The C6 Corvette is the sixth generation of the Chevrolet Corvette, and it was in production from 2004 to 2013. With everyone drooling over the latest C8 and some of the high-performance variants of the C7, the C6 models are real bargains these days. While prices might drop a little more, it probably won't be long before people catch on, so get a good one now while it's still possible to score an insanely fast but affordable sports car in the used car bazaar.

UPDATE: 2023/10/03 By Ron FP

C6 Corvette: The Best Model Years, Ranked

After skyrocketing back in 2021, used car prices have been going down in 2023. It might be a great time to find a used C6 Corvette for sale now, but of course, you'll need to make sure which C6 'Vette is worth buying. Vehicle reliability, driving experience, and resale value are some of the most important considerations in the automotive purchase and ownership journey – and we're here to help you make a good decision.

Even in that single C6 generation, there are plenty of different models to go for, and it helps to know which one would suit you the best. To get one thing straight right from the get-go, the best used cars to go for are usually the latest models. The reasons for this are that they usually (not always) have less wear and tear, and the manufacturer will most likely have ironed out some problems found in earlier cars, barring any issue that may have caused excessive recalls.

Technically speaking, the C6 Corvette is everything the very successful C5 'Vette was, and then some, with the help of improved technology. Sure, it wasn't without faults, such as the exposed headlights, that had some purists up in arms. Either way, these are the C6’s best model years, with a few special trims and limited-edition variants in the mix.

We used cross-referenced vehicle reliability, maintenance, owner reviews, and pricing data from JD Power, Kelley Blue Book (KBB), Edmunds, Repairpal, CarEdge, Classic.com, and Consumer Reports (CR) to give you the best Chevrolet C6 Corvette model years and trims to buy used.

15 2010 Chevrolet C6 Corvette Base

Used Car Price Range: $28,000 - $32,000

2009 Chevrolet Corvette 1920x1080
Chevrolet

The base 2010 Chevrolet C6 Corvette is an exceptional sports car admired for its intuitive driving experience, comfortable ride, and affordability. Powering this 'Vette is the same LS3 engine that debuted on the 2008 edition – a 6.2-liter V8 with 430 horsepower and 424 lb-ft of torque, with that much power allowing the 2010 'Vette to zoom to 60 mph in an impressive 4.5 seconds.

Performance aside, the 2010 Chevy Corvette proves that American-built cars can be as reliable as Japanese ones, as evidenced by its outstanding J.D. Power dependability score of 85 percent.

2010 Chevrolet C6 Reliability And Customer Review Ratings

  • Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $613 - $749 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $7,714 (CarEdge)
  • Total Recalls: 0
  • JD Power Quality And Reliability Score: 85/100
  • KBB Consumer Rating: 4.8/5
  • Edmunds Rating: 4.9/5
  • RepairPal Reliability Rating: 3/5

14 2011 Chevrolet C6 Corvette Base

Used Car Price Range: $29,500 - $34,000

2011-Chevrolet-Corvette Coupe 1920x1080
Chevrolet

There's a reason the C6 Corvette generation is almost of equal importance to the legendary C7 'Vette: it is so dependable you can embark on a buying mission with your eyes closed. And, as far as Chevrolet Corvette reliability goes, the 2011 Corvette with the base LS3 V8 engine (430 hp, 425 lb-ft) is one of the most reliable options out there. Plus, a large trunk, comfortable seats, and an impressive 19 mpg combined fuel economy make this a great option for those looking for an affordable used car that doubles as a convenient daily driver.

2011 Chevrolet C6 Corvette Reliability And Customer Review Ratings

  • Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $645 - $788 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $7,714 (CarEdge)
  • Total Recalls: 1
  • JD Power Quality And Reliability Score: 85/100
  • KBB Consumer Rating: 4.8/5
  • Edmunds Rating: 4.8/5
  • RepairPal Reliability Rating: 3/5

13 2012 Chevrolet C6 Corvette Base

Used Car Price Range: $33,500 - $36,000

2012 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe 1920x1080
Chevrolet

The 2012 Chevy Corvette was the penultimate model year of the C6 generation, and by this time, it had grown old and all too familiar. But despite the interior suffering from its age, the base C6 Corvette makes everyday life easier, thanks to its impressive practicality and superb driver engagement. Look past the quality of the interior, and you'll find a few amenities that might induce your desire, such as keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, and leather upholstery.

2012 Chevrolet C6 Corvette Reliability And Customer Review Ratings

  • Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $737 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $7,714 (CarEdge)
  • Total Recalls: 1
  • JD Power Quality And Reliability Score: 81/100
  • KBB Consumer Rating: 4.8/5
  • Edmunds Rating: 4.8/5
  • RepairPal Reliability Rating: 3/5

12 2005 Chevrolet C6 Corvette Coupe

Used Car Price Range: $25,000 - $28,000

2005 Chevrolet-Corvette 1920x1080
Chevrolet

Chevrolet introduced the world to the C6 Corvette for the first time in 2005, and it was available either as a coupe or convertible. While the C5 Corvette is a great sports car, the C6 took things to the next level as it featured push-button start, satellite navigation, electric door releases, and far cooler interiors than the previous generation Corvettes.

If there was one thing the purists didn't like, it was the exposed headlights because the Corvette now broke a 40-year tradition. However, the improved aerodynamics and performance soon settled frazzled nerves. The C6 was an evolution after the C5's revolution. The LS2 engine produced a whopping 400 horses and used either a manual or automatic transmission. The car also received improved suspension and better looks. Chevy sold 37,372 units.

2005 Chevrolet C6 Corvette Reliability And Customer Review Ratings

  • Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $737 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $7,714 (CarEdge)
  • Total Recalls: 6
  • KBB Consumer Rating: 4.8/5
  • Edmunds Rating: 4.9/5
  • RepairPal Reliability Rating: 3/5

11 2008 Chevrolet C6 Corvette Coupe

Used Car Price Range: $26,500 - $30,000

2008 Chevrolet Corvette Front View
Chevrolet

By far, the most important update of the Corvette C6 in 2008 was the debut of the LS3 engine across the base trim board. The engine was now a massive 6.2-liter V8 that produced 430 horses along with 424 lb-ft of torque. It also saw the introduction of separate spoke wheel packages, with owners having the capability to choose different colors and finishes.

Chevy also spruced up the interiors, making it a cooler 'Vette than the ones before it. Those who want one of these models should remember that 500 of them went to Hertz car rentals, which means it may be possible to find one with a lower asking price on the used car market, of course, the downside is that they may also have led a hard life. Chevrolet made 35,310 'Vettes for this model year.

2008 Chevrolet C6 Corvette Reliability And Customer Review Ratings

  • Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $737 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $7,714 (CarEdge)
  • Total Recalls: 0
  • JD Power Quality And Reliability Score: 84/100
  • KBB Consumer Rating: 4.8/5
  • Edmunds Rating: 4.8/5
  • RepairPal Reliability Rating: 3/5
Related
The 1969 Corvette ZL1 Had More Power Than We Thought It Did
The story of how Chevy made and sold the Corvette ZL1.

10 2012 Chevrolet C6 Corvette Centennial Edition Z06

Used Car Price Range: $56,000 - $70,000

2012 Chevrolet-Corvette_Z06_Centennial_Edition- 1920x1080
Chevrolet

By 2012, the base models received better interiors with more comfortable seats. Unfortunately, that was all the changes and updates they got. By now, the race for the next-gen Corvette was on, and the C6 was not in focus anymore. The Z06 model got optional spoilers and a carbon fiber hood, while the ZR1 had a performance package.

The Centennial Edition Corvette stole the show, celebrating the 'Vette’s 100 years of racing. The 2012 Corvette Z06 Centennial edition had a carbon metallic finish with special graphics, and the "100" inscription on the hood made it a very special edition indeed. With the C7 just around the corner, customers were waiting it out, meaning sales dropped, leading to the creation of only 11,647 units.

2012 Chevrolet C6 Corvette Reliability And Customer Review Ratings

  • Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $737 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $7,714 (CarEdge)
  • Total Recalls: 1
  • JD Power Quality And Reliability Score: 81/100
  • KBB Consumer Rating: 4.8/5
  • Edmunds Rating: 4.8/5
  • RepairPal Reliability Rating: 3/5

9 2006 Chevrolet C6 Corvette Z06

Used Car Price Range: $30,000 - $60,000

2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 in yellow front third quarter hd wallpaper view
Chevrolet

With two new colors available, yellow and a red metallic, the 2006 model year brought in a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, and an XM Satellite Radio with a Bose stereo system.

The Z06 returned this year with a 7.0-liter LS7 V8 engine that pumped out a whopping 505 horses and 470 lb-ft of torque, making it a highly anticipated release. At the time, this was the most powerful production 'Vette on the block, and it was a fixed roof model for additional strength and stability. Out of the 34,021 units made, 6,272 were Z06 'Vettes.

2006 Chevrolet C6 Corvette Reliability And Customer Review Ratings

  • Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $737 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $7,714 (CarEdge)
  • Total Recalls: 5
  • KBB Consumer Rating: 4.8/5
  • Edmunds Rating: 4.9/5
  • RepairPal Reliability Rating: 3/5
Related
The C8 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Changes Hands For $200,000
After needing money for another project, TJ Hunt gives up his 2023 Z06 spot to one of the biggest Corvette channels on YouTube, Street Speed 717.

8 2012 Chevrolet C6 Corvette ZR1

Used Car Price Average: $102,000

2012-Chevrolet-Corvette-Japan-ZR1 1920x1080
Chevrolet

The ultimate and most extreme version of the Corvette, the ZR1 is a thrilling sports car that's as reliable as it is exciting to drive. Its 6.2-liter supercharged V8 is capable of delivering 638 horsepower and 604 lb-ft of torque, with that much oomph translating into a brief 0-60 mph run of 3.8 seconds.

2012 Chevrolet C6 Corvette Reliability And Customer Review Ratings

  • Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $737 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $7,714 (CarEdge)
  • Total Recalls: 1
  • JD Power Quality And Reliability Score: 81/100
  • KBB Consumer Rating: 4.8/5
  • Edmunds Rating: 4.8/5
  • RepairPal Reliability Rating: 3/5

7 2013 Chevrolet C6 Corvette 427

Average Used Car Price: $67,000

2013 Chevrolet C6 Corvette 427 Convertible sports car driving
Chevrolet

The Chevrolet Corvette 427 has a special place in the history of automobiles, with 2013 marking the 60th year of the Corvette and the C6’s swan song as well. It goes like this, “The King is dead, Long Live the King”, and the C6 got laid to rest with a flourish, in time for the C7 to arise.

The 427 Convertible Edition took the base model of the 'Vette and married it to the performance of the Z06 and ZR1, making it a car powerful enough to make grown men cry. It produced 505 horses and was only available with a manual transmission. Oh, and it also featured plenty of special badging. Chevrolet only made and sold 13,466 units of the 2013 'Vette, and that's because most people were waiting for the C7.

2013 Chevrolet C6 Corvette Reliability And Customer Review Ratings

  • Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $737 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $7,714 (CarEdge)
  • Total Recalls: 0
  • JD Power Quality And Reliability Score: 80/100
  • KBB Consumer Rating: 4.8/5
  • Edmunds Rating: 4.7/5
  • RepairPal Reliability Rating: 3/5

6 2007 Chevrolet C6 Corvette Special Editions

Average Used Car Price: $48,500

2007 C6 Chevrolet Corvette Indy Pace Car Edition - Front Quarter
Mecum Auctions

For the normal 'Vette, the changes were minor and relegated to steering-wheel-mounted radio controls for the driver to easily adjust volume and scroll through radio presets. There were two limited edition 'Vettes as well. The first was the Ron Fellows ALMS GT1 Z06, each bearing a Ron Fellows autograph and finished off in his colors with white exteriors with a red interior and stripes.

The second special edition was the Indy Pace Car Replica Corvette, with only 500 units made in a cool atomic orange shade. For the 2007 model year, Chevy made 40,561 Corvettes, making it a good year for the brand.

2007 Chevrolet C6 Corvette Reliability And Customer Review Ratings

  • Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $737 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $7,714 (CarEdge)
  • Total Recalls: 2
  • JD Power Quality And Reliability Score: 84/100
  • KBB Consumer Rating: 4.8/5
  • Edmunds Rating: 4.8/5
  • RepairPal Reliability Rating: 3/5
Related
A Detailed Look Back At The Chevrolet Corvette C2
The C2 is one of the most iconic Corvettes.

5 2011 Chevrolet C6 Corvette Z06 Stock

Average Used Car Price Range: $74,300

2011-Chevrolet-Corvette-Z06 1920x1080
Chevrolet

The Z07 performance package and CFZ Carbon Fiber package certainly stole the headlines from the stock Z06 when the C6 Corvette launched for the 2011 model year. However, they should not detract from the fact that the stock Z06 is a fine car in its own right. A 7.0-liter V8 engine, stiffer suspension, larger brakes, and lighter construction make this car a blast to drive, with 505 hp and a 3.9 second 0-60 mph time.

2011 Chevrolet C6 Corvette Reliability And Customer Review Ratings

  • Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $645 - $788 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $7,714 (CarEdge)
  • Total Recalls: 1
  • JD Power Quality And Reliability Score: 85/100
  • KBB Consumer Rating: 4.8/5
  • Edmunds Rating: 4.8/5
  • RepairPal Reliability Rating: 3/5

4 2009 Chevrolet C6 Corvette GT1 Championship Edition

Average Used Car Price: $46,000

2009 Chevrolet Corvette GT1 Championship Edition 1920x1080
Chevrolet

This special edition 'Vette is definitely cool enough to get an entry all to itself. The GT1 Championship Edition was an optional package on the 2009 C6 'Vette that celebrated the entry of the Corvette into the GT1 class of the American Le Mans series. As a limited-edition model, Chevrolet only planned to make 100 units in each color, for a total of 600 cars. However, that didn't go as planned. Because of the government takeover, Chevrolet increased this number to 125 for each color, making 750 GT1 Championship Editions on the market. The gorgeous Corvette GT1 Championship Edition is one of the fastest GM cars, and it can be a dream to own.

2009 Chevrolet C6 Corvette Reliability And Customer Review Ratings

  • Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $621 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $7,714 (CarEdge)
  • Total Recalls: 0
  • JD Power Quality And Reliability Score: 86/100
  • KBB Consumer Rating: 4.8/5
  • Edmunds Rating: 5/5
  • RepairPal Reliability Rating: 3/5

3 2010 Chevrolet C6 Corvette Grand Sport

Average Used Car Price: $43,900

2010 Chevrolet-Corvette_Grand_Sport- 1920x1080
Chevrolet

Much like 2009, 2010 turned out to be another dismal year for the Corvette when it came to sales, with just 12,194 units sold. Not much changed in the base and convertible trim, but yet another blast from the past came to life.

Although the variant was last seen in 1996, the Corvette Grand Sport made a comeback in 2010, with the same base 6.3-liter LS3, but with the Z51 suspension package to tackle its wide-body appearance. It is undoubtedly a great-looking Corvette, but unfortunately, Chevy only made 1,003 units.

2010 Chevrolet C6 Reliability And Customer Review Ratings

  • Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $613 - $749 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $7,714 (CarEdge)
  • Total Recalls: 0
  • JD Power Quality And Reliability Score: 85/100
  • KBB Consumer Rating: 4.8/5
  • Edmunds Rating: 4.9/5
  • RepairPal Reliability Rating: 3/5
Related
This Is What Made The 1963 Corvette Stingray So Awesome
The 1963 Corvette was truly a unique car, and today they're worth a small fortune as they're highly sought-after by collectors.

2 2009 Chevrolet C6 Corvette ZR1

Average Used Car Price: $90,081

2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 - Front Quarter
Chevrolet

Chevrolet didn't make many changes to the 2009 'Vette, and sales also dropped to an all-time low of just 16,956. The most significant addition to this year was the Corvette ZR1. Most people consider the 2009 Corvette ZR1 as one of the most badass 'Vettes even today.

A performance version, this was the first Corvette to cross $100,000 in price, but even this expensive, it was a steal thanks to its power coming from the legendary Chevrolet LS engine. The supercharged LS9 6.2-liter V8 made a rather crazy 638 horses and 604 lb-ft of torque, making it GM’s most powerful production engine yet. Chevrolet only made 1,847 versions.

2009 Chevrolet C6 Corvette Reliability And Customer Review Ratings

  • Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $621 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $7,714 (CarEdge)
  • Total Recalls: 0
  • JD Power Quality And Reliability Score: 86/100
  • KBB Consumer Rating: 4.8/5
  • Edmunds Rating: 5/5
  • RepairPal Reliability Rating: 3/5

1 2011 Chevrolet C6 Corvette Z06 Carbon Fiber Edition

Average Used Car Price: $87,500

2011 Chevrolet-Corvette_Z06_Carbon_Limited_Edition- 1920x1080
Chevrolet

For the base trims, not much changed for the 2011 year. However, a Magnetic Selective Ride Control package was introduced with bigger brake rotors on the coupes and convertibles, but it was too small a change to create many ripples.

The 2011 Corvette offered the Z06 Carbon Limited Edition variant, and the Z07 Performance Package was a cool addition in the succeeding years. These were done to celebrate Corvette’s 50th anniversary at Le Mans. The carbon fiber raised hood, splitter, and rockers with headlights in black, with finishing in Supersonic Blue or Inferno Orange, made it look very striking indeed. Sales picked up, slightly, with Chevy making 13,956 Vettes.

2011 Chevrolet C6 Corvette Reliability And Customer Review Ratings

  • Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $645 - $788 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $7,714 (CarEdge)
  • Total Recalls: 1
  • JD Power Quality And Reliability Score: 85/100
  • KBB Consumer Rating: 4.8/5
  • Edmunds Rating: 4.8/5
  • RepairPal Reliability Rating: 3/5