grampi50

As many of you know (or may not know), I'm looking for a C5. I've been asking for a lot of advice from Vette owners, and those who are knowledgeable about them, and I keep hearing the same thing...don't buy a pre-2001 model. I know there were improvements made to the '01 and later models, but I'm sure there are many happy pre-'01 model owners in this forum. So I figured who better to go to than straight the ones who own these model years.

I'd like to hear from every perspective. If you own one and like it, what were the problems you've had with it, if any, and were they correctable, or is it something you can just live with. I'd also like to hear from those who had an earlier model and the problems were just too much to deal with, so you bought a newer model, if this happened to any of you.

In my searches I have found several what look to be well cared for, very nice looking '98 thru '00 models. I seem to run across '98 models more than the others. I probably wouldn't buy a '97 model, as I kind of have my own rule against buying first model year vehicles, simply because they're bound to have more bugs than successive year models. This year range also seems to fall in a more comfortable price range for me as well. There seems to be a slightly different look with these earlier models too...other than the different wheels, I can't quite put my finger on what it is that makes them look different...whatever it is, I like the look.

I just need to find out, first hand, if the differences between the '97-'00 models compared to the '01 -'04 models is enough to keep me from buying and earlier model. I don't really care about the performance aspect of it. ANY C5 is going to satisfy me in that department, I'm used to driving a Corolla! Lol!

OCDvetteman

I've had 2 99's. My first one I had from '06-'08. The mileage ranged from 50-60,000 from the time I bought it to the time I sold it. I had absolutely no problems with the car. Sold it for financial reasons only. I currently have a '99 that I bought at 113k knowing it had bad AC compressor, bad wiper motor, and the column lock issue. Since repairing those things, the water pump failed, and I had a trans cooling line leak. My limited knowledge is the big issue with pre-'00 is the ABS. If it fails, you're stuck with getting a used replacement module. However, I have read on here the various issues with '01-04 cars as well. My philosophy was to look '98-00 (avoiding '97 due to first production year) due to price point mainly. I didn't let the pre-'00 thing scare me and I love my '99!

Vetteman Jack

I had a '99 coupe for about a year and did not have any problems at all with it - bought it new.

I also had a new '00 coupe that I bought in December 2000 and kept it until June 2008. I put a total of 36K or so miles on it in that time. The issues I had with it include:
[LIST]
[/[*]Excessive oil consumption - fixed by replacing the piston rings at about 11K miles - done under warranty.[*]Had three incidences of a leaking rear differential seal - all on the driver's side. All were replaced under warranty.[*]Had a gasket leak between the tranny and differential - fixed under warranty.
LIST]

Most of those items were done when the car had less than 25K miles on it.

Never had any electrical issues at all.

grampi50

Can't the issue with ABS be dealt with by simply not having anti-lock brakes? If that's the case, I wouldn't have a problem not having ABS on the Vette. I've been driving cars all my life without ABS, why let a silly thing like that prevent me from buying what is otherwise a nice vehicle? I'm more concerned about the steering column lock issue, and from what I've read, all of the C5s have that...

sirdano

I had my Auto 98 conv. for over a year. Only issue I had was the shifter cable broke at tranmission. I had the shop replace the whole cable. Thinking that if I got the connector fixed that the cable would break or something.

mcrank

have had no problems but key switch but with that many starts I have no complains

grampi50

Would you think these issues would have already been taken care of if a person was buying this car today? I would think so.

Gunner3838

I have a 98 and love it. I'm not a vette expert- I've had zero major problems- and my father and myself have owned it for 10 years. I have gone through some quirks- column lock- AC lines, quirky computer, etc- this forum has all the answers and most of the quirky stuff is actually quite cheap to fix. I had mine tuned- air intake- new exhaust- made a BIG difference- I highly suggest a tune at a minimum. Mine has been reliable beyond belief- I've stored it for many months- no issue. In 10 years- the car has never not started except for a dead battery. If your slightly handy and like to tinker- great car. Parts are readily available and very reasonable.
mine is a vert- it has style- and it's from the frickin 90's!

Gunner3838

ABS. If it fails, you're stuck with getting a used replacement module

I had this happen- there are "rebuilt" units avail- think $350 installed- no big deal

grampi50

Can't this issue be bypassed simply by not having ABS?

M_Ross

Just got my '98 a few weeks ago, coming from an '80. 49,000 miles, no mods at all and everything works, couple historic dic messages but none that exist now. I see nothing wrong with these earlier vettes, maybe I got lucky or something has yet to raise its ugly head, but for now I'm driving the hell out of it'm loving it! (Had to be a six speed too!)...so that's my chime in.

Ricks99FRC

I I have a 99Frc with over 208,000 miles on it. Had the steering column lock on me twice and no problems since installed a column lock bypass. I have replaced the clutch assembly, rear main seal, timing chain, balancer, water pump, alternator, radiator, wiper motor, outer tie rod ends, differential side seals, pilot bearing and all idler pulleys and bearings.These I consider wear things and are to be expected with the mileage. I have never had any problems with the electrical systems on this car and ABS system works great.

grampi50

Looks like it was well taken care of! Sweet! I'm jealous!

sirdano

In Texas you can still pass state inspection with ABS light on. So if you dont want it fixed you can blow it off

Gunner3838

nice ride

warren s

I have my second 1999 torch red 6 speed coupe now. I have if since 2008 and put on about 15,000 miles. The car only has 38,000 miles on it now (for sale, but its modified so its not for everyone) The only problem I had with this one is the parking brake sticking. The first 99 had no issues in the few years I have had it.

I worked on many of these cars and found them to very reliable if serviced correctly and not abused. I don’t believe the later models are significantly better. When looking for a used C5, the care it was given by the previous owners is paramount.

A word about abuse - Flooring the accelerator pedal often, driving it hard is not what I consider abuse. Not changing the oil on schedule, and slamming the car over bumps is more abusive than driving it like it was designed to be driven.

Daypoblue

I've only had my 99 Coupe 2 months but have had Zero problems...

I did the column lock bypass mod (at the recommendation of numerous forum members) and replaced the wagon wheels with some aftermarket C7 Z06 wheels. I also just purchased a Ti catback. Getting it installed on Monday.

I love mine !!

grampi50

Were your wagon wheels chrome? I'm hoping to see you tomorrow at Young's...

Pounder

I bought my 99 coupe in May of 2014, one owner from a good Dealer near me with 50,000 miles, had all the service done at that Dealer, fluids were changed every 20,000 miles the oil was changed every 3500 or so. The first day I bought it and came home I got the column lock, found this site and installed the LMC5 and have had no issue since. I have had the HVAC control go dim, fixed it with the control panel out of the car in 10 minutes. I have had the outside temp sensor go bad, 14 dollars for a new one. I have the AH and selective ride control as options, I have done many mods to the car but have had no major issues. I bought a clone Tech 2, mostly for the automated bleed which flushes the EBCM and tells me the pump and all actuators are working. I now have 70,000 plus miles on it and Love it !!!

jdvann

2000 A4 with 120k miles. Had it for 2.5 years and just a water pump and Tie rod ends so far. Besides the deer I hit last summer...Took a 2k mile trip this past summer. I also have the dealer service records, the original owner bought an extended service plan so I know all the dealer stuff up to 86k. I bought it with 109k. Love it.