C5 daily driver?
#1
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C5 daily driver?
Hey C5 owners. C3 owner here. I never thought I'd ever have one Vette let alone two, but the more I drive my baby the more I'd love to have a daily driver. What are your thoughts on a C5 daily driver? I am from the midwest so I would have to deal with inclement weather on occasion. If my "drive to work" car ever goes kaput I may have to replace it with a C5. Thanks for your thoughts....
#2
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The C5 makes for a very good DD - comfortable, good gas mileage, pretty darn reliable. The weather may be a problem if you get more than a dusting of snow - they will get around up to a point but not the most pleasant ride in the world. If you have a backup plan to get to work if the weather is too bad, then it will all work out.
#3
Race Director
My C5 is my one and only car and she takes me everywhere I go. The only thing I changed is the tires. I just put a set of all-weather, non-run flat tires on the front and will be doing the same for the rears very soon.
Last edited by Corvette_Ed; 08-25-2012 at 10:28 AM.
#4
Miles of Smiles
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My C5 is my DD...with the only exception being in winter; I park her during the "serious" winter months (December-ish to March-ish).
It's a great DD! Makes the commute back/forth to work (and wherever else I need to go) a truly enjoyable exerience...every single mile!!
It's a great DD! Makes the commute back/forth to work (and wherever else I need to go) a truly enjoyable exerience...every single mile!!
#5
Le Mans Master
I take my C5 to work just about every day and I can honestly say that it has been one of the most reliable cars I have ever owned. Bought it new in 01 and I have 89K on the clock and have done minor repairs over the years but nothing that would have left me stranded. As long as you don't have to drive in snow the C5 makes a great DD.
#6
Drifting
Like Vettmann17 I also have a 2001. Drove it off the showroom floor and haven't stopped yet. Close to 150k. Drive it - that's what it was MADE for. The most fun I've ever had and I do it every day.
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#8
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Great DD. Obviously, you have to be more cautious of road and weather conditions b/c of the lack of ground clearance, but being more aware of those factors just makes you a better driver, anyway. I sold a diesel truck that got good mileage to get a base C5 back in 07. I had a 120mi a day commute. Everyone at work asked me why I would sell a diesel(that gets good mileage) for a gas guzzler. I told them I get about 25mpg. They were amazed. Mileage, power, AND class. The C5 isnt a "bearable" DD.... Its a GREAT DD!
#9
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Depends on what you need out of your DD. For me it wouldn't work as I use my car in my business but if you just went to the office and back every day, it would be great.
#10
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I can't imagine driving a C5 in the winter unless it had on winter tires.
Around here in an Iowa winter, they use chemicals and salt on the roads. Neither of which I want on my C5's.
Around here in an Iowa winter, they use chemicals and salt on the roads. Neither of which I want on my C5's.
#12
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I am a long time C3 owner who just bought a C5 this year as a sunny day DD. I kept my Avalanche for bad weather days, and to I cant NOT have a truck! Just one of those things! . I would be hesitant to use it in snow. Besides the lack of traction, the salt and chemicals sprayed on the undercarriage would not be fun to clean. Get a beater 4x4 for bad weather days!
#13
Le Mans Master
i drive my 00 every single day. hell it even sits in the driveway because my C3 convertible is in the garage. The C3 gets driven in the cooler months (no AC) and when there is no chance of rain.
#14
Pro
#15
Melting Slicks
ALL of my 'Vettes (3 C4's and 2 C5's) have been year-round daily drivers and you can not pick a better one!!!!!! We are not sixteen and inexperienced anymore!!!! Just drive without your head up your backside and you will be just fine. I live in northeastern Colorado so I do deal with snow. They don't use salt here, so no problem!
Also, this is exactly the kind of situation that the traction control and active handling options were designed to deal with!!! Look at some of the winter weather test trial videos that Chevy made of their cold weather testing. You will be absolutely amazed!!!!!! These things are absolutely impervious to anything short of an Antarctic Winter!!!!!!
Yes, snow depth can be an obsticle, but that is true for any vehicle. Just keep your head out of your *** and you will be fine!
I would still rather drive my 'Vette than any other car or truck anytime, anyway. If it tests my driving skills to do so then so be it!!! Isn't that why people drive the Tail of the Dragon and similar roads, to test their skills and enjoy driving their 'vettes? I just get to do it in a much less risky environment at much lower speeds with as much and even more challenge!!!!!
Just my $0.02, and they do call me disturbed!!!
DSTURBD
Also, this is exactly the kind of situation that the traction control and active handling options were designed to deal with!!! Look at some of the winter weather test trial videos that Chevy made of their cold weather testing. You will be absolutely amazed!!!!!! These things are absolutely impervious to anything short of an Antarctic Winter!!!!!!
Yes, snow depth can be an obsticle, but that is true for any vehicle. Just keep your head out of your *** and you will be fine!
I would still rather drive my 'Vette than any other car or truck anytime, anyway. If it tests my driving skills to do so then so be it!!! Isn't that why people drive the Tail of the Dragon and similar roads, to test their skills and enjoy driving their 'vettes? I just get to do it in a much less risky environment at much lower speeds with as much and even more challenge!!!!!
Just my $0.02, and they do call me disturbed!!!
DSTURBD
#16
Intermediate
I can only speak for the roughly 3 weeks I have had my 98 but I love her as a DD. I will admit that I only need to put about 5 miles a day on average (I live close to everywhere I go). I'm used to having a sports/musclecar as a DD though. I'd recommend it to anyone.
#19
Le Mans Master