jaki30

Been looking to get back into a C6. Will be parked outside in the driveway and used only occasionally. Looking at 05-09. These cars are now 9-13 years old. The prices vary, but, I found that the lower mileage cars are priced much, much higher than the normal or even high mileage cars. The issue I have is the Corvette has been fairly reliable mechanically. The big flaws are the clutch problems, the cracking gas tanks, AT shift linkage, the seat issues, and leaking seals. All these problems appear whether or not the mileage is low or high.
So, just how much is the mileage worth since most cars are out of warranty anyway??

BigBlue

Dreamer2

I see 08 verts with 10-15k miles for $35,000. I would like an 08-09 Z51 with reasonable miles but with those prices, I might as well look at Grand Sports.

rkj427

here is a link to a site which will show values in your area............ use the links at the bottom of the page for KBB, Black Book, and NADA values............

mileage will make a difference, and these are suggested values, you can then negotiate from there...............

https://www.cudlautosmart.com/Research

used car prices all over the map................ and not in a good way

seems sellers are looking to make a killing in certain areas of the USA

jaki30

That is my point. If you start looking at the 2005-2007 cars, some of the low mileage "ADD" numbers approach 1/3 the value of the car.
While it is interesting, the point is are the mileage numbers actually worth the estimates on 11-13 y/o cars??

rkj427

a way to look at the answer to your question would be that there are "normal" wear items, which may not be in too bad of shape/condition on a lower mileage car, that obviously wasn't driven as often than those with higher mileage accumulations................... so that is where service records come into play, especially on a higher mileage vehicle......... what was repaired, what may still be looming............... tires another aspect, could appear OK visually, but age also matters............

there are quite a few out there, just be diligent in your asking the right questions, or knowing exactly what to look for as far as the service history, maintenance, vehicle usage, etc., and then make a rational, logical decision based on facts and not the emotional decision of "got to have that particular one"

another site to check for market values and pricing in your specific area, as well as nationally is www.cargurus.com

good luck in your search...........

Not So Fast

One of our vaulted members made a statement the other day saying that he wouldn't want a really low mileage 7-10 year old car that has mostly just sat in a garage
I think it was Tom HOXXOH, maybe he will chime in on the subject, I value his opinions
NSF

NCVette1

I wouldn't pay more than 20k for a base m6 C6 or 28k for a Z06. Buyers market. Let the delusional sellers keep holding on and dreaming. For reference there is a white Z51 near me with 60k miles for 17k and a Z06 with 55k for 24k I think that is 'fair'.

S.C. vette

$750 difference between a low mileage and an average mileage 2009. Not worth being concerned with IMHO.

JesC6Z

cmonkey713

Just like any other used car look for the lowest miles with the most equipment.

BigBlue

ruxvette

Especially if it's going to be sitting in the driveway.
Not that there's anything wrong with your car sitting in the driveway. Some f my best friends...oh, wait, wrong forum.

HOXXOH

Thanks for the vote of confidence Bobby.

My experience, including knowing the experience of others, has led me to the conclusion that the best value and least maintenance vehicles are those that are driven at least 3K miles annually and up to about 50% of the expected lifespan. Part of the buying process is being realistic about how long you intend to keep the car and how many mile you plan to drive, since that weighs heavily when you consider depreciation of newer cars.

C6 Vettes are tested to be relatively defect free to 200K miles under normal conditions. That said, a 80K mile car with good tires will most likely go to 90K with minimal maintenance. If I intended to drive one 40K miles, I'd be looking for one that had closer to 50K showing.

I'd be very wary of cars with less than 15K miles, since they haven't really passed through the infancy stage where the majority of the original manufacturing issues exist. They usually haven't been driven very hard either, which pushes those issues to the forefront.

Just my opinion. YMMV

Corvette_Ed

I paid 31k for my 3LT Vert with Z51 option and M6 trans almost 2-1/2 years ago with 28.5 on the clock. That was a good deal then. It would be much less now for a similar optioned C6.

jrose7004

My low mileage 10Grand Sport with 34,000 mile blew the motor last Summer so you never really know. GM of course felt no obligation to help with anything.

Corvette_Ed

JerriVette

No matter how reliable, no matter how well kept..buyers don't really want vehicles with over 100k miles.

From my personal ownership experience since new and now at 120k miles...I see no reason to not save a bundle and buy a high mileage over 100k mile corvette...

Especially if you are going to add on a ton of miles...

Like I said I think as the vehicles go over a hundred thousand miles banks don't lend out money on the vehicle ...so dealers don't want them because they can't finance them easily and buyers have to have cash laying around...

If I were shopping I'd suggest buying over 100k miles and getting a better price than buying slightly under 100k and spending more..

Drive the vehicle and go over 100k miles and the value or resale value drop is on your dime.

Just my two cents...

LowRyter

100k miles in '18 = 40k miles in '95

cmonkey713

YEP! Completely dismissed the claim and GM apologized for the loss. The dealer crated up the engine and sent it back to GM without allowing the owner to inspect it for internal damage and handed him a bill for $8000.00 before they would release the car. Never heard anything from GM again.