I purchased my 2006 C6 Z new and fortunately from a dealer who was a Corvette enthusiast (Bill Wallace)
who did the valve/head repairs before he let me take it home.
In the 20 years I have owned it, I have only replaced the battery once, two years ago. It still wears it's original tires,
(although I plan on replacing this year) Everything else is " as it came from the factory"
It is an exhilarating drive, available in manual only in 2006, its' first year of production. I have owned every generation
except a C7 (which I expect is an improved C6) and it is by far my favourite.
If I could keep only one of my Vettes it would be the C6 Z. There is no comparison to that giant leap it
takes when you hit 2nd gear, and I can get my golf bag and push cart in the hatch, which I can't do with the C8.