Early C5's ???
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,293
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From: Big Bear City CA
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09
Early C5's ???
Hello All, I'm over from the C4 forum and was hoping for your opinions. I'm pretty sure I totaled my 96 CE this past weekend, but still waiting on conformation from the Claims Adjuster.
If indeed it is total, I will probably be interested in buying and earlier C5 since my budget will be around $25k. Seems that I will be able to find a 97 thru 99 with around 50k miles within that budget. My question to you is, what do I need to check for? I've read some references on this forum in regard to oil leakers and burners, as well as some recall issues. I will greatly appreciate any input you can provide in what I should be looking for.
Thank you,
Richard
If indeed it is total, I will probably be interested in buying and earlier C5 since my budget will be around $25k. Seems that I will be able to find a 97 thru 99 with around 50k miles within that budget. My question to you is, what do I need to check for? I've read some references on this forum in regard to oil leakers and burners, as well as some recall issues. I will greatly appreciate any input you can provide in what I should be looking for.
Thank you,
Richard
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,040
Likes: 105
From: State of Confusion!!!
2018 C2 of Year Winner
That SUCKS!!! Glad you are O.K. and looking for a C-5. I have a '00 coupe, and no problems with oil or any other complaints you have read. (Knock on wood!!) Just glad you are around to look for one. Good Luck in your search. 
What the hell happened anyway?!?!?!
What the hell happened anyway?!?!?!
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 584
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento CA
Ouch, what a shame. Feel sorry for you, the good news is it sounds like you are ok. (?) That's the main thing 
For 25k your options are more open than you think, even though here in CA the prices (and mileage) seem to be higher than in other parts of the country. Some of the more common problems that I know of are leaking diffs., battery leaks, fuel pump noise (don't be alarmed by that whining you hear). I would print out a list of the DIC codes and check for them, the owner or dealer may have not cleared them. Otherwise just check all the normal items you normally would, start up, engine noise, shifting, handling etc. I have a '97 & '98, both stock and high mileage (120k & 86k) and the only complaint I have is the '97 is WAY quicker than my '98! There is a sticky thread above that addresses many, many items by great forum member leaftye, read thru that also. Good luck
For 25k your options are more open than you think, even though here in CA the prices (and mileage) seem to be higher than in other parts of the country. Some of the more common problems that I know of are leaking diffs., battery leaks, fuel pump noise (don't be alarmed by that whining you hear). I would print out a list of the DIC codes and check for them, the owner or dealer may have not cleared them. Otherwise just check all the normal items you normally would, start up, engine noise, shifting, handling etc. I have a '97 & '98, both stock and high mileage (120k & 86k) and the only complaint I have is the '97 is WAY quicker than my '98! There is a sticky thread above that addresses many, many items by great forum member leaftye, read thru that also. Good luck
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,208
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From: Rochester MN
CI 5-6-7-8 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
NCM Ambassador
Ouch, I hope no one was injured but it is ghard to look at the pictures and not feel your pain.
I agree, early cars are OK to go with - I have one of the 1st 2K cars made and it is running like a champ - you may even find something newer or with less than 50K miles for $25K.
There ae no major probs with the 97s, just maintenence type issues. The original batteries were not properly designed, the seats get a little sloppy, the steering locking mechanism suck - but again, no big ticket show stoppers.
I agree, early cars are OK to go with - I have one of the 1st 2K cars made and it is running like a champ - you may even find something newer or with less than 50K miles for $25K.
There ae no major probs with the 97s, just maintenence type issues. The original batteries were not properly designed, the seats get a little sloppy, the steering locking mechanism suck - but again, no big ticket show stoppers.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,293
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From: Big Bear City CA
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09
Originally Posted by DIP51
That SUCKS!!! Glad you are O.K. and looking for a C-5. I have a '00 coupe, and no problems with oil or any other complaints you have read. (Knock on wood!!) Just glad you are around to look for one. Good Luck in your search. What the hell happened anyway?!?!?!
What the hell happened anyway?!?!?!http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1009536
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,293
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From: Big Bear City CA
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09
Originally Posted by robvuk
Wait for your claims adjuster no longer!!! 
That car is totaled!
That car is totaled!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,040
Likes: 105
From: State of Confusion!!!
2018 C2 of Year Winner
Thanks. You can read about it in this link to the general C4 forum. All involved are ok, I just had a couple minor injuries. I got off pretty easy this time, and will certainly accept an attitude ajustment.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1009536[/QUOTE]
I just read the write up...you are a stand up guy to give that kind of explanation, and take blame when it is due. Again I will say, someone was watching over all of you that morning!!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1009536[/QUOTE]
I just read the write up...you are a stand up guy to give that kind of explanation, and take blame when it is due. Again I will say, someone was watching over all of you that morning!!
Racer
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 260
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From: Walker LA
Originally Posted by Neablas
glad everyone made it out ok.97 & 98, i think are ones to stay away from ($0.02) but 99 and up are all fine.
GOOD LUCK
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Originally Posted by Neablas
glad everyone made it out ok.97 & 98, i think are ones to stay away from ($0.02) but 99 and up are all fine.
I have a '98 that is just fine with A/H, but no HUD. It doesn't burn oil, it has the CLB installed and runs like raped ape.
Best advice I can offer is to buy the latest model, lowest mileage car your budget will allow - regardless of the vintage!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 793
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From: IN
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Originally Posted by Neablas
glad everyone made it out ok.97 & 98, i think are ones to stay away from ($0.02) but 99 and up are all fine.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 260
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From: Walker LA
Amen!
Originally Posted by mcronec5
Not true, I have a 98 with 55,000 miles no problems. I have friends with 97 and 98's that have hit 80,000-100,000 no problem. I've heard different people on the forum say they have had problems with every year. I've heard people say their 04 is a piece of junk and they will never buy a chevy again. Does this mean all 04's are bad, no. Basically, buy the newest one you can afford.
. I have a 1998 I purchased new Jan. 1998. I have had very few problems. I presently have 52000 miles and it is a strong running mf.