MosEspa

Ok, I am actually looking at a few different vettes. I want my next one to be a C4, C6 or C7. I am REALLY taking my time.
I really like orange C6's and this one is beautiful. I will be selling my C5. I am in absolutely no rush but like different things about the C4, 6, and 7.
Anyways back to this amazing looking 2005. I know the LS2 can have harmonic balancer issues and this one is a manual so I have heard specifically 2005's if you leave them in 1st or R when parked it kills the battery for whatever reason.
This place that has this once is a few hours away from me and I bought my C5 from them a few years ago so I like working with them. Last time I looked at a C6 and before I went there i asked them if the harmonic balancer was wobbly and they said no. But it definitely was. Like I said I do like working with these people but they are still salesmen in the end.

Any advise / things to look out for specifically for 2005's? Should I hold out for an Orange LS3 (will most definitely be more expensive)? Pickings are slim this time of year but prices are also pretty good right now.

About this one:
Manual
C7 black wheels
Tinted Windows
50k miles
5 owners
Autocheck score is 69 (in a range of 51-69 - so it's the highest it could be but not above)
It's absolutely stunning looking IMO.
$23k

JasonAndrew

The 05 is one of the least desirable. Don't forget to park in reverse! Check the harmonic balancer. The newer c6 models are upgraded from the 05. My 12 shifter is a good example. The steering too

Aardwolf

Looks good buy buy buy

Vette_DD

Only the 2005 C6s with the manual transmission need to be parked in reverse.

I had 2 different 2005 C6s, one manual tranny and one automatic tranny. No problems with either of them.

MosEspa

How long did you have them?

MATT-X

I've had my 05 manual transmission for a few years, with no issues. Driven hard, but maintained well. Not your typical "only moves for a wash or the weekend car shows" kind of car. I had the problem where I didn't park in reverse, but that's easy to learn. Keep an eye on the balancer, don't try and drag strip style launch it (rumored weak diff), and don't leave the keys in the car (numerous people have been locked out, even though the fob was in the car).

Vette_DD

Only had the manual tranny 2005 C6 for 3 months. Traded it for an automatic 2005 since my wife's previous backup car disappeared when her dad died and she didn't want a manual tranny for a backup.

Kept the automatic tranny 2005 for 2 years. Replaced it with a used automatic 2006 that I had for 4 years.

schizcat

I've had my 05 for close to 18 years. Currently has 113k on the clock and was my daily for 8 years. Issues here and there but nothing that was unmanageble. I did most repairs and maintenance myself and it has been relatively easy to work on. Probabaly spent $3-4k in repairs over the course of ownership. Putting it into reverse isnt a big deal. I was accustomed to it after a month and now it is it just second nature. You do have to take into account that a good number of parts from a C6 are getting harder to find and if you do, they are more pricey than they were duing the build years. This would be the only draw back if I was buying one today.

DrKrieger

There are a lot of C6's built over the years. Parts may not be manufactured in some cases, however, there are many parts available on the internet from reputable wrecking yards.

jbc1995fb

OP, you may or may not know this...so if you are set on orange, you're not limited to 2005 model years, that is, unless you only like Daytona Sunset Orange.

2005 - Daytona Sunset Orange: 71 (2,981) produced
2006 - Sunset Orange: 71 (1,729 produced)
2007 - Atomic Orange: 83 (3,790 produced)
2008 - Atomic Orange: 83 (2,246 produced)
2009 - Atomic Orange: 83 (726 produced)
2011 - Inferno Orange: 28 (790 produced)
2012 - Inferno Orange: 28 (471 produced)
2013 - Inferno Orange: 28 (156 produced)


2005-2013 C6 Corvette Factory Paint Colors - Corvette Central Tech Blog

Mike98SilVert

Looks like a nice car and checks all your boxes. Sure the '05 had some quirks but at this point and after 5 owners they must all be taken care of like the detaching roof panels and the Harmonic Balancer. Can you tell if there is an aftermarket harmonic balancer? Can the dealer provide a maintenance history? Have the dealer check out your balancer first or negotiate a warranty. I wouldn't pass it up because it's an '05. DSOM is a nice shade of orange.

MosEspa

Thanks for the info! Yes I am leaning towards orange if I go C6 and am open to all years so not dead set on Daytona Sunset. This one, with the black wheels and being a manual with only 50k miles... etc is just what I would he looking for in a C6.


Thanks! If I decide it's worth the few hour drive to look at it I will absolutely be calling ahead so we don't wast each others time.

540 vette

i just bought a 2005 in September. The only odd thing is you have to park it in reverse. I forgot one night and it was dead the next day. Never did that again. I replaced the balancer. But it is a fine car. Mine had 29000 miles on it. I just have to do a few things to it to make it mine. Really fun to drive. I bought it to be my daily.

RobLo

ALL C-6's had the harmonic balancer issue...I've owned my '05 for 13 years, I'm the second owner, other than a few issues (expected in an 18 Y/O car) no major problems at all! DSOM gets a lot of positive comments! Good Luck!

Corvette_Dez

What he said. Plus one year only headlights, steering wheel. One year only torque converter that's known to fail and can't find a replacement.

Kenny94945

Price seems ok.... Coupe $23K 50K miles.
Daytona Sunset orange is a nice/ fairly rare color.
Does it have both tops (transparent and painted?)
The 5 owners is my personal "red flag".

As for what to look for, I'd say an '05 has the same issues as all years.
The balancer is perhaps the only thing you can visually see.
Tire age (because of replacement cost) could also be looked at.
Where did the vehicle "come from"? Snow zone, Arizona, Nigeria?
Look for a service record booklet/ binder....we are looking at a near 20 year old vehicle.
Check all the functions of the HUD, stereo/ nav system, and easy exit/ seat memories.
Inspect for collision damage/ repaint.... all the door stickers, movement of fender/ quarter mounting bolts, undercarriage jacking points, front air dam and radiator support/ front skid brackets.
Should come with 2 key fobs.

The big issue, as mentioned in other responses, and perhaps true for all for C6s, is parts availability.
05 does has many one year only parts.

Good luck with your decision

MosEspa

Thanks for all the info everyone!

Also found an 07 manual. Should that one be parked in R too? I thought they fixed that issue after 06 but cant find that info.

VetteVinnie

None of my manual cars ever had to be parked in reverse, but they were 2008, 2010 and now 2011.

schizcat

2005 was the only year. It was supposed to be a "security feature". It didnt do a damn thing so they nixed it in 06+

schizcat

One year only headlights? Where did you get that info? Dont think the torqu convertor applies in this situation since its a manual. But if it did go out, aftermarket is widely available.