mkitt27

Hi all,

Looking at buying a C6, have had sports cars for years and currently a S2000. Not looking for a convertible. From my experience all cars have "things" to look out for, and I'm learning about Corvettes. I am also considering a Z06 and have posted a specific question in that forum. My question here is specific to '08+ cars with LS3, I'm not planning on modding much, I tend to buy and drive. I'll typically changes wheels, get top notch tires, and enjoy learning the car. I do the occasional autocross. I've done track days in a 944turbo in the past, but don't plan to going forward - too many hobbies, cars just one of many things I like to do.

Any particular things to look for in a test drive? Do you usually get a pre purchase inspection?

Reliability? engine, transmission, rear end, clutch all pretty reliable? How about the car overall, HVAC, interior stuff?

I've had Porsche's in the past, and rule of thumb to buy newest one can afford, as each year brings improvement - same here? Any particular year to target or stay away from?

Other suggestions? I tend to stay away from super low mile garage queens ie. 5K miles at 20 years... assume same applies here? seals dry out, etc. I've seen a few 9-10 year old cars with 10-15K miles - any reason to avoid? What would be considered "high miles" ? I do intend to keep it a fairly long time. I've had my S2000 10 years, and had a 944turbo 12 years. and want something reliable to take on cross country road trips.

Let me know what you think. Look forward to buying and participating on this site!

Thank you
Mark

Cockroach

It's a Chevy, don't over think it.

BADBIRDCAGE

Drive it. Make sure everything works. That’s it on a used car.

Randy_in_MD

From the questions you asked in your initial post it seems like you have a pretty good idea about the dos and donts of used car buying.

Yes...newest & lowest miles you can afford ( to a point....20 years old with 25,000 miles is a no go for me).

Yes....pre purchase inspection. If you can arrange it and afford it then it can bring peace of mind.

Buy a 2008+. 2011 and up is even better for lots of reasons.

Get ready to have a blast. The LS3 is a monster and a 2008+ Corvette goes like a scalded dog. Respect the power or you can get into trouble real quick.

Let us know what you decide. Good luck.

windyC6

News flash !!!! A pre 2008 C-6 goes like a scalded dog also....

Tonylmiller

They are generally reliable cars and very exciting to drive. You won't be disappointed! Do yourself a favor and drive a Z06. The LS7 engine is a beast.
You might even try a convertible. The convertible is very well executed on this car. Driving with the top down is the ultimate driving experience for me! And the convertible is quieter than the coupe.

EVRose

Got that right!

Randy_in_MD

Ok. I'll give you that. However, then I have to revise my assessment of the '08+ by now saying that they go like Richard Pryor running down the street after he lit himself on fire freebasing cocaine. Both are fast but there is a difference.

gliot1

The advice I give any new Vette buyer is to figure out your budget and get the best one you can for that money. It always costs more to fix or restore things later. Don't look for a bargain and hold back $$$ thinking you can do it cheaply later. Nothing ever seems cheap on a Vette!

J3TVETTE

Try to go for 08+ because it will have the LS3. It will give you a little more power to start off with. Things to check include the harmonic balancer which sometimes starts to wobble and a $1000 repair. Also, some C6's suffered from fuel smell from the fuel pump which is on top of the tank. This should be covered by a warranty till 100k miles or so.

The C6 is a very stout car and you will enjoy it. I would try to inspect the car in person as some I have looked at were not as described especially from dealerships. Check for panel gaps, etc. If you live in a hot climate the see through roof can get VERY hot so some of us prefer the solid roofs. You can always buy covers that go inside for the clear roof though. 08+ had better steering feel as well.

buckmeister2

I would not be at all concerned about reasonably high miles. A car that is driven 10,000 miles a year is no big deal if simple maintenance is taken care of, and Corvette owners generally do a very good job of maintenance.

The engine/trans/rear are pretty bullet-proof. I know a guy with 197K on his '07, and has never had to do any repairs on the running gear. Maybe people on this forum will attest to that, too.

As 'stang said, a distinct exhaust smell might be a sign of an upcoming costly repair. No need to go into all the history and drama behind that issue...if you smell fuel, walk away.

You do want to closely inspect body panels for repairs/repaint.

As someone else said, "It's a Chevy, drive it". Seriously, it is not an exotic car that needs constant maintenance and adjustment. It is very straightforward, and easy to work on.

GrandSportRob

If you can afford it look into the Grand Sport. The great looks,handling, braking and performance can’t be beat!

phileaglesfan

Look at Grand Sport which are 2010 and up since you want to track. You get wider tires/bigger brakes. Pretty much looks like a Z06 just does not have the engine. One flaw with the Z06 is that push rods tend to go if the head has not been modded. Some don't have any problems in miles of driving but they fail with no notice and require an engine rebuild.

You'll probably want the dry sump version since you'll track it often, just be aware there is a a specific oil change procedure.

LS3 is a good motor, either tranny is good although manual might be better for the track.

As mentioned it is a Chevy so don't expect real high maintenance costs. I pay $69 for oil change at the dealer on my non dry sump 13 just to give you an idea.

Have it inspected, especially for damage underneath. Corvette is a low clearance car. Look around the side jacking points for cracks in the rockers since some people don't use jack pucks there.

My 13 has 48k miles and it runs great. You can get a GMEPP warranty for cars up to around 10 years/120k miles, even after the 5/100k warranty.

windyC6

The base is faster !!!!!...........

windyC6

LOL....and good comparison. But if you were blindfolded and put in the passenger seat of both during a 1/4 mile run....do you think someone could really tell the difference? ......

cadyshac

Please explain???

Randy_in_MD

Absolutely not.

I would pivot back to you by asking the same question but replacing the LS2 powered vette with an LS7 powered vette. The aforementioned blindfolded chap probably couldn't tell the difference between the LS7 and the LS3. However, you admit the LS7 is faster, correct?

Bruze

LOL, we all know the answer to that.

Officially there is what, a 2-3/10s difference in the quarter between the LS2 and 3? Driver skill can easily account for more than that.

Jstan2014

Welcome to the forum Mark. I’ll ad to this thread with this little bit of info. Our recently purchased 2012 Grand Sport A6 came with a few mods from the previous owner. One of which was an aftermarket Cold Air Intake. The CAI kept throwing lean codes over and over. I took it off and put an OEM air intake back on it. I had no more lean codes. I learned about the issue of CAI’s and lean codes right here on CF. You might check for any CEL history or go with an inspection before purchase. For what it’s worth, I noticed no difference in performance with the OEM air intake.
Good luck with your search.

mkitt27

Hey thanks everyone for the feedback. I'd like a PPI when buying but sometimes the right car is out of state - when need the PPI even more - yet harder to arrange. I had considered Grand Sports, since newer can get a low mileage Z06 for similar cost but I suppose without the engine issues. Even saw a '13 GS available CPO under $40K... tempting... I have to drive them first. Wish I'd gotten serious last summer/fall. Harder to test drive in Minnesota winter!!
I do want a coupe, I have the S2000 roadster and don't drop the top much. Never a fan of convertibles, however after one drive I loved the S2000 so much I got it in spite of being a convertible. If they'd made a coupe version would have gotten that.
For certain, I agree the butt dyno can't tell between LS2 and LS3, maybe not the LS7 either. And tenths in a quarter mile don't affect daily enjoyment. I'd like likely end up with LS3 or LS7 since I'm fortunate my budget allows a newer car. They're still 10 years old so new is relative!
Thanks
Mark