thinking about gettin a vette
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 5,130
Likes: 3
From: Winter Park FL
thinking about gettin a vette
and im just curious of what you guys think about the reliability of these cars. im thinking of a late 90s c5. ive had a camaro for 3 years now and i think its time to upgrade. anyways im wondering how much you guys spend maintaining your cars. i want to get an idea of the total costs before i make a purchase.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 24,592
Likes: 44
From: The Rock Arkansas
Elite Member
Cruise-In III Veteran
You're thinking good. 
I have a first year C5 and it has been very reliable. I have installed a column lock bypass, optima battery, and am replacing the front wheel sensors.
There are a few common issues such as column lock, leaky batteries, and rear diff leak. Overall, it's best to get the latest model Vette that you can afford.
I have a first year C5 and it has been very reliable. I have installed a column lock bypass, optima battery, and am replacing the front wheel sensors.
There are a few common issues such as column lock, leaky batteries, and rear diff leak. Overall, it's best to get the latest model Vette that you can afford.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 548
Likes: 1
From: Champlin MN
I've had my 1999 vette for about 2 weeks now. And I've spent about over $2500
New wheels and tires $2000
New gel battery (wont leak) $130
new outside temp sensor $5
new power window motor $80
repair manual $100
miscellanies plastic parts $20
repair vacuum hoses under battery that melted $5
new head light bulb $10
CD changer is broken $300 to replace but I'm not going to
Colum Lock Bypass $70
New wheels and tires $2000
New gel battery (wont leak) $130
new outside temp sensor $5
new power window motor $80
repair manual $100
miscellanies plastic parts $20
repair vacuum hoses under battery that melted $5
new head light bulb $10
CD changer is broken $300 to replace but I'm not going to
Colum Lock Bypass $70
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 10,295
Likes: 4
From: Downers Grove IL
St. Jude Donor '15
You are wise to upgrade! I have a '98 and (knock wood) it hasn't had any major problems. The C5's are very reliable. Check the sticky on top of this forum for C5 problem areas. Plus, the information you get here (on this forum) is invaluable. Like others have said, buy what you can afford.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,454
Likes: 1
From: The Surgeon General has warned that it's ok to smoke mustangs!
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
We spend countless hours maintaining the car, but it's only because we have whats called "Mod Fever". Always thinking of ways to make it better. Trust me on this! You'll spend way more time driving/enjoying it than fixing/repairing it. Everyone will agree with me on this! Get the Vette!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,549
Likes: 0
From: MDT
agree with the poster who noted that you should check the sticky @ the top of the threads for common c5 problems. this is a seat of the pants assessment, but a c5 is built to take some fairly aggressive driving------although most are probably gently driven with occassional on-ramp bursts. the lower the mileage the better. depends as well on condition & how well maintained. good luck. btw, from this point in the driver's seat, there is nothing on planet earth like owning & driving a c5. 
bub
bub
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 5,130
Likes: 3
From: Winter Park FL
wow thats very engouraging to hear that all you guys have had good luck with your cars. ive heard before that when things go wrong they are a lot more expensive to fix. they say parts are a lot more expensive too. any truth to this?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,348
Likes: 233
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
Originally Posted by nickolbag
ive heard before that when things go wrong they are a lot more expensive to fix. they say parts are a lot more expensive too. any truth to this?
An Escort?
A Lotus?
It's all relative.
Corvettes are in the upper echelon of expensive-to-fix cars, but they are very rugged and reliable, for the most part.
Fear not, and welcome if you decide to buy.
Larry
code5coupe
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Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 37,329
Likes: 12
From: Plano Texas
CI 6-7-8-9 Veteran
CI-VI Car Show Winner
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
Originally Posted by nickolbag
ive heard before that when things go wrong they are a lot more expensive to fix. they say parts are a lot more expensive too. any truth to this?
As others posted - get the Vette you want, not allways the cheapest. Look in the FS Section of this forum - many good buys, and most have/are well maintained.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,976
Likes: 6
From: Houston TX
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08
Originally Posted by nickolbag
and im just curious of what you guys think about the reliability of these cars. im thinking of a late 90s c5. ive had a camaro for 3 years now and i think its time to upgrade. anyways im wondering how much you guys spend maintaining your cars. i want to get an idea of the total costs before i make a purchase.
Don't think too much to make this upgrade. Let us know when you do it and we'd have to baptize you to make you legal on this forum!
Former Vendor
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,591
Likes: 6
From: Billings MT
Bought Yet
Have you found the C5 yet of your dreams. I have a low mileage, clean as you will ever find 98 for sale. Let me know if interested and will send pics and price, etc. Email me at dfichtner@fichtnerchevrolet.com if interested. My personal car by the way.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,308
Likes: 1
From: The Beautiful Greater Bay Area California
Hi Nickol,
Get a C5, my friend. And, you will finally actually understand what "permagrin" is all about. Moreover, all our fellow members have been kind to list a heads-up regarding some ownership nuances which are prudent to heed. Despite these issues, out of the many domestic and foreign vehicles and motocycles I have ever owned, I am quite pleased with the overall integrity, value, design and performance of the Corvette C5. So like my bud, Rstynutz says: "Just do it Dude". And, welcome to the fold.
Best Wishes,
Eden
Get a C5, my friend. And, you will finally actually understand what "permagrin" is all about. Moreover, all our fellow members have been kind to list a heads-up regarding some ownership nuances which are prudent to heed. Despite these issues, out of the many domestic and foreign vehicles and motocycles I have ever owned, I am quite pleased with the overall integrity, value, design and performance of the Corvette C5. So like my bud, Rstynutz says: "Just do it Dude". And, welcome to the fold.
Best Wishes,
Eden
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 5,130
Likes: 3
From: Winter Park FL
if it were only that easy. everything seems reasonalbe and within my spending limits. first i gotta sell the camaro which shouldnt be to hard. then i have to find the vette of my dreams. yellow, black leather, 6 speed, targa top.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,566
Likes: 52
From: Colorado Springs CO
Originally Posted by jawzforlife
I've had my 1999 vette for about 2 weeks now. And I've spent about over $2500
New wheels and tires $2000
New gel battery (wont leak) $130
new outside temp sensor $5
new power window motor $80
repair manual $100
miscellanies plastic parts $20
repair vacuum hoses under battery that melted $5
new head light bulb $10
CD changer is broken $300 to replace but I'm not going to
Colum Lock Bypass $70
New wheels and tires $2000
New gel battery (wont leak) $130
new outside temp sensor $5
new power window motor $80
repair manual $100
miscellanies plastic parts $20
repair vacuum hoses under battery that melted $5
new head light bulb $10
CD changer is broken $300 to replace but I'm not going to
Colum Lock Bypass $70
Glen
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 838
Likes: 0
From: Illinois/Ca
Originally Posted by nickolbag
wow thats very engouraging to hear that all you guys have had good luck with your cars. ive heard before that when things go wrong they are a lot more expensive to fix. they say parts are a lot more expensive too. any truth to this?
To be honest after reading some other forum members posts I'd be more worried about spending money on mods than on repairs
The Vettes are definitely worth it.
Jeff
Last edited by JCFILM; Aug 16, 2005 at 10:41 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 831
Likes: 0
From: Country Boys Can Survive.
They're pretty reliable from my experience. Who cares though? Your probably just going to spend every dime you can get your hands on modding it anyway! Buy one. You only live once, and a C5 Corvette is a must for a car buff!