If you’re like me, you have a list – mental or otherwise – of vehicles that are shockingly good deals right now. This list exists because we know certain vehicles aren’t destined to remain affordable for long, and the Corvette Z06 is one of those cars. The C5 Z06 represented an impressive follow-up to the C4 ZR1 and became an immediate darling of the enthusiast vehicle community, offering searing performance out of the box and track-ready handling. This 2004 Z06 listed here on eBay has just 12,000 original miles and is offered with no reserve, with bids eclipsing $26,000 at the moment.
Personally, the C5 Z06 is on my short list of cars to own some day. Look at that shape! We see so many trashed C5 convertibles with automatic gearboxes that we forget what a great design this was. The gunmetal wheels were unique to the Z06 and fit the fender arches perfectly, and the fixed-roof coupe body is the only way these cars should be spec’d. The Z06 was also surprisingly light – and not just for a Corvette – weighing in at just over 3,000 pounds. Combined with a generous power output of just over 400 b.h.p. for the 2004 MY, the Z06 could move out smartly, eclipsing 60 in under 4 seconds.
The Z06 benefitted from numerous performance upgrades right out of the box, and a 2004 model like this one received some additional upgrades to kick the output up. These improvements included a larger air intake, more aggressive camshaft lift and timing, and stiffer valve springs, among other tweaks. While this is all gravy, the most appealing detail under the hood about this particular Z06 has to be how clean and stock it remains. No cold air intakes or aftermarket features, revealing a car that is likely one of the few left in this sort of condition.
When you consider how expensive used cars have gotten, buying this much performance for under $40,000 seems like a screaming bargain. The interior remains in mint condition, which is logical considering the low mileage. Even this late in the game, GM plastics were not all that high quality, so it helps that this Z06 has seen such little use. The seller unfortunately uses some sort of an AI tool to write the description, which really does a spectacular example like this no justice. Factor in how reliable these were – especially for a low-volume sports cars – and buying a C5 Z06 is one of the better decisions you can make.
Probably one of he best Corvettes built after suffering through the ’80s. Good looks, good power went along way to help forget it’s predecessors. Nice car here.
Be fair now! Look at the difference between an 84 and 2005 Mustang. Look at the Challengers and Chargers built in the 80’s if you really want a laugh! At least the Vette resembled its predecessor. There simply was not much to write home about in the 80’s.
This beautiful black stallion was researched and developed throughout the span of 45 years of building Corvettes. This is the best of C3 and C4’s rolled up into one. Buick came out on top of that 80’s pile with the Grand National in my opinion.
This Vette along with the 1972 Corvette with a claimed 4000 miles and the Firebird Firehawk with very low miles all with no reserve is very suspect. All listed by the same company but when you click on sellers other items shows no other items.
I have the same Corvette with 13000 miles but mine has the same wheels but in chrome, I love my Vette, summer use only.
Ad says located in Charlotte NC, last pic says EM Auctions which Google says is in Kansas City. Exact same pictures are in a BAT auction from 2022. Smells fishy to me.
Their site says they are in San Jose. Buyer beware. https://www.em-auctions.com/category/all-products
It has my attention as it’s a car that I all ways liked, not only for the styling but the Lemons winning performance. 12k miles has my sincere attention.
But like any investment or major purchase, you have to do the research.
I’m struggling a little with the ad, scripted explanation, and mostly the condition of the underbody. Nothing about ownership or history. I own low mileage vehicles twice the mileage that have cleaner underbody conditions which concerns me.
I’ll start with a car fax to attempt to see the history.
Winning citrus? Just giving you a hard time. Your take is spot on however.
Jeff, thanks for the heads up of EM auctions. If I’m not misreading it, on their website they have a buy now price of 22,500. Weird
Exhilarating
I had the opportunity to drive one of these while working at a car dealership. First gear was great but when I hit second and gave it some power I was blown away!! Definitely on my dream list to own. The body style is my favorite of the C4-C8 class.
So I was at a local (to me) Cars&Coffee event today and a gentleman and I were talking about exactly this…. the incredible value that a C5 Corvette represents right now in the marketplace. But we both agreed that the big hurdle, one that neither of us could manage to get past, was that you’d have to be seen driving one. The stereotype of driving a Corvette has now become so pervasive among the true car enthusiasts that owning one is just a bridge too far. Corvette owners driving 5 mph below the speed limit with golf clubs in the back while sporting a goatee has just KILLED the Corvette for so many of us. Example: On Thursday this past week I was driving through Boise Idaho on I-84. It is an 80mph speed limit and there I am sitting behind a metallic Maroon C5 going 64mph in the passing lane oblivious to everyone else… “look at me! In my Corvette! This was my retirement present to myself! Aren’t you all impressed?” Uh, no. Not impressed sir. You are ruining what could be a great enthusiasts car.
I suggest you safely pass any Corvette you may find bothersome in the future and don’t spend any of your valuable time worrying about either the car or the driver.
I own a 2004 Corvette convertible, 6 speed manual.
I also have a grey goatee.
Having less horsepower than the Z6 does not bother me.
Best part of driving it is going onto the ramp to get on the highway.
As a previous post mentioned, second and third gear are amazing. Merging into traffic is never a problem.
And while I may actually drive my pickup faster than my Corvette (police pay more attention to the car), you will never see me in the passing lane doing less than the limit.
Not all seniors are knuckleheads!!
The listed car here is a real bargain, assuming that the add is legit.
I hear ya Robert, I’m 62 and have owned one since my goatee was dark! I currently have a C3 and a C8 and drive them like they are built to be. You have to own it to appreciate it. I usually find those who knock it guilty of not being able to afford them, or their wife or girlfriend ran off with a guy driving one!
Well said Cooter!
Not one, but two Vettes! I admit that I am a little bit envious.
I had a Camaro in the 70’s and another in the 90’s. I thought that they were fun to drive at the time, but my C5 is by far the best handling and fastest car that I have ever owned.
Every time I drive it, I have a huge smile on my face.
I live in Ontario, Canada, so currently the Vette is parked in the garage, under a cover for the winter.
Come on spring!!!
I had a 2001 Z-06. Trust me, they are awesome cars. I drove mine like it was built to be driven and so did my wife. They have a 1st to 4th skip shift solenoid that forces you to skip 2nd and 3rd gear and go into 4th when driving at low RPMs. I never had to skip because I always let got the RPMs up defeating this feature. This is one of the cars I wish I never let go. They are a pleasure to drive.
The auction has been deleted because it was a scam. May want to remove this article.
Red flags galore on this car ad..Obvious scam 🥵🥵🥵