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What to watch out for in an '06-'08 Vette...

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Old 03-06-2012, 01:09 AM
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ExRedRacer
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Default What to watch out for in an '06-'08 Vette...

I had an 02 C5 Torch-red coupe but sold it a few years ago. I'm thinking about getting back into a Vette sometime this summer. What are some of the things I should look out for in a used '06-08 coupe? Any issues with these models that I should be aware of?

Thanks in advance.
Old 03-06-2012, 01:17 AM
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BayouCountry
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I bought and 2006 last May and it is still going strong after adding 5,000 miles to the odometer. The newer model has the LS3 if you need the extra 30 HP. I put an extended warranty on it for peace of mind. You may want to consider buying during the winter because it seems that prices increase over the summer. Good luck!
Old 03-06-2012, 01:36 AM
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Had mine for 5 years now and going strong, originally I was paranoid after hearing of the dreaded Harmonic balancer wobble, been lucky so far, not affected, a couple of recalls regarding the Flying roof at speed, seems the adhesive that was used separated in warm temps, check to see if this recall was done, there are a few more issues, none of which I've had to deal with. I'm at 18,000 miles and still on my original tires, and 2nd oil service, oh yeah make sure the battery was replaced, if not it's time, save you from a lot of small electrical gremlins IMHO, Good luck,
Old 03-06-2012, 01:38 AM
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Originally Posted by blaforce
I bought and 2006 last May and it is still going strong after adding 5,000 miles to the odometer. The newer model has the LS3 if you need the extra 30 HP. I put an extended warranty on it for peace of mind. You may want to consider buying during the winter because it seems that prices increase over the summer. Good luck!
By newer model you mean the '06 vs. the '05?
Old 03-06-2012, 03:31 AM
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AYello1
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The car was basically the same from '05 thru '07 ('05's had a lot of electrical "teething" problems). The '08's got the LS3 engine & an improved transmission.
Old 03-06-2012, 01:40 PM
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Originally Posted by AYello1
The car was basically the same from '05 thru '07 ('05's had a lot of electrical "teething" problems). The '08's got the LS3 engine & an improved transmission.
Good to know. What transmission improvements were made for '08?
Old 03-06-2012, 01:52 PM
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My 07 A6 has 68 K and is going great. No major problems.
Old 03-06-2012, 02:13 PM
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mgoug
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I have an '08 with 14k and have had no major issues.

Watch for:
- a fresh battery
- good tires
- proper alignment
- maintenance records
Old 03-06-2012, 02:20 PM
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Zellerz93
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One thing to note.. definitely just consider 06-08 etc...
The 05 had the huge steering wheel, and the automatic was only 4speed with no paddle, while the auto in 06+ was a 6speed auto with paddle shift...
Old 03-06-2012, 02:20 PM
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Piper250
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Watch for......COPS !!!
Old 03-06-2012, 02:20 PM
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vetteguy4
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I have an 08 with 50Kmiles.(I drive it). On my third battery. All replaced under warranty.
Replace ABS and Airbag sensors, again under warranty.
Otherwise, still going strong and the LS3 is a great engine.
Old 03-06-2012, 02:50 PM
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Originally Posted by vetteguy4
I have an 08 with 50Kmiles.(I drive it). On my third battery. All replaced under warranty.
Replace ABS and Airbag sensors, again under warranty.
Otherwise, still going strong and the LS3 is a great engine.
Why so many batteries? The battery in my C5 died all of a sudden once and I replaced it with an Optima Red-Top. Had no more problems after that....
Old 03-06-2012, 03:00 PM
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Not exactly what to watch out for, but a list of the changes from MY 2005 to MY 2008, by MY.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1563694469-post5.html
Old 03-06-2012, 03:11 PM
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I have an 06' convertable...31,000 miles and the ONLY thing I have had to do other than change the oil was a new battery. While I did also buy new tires, if I am being honest, the existing tires would probably have been fine for another 20,000 miles or so. The car has been just what I thought it would be and then some...
Old 03-06-2012, 06:32 PM
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Front & rear suspension rattling noise -- especially during low-speed turns -- might be end-links:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-t...ink-noise.html

Noisy targa top is also common:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...long-post.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...squeaking.html

IMO these are minor issues with DIY fixes. But they are obvious on a test drive, so you can use 'em to negotiate a better price.

Enjoy your search!
Old 03-06-2012, 08:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Night Train
By newer model you mean the '06 vs. the '05?
Nosir.

'05 -'07 has the 400 HP LS2

'08+ has 430 HP LS3

They also upgraded the rack and pinion and the manual tranny in '08. The list of changes that JimTN posted would be good reading for you. And let me say, you are definitley doing the right thing by researching here first before you buy. You'll be glad that you did. It's a buyers market.
Old 03-07-2012, 07:02 PM
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Thanks for the great feedback...it's appreciated. Looks like I'll be aiming for a garage-queen '08 without those end-links and roof panel issues.

Thanks!

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To What to watch out for in an '06-'08 Vette...

Old 03-07-2012, 10:15 PM
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Blk 08 C6
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if you can get a good deal get the 08 and above.dynoed my A6 bone stock all the way to the air filter@376rwhp.
Old 03-08-2012, 02:00 AM
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I bought my 06 coupe with 62K miles on it, and have put 10K on it in 10 months. No issues.
Old 03-08-2012, 08:43 AM
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I bought my '08 coupe in August of 2010 with 18k miles. It now has 23k, and has been flawless. Great car.


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