  2009 Chevrolet Corvette. Click image to enlarge |
Review by Justin Pritchard
Vehicle Type: Coupe & Convertible
History/Description: Here’s a hell of a deal: if you’re shopping for a fast, flashy used car with not a whole whack of cash in your pocket, you can pick up a C6 Corvette (2005–2013) and have access to world-class performance, no fewer than 400 horsepower and all of the goodness that comes from the tailpipes of Chevrolet V8 engines.
A C6 model can be had in the low $20,000 range with some kilometres under its beltline, with a wide range of lower-mileage models saturating the used-car marketplace between $30,000 and $40,000. And although many German and Japanese performance-car fanboys will gripe about the overabundance of Corvettes in some locales, the fact is that this model fully capitalized on a decades-long history of affordable performance, striking styling and everyday utility that countless owners have come to love.
The C6 Corvette was sold from 2005 and continues to be sold up to the present day, in advance of the all-new 2014 “C7” Corvette, which hits dealers this summer. All units are rear-wheel drive, available with automatic or manual transmissions and offered up exclusively with two seats.
Inside Corvette, look for leather seating surfaces, dual-zone climate control, remote keyless entry, power accessories and a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel. Options include a voice-command navigation system to keep owners on course while on the go. There’s an available head-up display which projects vital running data onto the windshield – like the cockpit of a fighter jet – and a driver information centre keeps drivers up to date on tire pressure, oil life and other useful data. Bluetooth, OnStar and xenon lights were on board, too.
Ditto Chevrolet’s ‘Active Handling System’ – which networks chassis, braking and handling systems through a sophisticated computer management system. Driven hard, Active Handling works to maximize traction, dynamic grip and handling response in a safe and controlled manner. Staggered 18- and 19-inch wheels on select models, and a limited-slip rear differential help glue it all to the road or track. Note that a healthy, properly functioning braking system and good tires are key to the proper and effective operation of the Active Handling System.
The Magnetic Selective Control suspension allowed drivers to actively select a more comfortable ride for touring, or a stiffer ride for sporty driving. This remarkable technology is largely key in what owners typically call a fantastic blend of everyday comfort and accessible performance.
   2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. Click image to enlarge |
Engines / Trim: Corvette offered numerous enhanced models, including the Grand Sport, which added numerous handling and cosmetics to the otherwise-standard Corvette. Hardcore performance buffs tend to lean towards the racing-inspired Corvette Z06, which is equipped with a 505-horsepower LS7 engine and built on a lightweight chassis. Suspension, wheel, tire and brake upgrades make the Z06 a track-ready performance weapon.
Finally, the range-topping Corvette ZR1 is powered by the LS9, a unique, supercharged 6.2L engine that develops well over 600 horsepower. It’s the fastest Corvette ever made – as well as one of the world’s fastest production cars. A commemorative “Centennial Edition” package was also available with enhanced, limited-production cosmetics and graphics for additional exclusivity. A special-edition 427 convertible model with the Z06’s LS7 was also available.
However, for the purpose of this review, we’ll focus on the most common and mainstream ‘base’ Corvette model – which offered 400 horsepower in early years and about 430 after 2008. Add five more ponies if the model you’re considering has the factory ‘sports’ exhaust installed.
  2009 Chevrolet Corvette. Click image to enlarge |
What Owners Like: Performance, styling, heritage, relative ease-of-use and acceleration were the big draws to the C6 Corvette, according to many owners. Ditto the comfort levels, with many owners using the C6 as a daily driver. Fuel mileage is also highly rated, as the Corvette is a very light and very aerodynamic car with a very large engine that barely exerts any effort when it’s driven gently. Set the cruise at 110 km/h on a highway cruise and it’ll turn in consumption on par with a mid-sized family sedan.
What Owners Dislike: Common complaints of the C6 Corvette includes cheap interior trim materials, limited storage space, limited rearward visibility, and a rough ride on some surfaces in some models. Stereo performance was often considered a weakness, as was the placement of some of the buttons and controls. The ability of the Corvette to collect speeding tickets for its owner was another commonly mentioned downside in typical scans of owner forums [Sorry, how is that a complaint about the car? –Ed.]. And, obviously, cargo space and passenger capacity is limited by the nature of the car.
Owner reviews of the Corvette:
Chevrolet Corvette 2005-2013
Common Issues: Don’t let lust cloud your judgment when shopping a used Corvette, as it is still a car with parts that will wear down and break.
Start with a check of the body and interior, noting any scrapes, dents or excessive wear. Look under the nose for signs of damage from grounding out against bumps or curbs, which can give an idea of how carefully the model you’re considering was driven.
Note the condition of the driver’s seat – numerous reports of seats and seat materials that ‘fall apart’ have surfaced online.
Poor electrical grounding can wreak havoc with all of Corvette’s sensors and modules, so be sure all electronics and motorized systems work properly on any model you’re considering. Have any warning lights or messages checked out by a Corvette technician before agreeing to purchase. A computer ‘scan’, regardless of the presence of any warning messages, is a good idea, too. Numerous sensors can go out of whack or fail without a warning light going off.
  2013 Chevrolet Corvette. Click image to enlarge |
Check all door locks, windows and key fobs for proper operation, too. Ditto the head-up display, if equipped.
On convertible models, be sure to check the carpeting for signs of moisture, which could indicate a leak. Other signs of a leaky convertible roof include a mildew smell, moisture in or beneath the carpeting, and deformation and discolouration of the leather on the seats. The latter problem is typically evidenced by leather that appears to be ‘drying’ up, shrinking, and pulling away at the seams. Take a garden hose to the roof area of the car to check for leaks where possible.
Other issues may include a ‘weak’ rear end or transmission in early models from this generation, which shouldn’t prove an issue unless you’re a fan of burnouts or drag racing. If you are, or if you plan to use your C6 extensively in motorsports, most owners suggest going with a 2006 or newer model.
   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
