• Got the Contributing Memberships stuff finally worked out and made up a thread as a sort of "How-To" to help people figure out how to participate. So if you need help figuring it out, here's the thread you need to take a look at -> http://www.corvetteflorida.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3581 Thank you, everyone! Rich Z.

Looking for advice on purchase of low mileage C5 Z06

U

usgecko

New member
I would be grateful for some advice on a 2003 Z06 that I am thinking of buying (for sale from private owner, not a dealer).

It has less than 500 miles on it.

What dangers might there be in buying a car like this that has done so little mileage. It was apparently started up once per month.

Are there any concerns about any parts specifically because of this very limited use?

Should I get an engineers report before purchasing.

Would the tires still be serviceable?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Stuart
 
Heck, it's practically a brand new car! I'm assuming it was stored in a climate controlled garage, so temps and humidity would likely be pretty stable.

As for tires, well, the rubber does age and get harder over time, but not really sure if there is any definable shelf life to them. If the car hasn't been moved much, there might be flat spots in the tires from sitting in one spot for a very long time.

I think if the price is decent, you may be getting a real nice car. Well, as long as those 500 miles weren't done a quarter mile at a time at the track, that is... :hehehe: But if it's completely unmodified and original stock, I would sincerely doubt that would be the case. Just check the brake rotors and see how they look. With only 500 miles, they should look brand spanking new.
 
Had the good luck a month or so ago to acquire a 2003 C5Z with 13K on the odometer. Vehicle was show room and even smelled it. Now please keep in mind that my last Vette was a sweet 72 BB (all matching) but I have had little knowledge of the sophistication of a modern Corvette.

What I have found (and this is the total) one pass. door module that did not function perfectly, that's it. The car is a dream with untold power. I love it.

My advise. Drive it, smell it, look at it and drive it some more. Make sure all the silly things work right, power windows, locks and all such and just keep in mind that anything that says Corvette is going to cost you (for parts, for labor, for accessories etc).

Now with all that crap having been said, my C5Z is the sweetest bad boy I have ever driven. If your prospect is at it seems, and is at a reasonable price then buy it!:thumbsup:
 
Sorry, here I'm going to be of little value. I'd say check NADA and maybe even consider what the retail was in 03. Then look at ebay and several of the corvette traders sites on line and you should begin to get a feel for value, at least you'll get a wild azz idea of range of value.

Good luck and good hunting.:dancer01:
 
usgecko said:
What would you guys say was a reasonable price for a less than 500 miles millennium yellow c5 z06?
Click to expand...

That is pretty hard to answer, because everyone would have their own personal opinion based on what they would want to pay. But my guess is that with only 500 miles and if in MINT condition, I'm sure the guy would want something in the upper $20K range, at least. But he's probably HOPING for mid $30K though. And he may get what he wants, because I would guess that there are not very many REALLY low mileage Z06s like that available.

I guess what it really boils down to is how quickly he wants to sell it, and how badly you want to buy it. If you have never driven a C5 Z06, you probably shouldn't right now, because you would likely all of a sudden want to buy one VERY badly! :yesnod: They ARE really nice cars!
 
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Thanks for the advice and suggestions guys. I may have to see if I can go take a look at this one at the weekend. Of course if I do I'll probably not get home without putting in an offer. Rich he is looking for mid 30s which seems like the sort of price a dealer may be looking for so I would need to see if theres any wiggle room in the price. Of course it may end up sold before I can even go see it.
 
You may want to point out to him that you could get a 2006 C6 Z06 for just a bit more than he wants for his 3 years OLDER car. Heck, for that matter, you could get a 2008 C6 Coupe easily if you want to spend mid $30s for a Corvette. With a 436 hp LS3 and the optional Z51 goodies package, it would most certainly give a C5Z a run for it's money. Plus the car would be 5 years younger, model wise.

Go into the discussion armed for bear with knowledge and facts. There are a lot of people hurting for money these days, so finding exactly what you want for what you want to pay should be a target you can hit if you have patience and keep your eyes peeled.
 
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