pb03

I have a budget of <$20K, and there are quite a few 05-07 C6's with around 150K miles that I can get for under <$20K. Specifically looking for 6MT, ideally in black.

I know in the past couple years they were cheaper, but as we all know the used car market has gone crazy lately. Unfortunately I need a car now so I can't wait until things cool down.

So would you recommend picking up a 05-07 C6 with around 150K miles? I would of course get a PPI done by a Corvette mechanic before proceeding with any purchase.

FAUEE

At your price point I would recommend a lower mile c5 personally. Not because a high mileage c6 is worn out or anything, because it very much isn't, but more that I don't think a high mile car is a good introduction to the car. Squeaks, rattles, etc that don't exist on other cars will on a high mile car.

Just my opinion.

ls1121

I just put a stage1 race cam in my 08 at 188,000 miles and it kicks ***. My Z28 LS1 has 368,000 miles on it and it still can burn the tires off. My Z I bought New and my Corvette, I am the 2nd owner and I know the original buyer took good care of the car. I cannot tell you to buy the car or not but I can share my experiences with LS motors.

pb03

Yeah I had actually been looking at C5's at first, but most of them are around 12-15K and have over 100K miles. Then I realized I could get a C6 for just a few grand more. But I'm still keeping my eyes open for a decent C5.

pb03

Yeah ideally I'd get an 08+ with an LS3 as I've heard those are more reliable than the LS2 in 05-07 models, but unfortunately 08's+ are out of my budget.

Topduarte

Pass on it. If you keep searching you can find one with 80k to 100k miles miles for $20k. Just gotta jump on it.

buckmeister2

This is incorrect. The LS2 has the same exact reliability as the LS3. You will have a hard time finding an '08 for under 20K. Try to find a private seller, as they are the only source for the actual condition and maintenance information for the vehicle. Also, since the miles are very high, any seller will be seeing very few, if any, buyers. You have a chip that can be cashed if you bargain hard. Keep your head about you, don't fall in love because of a color, and do your due diligence. Also, expand your search area, as there are always people who need to sell a car today, and that is who you want find.

I do not worry too much about miles. But, you have to do what is right for you. Others have given you excellent advice. Good luck.

JD'S WHITE 93

So you buy it with 150K while used car prices are skyrocketing and after a couple years and more miles what will it be worth then ?

JABCAT

It sounds like a Corvette is probably not the best choice in vehicles at this point based on the above. I wouldn’t personally ever buy a vehicle with that many miles, regardless of the vehicle, but that’s just me. I also wouldn’t recommend buying a sports car if your budget was less than $20k. You need to factor in costs of unexpected repairs, maintenance items, tires are expensive, etc. especially if you’re considering vehicles with over 100k mi.

Mike98SilVert

Not true at all. Never heard that before here or anywhere.
The LS2 is bullet proof.

pb03

This is the video where I heard that LS3's are more reliable than LS2's (talks about it at 2:20):

pandulce

I bought a base model 09 LS3 with 90k miles for well under 20k last year right before Covid went crazy. It’s making close 800 to the wheels now on the stock block and fuel pump. My plan for the car was to boost the hell out of it and build it back up. I wouldn’t buy a vette with that many miles and not have a back up plan. Just my 02

Mike98SilVert

I don't know who that is or where he gets his "facts" but I have heard the opposite. I don't believe there is a reliability difference between a well maintained LS1, LS2 or LS3.
There are always improvements with the newer engines Harmonic balancer issues have been common with all LS engines.
2000 Corvette with LS1 and 773,000 miles: https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cul...rvette-museum/

FAUEE

This guy is an idiot :-)

Can't trust everything in a YouTube video.

4SUMERZ

I have over 110k miles on my LS2 and it still purrs like a kitten,

cmonkey713

Too many low mileage C-6 Corvettes out there, pass on this one. Unless you personally know the previous owner or the documented history on the car it would be a big NO for me.

Orion2011

If you can do you own work then sure. If you have to pay a mechanic + the Corvette tax. NOPE...

81VETTOM

I got my 2005 last year with 80k on it and knew it needed some TLC. The car-fax showed me a lot of maintenance was done by GM dealers and had a couple of issues such as RCDLR and TPMS sensors. I bought it knowing it was a driver I was going to fix things on. It has been a great car and I am improving a few things but is as reliable and fun butt rocket as I have had. Find one with good records and just be prepared to fix a few things and drive it.

RetroGuy

More info to help or confuse a new C6 buyer:

https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cul...-buyers-guide/

puterami

Autotrader showed me 7 C6 manuals at $20K or less and under 100K miles.
This is the one I would go for.

2005 Corvette 77K miles