Low mileage Corvettes Better?

[@TheMrmmkkpro]

My 1990 ZR-1 had 74k miles when I got it. Had been sitting for many years. Bought her in 2018, a complete car, looked like the owner parked it and forgot about her. Fast forward to 2020, after much maintenance, nothing major, tags, insurance. Now 6k miles later she is happy, gets driven regularly ( she is happy and loved). A complete blast to drive. 👍👍🏁🏁

[@druegillis1744]

I bought a 2008 C6 from a dealer in 2013 with 4,300 miles on it. Pristine condition. In the 9 years I have owned it, it has been garaged with a cover on it when not being driven. Oil changed as required and now has 44,000 miles. Treat the rubber weatherstripping and plastic with a conditioner. But I do realize that parts deteriorate over time whether the car is driven or not. You need to keep in eye on tire pressure and condition, fluid levels, belts, hoses and the battery age and charge. I keep my battery on a trickle charger. Common sense here.

[@tonysteppan8495]

As always Lyle nails the subject! Hope those out there are listening! THANKS Lyle!!!

[@77cemoore]

Prior to me hearing advice like yours I also used to think the lower miles was the best indicator for a used Corvette. Although I had learned exactly what you talked about in this video. So when I bought my 1993 Corvette in October of 2020 with 34,000 Mi on it I test drove it it ran great and the previous owners used it about 1,000 miles a year. He was well taken care of and I have continued taking good care of it and have since put another 2,000 Mi on it. It is turned out to be a great car! You have given me advice about it and I have continued to maintain it in Tip-Top working order.

[@csvette]

Excellent! Lyle

[@jackdevero3398]

I look for loud mufflers, new tires, curb rash on rims, and driver's seat in bad condition. You know the owner has sat around revving the engine and doing burnouts... Lol... When buying any used car, look for reasons that may indicate mechanical problems and mileage abuse. Low miles expect to update the maintenance items and prevent any future minor problems. I will buy the one that was garaged over a daily driver.

[@tommeere3901]

Glad you guys are feeling better and back to work!

[@williamjsmith9877]

i will take your advice when looking for a new lover. may be that's where i have been going wrong.

[@csvette]

Ooooh! Now THAT would be a funny video--"Why Corvettes are better than a lover"... :) Lyle

[@FlatPlaneCranky]

Great advice! Thank you😎

[@pmr413]

Lyle I'm looking for my first Vette, a C4. I've been watching all of your videos covering the C4 and they are very informative. Thanks for taking the time to put these out. They really are helpful to a newbie like me. ~Pat

[@nomore8042]

I have a 1971 Red Convertible with a hard top, frame off restoration. So, basically it's a brand new car.

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Great information, as always, from the best Corvette channel on KZbin! 'Glad everyone's feeling better.

[@kenhigginbotham4989]

Thank you for the January 24, 2022 video. To make your point, I purchased a 2004 Corvette with 128,300 miles. I purchased the car from the original Owner. He purchased the car from a local (Grapevine, Texas) dealer. The Owner didn't keep good records but, CarFax did. The oil was changed every 3,500 - 3,900 miles with Mobil 1 5W30 from the start. Regular service records where included in the CarFax report. My wife and I go the the Corvette Weekend in Eureka Springs AR every October. I have never had a problem with this car. it's just what I wanted, triple black convertible.

[@xxdash07xx]

Recently bought a C4 ('89) with low mileage, 59,000 miles, for a great price,and actually bought it before i even drove it. I was originally looking at it as an investment to resell, and not a daily driver. Yeah it needs a little bit of cosmetic updating, weather stripping mainly,..And I had no expectations of it being perfect seeing as how it's 35 years old. After taking it to my mechanic for a complete once-over to see what it's gonna need in spring (last owner took pristine care of it so i wont be driving it in winter weather),he gave me the news that it's already damn near perfect. So i took a chance and it paid off, I'd have been a little more skeptical if it had lower miles on it for reasons mentioned in the video, as in showroom piece that has never been tested perhaps,... So even though i was expecting to put a decent amount of money into it,I got lucky and thankfully it needs almost nothing. I had originally planned to update it and sell it for a profit, but now this old girl will stay with me. I am a C4 owner for life.

[@savannahga7320]

Bought 2003 anniversary shale interior sight unseen,15,500 miles,all pics were great,sat mostly inside dealership floor,paid 22,500 in 2019.arrived in mint condition,now has 30,000,changed every fluid,tires were 2018,for me I think I did good,and love her

[@swiveler1973]

Great points. That's something I never considered. Thanks Lyle.

[@rushmore8]

I can vouch for this. I bought an 82 CE with only 12k miles on it two years ago. Even had the original tires. I've been working on and off turning it into a driver ever since then. Tasks like replacing all the rubber bushings takes some serious work. I am enjoying the journey and learning the in's and out's of the C3 so I am ok with it. Just know what you are getting yourself into.

[@icurt06]

I've bought Corvettes from both ends of the spectrum. A 92 with 90k and a 02 with 4.000 miles They both still are used cars and they needed to be gone through after purchase. The best ones to buy in my opinion are private party one owner cars with service records. Be especially careful buying from dealers that have lots of sports cars for sale. In my experience their just flipping cars and if your not knowledgeable or don't have the car inspected prior to purchase you can get took!

[@csvette]

#truth !!! Lyle

[@browningbelgium2326]

In the Corvette world, I believe we don't automatically have common sense about these machines. It only comes with trials and errors. And having someone like Lyle helps avoid future mistakes if we only listen to him.

[@paulpaulm7354]

Nothing wrong with honest mileage and good maintenance.

[@jakeakhtar9424]

In April, somewhat on a whim, I bought an nice original LT4 Collector Edition C4 with 78k miles on it after looking for months for a decent '89-91 with a 6 speed. I daily this car in the warm months and that was my intent, but I think in watching this video that I'm becoming that guy who does all the maintenance to his car. Not intentionally per se, but in dailying it I've started to work through a lot of issues (OBDI is great!) and in the last 9 months I've done an oil change (it'll get another when it comes out of the garage in the spring, I do try to drive it once a month if I can), radiator and all coolant hoses, distrubutor cap and rotor, water pump, spark plugs and HT leads, A/C refrigerant refill, wiper fluid pump, headlight motor rebuild (those plastic bushings and gears), and serpentine belt. It's never left me stranded and it's not my only car, so it's been a fun adventure. I don't for a moment regret buying it, and I plan to keep it a while. After looking around I really didn't want something with very low mileage, at a certain point of age and lack of use I assume most of the plastic and rubber components are shot. Off topic, what can you recommend to me as far as preventative maintenance on my car?

[@Bartzy13]

I bought my c4 corvette with 116,000 miles on it, but the previous owner had done all the important maintenance within the last 4,000 miles. That car has gone another 4,000 miles since I got it.

[@csvette]

And that, my friends, is how it is done! Nice purchase, and I hope it gives you another 4000 miles and smiles. Lyle

[@Orrinwellsbigo]

Never buy a car sight unseen problem solved good remedy I love it how you explained it nice and simple😁

[@413273]

I have always believed that and am glad to hear you say it. Thanks

[@jeffkummerow7333]

Absolutely great advice about the mileage myth! My 1999 FRC had 98,000 on it 60,000 was highway, its been great! I drive it everyday

[@arnaldoserrano2289]

Corvettes are made to be driven, if you want a garage queen , buy a giant poster and hang it on the garage wall, save the money.

[@BDKennels]

Great advice as always Lyle. Thank you!

[@randybills3848]

man thanks for doing this video makes me feel happy I have a 95 thats a prime example of a nice driver and I drive the sucker but not in salt or rain I live in Indiana and have talked to you on the phone a while back you gave me some good advice you have to put in some face time on these cars not to get screwed keep it up man Im watching

[@FrankKnight8846]

My 78 corvette has less than 27000 Kilometres on it and I never had any problems. I only drive it in the summer months, to work, gym etc. The only thing I had to replace were the tires and an annual check up by my mechanic and that’s it.

[@csvette]

you sir, are a lucky man! i hope you get another 27k of problem-free fun with it! Lyle

[@robertdavis5714]

Great Story Lyle, reminds me of what I just went thru. Looking to buy C4 or C6. Previously owned C5. So, found exactly what I was looking for, Red, Manual, coup, C4 with 25k mileage, damn I hit the jackpot, Go to see and was so disappointed, but what I was shocked by was still the original tires, 26 years old, basically was like driving Fred Flintstones car, Rock hard. Needless to say was not a Buy.

[@vincerencher9128]

I am glad you feel better!

[@csvette]

Thank you! I had it very mild, so I was lucky--the bigger problem is all of us here at the shop have had it since the holdiays, and we are backed up in the shop like you wouldn't believe. Lyle :)

[@douglashuard5779]

I took all the advice from C&S Corvettes and got a 2002 with 77k and it runs great

[@craigt5906]

I have a woman neighbor who’s 35 but looks 50 and there are lots of cITY miles on that odometer

[@phillipgarrow2297]

Your right when I was looking C7 I found one until I seen the carfax 13 miles manual transmission repaired twice and then replaced tires replaced twice that car was beat on pretty bad it didn't specify if it was the rear tires but I'm pretty sure it was

[@The98deville]

two sets of tires and repaired twice with 13 miles??

[@phillipgarrow2297]

@@The98deville I meant 13000 miles

[@pauljr.harrington1905]

I'm shopping for a C5 Corvette. I don't even care that much about the mileage. It's just gotta be a targa top 6-speed in good condition, although I strongly prefer a 2001+ in red or yellow. There is a C5 at the Corvette Museum with over 700k miles on the original engine, a testament to the car's reliability and a big influence on my decision. More impressively, it's a 2000 which means it has the bad EBCM.

[@allstellar]

I bough my 08 z51 windows h 8,000 mikes on it. It drives like the day it was made. My 98 had 124,000. It also drove amazingly. Difference is the 08 with 8,000 needed tires…. Lol

[@tomd6103]

Well done. I would avoid the "sight unseen" buy myself. An important decision like this requires careful detailed in person scrutiny. Just my $0.02

[@robertstokes6074]

Thanks Lyle I have been looking at a extremely low mileage C6. Seller is asking top dollar, but I want to drive it and enjoy it. Guess I will look around and save some dollars in the process. This C6 is amazing, but have concerns about it now.

[@ethanl3769]

Great advice. I totally agree!

[@ProCoach2373]

Low mileage, well maintained, and private owner for me! I bought an 04 Z with 29k in excellent condition and many upgrades like wheels, exhaust, lowering bolts, LED lights, etc...

[@RootsRadical73]

Agreed!

[@tyronemorina4306]

Glad everyone is doing better. Nosale 🙏🏾

[@throttlechaser541]

Great point! I keep telling people that when you buy a car youbuy it for the condition it is in and the way it drives, not the milage, That is just a numbre!

[@blakeolivia]

Great informative video.

[@JYP1M]

Never buy any CAR unless you get to SEE IT. DRIVE IT. INSPECT IT. End of story!!!

[@stevenjacobs6934]

Here's an easy analogy: You have to fly to Denver from Florida, you get to choose one of two planes to fly in, the first one has been in service for one week and has 5000 miles on it, the second plane is 3 years old with 2 million miles on it! Which one would you choose?

[@robynmolle5842]

Spot on

[@OrangeCrush440]

My view is that, if you are buying a car sight unseen, either buy a cheap ticket and fly down to check the car out yourself, or go to one of the corvette forums and offer a member who is knowledgeable a few bucks to go check the car out for you. Most guys will refuse any money and will go crawl in, around, and under a car for you for free (I've done it myself) and will take pics. 99% of gearheads out there will tell you if the car is worth it, or if you need to run the other way as fast as you can.

[@barco581]

Great advice, I am planning on doing both.

[@0Heeroyuy01]

i know you get a lot of comments so you probably wont see this but if you do or someone else does that happens to know id love a answer to the following question as i cant find anything after looking. both questions are for a 01 C5 by the way so the question: any idea were to get new rubber for the targa/removable top/clear tops seals? 2nd question any idea were to find "new" clear tops? Mine originally had the clear top but at about 100+ down in Mexico the glass part came off the frame part that holds in on the car.

[@csvette]

Melrose T-Tops restores the tops and make the lenses, so that is easy. The rubber (I assume you mean the weatherstrip) for the top is made by Corvette Rubber in Michigan. Super simple!! :) Lyle

[@victorfraga9374]

Just bought a 2002 C5 Z06 with 18,000 miles 4 months ago. One problem I have with the car is 4th gear getting stuck. There were 2 instances where my 4th gear got stuck and I couldn't get it out of gear unless I pushed really hard when driving in the freeway. The previous owner had the clutch replaced at around 15,000 miles at a shop here in Phoenix AZ because he never changed the clutch fluid. I changed the OEM shifter assembly to an MGW shifter. I installed it with no issues and used the alignment tool provided. There were no problems for about a month when driving the car with the MGW shifter. Then my 4th gear kept getting stuck again and sometimes pops out of third gear. I'm thinking its the transmission forks getting stuck. Has this happened to anyone or have any idea what it could be?

[@MR-km7qm]

I have a 2010 Camaro SS manual with 50k miles. Lowered, intake, exhaust. Maintenance on point. Tempted by the exact same car, same year same everything, bone stock with only 12k miles. Is that mileage too low for that year? My car does have a few dings since it is a fair weather commuter. Otherwise I am happy with it. Just wondering what the general rule is for miles per year and when low mileage is too low. Love your videos and your advise regarding LS3, etc lead me to buy this Camaro 2 years ago with 40k on it. Super fun daily. Still want a C6 Grand Sport one day!

[@csvette]

12K isn't too low...the car has been driven enough to break the things that it should have broken over the last 12 years. You just want to make sure that it didn't have 11500 miles in 2013 and then sat for a decade. Lyle

[@MR-km7qm]

@@csvette Got it, thank you!

[@jerryhawk8434]

So true

[@themcandrews5862]

Great video sir as always 😎👍

[@RandBLSWorld]

Spot on !

[@Danny-ju2ip]

Great advice 👍

[@bluesxt]

Totally agree. Low mileage cars should and will always be more desirable for car shows and museum pieces, but for the every day person that just wants a car to enjoy, low mileage cars will be more to buy and to repair to make into driver quality when you could of just bought a good solid car will higher mileage.

[@randybills3848]

good video and you are right on the nail head

[@papagigo1]

Welcome back !!!

[@diegoquijanotorres7019]

Yep, i bought a 1967 mustang with 20k miles, as soon i started daily driving everything started leaking!!!!!

[@wanderingdoc5075]

Hi Lyle, Could you speak about the LS7 valve issue being potentially overblown? I heard a lot of people now are buying Z06s and auto shops are telling them that they haven't seen any valve issues with the Z06 in their 10 or 20 years working at a Chevy or Corvette Auto shop. What percentage of LS7s do you think will have the valve issue?

[@csvette]

From the Forums, you would think that it was 80-90% of the cars, right? I have never had that issue in my shop, and most of the other Corvette shops I talk to have never (or only very rarely) seen it either. I know the problem exists, but to what degree it should cause panic I am unsure. Lyle

[@danlaur7973]

I also agree that the LS7 has a small percentage of engines that experienced a catastrophic engine failure but I don't think it is nearly as prevalent as Corvette Forum would have you believe

[@wanderingdoc5075]

@@csvette Thank you

[@wanderingdoc5075]

@@danlaur7973 Thank you

[@corvetteswithbowie7529]

As for miles. Is there a life range a ls1 in a c5 should last if normal maintenance has been done ? Mine is at 94k. Hoping still for lots of life.

[@kallo182]

In the German Corvette Comunity is a Guy who have a C5 with 380.000KM (237.000miles) on the Clock. And the Car runs fine. No Issues at all. It taks only a little bit Oil, but thats it. A LS1 Engine with 94.000miles is in his best Years.

[@russellboyd5262]

can a well maintained 1977 corvette,that is driven 5000 miles per year,not abused,oilchanged every 3000 miles,tuneup every 10,000 miles all other maintence done,will the engine last at least 200,000 miles.please let me know thankyou,russ boyd. It has 115000 miles on it as i write.

[@csvette]

Russ, there is no way to predict that. You are doing all of the correct things, but the engines in the 70's were not the same precision as the LS and LT engines of today. I think 200K is possible, but it would be an outlier if it made it that far without a refresh. Lyle

[@russellboyd5262]

@@csvette thankyou.

[@unclefester6501]

What is too many miles for a C4? 120k?

[@csvette]

It all comes down to how the car has been cared for. A car with 250k on it that has been meticulously cared for is arguably a better choice than a 30k car car that has been abused. Cars, like people, need to be judged on an individual basis on their own merits. The high -mileage car that has been well-loved and looked after will be less expensive to buy than the 30k mile abused car, and most of the parts that were going to fail have been replaced already. Lyle

[@unclefester6501]

@C&S Corvettes I'm looking at a beautiful super clean 30k mile late C4 at a dealer asking $15k but it has no documentation vs a similar car 120k mi $8k from an owner with lots of frequent documented maintenance that is loved, just a bit worn. Both are close to me. I know which one is more likely to barf coolant on my passenger's feet or out the freeze plugs or suffer from water in the motor oil rusting the rings. But the low-mile car is so showroom clean. Hard choice. I bought a 100k mile Acura CL that had been sitting for three years with only a monthly starting, no driving. Had to replace the battery, starter, alternator one window motor and both window regulators in the first two months then drove 115k and only had the O2 sensors replaced under the emissions warranty. But a 30 year old Chevy is not a 10 year old Acura. Either way, you will have my credit card on file soon. Thanks.

[@kira.777]

Hi can anyone tell me if 70s corvette C3 can be used for everyday purposes?

[@lyleaulwurm9486]

IT absolutely can be used as a daily driver as long as a couple of criteria are met: First, I would never recommend having a 1970's ANYTHING as your only vehicle, because it is going to break down every once in a while and you still need to get to work or the store. Second, you would need to go through the car mechanically before putting it on the road full-time to make it as safe and reliable as possible. Third, you would need to accept the limitations of the car (tiny storage spaces, poor gas mileage, relatively weak A/C system) in order to not slowly grow tired of it. Beyond that, it is absolutely possible. Lyle

[@kira.777]

@@lyleaulwurm9486 Thanks for the info, I'll keep that in mind.

[@jimharrow8104]

Corvettes are designed to be driven... The longer they sit... The more problems they encounter... So drive & enjoy your Vette... Oh yeah... Far out...

[@kallo182]

Hello Lyle, i got a Question again. I live in Germany. In Germany is the Klima like in Chicago or New York. Means, cold Winter. I drive my Corvette in the warm Months, and in the 4 cold Months it stands in the Garage. Do you think it is okay when the Car sit 4 months in the Garage? Or do you think it would be better to move the Car at least 1x in a month, even if it is cold out there? I do all the important Things befor the Car goes into Wintersleep. I fill the Tank full with Gas, and i drive the Car on the last Ride real Hot. Greetings from Frankfurt Germany

[@csvette]

Hallo! :) If youcan move the car on a relatively nice day each month that would be best. 45 minute drive each time. IF the weather doens't allow that, at least start and run the car for 30 minutes each month. Lyle

[@The98deville]

And if you are going to leave it parked for 4 months and not move it, I would carefully put it on jack stands so the tires don't get flat spots.

[@rogermillard3677]

Well said. Great vid

[@tonypartridge7085]

Would you recommend a 2019 c7 grand sport with the a8 transmission?

[@csvette]

I prefer the manual transmission in the C7, as GM has had issues with the "flutter" in the automatics. That said, if I was going to buy an automatic, I would buy a '19. Lyle

[@gotmylk]

A 20+ yr old low mileage garage queen that's been waxed repeatedly but not driven is not a "well maintained vehicle".

[@jivadaya6439]

Excellent video as usual. Thank you and please do more on some of these specific issues (brakes, fluids, tires, suspension). I would love to see an explanation of suspension upgrades/maintenance for street cars (sway bars, etc...)

[@tonicamaro8683]

i don't know how these guys can make garage queens out of any of these corvettes .more miles means stuff has been working and in my opinion last longer with less BREAK DOWNS......motors and trannys and rearends can always be rebuilt . ENJOY THESE BEAUTIFUL CARS people..

[@chriskowalski7038]

I have A 93 C4 with 46 000 Mi...Immaculate with complete records...I would of sold it to him..

[@jefflawson7468]

👍👍good information i agree👍

[@johnsmithth3318]

I don't know about that. Mileage, condition, how many owners

[@c5corvettejapan2001]

Low mileage C5 is very expensive in Japan. It's $26k. But we have no other choice :)

[@Mopar14]

💯 your on the point 👍🏼👍🏼

[@dogsandcars202]

Do a new c6 value video and if you think they are going up please

[@SwedishMeatball53]

Buying sight unseen can be very dangerous, I did it once and the vehicle I got was not really what i expected.buyer beware

[@aamira5651]

Mom, Lyle says I should look for a high mileage lover...

[@bush1212a]

If you're that motivated to purchase---then these situations it is worth a plane ticket.

[@windycitywarrior71]

To be fair if you are buying a car that’s 30 years old and didn’t anticipate those issues or something similar you are beyond help. Doesn’t matter if it’s got 10 miles or 100k. Imagine if you felt the same at 30 as you did at 10. Common sense people which I guess is rare now a days.

[@richarddobreny6664]

even a pristine car can go to hell very quickly if left out in the sun and the weather.

[@tommost1]

2:02 *never* rub your car with a diaper!

[@Thiccy_]

Recently bought an 85 with 95k on the clock. Engine wise, you’d say it ran like new despite being a visual eyesore with oxidized valve covers and such. Starts first crank and I love the car, almost no issues. I heavily advise that people looking for early C4s look into cars in the 80-100k mile range, because over time they have indeed received proper maintenance and care mechanically.

[@csvette]

Exactly! :) Lyle

[@bbb462cid]

I can ruin a car in five miles. Sometimes higher mileage means the car didn't break and was reliable.

[@csvette]

And possibly the higher-mileage cars have had the failures that are to be expected with use and age already and those have been addressed. Low mile cars can be landmines if made into daily drivers, as things that should have worn out with normal usage begin to fail quickly when stressed regularly. Lyle

[@bbb462cid]

@@csvette for sure some good points!

[@jonhill9564]

Support 🇺🇲

[@tonicamaro8683]

sorry lyle the guy was a little dumb without looking at it in person

[@hondamancl450]

I totally disagree with his advice about mileage,how about low mileage with proper maintenance of fluid belts hoses (tires are common sense dude) your wrong about mileage,mileage brings value up end of story you're advice is not always golden dude we are all Knowledgeable about car care 😉

[@larrywilliams3858]

Are you from California, or just pretending to be??? I believe that his point is that reasonable mileage is good, but it must be coupled with great maintenance. Next to no mileage, due to sitting forever good environment or not, is not good.

[@hondamancl450]

@@larrywilliams3858 whatever you say is hear say lower mileage with proper maintenance is way more valuable