Chevrolet Corvette C6: PH Used Buying Guide
They say there's no replacement for displacement, so here's everything to look out for when in the market for a C6
Unlike the German, the C6 is strictly a two-seater and some were put off by the idea of the Corvette's size, even though it was more compact than the C5 it replaced. It was also much better to drive and easier to live with, though it still retained the classic transverse leaf rear suspension design. No matter, the C6 handled and rode well, even in more extreme Z06 form.
For many, the Z06 with its 7.0-litre LS7 V8 is the one to have thanks to its performance and rarity. Chevrolet only sold a handful in the UK, which keeps prices strong and you can reckon on spending from £37,500 for this model.
The ZR1 paved the way for the new LS3 6.2-litre V8 used in the standard C6 from 2008. It sported 434hp and its cabin was built to a higher standard than in previous models. This is the most numerous C6 in the UK and also the best balance between pace, practicality and cost. Starting money for a decent example is £25,000.
Running a C6 is no more expensive than any of its contemporary sports car rivals, and you have the choice of coupe or convertible. There are also specialists who can look after the Corvette for you, so maintaining one is relatively simple.
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Bodywork and interior
Bodywork is bonded to the chassis, which makes repairs more expensive and involved. Look for signs of the bonding adhesive being interrupted or irregular, which points to a crash repair.
Have a sniff around the left rear wheel near the fuel filler. A strong smell of petrol indicates the plastic tank sender has cracked and needs replacing, which is a pricey job as the whole tank needs to be dropped.
Key fobs stop working, so make sure they function and replace the batteries every couple of years to avoid trouble.
An airbag warning light on the dash is caused by a loose wire under the driver's seat.
Seats can wobble fore and aft, but this is easily cured by tightening the mounting bolts.
Interior plastics can be fragile, especially the glovebox lid.
Engine and transmission
A grumbling sound from the rear of the car can be differential bolts that have worked loose.
Make sure the battery is in good condition or budget for a replacement, and also keep the car on a trickle charge when parked.
The alternator can weaken due to heat from the engine, so make sure it's charging properly.
The cam chain tensioner on the LS3 engine is a known weak spot, so budget for an upgrade at around £130 plus shipping from the USA and fitting.
The harmonic balancer on the front of the engine goes out of kilter and needs replacing. A new one is £150 from the USA and fitting is about five hours work.
A sloppy gear change can be sorted out with a new cable or re-bushing of the existing item. A new manual cable is £45.
Mass airflow sensors can throw up problems when aftermarket air filters are used.
Suspension and steering
Larger aftermarket wheels spoil the ride and handling balance and can rub on wheelarches.
Wheels, tyres and brakes
Front tyre wear on the inside edges is common, so turn the steering all the way to one side to check. If the rubber is worn, a full alignment set-up is needed.
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SPECIFICATION - CHEVROLET CORVETTE C6
Engine: 5,970/6,162/7,011cc V8
Transmission: 6-speed manual/4 or 6-speed auto
Power (hp): 406/437/512@/6000/6300rpm
Torque (lb ft): 400/424/470@4400/4800rpm
MPG: 25.2/21.2/19.2
CO2: 310/316/350g/km
Price new: £47,495/£49,000/£59,895
Price now: £25,000 upwards
Lying in the tent, it was unmistakable when Corvette thundered past!
You’re getting a huge slice of presence at this price point, but the combination of a large footprint and LHD would deter me.
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