C5 ....Longevity
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: Hillsborough North Carolina
C5 ....Longevity
Hello Everyone,
I am new to this forum even thoough I have owned a couple of C3s that were basically projects. Anyway, I am considering looking for a C5 and was wondering what the "lifespan" of a well maintained C5 may be. This will be a daily driver(and I drive a ton of miles about 35k per year, almost all highway) with probably a few mods
What kind of mileage and problems/issues can I expect from a car being driven this way? What things should I look for and/or avoid when looking at a C5? I know these are very broad questions but, any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Mike
I am new to this forum even thoough I have owned a couple of C3s that were basically projects. Anyway, I am considering looking for a C5 and was wondering what the "lifespan" of a well maintained C5 may be. This will be a daily driver(and I drive a ton of miles about 35k per year, almost all highway) with probably a few mods
What kind of mileage and problems/issues can I expect from a car being driven this way? What things should I look for and/or avoid when looking at a C5? I know these are very broad questions but, any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Mike
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 136
Likes: 2
From: Auburn WA
bought mine with 40k, now up to 83k road/drag racing on the weekends, no major problems. love it!
biggest problem I have is rear tires, they don't last long.
I have perma-grin from all the fun I have driving it.
I look forward to getting up and driving to work.
its just miserable....
biggest problem I have is rear tires, they don't last long.
I have perma-grin from all the fun I have driving it.
I look forward to getting up and driving to work.
its just miserable....
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 14,285
Likes: 0
From: Houston, Tx Got traction?
CI 5-6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07-'08
This thread should help with the common problems and issues.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...7&forum_id=103
fyi. I'm at a hair under 128,000 miles Im on my second cam, and pretty much all the bolt ons. I planon supercharging this motor late Jan./early Feb. I plan to reaplce the motor this Summer when i get a chance to build a new bottom end. No major milage related issues.
I relpaced the water pump, the A/C compressor, the Starter, and the Alternator.
Chris
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...7&forum_id=103
fyi. I'm at a hair under 128,000 miles Im on my second cam, and pretty much all the bolt ons. I planon supercharging this motor late Jan./early Feb. I plan to reaplce the motor this Summer when i get a chance to build a new bottom end. No major milage related issues.
I relpaced the water pump, the A/C compressor, the Starter, and the Alternator.
Chris
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,611
Likes: 24,866
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Sounds like to me they can last a long time when properly maintained. At least I hope that is the case.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,960
Likes: 0
From: Issaquah Wa.
Piratemike,.........NO WORRIES,.......every single model of corvette is better than the previous one with the POSSIBLE exception of ,..the C-3 (OUCH) 
And so if you thought the C-3 was a good car you will absofreekenluty love the C-5, and if you just baby it,.. it will last (intact) longer than if you,.. "STOMP" and gooooooo 
So what if you do break something? You will do like everyone else and replace it,...........with more HORSEPOWER 
And so if you thought the C-3 was a good car you will absofreekenluty love the C-5, and if you just baby it,.. it will last (intact) longer than if you,.. "STOMP" and gooooooo So what if you do break something? You will do like everyone else and replace it,...........with more HORSEPOWER
Last edited by vetred; Jan 9, 2006 at 09:15 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,135
Likes: 23
From: Joplin, MO, USA
Like everyone else has stated, the mechanical driveline parts are second to none, I'd bet the motor will go way over 250k if taken care of. It's the little things like the rocking seats that you wonder about, but the few issues like that are a small price to pay for the overall performance package.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 387
Likes: 46
From: Sun City, AZ
I had my C3 (74) for a little over 21 years before stepping up to a C5. Believe me I would never go back, if I added up all that I spent on replacing parts for that car (5 motors, 6 transmissions, 2 rear ends and that's just the some of the bigger things) I could have bought 2 C5's. So from my point of view, you can't go wrong with a C5. It is much more reliable and dependable, not to mention it is way more fun to drive.
Bob
Bob
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,884
Likes: 2
From: Walnut CA
I did my reseach beforehand and discovered that the engine of these cars is rated pretty highly. I've had some warranty fixed items but they've been never been engine related. I'd say to try and get a good feel for the person you buy one from. Also, its great on the highway--esp if you get the power adjustable seats which are quite comfy. If you're driving a lot of highway miles and get a stick, you'll find comfort in the awesome gas mileage you get cruising in 6th--I got 29 mpg going from Dallas to Los Angeles and that was with some ripping around in between...
