Are there any techniques that you guys recommend trying when I get to test drive this car? (ex. standing on the brakes from 30mph, doing doughnuts in a parking lot, etc... j/k on that last one of course) This will be my first used car purchase. (I've printed out the common problems sticky). I'm sure you guys have tried different things when purchasing your cars.



This is the background info on the car (an early 2000 model 6speed with 17,500 miles):

VIN : 1G1YY22GXY5101748
VEHICLE INFORMATION
Merchandising Model : 1YY07 -2000 CORVETTE COUPE Warranty Start Date : 08/21/1999

REQUIRED FIELD ACTIONS
Type Number Description Posted Date Status
RC 00034 LAP BELT WEBBING TWISTED N/A Closed
RC 01044 CORVETTE ELECTRONIC COLUMN LOCK N/A Closed
RC 04006 ELECTRONIC COLUMN LOCK SYSTEM N/A Closed

APPLICABLE WARRANTIES
Description Effective Date Effective Odometer End Date End Odometer
36/36000 BUMPER TO BUMPER 08/21/1999 23 miles 08/21/2002 36023 miles
72/100000 SHEET METAL COVERAGE RUST THROUGH 08/21/1999 23 miles 08/21/2005 100023 miles
96/80000 FEDERAL EMISSION CATALYTIC CONV. AND PCM 08/21/1999 23 miles 08/21/2007 80023 miles
36/36000 FEDERAL EMISSION 08/21/1999 23 miles 08/21/2002 36023 miles

CLAIM HISTORY
R.O Date R.O Number Type Labor Operation Odometer Reading
03/16/2005 036729 # V1145 - 04006 - PERFORM REPROGRAM AND FUNCTIONAL TEST - MANUALS ON 17500 miles
08/12/2002 238999 # K2720 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE ASSEMBLY - REPLACE 7284 miles
08/12/2002 238999 # Z7903 - 3-DAY COURTESY TRANSPORTATION 7284 miles
08/12/2002 238999 # V0743 - ECL RELAY HARNESS REPLACE 7284 miles
01/26/2001 033877 # V0505 - INSPECT LAP BELT RETRACTORS,INSTALL WEBBING GUIDES 4753 miles
08/05/1999 501748 I Z7000 - PRE-DELIVERY INSPECTION - BASE TIME 0 miles

OPTIONS:
VIN 1G1YY22GXY5101748
VEHICLE BUILD
Merchandising Model : 1YY07 -2000 CORVETTE COUPE
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating : 1682 kg (3709 lb) Order Number : BQFWQ3
Build Date : 08/03/1999 Build Plant : 1Y5Y - BOWLING GREEN
OPTION CODES
AAB AG2 - SIX-WAY POWER PASSENGER SEAT
AK5 - DRIVER & RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS AQ9 - SEAT FRT BUCKET, PASS, DRIVER
BGR B34 - COLOR-KEYED FRONT FLOOR MATS -CARPETED
B84 - BODY SIDE MOLDINGS CJ2
C2L - DUAL REMOVABLE ROOF PANELS DL5 - ROADSIDE SERVICE INFORMATION DECAL
DL8 - HEATED REARVIEW MIRRORS D42 - REAR COMPARTMENT CARGO COVER
FE3 - SPORT SUSPENSION FE9 - FEDERAL EMISSIONS
GU6 - REAR AXLE 3.42 RATIO IL3
JL4 JL9 - 4-WHEEL DISC ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
K63 LS1
MM6 - 6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION MN6 - 6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION
NF2 - FEDERAL EMISSION SYSTEM NK4 - LEATHER WRAPPED STEERING WHEEL
N37 QD4
T82 - TWILIGHT SENTINEL HEADLAMPS T96 - FOG LAMPS
UN0 - AM/FM STEREO W/CD PLAYER UV6
UV7 UZ6
U1S U52 - ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENTATION
VM3 - CONSUMER INFORMATION LABEL V49
V73 - STATEMENT OF VEHICLE CERT.-U.S. /CANADA XGG
YGH Z51 - PERFORMANCE HANDLING PACKAGE
1SA - OPTION PACKAGE 01 19I - INT EBONY INTERIOR TRIM
193 79U

 

Whoa.... well uh.... just have fun with the test drive. I tested an '02 6 speed vert and man.... yes. If I had the "$40k" they wanted for it I would have it in my garage right now.

 

I'm gonna press all da buttons



haha just a little nervous. This car is my #1 choice after seeing three others. I guess you could say I've got pre-offer jitters. :o

 

It's all good bro

 

Take it on the highway, around town, stop and go, twisties, bumps, etc - just to get a good feel for how the car does. Check every button to ensure that what it is supposed to control works. Get out and check under the car after you have driven it for a while to see if there are any leaks. And don't go on just a 10 minute drive - if you are serious about the car, give it a good amount of time behind the wheel.

 

Here's something I scooped from a previous forum post. If someone can tell me who did this I'll give him credit for a job well done the next time I post it.



Used C5 Buyer's Checklist

Check for the rocking seat, leaky rear end, headlight motors, and if it is a 6-speed get the column lock bypass kit if it is not installed already. After that, this should get you started

Documentation available? Window Sticker Build Sheet
Are maintenance records available?
Who maintained the car and where
Are maintenance or upgrade receipts available?
How many previous owners have there been?
Can the former owners be contacted?

Is it currently registered?
Does it have a current inspection sticker?
Will it pass state inspection?
Are there any modifications?
If equipped with standard transmission, has the clutch ever been replaced? If so, what mileage?
Has the car ever been in an accident or had bodywork done?
Has the car been kept garaged?
What have been the average driving conditions? (Sun only, rain, snow?)
Does the car need anything now?

Body Condition
1. Does the car sit level?
2. Check body panels for uniformity.
3. Check for body damage. Look at: Wheel wells, floor pan, rear hatch front and rear valance, fenders, quarter panels, uniform body molding. Check for paint over-spray in: headlights, gas door, door jams, fender skirts, engine compartment?. Is there evidence of body damage?
4. Is the paint oxidized
5. Has the car ever been repainted?
6. If so, why, by whom, and how long ago?
7. Does sides of the car appear aligned?
8. Are there any waves or stress cracks in the fiberglass?
9. Are there any dings or stone chips in the paint?
10. Are there any cracks or chips in the windshield or side and rear glass?
11. Do the doors open and close normally?
12. Do the doors and trunk lock and unlock correctly with the key?
13. Do the doors and trunk (if applicable) lock/unlock correctly with remote key FOB
14. Does the rear hatch glass open properly? From inside?
15. Do the struts hold the rear hatch?
16. Does the hood release work?
17. Does the color match the trim tag color code?
18. Are there missing badges, or moldings?

Chassis & Suspension
1. Are the tires in good condition?
2. Is tire wear uniform.
3. Are the wheels stock?
4. Are the wheels in good condition?
5. Are the brake rotors in good condition? (check for cracks or scarring)
6. Are there any wet spots under the car?
7. Are the rubber axle boots in good condition?
8. Inspect the tie rod ends and ball joints.
9. Inspect the shocks. Dry Wet If the shocks appear to be wet, they may be leaking and in need of repair.
10. Is the exhaust in good condition?

Interior Condition
1. Are all door, hatch, and top seals in good condition?
2. (If applicable) Is the ratchet wrench for the targa top there?
3. Are the seats clean? Torn or cracked? Worn?
4. xxxxx
5. Is the carpet clean? Worn?
6. Can you adjust the mirrors?
7. Does the interior light work? Does it work with the doors?
8. Is the dash in good condition?
9. Is the center console in good condition?
10. Does the glove compartment door work properly?
11. Do the windshield wipers function properly?
12. Does the overall interior condition match the mileage?
13. If equipped, does the tilt wheel work properly?
14. If equipped does the alarm work?

Engine Evaluation
1. Is the oil clean? Dark or black colored oil indicates a change is necessary and may be indicative of past maintenance trends.
2. When was the last oil change? ______________ Overdue?
3. Check for a leaking oil pan gasket.
4. Check for a leaking front/rear main seal.
5. Check the master cylinder and slave cylinder for leakage.
6. Check all coolant lines for leakage.
7. Check the coolant in the reservoir. A brown frothy mixture in the reservoir usually indicates oil and water mixing in the oil filter/cooler housing.
8. Inspect the fuel lines going to the fuel rail for brittleness or cracking.
9. Inspect the plug wires for brittleness or cracking.
10. Inspect the brake fluid for color. Black colored brake fluid indicates a change is necessary.
11. Is the air filter clean?
12. Is the engine bay clean and neat? All hoses / wiring in correct place?

Engine Operation
1. Does the car start properly?
2. The car should have a steady idle.
3. (If equipped) Check the ECM (computer)? Engine Codes recorded?
4. Is the oil pressure normal?
5. Engine coolant temperature: Normal? 6. Is there valve chatter or excessive engine noise? Yes No
7. Is there excessive engine vibration at idle or revving? (can indicate bad motor mount).
8. With the engine running, listen for leaks at the exhaust manifolds and exhaust.
9. Does the heat work?
10. Does the AC work? Is the compressor quiet?
11. Does the AC / heater blow at each speed?
12. Does the radio work properly (tape and CD if applicable)?
13. If equipped, does the power antenna work?
14. If equipped, do the power windows and door locks work?
15. Does the defroster work properly?
16. Do all ***** / controls function correctly?
17. Do all of the gauges / dashboard lights work properly?

Test Drive Evaluation
1. Does the parking brake work properly?
2. How does the brake pedal feel?
The following 3 questions assume manual transmission:
3. How does the clutch pedal feel? Firm Soft
4. Does the clutch operate in a smooth quiet manner?
5. Does the shifter seem tight?
6. Are there any squeaks / noises (specially over rough roads)?
7. Is the steering smooth and responsive?
8. When going straight is the wheel straight? Does the car drift to one side?
9. Brake with your hands off the wheel does the car stop straight?
10. At highway speeds does the car pull, or shake / shimmy?
11. Does the cruise control work properly?
12. Is there exceptional wind noise?
13. If equipped, does the ABS system function properly?
14. If equipped, does the Traction control system function properly?
15. If equipped, does the Selective Ride Control function properly?

Miscellaneous
1. Is the battery in good condition?
2. Do all lights / signals work correctly? Headlights (high and low beams)?, Brake lights? Parking/Side Marker Lights? Turn Signals?

There's a lot there but valuable info I hope it helps.

 

Thanks for the advice My goal is to test it at least 30 mins. I was also told by my cuz to take it over railroad tracks to listen to the suspension.

 

Thanks StockMan, I'm printing out that checklist now before I make the 2-hr drive to the car. Is there any way that the checklist could be moved to a more permenant place? It's very helpful

 

There's a weights and measures sticky at the top of the C5 General section you should probably read too. It may have a lot of what's in mine. Or should I say someone else's post. Nobody knows yet who posted this originally? Good luck with the test drive.

 

Have a good friend that is familuar with cars drive behind you and check out the car when you stomp it! should NOT see any blue smoke!

i would also have them put it up on a lift to inspect the underside for damage, leaks and rust! (Yes c5's do rust!!)

Check the carpets for dampness!! Common problem! Especially in the passengers side!!!

If vthe car is MODDED make sure that it will pass emissions!!! That can be a REAL HEADACHE!!!

Bill Curlee