down to the air filter. The suspension is adjusted for track use; alignment, corner balance, ride height and brake cooling ducts. This car drives to the track, on the track and home from the track during good weather months and sits in the garage during the winter months. Every spring the car goes to my Chevy dealer for an inspection to make sure it is ready for the track day season. My dealer knows exactly how I use the car and helps me keep it in proper running order for track days. I had to replace a power brake vacuum boost unit because of a brake fluid leak and an external lube line on the transmission cracked and was replaced. These are the only failures I've experienced. I run Mobil 1 15W50 oil all the time. Often, my son and I both drive the car at a track day - the car sees double duty - and we've had no over heating issues. The only "go fast" money I spend on the car is for professional instruction. My reliability and performance experience has been good.

Oh, I forgot, I have Caravaggio seats and full harness belts. I run both Cup and Super Sport tires. When I can record 1.2 lateral g's (Smarty Cam) I'm happy and I don't push that corner any further - I just enjoy it. I have a GM extended warranty because of the way I use the car, which I think is the way it was intended to be used. If you buy one I hope you have the same experience.

murf257

I will only speak for myself knowing others have answered and hopefully will in the future. I vacillated back and forth with the wiggle test. Recently had the test done and found out the valves moved more than spec. To date that is the only issue I have had with the car!

keeso6z

Yes, over paranoid. I bought an 06 Z about a year ago and have zero issues. Of course, it only had about 2,000 miles on it and is like brand new. Like someone else said, get a car with low miles and preferably stock and a one owner. The more the owners and the more modded, the greater the chance the car was beat on. Driving a c6 Z for 100K miles and not changing the heads/valves is taking a big risk. For $2,500+- , have that addressed for piece of mind. If not, you risk dropping a valve and $15K in engine damage. The other concerns you mentioned, I have not experienced and should not be present on low mile, well cared for cars.

Jaybird29

Update...I bought a 2011 IO Z07 with 11.5k miles. Car previously was a owned by CF member. Drove it home but haven't been able to drive it since, as it has rained all week here in NC.

Love the car, but the navigation screen sucks. Looks like 1985 Atari PAC MAN graphics.

keeso6z

Congrats. You don't by a C6 for the navigation or state of the art electronics. Some people have switched out the head unit for something more modern.

Jaybird29

I know and I can live with it, but you notice it right away.

MTPZ06

Sweet car...not a Carbon edition though, correct?

Had a buddy score a Carbon a few years back from a dealership that didn't know it was a Carbon. Bought it over the weekend, and he got a call on Monday from the sales manager who said they made a mistake on the pricing...