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I'm looking to sell my C4 and buy a C5 coupe/base model in a couple years. I want to buy nothing newer than 2002. For those that may own a C5, what year is yours and what year would you suggest that's 2002 and older?
I had a 2000 coupe, and a 2004 z06. owned both about 4 years - averaged around 5K miles per year. one issue with the Y2K coupe - a leaking side post battery. zero issues with the Z06. if I ever break loose from my C4, my next ride may be a 2003 anniversary coupe. overall, I had good luck with both C5's. if you're looking to get into a 2002 or older, i'd shop around for a well cared for, lower mileage 2002 Z06.
I have both cars presently. My 84 was a sentimental purchase. Rebuilt it completely and only drive a few hundred miles a year. My c5 I purchased in 2014 and drive it several thousand miles a year. I will keep both cars till I can no longer drive them. I went with a 2001 coupe mainly because it fit my budget and had complete maintenance records from the day it was brand new,
Knowing the history of the car you are purchasing is the most important thing IMHO. Parts availability is a concern and will only get worse as the years go on. The 2001 and up EBCMs are still available new and also can sometimes be rebuilt as well. The SWPS is still available new on the 01-04s. On the older cars you have to depend on the used marlet which seems to be high $$$$ on prices on theses parts. Other electronics are also going to get harder to find as the years go on.
Find the newest best maintained C5 you can find within your budget. Good luck with your search.
I own both, the C5 is an '02 Z06. The '02 year for the Z06 has practically no problems. The C5Z likes to be driven hard. That being said if you can't afford to have both, then maybe wait and save up, cause the C4 is awesome as well.
I have owned a '97 automatic coupe and an '03 6spd coupe. Only issue I had with the '97 was the gas gauge issue, which was repaired under warranty. I noticed body panel fitment improved by the time we bought our '03. The C5 was a much improved car over the C4, but my first Corvette was an '89 coupe so I will always enjoy a C4. Find a C5 with decent miles, well cared for and you can't go wrong, it is a solid performer.
St. Jude Donor '05-'06,'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22-'23
Hello, I’ve owned a couple of C4s and still have my 94 along with an 03 Z06. I’ve have zero issues with either car up thru now and I drive each about twice a week. The C5 does have more electronics which could be something to watch for and that’s why I’m assuming you’re looking for a pre-03. You should be able to get one with decent mileage in those years, the market is pretty low for them at the moment. I saw a guy posting in OT upset as his C5 was worth LESS than a low mileage C4 he saw online so keep an eye out for deals and don’t rush
ita about the passed time that older C-5 , high milage vettes are going to cost less than a well, low milage c-4. The c-5 prices have really gone south and finding one around and under 10 grand is getting common. Get a Z06, whar ever year you decide.
Yet another C4 and C5z06 owner here. Both are fun cars but very different. The C5 Z is awesome. I used to say the C4 was the biggest bargain in motorsports but now that you can get a C5Z in decent shape for mid-upper teens I'd think those might have that honor.
I've owned my 95 for 13 years and the 04 for 7 years. As you don't want to consider an 03 or 04 I won't say anything more about it. My wife enjoys riding in the C5 more but the C4 is much more fun to drive.
And in a C5 you want to buy nothing older than 2001 IMO.
97-00 have an EBCM that if it goes bad it can not be repaired and replacements are few and far between.
NOW with that said, its not like the car wont drive, but you lose ABS and stability/traction control. I have HEARD that some states will not pass your safety inspection if you have codes or messages for this system. So the potential is there to end up with a car you cant register.
In a C5 I would want AT LEAST a 2002 as the LS1 motor incorporated some of the LS6 stuff and gained a little HP. Late 03 into 04's got the C6 fuel system, or at least something more similar to the C6 fuel system. I have also heard the 04's had slightly different shock valving(more similar to 05+) and possibly slightly better T56 trans internals, again, C6 type stuff.
10-11-2018, 11:09 AM
Who here also owns a C5?
