The Real Cost of Buying a C6 Corvette Z06 in 2024

Welcome to my 2009 Corvette C6 Z06. In this series we're going to get to know this sports car, from it's design, its 7 liter LS7 engine, it's TR6060 transmission and everything else everyone loves and hates. We're putting it up against the Camaro ZL1 1LE, the Honda S2000 and we'll compare it to other cars like the Viper, the Porsche 911 and more.
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[@browningbelgium2326]

I bought my 09 Z from Vette City in Seneca SC with 13,700 miles last August. It was owned by a GM exec and he sent it to Lingenfelter to address the heads and while they were at it, they added their 660HP package with a few extra goodies making it dyno at 700HP. I was blessed to be the first to buy it from Vette City. I couldn't be happier!! Take care of yours my friend!!

[@brooksjenkins7851]

sounds like a solid deal, just bought my c6 z06 2008 with 51k miles 4mo ago for 41k and im happy with that

[@billmcmeekin7909]

Congratulations brooks :⁠-⁠) Life is better when you have a ZZZZZ :⁠-⁠) Atomic Orange for me :⁠-⁠)

[@FlyinGato]

That's a great deal, these cars are awesome

[@danziger69]

I think you got a great deal. Not a big fan of the 427 emblems and spoiler, but great color. I have a black 2009 Z06 and live in FL. Don't do a cam. Just bolt-ons and a tune can get you 500rwhp when you get the heads done. That is plenty for a street car on street tires.

[@carado1984]

Yeah so disregard all of that and install a cam.

[@danziger69]

@@carado1984 You're entitled to your opinion, but I've owned plenty of cammed cars. You don't need to ruin drivability when traction is a limiting factor.

[@carado1984]

@danziger69 if a cam ruined your car then your tuner sucked. You don't need a massive cam in these to add 50+ hp. You don't even need to change the clutch. It'll drive like stock.

[@carado1984]

@@danziger69 traction is also not a limiting factor. A good tire will hook in 2nd up to 550-600.

[@danziger69]

Have you powershifted a stock C6 Z06 from 1-2 on street tires? Even nice tires like PS4s? Unless you want to run Toyos or Nittos, tires/traction is a very big factor. I've had plenty of cammed cars with great tuning, but my point is that you don't need a cam to make an already awesome car like the C6 Z06 a seriously fast and usable car.@@carado1984

[@estern001]

You got a great deal. That's the up side to Corvettes being owned by old men. We take care of them.

[@jeffmcmillan2813]

I just got an 03 50th conv.....awesome.....not a s7per fast runner but ur right...its about the entire experience bro...canada vette guy

[@twinturbo1995]

You made the right choice especially a Jet stream blue c6 z06 they are hard come by they going for almost over 50-60k now for a good one

[@davidsimmons8372]

I have the exact same car bought new in 2008 with only 16K Miles on it now and I love it. Great choice! C6 Z06

[@FlyinGato]

@@davidsimmons8372I recommend you keep it forever, it's awesome to tell people you bought the exact car you wanted and never sold it

[@FlyinGato]

I love the Jet Stream Blue, it's my favorite Corvette color

[@clutchcarabelli8054]

I've had mine for over 17 years with stock heads untouched, just went ripping in it last night...but do go off 😊

[@salvatorecerniglia696]

You got one hell of a deal, my friend. And I love that color too- Jet Stream Blue, I believe it is. I had '08 Callaway convertible in that same color and loved it! Now I'm waiting for a new 2024 E-ray at the moment but if I was buying used I'd buy that car and color that you have or the ZR1 in the sixth generation. Anyway, you got one hell of a deal and lots of luck with your new car! 👍👌🎉🖖

[@FlyinGato]

I owned a C8 Z51 for a while, it was an awesome car, you're going to love the E-Ray. I'm still on a couple of lists for the C8 Z06, not sure if I'm actually going to pull the trigger when my number is called though

[@MrDinFla1]

My buddy found an 07 back in 2018 for 38k with 3550 miles on it. Great deal. Same color as yours

[@andrewk7745]

I got my 06z from a used car dealership that sells specialty cars about 3 1/2 years ago for $37,900. 34k miles and around 25k in aftermarket including a Katech stage 2. Black/black. Caravaggio seats, steering wheel, center console, and radio surround trim. Callaway coil overs. C7 zo6 wheels. Coarsa exhaust with mild/wild hardwired switch for valves. 4 hour drive from my house to test and buy. They are definitely going up in value.

[@andydhillon1977]

Beautiful, and a good deal! Love the color. Thats a car i would keep. You should do a video on the common issues with these cars. I own a low-mileage C4 Corvette 6-spd but i dont know much about most of the newer Corvettes.

[@FlyinGato]

I'm actually working on that right now. My Z06 hasn't had any issues so I've had to do some research, but I will be sharing the video soon

[@vulcantuminello1127]

What about the valve guide issue that affects all LS7's is simply a matter of time before your motor grenades?

[@user-mb4wh2xf5c]

My first C6 was a 1 owner 2005 Z51 with 18,000 miles I bought in 2012 for $21,000..it was perfect,the MSRP on it was $53,250.

[@gregleenyit]

I would say you got a good deal. You were lucky, you were in the right place at the right time you trusted the guy and he was a Solid dude.

[@FlyinGato]

Yea I got lucky the original owner was a good guy

[@terranceeames2080]

Thank you for this video bro 🤝 I’m in the market as we speak

[@FlyinGato]

Happy I can help!

[@srvmotoman]

I complete agree with you about the C6Z being a steal at $36k @ 60k miles. I got my 08 C6Z in 2019 at $34k with 54k miles. This was before he used car market went silly. It is also in JSB.

[@gen-X-trader]

You did do really well, 36K is what that car would have went for 2017, 2018, 2019. You didn't pay any pandemic premium. Nice 🎉 there's also a less costly way to inspect that engine. Basically it's like changing valve springs. You put an attachment in each cylinder to pressurize it off of an air compressor. Remove the valve springs and literally wiggle the valves. If you have any bad guides that are out of spec which are usually the culprit behind the dropped valve issues you'll be able to tell. If you wanted to be really precise you could use a run out gauge but if they are troublesome. From what people have said, you can feel it. Like there is noticeable wiggle. Some will feel precise and tight and you'll find the one or two or three if you do indeed have bad ones that have a little wiggle to them. Then you know the heads have to come off. That process only takes a couple of hours

[@patrickcaudill2939]

Yes, sounds like you made a great deal. Once you put on new rubber, the car will work much better. Be sure to install the updated clutch master cylinder, and be sure to siphon out the clutch fluid regularly. Previous owner had played the odds with not destroying the engine. Don’t go there, simply have the heads taken care of Enjoyed your video, most notably your “cool” cat!

[@supersonicz06]

I got my supersonic blue with 50k miles and the factory carbon flash pack for 45k. Sub 400 supersonic blues made and i love it

[@FlyinGato]

I don't think I've ever seen that color in person, I hope to see one in person...

[@victorjohnson2093]

I feel you got a great deal just sold my 99 next one will be 6 or 7 looking for a deal. It’s out there

[@FlyinGato]

You getting a C6 or C7 next? I REALLY like the C6 Z51, in manual, those are amazing deals

[@CJDavid-pe9ue]

Not a bad deal. I got my 2007 C6 Z06 for $40K with 28k miles in 2022. Went ahead and did heads, cam, intake. Beautiful and fun car. The Z06 stands out even next to super cars.

[@HardwiredZ06]

Especially interesting because these cars were being produced during the big recession years and I'm sure contributed to the lower sales figures in 2009-2013. Wasn't the number of 2013 Z06s very low like a less than a 1k?

[@1234zcrom]

I love the history of this car and that Lotus made the engine. You should keep it.

[@danziger69]

You are thinking of the C4 ZR-1 with the 32V LT5. This engine is just a bored/re-sleeved GM LS. It's still awesome.

[@nicksgroi6287]

Just bought an Atomic orange 07 Zo6 with 10k for 51k. Traded in my WS6 for 29k. Could not say no. Total up grade.

[@rjung_ch]

Hey gato! 👍💪✌ never liked dealerships who are so blatantly horrible and just out to jack up the price. It sucks. A nice break down. Peace!

[@FlyinGato]

I really don't like dealing with dealerships

[@rjung_ch]

@@FlyinGato I can imagine that, the MSRP is the only price I'd ever pay or ask for a discount. I'd never pay more.

[@Wolf420gamer]

Sounds great Now question for you! Would you choose a C6 GS 2012 or a C7 Stingray Z51? And why? I am trying to listen to opinions I am looking for one of the two

[@FlyinGato]

C6 grand sport, it looks like it’s complete, the C7 Z51 looks incomplete compared to the C7 grand sport

[@danielfair4675]

C6 all day long over a C7 Stingray.

[@Wolf420gamer]

@@danielfair4675 why?

[@carado1984]

C6 is timeless. C7 is going to look dated in 5 years. It barely pays homage to any Corvette heritage which is arguably the most popular American sports care ever along with the Mustang, obviously.

[@user-dd1mf1kp7c]

Have the same car but a 2008 paid $75,600 out the door in December 2007 I have 29,595 miles on it has been garage kept since new . When I say I have the same car it is identical

[@derekperkins4141]

It was I good deal 🤙 I found my c6 Z06 in a similar fashion in 2021 , I had been looking at multiple sites for c6 z06’s for like a week and 1 popped up a 07 with 1700 miles I contacted the guy immediately and he said I literally just listened it, Long story short I pounced on it and I got it for $41000 out the door !! Not long after that the market shot up , I got a killer deal on a original owner I could still smell the new in the car , it stayed in his shop with his other 12 vehicles .. The good Lord blessed me with this car 🤙

[@FlyinGato]

I think i saw that one! I thought it was too good to be true, and it was gone immediately! you got a brand new car

[@derekperkins4141]

@@FlyinGato yes I did I love that car !!! I have about 17 grand in parts going on it soon lol it’s really going to be quick soon 🤙

[@TehZured]

I just bought 08 c6z 67k miles for $33k. One owner and victory red (more common than your color). So around the same price. Good deal. My first 09 c6z 62k miles in January 2020 was $27k from a dealership

[@FlyinGato]

such a great deal, I love these in red as well

[@TheSwampDonkey]

Very clean Z06. Do you still have it? I saw your other vids with the Type R. The C6 Z06 was always one of my dream cars. The issue I had here in Texas, a lot of the ones I looked at were way overpriced or complete trash. I hope some day I have the opportunity own one. I had a C4 back when I was 24 and fell in love with the Corvette brand.

[@FlyinGato]

I do still have it, hard to let it go

[@nickschroeder990]

God I was going to wait until next spring to upgrade from my C5 to one of these C6Z's but I dont think I can wait lol

[@FlyinGato]

You should do it, you will love it.

[@collinmanning8334]

Brother is going to be looking at a 06 ZO6 tomorrow, trading in his 3lt 2013 standard Corvette. ZO6 has double the miles and is a 1lt. They are going to straight trade. Good deal?

[@FlyinGato]

I think it’s a good deal, make sure to do the valve guides

[@collinmanning8334]

@@FlyinGato yeah we passed. Car had a 2mm lip on the rear rotors from doing standing burnouts, had paint damage from a light collision, a cut hole on the wiper cowl just to get to a bolt, the seats were worn and the first owner mustve been fat and lazy bc the hinges were bent and noisy on the doors. Most beat ZO6 I ever saw in my life.

[@fredeb67]

Deal of the century!!

[@FlyinGato]

I definitely thought so!

[@Vmgut3]

There's was an 08 z06 here in Indianapolis at a Lexus dealership. 5k miles for 44k. I bet it sold for 41k. It had an accident on the Carfax but car looked good. Someone got a super deal. I considered it.

[@FlyinGato]

I saw a few of those Z06s online with less than 10K miles for like 45K, they sold so quickly, this was in 2021, I wasn't ready yet.

[@Vmgut3]

@@FlyinGato This car sold about 3 weeks ago... It was on the lot for like a month. Surprise it lasted that long.

[@Yellow_Car_Bad]

I’ve had two of these and beat on them hard and never dropped a valve. I did end up building one of them but it never had engine issues.

[@TehZured]

same here 09 c6z with 62k miles and 08 with 68k miles. No problems

[@FlyinGato]

@@TehZuredit's interesting, I really think it's when you start to track the car that issues pop up

[@TehZured]

@@FlyinGato yeah I heard that. When you're at redline and on a hard corner

[@carado1984]

​@TehZured the oiling system has nothing to do with dropped valves so no. It's just luck.

[@4everyoung869]

Damn if I knew zo6 was gone be this popular I should’ve bought it at 40k with 9k miles when I was looking at three years ago.

[@FlyinGato]

yea, that would have been a great deal

[@josephfamularo469]

Good deal, especially for a JSB, kinda rare color in the C6 Z world.

[@FlyinGato]

yea it's my favorite color

[@carado1984]

Only really rare depending on year though.

[@josephfamularo469]

@@carado1984 yeah 1000 of them in 2008, then only about 300 the next five.

[@carado1984]

@josephfamularo469 and mines an 08. I was looking for JSB, Cyber Grey, or Atomic Orange. JSB was the first that popped up.

[@Yellow_Car_Bad]

Way better purchase over that shit honda

[@FlyinGato]

don't sleep on the Hondas, the S2000 and the Type R punch way above their weight

[@GreggHarris-Deepa82]

I agree with you Bro, Honda type Lame, are Shitty kids car's....😂

[@milkooudshoorn1302]

I bought mine Z06 in 2023 in the Netherlands for 49.500 euro with 36.000 Miles, keep in mind that this cars was 145.000 euro’s new in 2006, I am the 3rd owner and it is original Dutch delivered car, one of 9 in Total 2006 versions.

[@FlyinGato]

You probably have the coolest car in the Netherlands

[@nitrousstang]

these videos just keep raising prices lol... i got my 2006 zo6 VY

[@FlyinGato]

they do lol!

[@5x106]

Good deal,in 2022, I paid 35k for a 2011 grand sport with 41k miles on it

[@FlyinGato]

I love the grand sport, I kind of flip back and forth on whether I should have gotten one of those instead

[@carado1984]

Engine mods Z06. Boosted GS. And don't support the GS auto guys. Lame. Grow a pair.

[@exoticolors9953]

its cost me 50k to buy my 06 z06, fix the engine, and modify it to 600whp. i was considering a 6th gen camaro zr1 but at this point i have more power thats na and its cheaper basically

[@FlyinGato]

and it is MUCH lighter, that's very important

[@carado1984]

​@FlyinGato and it is double the fun. Sure the Camaro can handle but it feels dead.

[@carado1984]

And heavy.

[@djlouie2836]

why not rounded down to 35k lmao :D still a car that is priceless to me , but when you can get a c6 z06 for cheap is a mans smile for life because its an amazing car regardless , imagine I got a c6 zo6 in mint condition for 10 grand will you think less of my car lol

[@FlyinGato]

you're right, a C6 Z06 is a C6 Z06, makes me smile every time I see it and drive it

[@rudyrod100]

You stole that car.

[@shanewilfon6860]

Corvette wayyyyy better then run of mill civic😂

[@tonymcflattie2450]

Hello kitty cat

[@FlyinGato]

That’s good ol bobcat, he keeps the mice away from the cars

[@LelandGroff]

I have a 03 c5 and I paid 14300 for it 5 months ago And I love it