Should i buy a c6 corvette

The C6 Corvette was improved in every possible way compared to its predecessors — unless you're only into classic cars, that is. We've updated this article with some more detailed information about the various trim levels and model years to help you make a better and more informed decision when purchasing a C6 Vette. Even in that single C6 generation, there are plenty of different models to go for, and it helps to know which one would suit you the best.

Just to get one thing straight right from the get-go, the best used cars to go for are usually the latest models possible. The reasons for this are that they usually not always have less wear and tear, and the manufacturer will most likely have ironed out some of the problems found in earlier cars, barring any particular issue that may have caused excessive recalls.

Technically speaking, the C6 Corvette was everything the very successful C5 Vette was, and then some, with the help of improved technology. Sure, it wasn't without faults, such as the exposed headlights that had some purists up in arms. Chevrolet introduced the world to the C6 Corvette for the first time in , and it was available either as a coupe or convertible.

While the C5 Corvette was a great sports car , the C6 took things to the next level as it featured push-button start, satellite navigation, electric door releases, and far cooler interiors than the previous generation Corvettes. If there was one thing the purists didn't like, it was the exposed headlights, because the Corvette now broke a year-tradition.

However, the improved aerodynamics and performance soon settled frazzled nerves. The C6 was an evolution after the C5's revolution. The LS2 engine produced a whopping horses and was mated to either a manual or automatic transmission, the car also received improved suspension and better looks.

A total of 37, units were sold. By far the most important update of the C6 in was the debut of the LS3 engine across the base trim board. The engine was now a massive 6. Separate spoke wheel packages were also introduced, and the wheels were available in different colors and finishes. The interiors were spruced up, which just made it a cooler 'Vette than the ones before it. C6s from the model year received a 6. Buyers had a choice between a hatchback body with a removable targa roof or a power soft top convertible.

Two transmissions were available: a Tremec T56 six-speed manual or a 4L65E four-speed automatic. The four-speed auto was dropped in favor of a six-speed 6L80 unit from the model year onward.

An optional Z51 performance package got you stiffer bushings, higher spring rates, and larger-diameter Sachs twin-tube shocks. The model year saw the return of the Z06 trim level. Developed simultaneously alongside the C6. R race car, it packs a dry-sumped 7. It also has things like carbon front fenders, a widebody rear end, inch brakes with six-piston calipers up front, a magnesium front subframe, and a unique fascia with its own cold-air intake scoop. The Z06 could only be optioned with a manual transmission.

The C6 got a big update in , with the introduction of the LS3 engine. Replacing the LS2, the LS3 had 6. Additionally, you could option a 2. Using a designation not seen since the C4, the Corvette ZR1 got a host of performance-minded upgrades aimed at track day domination.

Under the hood sits a new supercharged V-8 engine called the LS9. Arguably, the Grand Sport model was one of the best looking Corvettes of the C6-generation. As in , unit sales of the Corvette continued to decline significantly over the previous year.

Little changed for the model year. There were a few additions including larger, cross-drilled brake rotors Z06 Corvettes included the Z07 performance package. The model year introduced another special edition model — the Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition.

The Z06 Carbon Limited Edition Corvette featured the Z07 Performance Package, plus the introduction of a painted carbon fiber raised hood, a carbon fiber splitter and rockers. The cars mirrors and headlights were finished in black, and the exterior of all of the Carbon Limited Edition Corvettes were finished either in Supersonic Blue or Inferno Orange. The interiors of both cars included matching body-color stitching. While the changes to the model year were somewhat limited, the base model Corvettes did receive and upgraded interior with improved driver and passenger seats.

The Z06 model was offered to consumers with an optional full-length rear spoiler and carbon fiber hood options. It also received new wheels as part of the Z07 Performance Package. The ZR1 received an optional performance package and revised gear ratios.

The most significant product development for was the introduction of a Centennial Edition Corvette, which was available to consumers in all variants of the car, including the base coupe and convertible, as well as the Grand Sport, Z06 and the ZR1.

The Centennial Edition came finished exclusively in a Carbon Flash Metallic finish with satin-black graphics. The wheels were also finished in a satin black, and were sized specifically to the respective Corvette models — inch front and inch rear for the Coupe, Convertible and Grand Sport, and inch front and inch rears for the Z06 and ZR1 models. All models also received red brake calipers.

With the imminent arrival of the C7 Corvette just over a year in the future, sales of the Corvette were down once more. The model year marked the final year for the sixth-generation Corvette. Evoking the heritage of early powered Corvettes from generations past, the Convertible Collection Edition model was built to take Corvette convertible performance to an entirely new level.

Also like the Z06 Corvette, the Convertible was only offered with a manual transmission. While the model year marked the end of the C6 , it is interesting to note that the model year also offered five distinct models to consumers, the most models available in a single year in the history of the Corvette program.

As we stated at the beginning of this article, for many of you reading this, the thought of buying ANY Corvette may be the culmination of a life-long dream. It is important therefore to make sure that the car you purchase is going to be one that provides you many years of happiness. While owning a Corvette can be an exhilarating, truly-one-of-a-kind experience, it can also be difficult and costly if you purchase a car without doing your homework first. Whenever considering the purchase of a used vehicle, it is important to glean as much information about the car as possible.

As a general rule, a car with the lowest possible mileage and fewest owners is always preferable. However, lower-mileage often translates into bigger dollars.

Higher-mileage Corvettes, if properly maintained and with documentation showing proper maintenance history are also definitely worth considering. While these cars should definitely be looked at by someone with a trained and discerning eye, they can often be purchased at a far more affordable price and might be a great way to enter into Corvette ownership without breaking the bank.

Unlike earlier Corvettes, which featured a body bolted to a steel frame, these newer Corvettes have components that are specifically mounted to the chassis via an epoxy-type bonding material. When looking at prospective purchase vehicle, check for mismatched paint, narrow or wide gaps in body panels and for paint overspray in the wheel wells. In addition to body panels, look for scrapes beneath the car. Remember that all Corvette are going to have some amount of surface scrapes, but be weary of any cars that have significant damage to any sub-assemblies.

Dings, dents, serious abrasions, etc. Also, while the car is in the air, check the aforementioned bonding material that secure body components to the chassis. If you notice any areas where the bonding material is a different color, that is a strong indicator of a potential repair and is definitely worth further investigation. Believe it or not, this is normal. The Corvette became a world-beating supercar.

Splitting the performance gap between the base car and the Z06, the Grand Sport debuted in with a dry-sump oiling system on its LS3 V-8 and Zstyle wider fenders and haunches. It made the base Corvette look, well, basic. All of them are worth at least a small premium over their standard run-of-assembly-line counterparts. We spoke with Hagerty valuation expert Andrew Newton, who told us that the C6 Corvette is still depreciating for the most part and has not yet turned the corner from used car to collector car, although that may be poised to change, as the market may have finally bottomed out and several models have been flat over the past year.

The cheapest entry to C6 ownership are the early models with their short-lived LS2s.