hi just wondering about c5 gas mileage [i know 'if you gotta ask you can't afford one'], also reliability,really operating costs in general.i would really like a c4 but from what i have read in c4 forum it sounds like constant repairs are needed.i was hoping c5's might be less of a problem as i am getting old and poor.i realize this has been discussed before but wasn't looking at c5's previously.thanks bc

 

Well...c5s are notorious for a few things...I'll briefly list a few...

Wierd erratic fuel gauge
Rocking driver seat
Leaky battery
Issues with Dual Climate control
Steering Column Lock (Huge issue for me!)

There are numerous other issues.....BUT overall I'd say the operating costs arent TOO bad. You do have to use premium ($40-50 a tank depending on your prices mine are 2.35/gal = $40 to fill up)...BUT right now my avg mpg is 24.8 and I defintely use the go pedal a bit. Oil changes, I prefer to splurge a little on, 6 qts of synthetic oil and a K&N oil filter ($40-50 - I change it myself). Tires are going to run you around 250-300 each, and they will last a good while if you don't abuse them. Reliablity-wise...well, I havent had any mechanical issues other than the column lock. Engine is running strong as ever, and no problems yet! Knock on wood

 

Well i tell ya i get better gas milage in my vette than i do in my dodge ram 4x4. So I was very happy with that. Gas Prices for while there was only down fall but now it has gone back down. I have been real lucky and just some turn signals needing replaced. Oil changes you will want to get the best. Engines do run hot and need that special attention. Mobile One..cant say more. Buy it...drive it like you want. Not gonna be disappointed thats for sure.

 

I have 29K miles on my C5 and it has been relatively cheap to maintain - of course, the major items that went wrong (oil consumption ring replacement and 3 leaking differential seals) have all been handled under warranty. Gas mileage is excellent (about 20 in town, 30+ on the highway).

 

HI. The only part of your post that makes me a little nervous on posting is the "old and poor" part. If you need transportation in a practical sense choose another new 4 cylinder car. The corvette (looking at your profile you already have a beautiful classic) is just a toy. Only you know how much money you have need etc... I know I will get flamed for that comment here....but this isn't a great choice for simple transportation!

 

My Vette has been problem free since day one....the cost of owning the darn thing is high due to all the Mods you can do to it!!!
As for gas mileage....I hate reading that $hit cause if 12$ extra a week out of your pocket makes any kind of difference....I think a lesser car is in order.

 

mine has been pretty reliable,but anything thats needs attention,big or small

 

 

I owned a c4 problem free for almost 2 years... now the c5 trouble free for almost half a year.

the thing that you might notice is that the c4 is a lot harder to get in and out of because you sit 2 inches from the ground. The c5 is much more comfortable.

Both cars are reliable imho.

 

Mileage depends on how heavy our right foot is... I can get 29mpg on the higway and I can get less than 20... It depends on how much you like rippin around the streets...

 

What he said

As a note: the C5 is very fuel efficient IF you drive it sanely

Putting your right foot to the floor a lot will increase not only the fuel costs, but there is a good possibility that other 'wear and tear' expenses will increase (I.e.: tire replacement, breaks, etc.).

Overall, the C5 doesn't cost that much more to maintain that other, similar cars (in comparison to a C4 it is less, IMO).

 

for a performance car of this magnitude it is a bargin and then some, for a DD beater it sucks, for me the maintance and fuel cost don't even add up to the tickets that i get so it is all relative. and lets not talk about the cost of mods . if you are good with a wrench then the maintance cost are about the same as an fbody, but if you take it to a shop you can expect to pay the vette tax.


More Than Zero

 

I've had a few problems with mine that were luckly covered under the GMPP.

Seat Rocking.
Air Bag module.
Memory seats would "Hunt".

I get the best gas mileage in my stock 2000 Coupe.
Last road trip, I kept is easy and got about 29 mpg on the highway.
The recent Borla mod has driven that number WAY down.

Best of luck, and, don't forget to wave.

 

While i piurchased my 2001 Pewter Coupe used, it has been very reliable with 32k miles. I have the A4 with 3.15 rear axle and I get 26-27 on the highway @ 70 mph. I have all service records and saw that the rear diff was worked on twice due to leaking. I believe the auto's do not have the problem with steering lock issue but double check that with other forum members. If you are buying used, pay a little more for a vehicle with full service records. I purchased mine from a guy pushing 75 years old and was meticoulus about records.

As far as costs: 1) Figure $30 (DIY) or $55 for Mobil1 oil change. 2) Tires, tires, tires. If you stick with run flats, figure $1400-1500 mounted and balanced. Non flats are way less but obviously there is less security if your far from home.

I was in the same boat as you last year, C4 or C5? I spent for these reasons. 1) C5 is way way way easier to get in and out. I have a bad disk in my back and the C5 is significantly easier to get in and out. 2) The LS1 is one honey of a motor compared to the LT1 in a late model C4. Much smoother, better MPG, and 50 more hp. The LT1 used an ignition system that had a lot of problems (OPTISPARK). I had one go out on my 95 Camaro Z28 and it was over $800 to repair back in 99. 3) Check your insurance. It was less to insure a C5 than a C4 (97 vs a 96) for me due to apparant expensive parts on the C4 (hood and front end). 4) MOST IMPORTANT. No squeaks, rattles, or groans. The C5 is just plain tight. The C4's have lot's of unpleasant sounds.

M y .02c

Dave

 

I'm on my second C5 and have been pleased with both. Very little problems and the gas mileage is quite acceptable and is easily controlled with the right foot...
Well, there was one major problem with the first C5. It was a loaded 2000 A4 coupe and I found out that a Ford Explorer can hit it a glancing glow in the left front and bend the frame so badly my insurance totaled it.

 

I think if you find a very nice, low mile C4, the initial cost will be a lot less than a similar C5. Repair costs should also be about the same, but the C5, like others have pointed out, has many improvements in ride, performance, and rattles. I've owned an 88 for 8 years, spent less than $1000 for repairs during that time. I expect a few more years before the C5 needs anything, but it cost about $15,000 over what the 88 is worth. Buy the best one you can afford, pay more for a clean car, and your repairs shouldn't be bad at all. Like someone else also remarked, if you want true economy, buy a 4 cylinder, and run it until the wheels fall off.

 

I forget to mention, the 88 is on "Collector" car insurance thru State Farm, $112 for full coverage for 6 months, the C5 around $300.

 

wow,i appreciate all the responses.my dd is a 99 acura 3.0cl and it is the best car we have ever owned.i put gas in it twice a year usually.love the cl but there is just 'something about driving a vette'.wifes dd is a [bought used]99 acura rl and it gets gasoline about 3 times a month.thanks again folks. bc

 

ttt

 

HI. Since you said you are getting "old and poor" at least look on the bright side... insurance costs less than for the 20 year olds