thinking about a C5
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,176
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From: Jennings LA
thinking about a C5
was thinking about getting a C 5, saw this one go for under 14000 on ebay, for that kind of price it will be sooner not later
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...RK%3AMEWA%3AIT
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...RK%3AMEWA%3AIT
Senior Member since 1492
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Originally Posted by TexasMadMan
For that kind of price, a man can afford to own a C3 and a C5.
What bothers me about that one is the miles 109,000. How soon before the engine needs rebuilt?
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Racer
Joined: Jan 2003
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Rode hard and put away wet ...
you get what you paid for ... if properly maintaned mechanically the engine should be fine but I've seen better kept interiors even at 100K ... did you look at that drivers seat, sunvisors, scratches in the top, etc. The PO looks like they drove it like a rental. Even at this price you'd want to check out its history. Other than a wreck I haven't seen them this cheap ... it is curious that the seller doesn't even attempt to describe its condition, I guess the photos and mileage says enough
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 107
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From: New Berlin WI
Originally Posted by J R C
you get what you paid for ... if properly maintaned mechanically the engine should be fine but I've seen better kept interiors even at 100K ... did you look at that drivers seat, sunvisors, scratches in the top, etc.
I was toying with the idea of getting a C4, but even if I have to recover a seat, replace the carpet, a C5 in the middle to low teens in my opinion seems to be a better buy and much better car. I can live with not having a perfect C5.
Spousal unit wants a vert next, this may be my limiting factor of owning one until late next year. Recently there was a thread asking C3 owners would consider a C4. The majority, myself not included, did not think owning a C4 was a good idea. I am now starting to agree with this opinion. What until spring or late winter 2006, I would think that alot of early C5's, 97-99, will be at this price point.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
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From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by 1979L82
I agree, if properly maintained, the engine and transmission can last I into the 130's and higher
If you don't know how the car was maintained be prepared for a rebuilt after 109K miles - especially because this is a manual 6 speed and people usually enjoy the manual tranny
I would not be worried about the main bearings and crank, these seem to last forever... be aware that they had a lot of trouble with piston clearance and noisy engines (sounds like a diesel) during 1998
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,330
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From: Kerrville Texas
I've been looking at C5's especially since the prices have come way down. I hang with a really good club in San Antonio and alot of the cruises they do are too long to take the 80. I have overdrive but it would be alot easier just to jump in the C5 when they do the long ones.
More comfortable to.
Kona
More comfortable to.
Kona
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Sherrard Illinois
Thinking about a C5
That's a good deal but I'd look at an auto vs 6 speed, like Redbad1979 metioned "people usually enjoy the manual tranny." My buddies 97 Coupe 140,000 miles (bought off Ebay for $15K) in the pic next to my 2001 vert 16,000 miles. Very satisfied after 10 months. It's got Z06 chrome wheels and an auto. Had to replace tires and water pump, drives it hard daily commute to work 50 miles and sits outside. He has the black interior vs the gray. Gray tends to not show very well after a lot of miles and age. "Had an experience with this with a 78". My older brother bought a 99 off show room floor,clocked over 90K so far, still running around with the Column Lock issue, stranded him once 3 years but so far has yet to do the bypass. 
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Valencia (near LA) CA
Be sure to spend some time in the C5 section of the forum and consult the people there beforeyou bid.
I am also wanting a C5, I really want a Z06, but that's just too much money for me right now. I was at a local used car lot recently and there were 2 nice looking C5 coupes for about $19,000.
After spending about 5 minutes looking over those cars I really started to fall in love with the form. I think they are really beautiful cars.
The interior looks a bit ratty. If you can live with that then it might be a great deal, but If you end up replacing the seat covers and carpet, and fixing all the little broken peices then a better car may be a better deal.
I've considered getting the cheapest possible C5 and then getting a new Katech engine or something like installed. That plus the nescesary drive train upgrade would give me a very fast car for about $30,000.
I just find it hard to justify a daily driver that only seats two.
~Jay
I am also wanting a C5, I really want a Z06, but that's just too much money for me right now. I was at a local used car lot recently and there were 2 nice looking C5 coupes for about $19,000.
After spending about 5 minutes looking over those cars I really started to fall in love with the form. I think they are really beautiful cars.
The interior looks a bit ratty. If you can live with that then it might be a great deal, but If you end up replacing the seat covers and carpet, and fixing all the little broken peices then a better car may be a better deal.
I've considered getting the cheapest possible C5 and then getting a new Katech engine or something like installed. That plus the nescesary drive train upgrade would give me a very fast car for about $30,000.
I just find it hard to justify a daily driver that only seats two.
~Jay
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Originally Posted by Jughead
What bothers me about that one is the miles 109,000. How soon before the engine needs rebuilt?
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Judgement call on condition/maintenance history,I would expect...
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Longwood Florida
Originally Posted by Jughead
What bothers me about that one is the miles 109,000. How soon before the engine needs rebuilt?
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I think the LS series engines are alot more durable than the GEN I motors.. at 100K in a GEN I you will have a leaking timing cover... rear main... oil pan... cam lobe is usually wiped etc.
Only problem or not really a problem is rings tend to use oil on early models 97-00 and maybe a bent push rod (slight value train issues). Oil leaks are rare. Bottom end is rock solid to 600HP and several 100,000 miles.... MUCH MUCH BETTER OR DURABLE ENGINE...
Go for it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: n/a SC
I've been there and done that with a c5 I really didn't like it at all but at the time just had to have the lastest and greatest so I bought a 99 in 02.
anyway to make a long story short if you decide on one great but IMO they lack a corvette feel while driving them I have enjoyed my 95 vert I own now and driving my dads 68 bb vert much more than a c5.
the c6's have a tighter vette like feel like the others but ofcourse those are hmmmm 65k new? haha
anyway to make a long story short if you decide on one great but IMO they lack a corvette feel while driving them I have enjoyed my 95 vert I own now and driving my dads 68 bb vert much more than a c5.
the c6's have a tighter vette like feel like the others but ofcourse those are hmmmm 65k new? haha
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: DFW TX
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St. Jude Donor '07
This one looks like it was driven pretty hard. I would bet the paint is pretty chipped up to. You have to think of a C-5 as a daily driver now. There just going to get cheaper and cheaper. The goal will be to find a really nice low mileage Z06 to drive for a couple years and then put it away for your retirement fund.
Race Director
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Drove one the other day for the first time..friends vette...automatic convertible...nice ride,and very smooth/fast...
But..there is nothing like driving a C3...two very different animals...heh..his rear trunk electric switch was bonkers,and made weird noises,and trunk lid would release itself....guess you would have to bone up on electrics to understand those vettes...
But..there is nothing like driving a C3...two very different animals...heh..his rear trunk electric switch was bonkers,and made weird noises,and trunk lid would release itself....guess you would have to bone up on electrics to understand those vettes...
