Corvette C6 Ownership/Issues

This video explains some of the good and the bad of C6 ownership. Breaking down some of the issues that I had with my Corvette C6, but overall it was still a great car.

[@Sprocketboy1956]

Good summary! I have owned a 2008 C6 (Z51, 2LT, 6MT) for the last seven years and have driven it around 50,000 miles in that time. In that time the only unexpected maintenance was replacement of a single TPMS sensor. The brakes were done soon after I bought it, I have replaced the tires and battery once. That's all, making it the most reliable car I have owned. There are some issues with C6 besides the shifting issue with auto transmissions, as noted. Harmonic balancers on GM V8s can be a problem and should be replaced with aftermarket parts and pinned if it they get loose and there can be fuel system issues due to sulphur. My right headlight lens is a bit crazed and I have the parts to replace it but it looks like a major job but since it has never gotten worse since I bought the car I have left it so far. GM cheaped out on some things so I have replaced most of the lights with LEDs. Parts and service are reasonable, as is insurance, Considering the looks and performance of the car it is a terrific package. My only regret is that I have to store it for half the year given our long winters!

[@Sytyvette1]

Yes I agree. Even for what you get with it’s issues it’s still a good car. Thanks for the comment!

[@terrybegley6326]

P

[@sapacif]

Thanks for the info. Good to see these things identified. It will certainly help others.

[@Sytyvette1]

10!! Thanks for the comment!

[@sidnegel]

I have a 2011 Jetstream blue Grand Sport. It's by far the best car I've ever owned. Fuckin love mine!

[@plexidust5101]

Thanks for taking the time to update Gary, always a pleasure to support a fellow owner. Good travels and keep the flame alive.

[@Sytyvette1]

10/4, will do. Thanks for the comment!

[@theRealMcG]

Really appreciated this video. The C6 is my favorite Vette and yeah you’re spot-on about the Z06, that’s my dream car. Hopefully not too long before I can afford one.

[@Sytyvette1]

You know what else is really good about the C6 generation. No Cylinder Deactivation(Eco Mode)! Thanks for the comment!

[@LordCowbxyRDR]

@@Sytyvette1 fr fr the c6 was the last unrefined traditional car they made

[@Sytyvette1]

Yep! That’s for the comment!

[@chiquitacook1789]

Just purchased an 08 having some work done on it. Can't wait to drive it.

[@tomd6103]

Well done. Thanks for sharing your experience. I just bought a 2010 C6 in torch red. Love it.

[@Sytyvette1]

Nice! Have fun with your C6. Be safe! Thanks for the comment!

[@tho464]

I had the same issue with the shifter and I snipped the little plastic lockout lever. Guaranteed to never happen again. 45 minute job. Picked up my 2006 C6 this summer with only 15,800 miles always garages kept and one owner. It’s like new, even the tires are the original with a ton of tread on them. Great performance for the money down in the $20K-$30K range.

[@Sytyvette1]

Congrats! Yes, the C6 is an amazing car. And comfortable too! Thanks for the comment!!!

[@ruger45hollowpoint]

I have an 08 C6 LT3, had 27,000 when I bought it; has about 53900 now. Only problem I had was the windshield wiper cowling buzz you descibed. I have had a blast in this car.

[@Sytyvette1]

Yes the C6 corvette is a blast. I love the amount of space you have in the cabin area. Just sitting in the drivers seat is almost like sitting in my recliner at home. I miss mine. 😢 Thanks for the comment!

[@dennisjerome1946]

I have a 2010 C6 and had the same damaged paint pattern develop on my hood and no amount of polishing helped.Finally had the hood repainted.

[@Sytyvette1]

Did you ever figure out what was causing it? Mine looked like heat transfer burns.

[@robertdavis5714]

Appreciate sharing your experience, since I own a Yellow 08 c6. Only about 1 year now, my only issue is driver side elec door activator, works when cold outside, but needs to be replaced.

[@Sytyvette1]

I replaced that as well. If I can remember it’s just two screws and unplug the wires connector to remove it. Reverse to install. Really easy. Thanks for the comment!

[@ffas23]

@Robert Davis. Supposedly from what I understand the door activator needs to just be taken apart and cleaned and doesn’t seem like a bad job to do. A replacement they say is not needed. Found out about it on the Corvette Forum where I am a 20 year member. There is a You Tube video explaining how to do it. I have been kicking it around to take the one off on the drivers side on my C6 to clean it since at times it doesn’t work real well. The one on the passenger door works like new still.

[@robertdavis5714]

@@ffas23 I was hoping for that and took apart and cleaned, was dirty and no luck. And I think I have watched every video on this and 100% positive this is the problem, and will probably go with a rebuilt one which has all the flaws corrected, especially the spring function. I barley drive this car, only have put 1k mileage in a year.

[@ffas23]

@@robertdavis5714 You are the first to mention it that I heard saying that cleaning it didn’t fix it. I think it a dumb design. I will take the old stye handles like my C5 Coupe has and other cars any day over what they put in the C6. Too many electronics especially in a place I feel wasn’t needed and because of it they had to also install into the floor on both sides a way to open those door mechanically to get out in case of battery failure. That had to cost GM more money to do then install mechanical door handles I feel.

[@cedricmiller4370]

@@Sytyvette1 excuse me sir whenever you said you prefer the 2008/2009 model C6 instead of the 2005-2007 do you mean the 2008 model year is less likely to have the stuck shift problem?

[@jessehernandez2796]

Very informative video, I will soon take delivery of my first 2011 C6 (Base, 3LT, 6MT), it's a hatchback and color is Torch Red. I've been doing research on this model, for the most part reviews have been good. The head light issue was mentioned a few times, which was disclosed in the transaction, and I'll be taking it in for service. Also, upgrade the factory radio. I'm looking in Crutchfield website looking for a unit that can stream music...but other than that...I can't to get the car. (Will arrive this Friday). I purchased the car thru Carvana, so far it has been a great experience. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts.

[@Sytyvette1]

You are so welcome, I’m glad I could help. The C6 is a great platform for you to start with. The engine and transmission are pretty much bullet proof! If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask. I will do my best to answer them. Thanks again for the comment!✌🏾

[@SKRooU2]

Just subbed brotha, I was curious if the fuse box that was overheating causing the headlight issue was also causing the paint issue you had on the hood? Right now I have a LS1 1998 Trans Am in Sebring silver in original condition here in Vegas. I want to get a c6 vert in either blue or black. I think c6's look the best overall. I don't like the rear end look on the c7's and some angles on the c8 look a little weird to me and I can't get use to that square steering wheel LOL the performance of the c8 is amazing though. The dual clutch tranny impresses me the most about the c8 but yea I agree with you on the c6 z06 you just have to remember to have the head work done to prevent the infamous valve drop. lol The c5 is also a great value and they still are a beautiful car IMO

[@Sytyvette1]

Dang! You are on it! I agree with everything you said. Wow! The fuse box issue and the hood paint issue was different. I think the hood was more of a paint issue from the factory. I’ve heard once it’s repainted you are good. No more issues. The car engine never got super hot or had any over heating issues. Thanks for the support and the comment!

[@greenrush4313]

Hey Gary great vid

[@Sytyvette1]

Thanks!!

[@fultonguyy]

My issues were as follow, shifter bushings front and rear, TPS throttle position sensor replaced, and on occasion just out of nowhere rear tire flat slow to 55mph, no flat tire? Other than that it's been great car now @82k miles.

[@jodydavisga]

For the most part sounds like age and uv light related issues aside from not shifting out of park Seals dry up Plastic fades…these cars are mechanically sound and powerful I have 2013 ls7 427 anniversary edition myself Other than that You got yourself a nice ride🙂👍

[@Sytyvette1]

10!!! Thanks for the comment!!!

[@jtbrown5801]

I to owned a 2005, C6, beautiful car, loved it, but was offered a price I could not refuse. I've missed it everyday since I sold it. Looking now to get a blue, C7 grand sport, early spring 2023. I had thought about another C6 because I had no major problems. Thanks for your experience and information. Cannot wait to get back into my own vette cockpit.

[@Sytyvette1]

Yes, the C7 Grand Sport is awesome! It’s perfect for the track. It has so much grip. Its got those hips too! You will be so pleased with its performance. Thanks for the comment!

[@crispynotburnt]

The only real issues on the C6 Corvette: - Bad OEM harmonic balancer - 2005 had a weaker rear differential and auto was a 4 speed. - 2008+ had a stronger engine and transmission (LS3, and same trans as Z06) - Plastic lenses on headlights are prone to wearing out. Misc. plastic cosmetics. The rest are really non-issues and quirks of anything automotive that's this old. Aim for a 2008+ base (Z06 7.0L engine has issues with the valve springs)

[@mlc7boosted]

Having washed and detailed cars for several years for work and from my licensed money making mobile car wash and detail business from 2007 to 2018. 1:43 I had to pause the vid and take a screen shot because that motor was clean sir. '04 C5 base daily driver.

[@Sytyvette1]

Thanks bro! ✌🏾

[@mlc7boosted]

@@Sytyvette1 Attention to detail is a good trait. And owning this C5 base has be like dating a bad a$$ girl where I don't really know a whole lot about her past, but she sure is pretty. VETTEUNITE

[@Sytyvette1]

@mlc7boosted 😜✌🏾

[@ffas23]

Got the same problem with my 2006 C6 with the Auto Trans Shifter locked up at the moment. Pissed at Chevrolet. This has happened to too many C6 Corvette owners and there should of been a recall on it. Believe it or not my 2006 Coupe has only 14k miles on it and is garage kept and still looks like brand new. This is the biggest disappointment with the car I have found in the 5 years I have owned it.

[@Sytyvette1]

You are so right. Especially for something that could leave you stranded! They should have done a recall on it. It’s their halo vehicle! Thanks for the comment!

[@ffas23]

@@Sytyvette1 I agree with you a 100%. It started on mine when I was getting mine inspected for emissions here in NJ. It’s the only thing they inspect anymore here in this state every 2 years. I almost wasn’t able to get it out of gear when I had to step back in the car to drive it home about 15 miles. By the time I pulled into the back of my property it would only go into neutral and drive so I placed it in Neutral and put the emergency brake on it and moved some other Classic Cars out of my Pole Barn so I could drive it into the lift area so I could work on it in the fall. It was still Summer and too hot for this old man at 71 years old to deal with. I have been driving and owning Corvettes going on 53 years come January. I still own 4 of them all Coupes. ‘67,’73,’99 and the 2006. In the mean time I have been trying to find out which fix is the best on it. It is locked in park now. Console is out and just about everything else. Health problems kept me from finishing what I started and other things that got in the way. Once I fine the best fix and since it is now cooler out I will take care of it.

[@windycitywarrior71]

Car is almost 20 years old regardless of mileage. It happens when cars get old. Don’t own an old car if you don’t want to maintain it.

[@ffas23]

@@windycitywarrior71 Excuse me. You don’t know me to judge me about what I know about cars. I put in over 40 years in the Auto Parts business as owner and you want to tell me about maintaining cars. I helped so many over those 40 years. I had a nice Collection of Classic Cars 13 of them. I just sold one of them a year ago October that was a ground up restoration I did years back because I started running out of room in my 42x60’ Pole Barn. I have owned and collected Corvettes soon to be 53 years come January. That Street Rod in my Profile photo here I build from Scratch from a bare frame back during the early 1990’s and you want to try to judge me over a post about one of my cars like you are some kind of Authority. I never said I don’t want to maintain it but based on my long experience with cars especially Corvettes 14k miles on a car is nothing I still feel. Yes electrical items do fail but this problem could leave someone stranded and this problem I feel is out of hand with the C6 Automatic Corvettes. GM should of had a Recall on this problem. Apparently it’s a bad design it has happened to way to many cars out there. Sorry your comment was pretty stupid of you I feel to try to judge someone you don’t know.

[@Sytyvette1]

Man I wish I was closer to you. Just to give you a hand trying to fix it. I hate that it looked up on you.

[@johnwebb167]

The only issue I have with my 2007 C6 is the car forces you to shift from 1st to 4th starting out at low speed. Mine is a manual with just 10,560 miles on it since purchased in 2010. The car only gets between 150-200 miles a year with all my other whips getting attention. I make sure to change the oil every other year whether it needs it or not. The car was purchased with the Z51 package and LS2 with a few upgrades and I have changed the exhaust with the Corsa system.The car had only 875 miles on the clock when purchased and one of the best bang for the 35K buck I spent.

[@Sytyvette1]

Sounds like a great car. Low miles wow! The lock out with the manuals can suck sometimes. It’s like that from the factory. They did that so you can supposedly get better fuel mileage. It’s better than the automatics with the drive selector lock problems! Thanks for your comment.

[@danielfair4675]

I have a '10 GS manual convertible .... get the skip shift eliminator. Cheap fix.

[@Sytyvette1]

Nice I didn’t know you could get a skip eliminator for it. Nice, good to know. Thanks for the comment! Have a good Memorial Day weekend too!

[@Sytyvette1]

That’s true it’s designed that way. It’s suppose to help with the fuel economy. Thanks for the comment!!

[@skeet4239]

Hi Gary, great channel and very informative. My question to you, would you recommend a 2012-13 06 grand sport or a 2014 base 07? This will be my first vette.

[@Sytyvette1]

I would recommend the Grand Sport because you get the wider body. Upgrade brakes,heads up display. The upgraded seats and the LS3 engine. You get so much more with the Grand Sport. Now if you decide on getting a regular C6 don’t go any lower than 2008. 2008,2009,2010 etc. Any other questions hit me up. Thanks!!

[@skeet4239]

@@Sytyvette1 thanks for the quick response! I’m retired and the vette would be mostly a going to the gym and weekends vehicle. I really need a backup camera and front end cameras. Also I prefer an automatic. I owned a slingshot so I’m done with shifting gears lol. I’ve read that there is more drivers space in a G6. Being a different design, would a 2016-2019 g7 2LT of 3LT be more comparable to a g6 grand sport or is the 2012-13 gs still the way to go?

[@Sytyvette1]

Yes, you have more room in the C6 than the C7. The C7 has a tighter interior than the C6. If you want more room the C6 is what you want. As for cameras. You can install a aftermarket radio with a screen in the C6 and add a front and rear camera to it.

[@Sytyvette1]

Now if you are not worried about space as much and you have the extra cash over the cost of a C6. Then you should gets a C7 Grand Sport with the 2LT package!! And the C7 Stingray is really good too. You just won’t have the wide body look of the Grand Spot or the Z06.

[@skeet4239]

@@Sytyvette1 yes space is important. I hate the thought of having to add the cameras and replace the headlights but I do like the more traditional look of a C6. Thanks again!

[@richarddobreny6664]

Had the same Park issue, fixed it myself. No major issues since 2008!

[@Sytyvette1]

Yes, you are right I’m glad you were able to fix it. It never got to a point where I was strained. Just more of a nuisance if anything. Thanks for the comment!

[@ffas23]

@ Richard Dobreny. How did you fix yours? Did you cut that plastic Locking part? Haven’t done mine yet but was thinking of just wiring that plastic piece open with a piece of mechanics wire.

[@richarddobreny6664]

@@ffas23 I drilled a little hole into that plastic part and wired it open. That did the trick without a whole lot of damage to the original assembly. It’s really just the solenoid but they wanted to replace the whole unit. It does disable the “safety” “feature “ but we are already conditioned to have our foot on the brake anyway

[@ffas23]

@@richarddobreny6664 Thanks Rich. I was leaning on going that route in the first place. I kind of liked that idea better then breaking that plastic piece off. Both ways were mentioned on the Corvette forum. I asked the question to Lyle at C&S Corvettes on You Tube a couple of months back as to what was the best fix for the locked in park Shifter Problem plenty of C6 owners were experiencing but he never answered me. It was disappointing. I like his You Tube Video’s. I wish he was closer by but he is in Sarasota Florida and I am in NJ. This just had to be my luck. I’ve owned 7 Corvettes since 1970 when I purchased my first. Everyone of them mostly all C2’s and C3’s had a 4spd in them. My C5 has a 6 spd manual. This last one I purchased the C6 I thought why not get a Automatic this time around with the way traffic is today and of course I had to come across this problem they have been having. Well hope this is the permanent fix. Beats being a couple hundred miles from home or heck even 15 miles from home and getting stranded when you think about it. Gary’s right.

[@richarddobreny6664]

@@ffas23 it’s been two years and the wire is holding. I’ve dealt with Lyle and he is pretty good, i enjoy watching his videos and still learn a few things. One thing you might also want to consider while you have that unit out is replacing the little red gear indicator. Mine broke a few years ago. C&S does have a kit to replace that indicator. I’m getting quite good at removing that Center console!

[@jefflawson7468]

👍👍👍i have a 2012 grand sport i love it

[@Sytyvette1]

I think the Grand Sport is the perfect. Perfect fit between the Stingray and the Z06. The wide body look with the LT1 engine. It’s has tons of grip with no big worries about the rear end coming around on you like the Z06. Great car! Thanks for the comment!

[@Canady]

badass corvette jacket Gary! where did ya get it?

[@Sytyvette1]

It’s actually a light Corvette UnderArmor sweater. I got from Corvette World Dallas. Thanks for the comment!!!

[@bradkeeney5236]

Thanks

[@AJ-dl7te]

Only problem I have with my C6 is the speed limit.

[@Sytyvette1]

Speed limit? What’s wrong? Did the Speedo stop working?

[@fireside007]

👍YOU ~ ROCK ! ! 🤛

[@Sytyvette1]

Thanks!!!

[@fireside007]

👍Blues … i have Copper Chicagooo

[@Sytyvette1]

Nice! Plenty of power and plenty of room. The C6 is a good generation.

[@oz.snapshot]

Can you daily drive Corvette 2008 base model automatic?

[@Sytyvette1]

Yes, Absolutely you can daily a 2008 C6 auto. I sold mine with 125,000 miles on it. Engine and transmission were still running strong!

[@coopah1]

5:36 Looks like the grey pickup truck in the background far right is having issues as well. LOL

[@Sytyvette1]

Lol!!

[@peterlindner8819]

I own a 2006 c6 3lt for 14 years. I have never had a problem with it

[@Sytyvette1]

Nice how many miles do you have on it?

[@peterlindner8819]

@@Sytyvette1 I have a few cars and live in NY winters I have 25k miles. I'm thinking of buying a 1988 to drive more often. Although my mechanic didn't recommend it

[@Sytyvette1]

Yeah he’s right. I wouldn’t by C4. Parts are getting harder and to find them. I would say C5 2000 and newer. You should be good.

[@Sytyvette1]

Wow 25k miles. I wish I could keep the miles down on my the C8 but it’s just so mush fun to drive! 2021 with 9k on it.

[@peterlindner8819]

@@Sytyvette1 I know of 2 1988 for sale with 32k miles that I could pick up for 12 - 13k idk why I liked the 88 maybe it's the rims and better paint. But my mechanic said what you said about the parts. He's a popular corvette mechanic on the north east ( long Island NY ) corvette doctor

[@dogsandcars202]

How many miles did your Corvette have?

[@Sytyvette1]

It had 123,000miles on it when I sold it. And the engine,transmission and differential were still running strong. (Mechanically)

[@user-bh9sk4hb7s]

I had to replace the shifter on my O5 C6

[@Sytyvette1]

Did you have the same issue? Shifter stuck in park?

[@gearheadmoff1232]

Just subscribed....

[@Sytyvette1]

10/4,Thanks!!

[@fultonguyy]

Actually you can buff out those lens my looks new 82k harbor freight buffer and buffing compound my whole car shines with new cars and kept outside under car cover.

[@Sytyvette1]

Yes I buffed it out once too. But it only lasted about a year or so. It’s all good! Thanks!

[@Sytyvette1]

Happy Thanksgiving too!

[@fultonguyy]

@@Sytyvette1 Same happy Thanksgiving

[@terryspray2319]

If you get the z06 have $5000 more to spare to do the heads

[@Sytyvette1]

Lol!

[@explorer909]

1:57 - Sounds like you ignored changing the transmission fluid. 10:51 - Maybe those years also have the same issues, or a set of different issues altogether. LOL!

[@Sytyvette1]

No, I didn’t have any issues with the transmission shifting at all. No shutter issues either. Transmission fluid changed as per the Chevrolet Corvette maintenance intervals. Just would get stuck in park sometimes. All and all great Corvette though. Thanks for the comment!!

[@ryan215553]

Your transmission shifter cable will break!

[@Sytyvette1]

Thanks for the comment!! 👍🏾

[@terryspray2319]

If you drop a vale about$22000

[@joserubalcaba6451]

Got a 2007 c6 and the fuel sending unit took a shit on me

[@Sytyvette1]

Dang! I’m sorry to hear that. How many miles are on you Vette?

[@joserubalcaba6451]

@@Sytyvette1 like 69k miles this car is giving me nothing but problems one of my side markers don’t work as well and need to fix my hormonic balancer and my catalytic converters 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@joserubalcaba6451]

I thought this car wasn’t going to start giving me problems right away it was garage kept I feel like getting rid of it now!

[@Sytyvette1]

Yes, I would get rid of it and replace it with a another Vette. I would say trade it in while you still can get something for it. It might be time for a upgrade! A C7 stingray would be great. Or a low mileage c6 with a 5yr extended warranty from the dealer you buy it from. Even on the C7 extended warranty. Good luck bro. If you have any questions hit me up!

[@joserubalcaba6451]

@@Sytyvette1 I wish I can man I’m paying it off I owe 24k and yeah man I should of waited to get a c7 but I was impatient got a c6 instead now I’m regretting it but that was my fault so yeah ima be stuck with it for a few Years but I appreciate man I’ll definitely message you!

[@shaved1999]

😓

[@richardgreen4567]

Come on man you can get bought a Corvette that's an automatic a C6 you should have got a 6-speed , you wouldn't have any of those issues!

[@Sytyvette1]

So true, I wouldn’t have had issues with getting it out of park if I had a 6-speed. But I like both automatic and manual. Bottom line it shouldn’t be a issue period. Especially with the Vette being one of GM’s halo vehicles. It’s not like the automatic transmission was a new thing at the time. Lol! It’s all good though I still loved my c6.

[@jasonmacneil2256]

YOU had someone else do your oil changes?? Also, youre complaining about the yellowing of the headlights?? SERIOUSLY? Do you know how EASY it js to clean and condition them? Of course YOU DONT!! What happened to the REAL car guys who do their own oil changes, and other minor easy maintenance tasks??

[@Sytyvette1]

Lol!! Thanks for the comment!!!

[@Anonymous594]

Mackanism

[@Sytyvette1]

Thanks for the comment!!!