Looking for a C5
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
From: The wrong side of the Atlantic ocean
Looking for a C5
Hi guys,
I have a C4 and I am looking for a C5 instead.
I'd like to know what years are good (I know, every one is good) but I want to know which one is better than the other technically speaking (reliability, technical improvements, etc...).
For what I've heard the 2001 one is a good deal.
Thanks for your infos.
Greg
I have a C4 and I am looking for a C5 instead.
I'd like to know what years are good (I know, every one is good) but I want to know which one is better than the other technically speaking (reliability, technical improvements, etc...).
For what I've heard the 2001 one is a good deal.
Thanks for your infos.
Greg
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,887
Likes: 2
From: Havin' fun in Frederick, MD!!!
St. Jude Donor '05 '09
Greg,
I don't have a lot of personal experience aside from my own '04, but as I was shopping I found that every year (aside maybe from the last one '03 - '04) had some change that was of some value. Increase in hp, nicer looking wheels, disappearance of recall bugs, etc. and I ended up deciding just to get the newest one I could, thus I ended up with the '04. I hesitated buying an '05 just because I knew there would be the standard set of new flaws present in new designs and I really didn't like the lines. So if I were you, I'd narrow my search to 2003 and 2004 years.
Good luck
I don't have a lot of personal experience aside from my own '04, but as I was shopping I found that every year (aside maybe from the last one '03 - '04) had some change that was of some value. Increase in hp, nicer looking wheels, disappearance of recall bugs, etc. and I ended up deciding just to get the newest one I could, thus I ended up with the '04. I hesitated buying an '05 just because I knew there would be the standard set of new flaws present in new designs and I really didn't like the lines. So if I were you, I'd narrow my search to 2003 and 2004 years.
Good luck
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
You can go to the following link and check upgrades year by year to help you decide
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/index.html
Here are the upgrades for the 2001 model
Active Handling is now standard on all Corvette models
-New lighter-weight Bosch 5.3 pressure modulator provides better overall response and improved pressure apply times in cold weather.
-Electronic rear proportioning algorithm eliminates rear brake proportioning valve.
-New algorithms for more precise, less intrusive control of sideslip angle rate, rear brake stability and wheelspin.
-The unique-to-Corvette Competitive Mode may now be activated without bringing the car to a stop
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/index.html
Here are the upgrades for the 2001 model
Active Handling is now standard on all Corvette models
-New lighter-weight Bosch 5.3 pressure modulator provides better overall response and improved pressure apply times in cold weather.
-Electronic rear proportioning algorithm eliminates rear brake proportioning valve.
-New algorithms for more precise, less intrusive control of sideslip angle rate, rear brake stability and wheelspin.
-The unique-to-Corvette Competitive Mode may now be activated without bringing the car to a stop
Racer
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 479
Likes: 0
From: Midland TX
IMO - there is no bad Vette. All Vettes - especially the C5s are beautiful machines. Do your homework. Have the VIN checked via Carfax even before you see the car (saves a LOT of time). Ask CF members to do a background check on the VIN. Have a trained and trusted mechanic check it out for you. Always look under the car for signs of damage - a sure sign it was abused. Hope this helps. 
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 953
Likes: 4
From: Guelph Ontario
I would personally buy the newest on I could afford. If all recalls are up to date, then buy the lowest milage, colour, and style you want. Earlier models can be updated to newer looking wheels, etc.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,510
Likes: 240
From: Coconut Creek FL
Originally Posted by WTC5
I would personally buy the newest on I could afford. If all recalls are up to date, then buy the lowest milage, colour, and style you want. Earlier models can be updated to newer looking wheels, etc.
Some of the 01's (mainly 6 speeds) had an oil consumption issue so keep an eye out for that...if it was bad enough, a re-ring was needed to correct. Subsequently, my 97 does not burn a drop of oil! and I kind of like the idea of having the first year C5 even if it only has 345HP
Good luck, and you are going to love the C5...leaps and bounds over a C4 for sure!
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 lemansbleu2004
Greg,
if I were you, I'd narrow my search to 2003 and 2004 years.
Good luck
if I were you, I'd narrow my search to 2003 and 2004 years.
Good luck
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,481
Likes: 267
From: So-Cal California
2023 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C5 of the Year Winner - Modified
Like most have said you really cant go wrong with any of them. I found a low mileage, very pampered, 1 owner 2000 model. I have no regrets and neither will you. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 836
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs, Colo., USA
Originally Posted by Dudule
Hi guys,
I have a C4 and I am looking for a C5 instead.
I'd like to know what years are good (I know, every one is good) but I want to know which one is better than the other technically speaking (reliability, technical improvements, etc...).
For what I've heard the 2001 one is a good deal.
Thanks for your infos.
Greg
I have a C4 and I am looking for a C5 instead.
I'd like to know what years are good (I know, every one is good) but I want to know which one is better than the other technically speaking (reliability, technical improvements, etc...).
For what I've heard the 2001 one is a good deal.
Thanks for your infos.
Greg
However, at mid year in 03, to meet more stringent EPA regs, GM made significant changes to the fuel system on the C5, moving the fuel filter INSIDE the tank (imagine the cost to change a fuel filter, and yes, I have had to do so on cars through the years) and putting on a smaller capacity injection system that does not lend itself to modifications.
I loved my C4. Still miss the seats and steering. Much better than the C5. The C5 can also be a handful until you learn its characteristics. Take it easy for the first weeks and push it a bit at a time to the limit. It performs so much more than most C4 models that you will be amazed.