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just wanted to drop a line and say hi. i'm new to this board but i have spent a little time over at ls1tech. currently own a 2002 ws6 ta but looking to sell it (or trade) and buy my very first corvette. i'm definitely looking to get a C5 so I could use a little help. i just want to know if there's any certain year model i need to shy away from? or options?.....anything. any advice anyone has to give or any certain things to look for as i begin my search for a C5 would be greatly appreciated.
No model years really stick out more than the others, you might want to watch out for the 2001 oil burning. And the sticky at the top of the C5 Gen might have some more info too.
Welcome to the madness! There was one year I have heard a couple of probelms with oil leaks but forget off hand. My 99 runs strong. Personally I wish I had got a C5 with Z51 suspension - my only regret. But my Vette came with some mods I wanted already included so I am happy. 1st decision is Coupe, Vert, FRC or Z06?
At the top of the C5 General there's a sticky there that will answer a lot of your questions. Once read and you still have questions please post them. There's really a whole lot of infor in there. Welcome to the forum by the way. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
From: Machine Silver Z06 The Golden State......... Bay Area
St. Jude Donor '05
Welcome to the forum.
You will love the Vette compared to the F body, I too had a TA, no comparison.
As far as options to look for it depends on what's important to you. There's the Heads up display (HUD), dual climate controls, sport seats, Z51 package, I could go on. Look around at the Vettes for sale and ask about anything you don't know about and you will get educated as to what you can live without and what you can't.
Plenty of friendly people here to answer any questions you might have on a particular option.
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09, '14-'15-'16-'17-'18
Originally Posted by Target Chaser
Welcome to the forum.
You will love the Vette compared to the F body, I too had a TA, no comparison.
As far as options to look for it depends on what's important to you. There's the Heads up display (HUD), dual climate controls, sport seats, Z51 package, I could go on. Look around at the Vettes for sale and ask about anything you don't know about and you will get educated as to what you can live without and what you can't.
Plenty of friendly people here to answer any questions you might have on a particular option.
Searching for one is half the fun. Good Luck.
Many of us on the Forum are former F-body drivers who've stepped up to the Corvette.
My last F-body, a Firebird Formula, was a '91 model and I put over 176,000 miles on it. Although it had only 200 hp, for its day, it was a kick to drive. If you loved your T/A, you're gonna go nuts with the Vette.
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
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St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
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Any C5 would be a good choice, but some of the earlier models do not come with all the options the later ones do. From '99 up, you can get the HUD and active handling (some '98's had the active handling). 2001 and up got a HP bump to 350 from 345 and some of the items that were options became standard on later models.
Shop around carefully and get the options you want - there are plenty of good, low mileage C5s out there for sale so just take your time. Also, have the car thoroughly checked out by a mechanic before you buy. Check for things like differential leaks, column lock recall, etc.
I think what everyone has said already, the 01 is the year that might be one to stay away from.When you find a car that you like run the vin ,any gm dealer will do it, and you will see how much, or little work has been done to her. Thats Very important. Good luck in your search and welcome aboard.