I just graduated college and hit the working world of engineering. I have always wanted a C5 and now I can finally afford it. The members of this website have the most pristine corvettes I have seen and I am sure you are all the most knowledgeable enthusiasts out there. I am looking to buy something reasonably priced around 50K miles. I do not have a garage so for the summer months the car will stay outside (I know many of you are cringing). So it’s probably not worth it for me to buy something perfect at this point in time. Can some of you give me some advice on when to buy, what I should look for, and how much I should plan on spending for a C5 like this? If you have something that fits this description let me know.

Thanks I appreciate it
Chris

 

Last year prices seemed to bottom out between October and January. (I was shopping for a C5 then) A car with 50K should be easy to find cheap, but I would also be on the lookout for an early (97-99) C5 garage queen. You might be able to find a much lower mileage car for about the same money. Having said that, the prices are not that bad now, so why wait?


Happy hunting

 

Some questions you should ask the current owner:

1) Have you installed a Column lock bypass? If not, you should buy one to install immediately.

2) Have you had the rear differential seals replaced? If not, check to see if there is any oil around the diff.

3) Do all of your door locks work? Check them out; the door lock modules are notorious for failing prematurely

4) How far can you go without having to add oil? If its less than 1500 miles, a re-ring job is in order and if the warranty is up, skip that car unless the price is really good.

The torque increase after 2001 is significant (25 lbs-ft), but you can easily bump that up by replacing the restrictive stock intake box with a Halltech, Blackwing, Vortex, Vararam, K&N FIPK, Calloway Honker intake system, or even a 2002+ Z06 lid (if you're short on cash).

Good luck!

 

What a coinkidink....I just left the world of Engineering. The car (C5) is a 100,000 dollar car with a 50,000 sticker. You get a whole lot of car in it's design and function, for whatever you spend. Sure it has some glitches, but bethankful for that because if the car was perfect it would be a 100,000 dollar car.
There are many many C5's out there... Don't buy the first car that you see... I dont know about your engineering degree but mine took five years. So after 17 years of formal school, you are ready to leap into almost anything with a C5 badge on it..
If we knew your budget, we could zero in on a few cars for you...
there are a few things to consider when buying used. New tires could be a 1500 extra investment depending on the tires you choose. A warranty is always a good thing to have. Records, and service documents are another.
As you said, many of the people here on this forum have spectacular cars... it doesnt have to be a garage queen to be a nice car..
MY car is six years old, has 60,000 miles on it. I Still have 3 years left on a bumper to bumper warranty with no deductable..
I do not have one flaw on my car, mechanically or visually... these cars are out there...
you can click on "MY Corvette Photos" to see a good example of a 50k plus mile car and how it can look.



Good luck in your quest, welcome to the forum.

 

EVIL TWIN I just have to say that your take on the VALUE for what we get with our vettes is a real down to earth view that I could'nt agree with more.

 

Like others have said, an idea of what you're willing to spend would help. Also, where do you live? See if you can track down a forum member or two that would be willing to look at a car with you (another set of eyes/ears is always good to point out any flaws.) Buy what you can afford, and set aside some money for any repairs or mods (oooooh yes, you'll do some mods.)

 

Congrats on getting your degree! And welcome to the best forum on the internet! I bought my car two years ago in November. It's my personal opinion that late fall is a good time to buy, since many people tire of the "storage ritual" that they go through every year as winter approaches. That was the case when I bought mine. The guy I bought my car from didn't want to store it another year, and was supposedly going to buy a newer Z06 in the spring.

50K cars are plentiful, and usually in pretty good shape. I agree with the others......figure out your budget and then go after the newest lowest mileage car you can afford. I wouldn't hesitate to buy an older lower mileage car over a higher mileage newer car, unless you are after a specific color or option not offered on the earlier cars.

My 50K car is an absolute joy to own, drive and look at....I love it and wouldn't trade it for a new C6. Good luck in your hunt!

 

Congrats and welcome to the forum. Good luck on your hunt.

 

Welcome to the forum. You have already taken a step in the right direction by getting on the forum..I wish I would have 2 years ago when I got my vette. Most of the advice already given is right on..I would only add that you might want to try and get into a 2001 or newer model if your budget allowed...there were some good improvements made in 2001, more torque and some things that were optional on pre 01's became standard in 01, like Heads-up-display...not to say pre 01's are not attractive to buy, there are plenty that are beautfiul.
If I were you I would watch the forum C5 for sale section also, some C5 people might be looking to upgrade to a C6 and you could possibly find a deal right here.

Good luck

oh- and if the car sits out during the summer it will be fine..just get an all weather car-cover if you are going to leave it sit for extended periods of time. Until just recently, my car sat out 2 summers/springs and fall daily. Just keep it clean/waxed and it should hold up fine.

 

Chris,

I see that you've all ready gotten most of the advice that I would have given. Welcome to the forum. My '97 has 54,000 miles on her and has been virtually trouble free. Good luck in your search and from one engineer to another, best of luck in your career.

Paul

 

Thanks for all the advice. Wow from seeing some of the pics you posted I feel much better about buying and driving it all summer. Yours look brand new!!!! Replying to the price question..... I would like to keep it under $20K. Sounds like if I start looking now and continue through the late fall I should be able to get the best deal. (Although I would assume the burden of storing it until spring, which I am fine with). What should I be looking for in that price range or is it too low? I also live in Binghamton NY which is ~20 minutes north of PA.

 

any thoughts?

 

You should be able to pick up at 98, Coupe with 50K miles in Kelly Blue Book " Good " condition for about $18K.

 

You'll find one..Good Luck..and WELCOME..