   2013 Chevrolet Corvette. Click image to enlarge |
Some drivers are better than others – which is why some Corvettes will be flawless, while others may have ‘high-fived’ an on-ramp guardrail with their rear quarter panel. Translation? Be sure the unit you’re considering hasn’t previously become friends with a piece of highway infrastructure.
Once you’re sure the Corvette you’re considering isn’t actually several wrecked models welded back together, check it out for tire wear, fluid levels and conditions, and brake wear and condition. None of these consumable parts will be inexpensive to replace, so be sure they’re in good shape. Don’t assume the seller isn’t trying to pass off an expensive tire bill to his Corvette’s new owner.
Note that with the vehicle’s VIN number, a dealer can pull up additional service, recall and warranty info on the Corvette in question, which is advised.
After a scan of several owners’ forums, the C6 Corvette looks like a relatively solid, reliable performance-car buy. Corvette seems free of larger and more systematic problems characteristic of other performance cars from the same era. There’s no German wiring to go wrong here, nor is there any particularly high-tech stuff in the engine or transmission.
Other notes? Be sure to avoid models with extensive modifications beyond simple intake and exhaust upgrades; ‘feel’ the clutch for signs of slippage, which could indicate damage; and have a compression test done on a higher-mileage model if you’re concerned about its engine. A compression test should take about 75 minutes on a Corvette, and can lend valuable insight into the health of the vehicle’s engine.
Owner Forum Discussion on checking a used C6 before purchase:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-corvette-general-discussion/2548235-buying-a-used-c6.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-corvette-general-discussion/2661657-buying-my-new-c6-tomorrow-morning.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-corvette-general-discussion/3243261-any-2005-problems.html
The Verdict: By and large, it looks like the C6 Corvette’s everyday comfort, performance, fuel efficiency and reliability were enjoyed by most owners. A ‘thumbs up’ from a Corvette mechanic after a pre-purchase inspection can be taken as a sign to move ahead with your purchase confidently. Budget for a full fluid change and tune-up if you’re unfamiliar with the service history of the model in question.
Recalls:
http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/SEARCH/SearchResult.aspx?lang=eng&mk=6128!5359!4804!3229!1896&md=CORVETTE&fy=2005&ty=2013&ft=&ls=0&sy=0
Crash Test Results: N/A
