Thinking C5
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 499
Likes: 0
From: Chambersburg, Pa.
Thinking C5
I am a new individual to the Corvette Forums as well as the C5 forum. At the ripe young age of 58 I am ready to move out of my 61 Impala convertible and into a C5 Corvette. Having owned a 78 Pace car many years ago, I wasn't impressed with the ride nor performance of the car with the L-82 engine.
I have been scouting the C5's and am going to check out a 2000 6spd convertible with 20k miles on it. My question is, "While looking at this car or driving it, what should I be looking or listening for?" Any problems I need to be aware of? Any place I need to inspect? This car has the factory magnesium wheels which I understand was a factory option at two grand extra.
I'm not dumb when it comes to autos, I just want to make sure my bases are covered and I don't make any errors of judgement. So I ask those who own the cars.
By the way, the Impala is a nice car, but it's just time to change. Any C5 input appreciated.
Thanks,
Doug
I have been scouting the C5's and am going to check out a 2000 6spd convertible with 20k miles on it. My question is, "While looking at this car or driving it, what should I be looking or listening for?" Any problems I need to be aware of? Any place I need to inspect? This car has the factory magnesium wheels which I understand was a factory option at two grand extra.
I'm not dumb when it comes to autos, I just want to make sure my bases are covered and I don't make any errors of judgement. So I ask those who own the cars.
By the way, the Impala is a nice car, but it's just time to change. Any C5 input appreciated.
Thanks,
Doug
Always Shiftin'
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Central Florida
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There is a "Sticky" thrread at the top of the C5-General forum that I highly recommend you reading. Everything you ever wanted to know about C5s, but were afraid to ask!!
Here is a direct link: C5 Info Thread
Good luck!!
Here is a direct link: C5 Info Thread
Good luck!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: AKA Harvey Mushman-I know just enough to be dangerous "Those who sacrifice liberty for safety deserve neither"- B. Franklin
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Welcome to the forum. I hope that you get to keep the Impala too. Nice car. FWIW- I believe that the Mag. rim cost varied quite a bit from year to year and they certainly don't make the car worth too much more than the polished wheels that most C5s came with. They are also quite prone to breaking the lips during tire changes. That link above is the best you'll find. Don't let it scare you off though. It has every problem that ever happened to a C5. Most are near flawless. Good luck, Tom
Lifetime Member
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: New Jersey
St. Jude Donor '05, '12-'13, '15-'16, '21
Welcome - 
Heres a link to a website that I've found very helpful...... 
http://www.idavette.net/
BTW - the one car that I still regret getting rid of was a white, convertible Impala SS. That (to me) is still one of the greatest cars out there.
Heres a link to a website that I've found very helpful...... http://www.idavette.net/BTW - the one car that I still regret getting rid of was a white, convertible Impala SS. That (to me) is still one of the greatest cars out there.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 831
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From: Country Boys Can Survive.
Welcome to a GREAT FORUM!!! And I say, "Buy a C5, and KEEP the Impala"!!! Oh, and a "side note"; Maybe you ought to open up a seperate account that NO-ONE knows about. My wife thinks my headers cost 150.00 plus tax!!! 
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 7,230
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From: Land of Sky Blue Waters
Originally Posted by loudsam
Welcome to a GREAT FORUM!!! And I say, "Buy a C5, and KEEP the Impala"!!! Oh, and a "side note"; Maybe you ought to open up a seperate account that NO-ONE knows about. My wife thinks my headers cost 150.00 plus tax!!!
~coughs~ My husband thinks the Borlas Stingers cost $399.
(By the way, mtwalet, I love your name! LOL!! You could well have that when/if you start modding.)
Last edited by Postergeist; Mar 25, 2005 at 11:25 AM.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 16
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Good luck in your search and if the car feels right, just do it. I am new to the forum also and read it daily. I have learned so much from these guys and just bought my first vette last saturday. 2000 vert with 6 speed and almost 43000 miles. A few more miles than I had hoped but the car was so clean and pampered. It also helped keep the price more reasonable. I think most sellers know the current market value for their car and most likely that is what you will have to pay. At least that is my perception. good luck
Administrator
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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The link above is great - lots of very useful information. Welcome to the forum and good luck finding your C5.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 499
Likes: 0
From: Chambersburg, Pa.
Originally Posted by Postergeist
I agree! Keep both! (By the way, mtwalet, I love your name! LOL!! You could well have that when/if you start modding.)
Yeah......the mtwalet is actually an 'empty wallet'!!
Thanks for all the info guys. I'll check out the links. Looks like you have a great site her.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 4,338
Likes: 66
From: Whittier California
Originally Posted by srchief100
Looks like you've already been directed to some good info, so I'll just say welcome
If you haven't driven a C5, you are in for a real treat. Good luck with the search.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
From: Syracuse New York
Welcome to the forum. There have been several significant years where upgrades were made to the car. In 2001 changes were made to the engine increasing horsepower and torque. Also that year, I believe, active handling became standard. There are several websites that give the history and changes through the years. Do you really want a convertable? You could buy maybe a one to two year newer car by buying a coupe. Do serious research first ... then look for the car.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 953
Likes: 4
From: Guelph Ontario
Hey mtwalet, You will be very impressed with a C5, especally after the 78. I too, had a 78, L48 4 pd, navy/navy. If the 2000 is as good as you can tell, take to a trusted corvette mechanic for an inspection, (No surprises after purchase) and if all reacords and inspection look good, then go for it. Welcome to the forum. Just be careful, this time of the year the mod bug is coming out of hibernation and will bite you. 