Newb C5 question
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Columbus Ohio
Newb C5 question
Hi I am new to this forum. My name is Adam I am 24 years old and I drive a grand prix GTP with 371fwhp. I am in the process of selling it, and am going to be buying a C5 within the next month or two. I am here to learn as much as I can about corvettes. I will have about $24,000 to spend on the vette. I plan to do all the bolt ons and a h/c package over the next few years. The main thing I am struggling with right now is whether to buy a low mile, like 15-25k for around $23,000-$24,000 or buy a higher mile like 60-80k for a little less. I have been looking alot at the turn key packages offered by various tunners on this site. I live in Ohio within a few hours from Dynotech and have been looking at their $5,995 H/C package.
I guess my question would be does anyone have any expierence with this package, and if I get the higher mile vette would getting this package still be reliable for 40-50k miles.
I would love to here as many opinions as possible. Thanks
I guess my question would be does anyone have any expierence with this package, and if I get the higher mile vette would getting this package still be reliable for 40-50k miles.
I would love to here as many opinions as possible. Thanks
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,156
Likes: 2
From: Arlington VA
Adam, welcome to the forum. In my opinion, when buying a used car, it is more about how the vehicle was maintained than mileage. You could have a 20K mi car that has been abused or one with 40K that has had all the maintenance and treated like a show car. My advice is to get a car that is the lowest mileage car you can afford with a full maintenance history. Most folks I know who own Vettes baby them to no end. I think your chances of finding a nice one are pretty good. Also, I personally would not want to buy a highly modified car for the simple reason that the person modified it for a reason. You have to expect that most of these types of vehicles have had the wheels driven off them. Unless you run across a very respectable individual you feel you can trust, I would stick with a stock Vette and then mod it yourself. One last piece of advice, get the car checked by a qualified technician before you put your money down. Good luck.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 228
Likes: 3
From: Va Beach VA
Welcome to the Forum and the Corvette Culture 
2002-2004 with moderate miles about 25-30k. with that you will have the LS6 intake and a little better cam. Also you might be able to find a Z06 in that range if you look hard. Also get a Carfax done, a few guys here will hook you up if you ask, I think.
At the risk of being banned for life
...I would wait a bit before doing mods....just untill you get a good feel for the car and get a idea of which way you want to go ( Drag power, road race handling, or some of both) also talk to local club guys and get some real life testimonials. Not to worry, soon you will be one of us and planning your next mod in the middle of finishing your current one 
2002-2004 with moderate miles about 25-30k. with that you will have the LS6 intake and a little better cam. Also you might be able to find a Z06 in that range if you look hard. Also get a Carfax done, a few guys here will hook you up if you ask, I think.
At the risk of being banned for life
...I would wait a bit before doing mods....just untill you get a good feel for the car and get a idea of which way you want to go ( Drag power, road race handling, or some of both) also talk to local club guys and get some real life testimonials. Not to worry, soon you will be one of us and planning your next mod in the middle of finishing your current one
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 847
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs CO
Originally Posted by jcs712
Adam, welcome to the forum. In my opinion, when buying a used car, it is more about how the vehicle was maintained than mileage. You could have a 20K mi car that has been abused or one with 40K that has had all the maintenance and treated like a show car. My advice is to get a car that is the lowest mileage car you can afford with a full maintenance history. Most folks I know who own Vettes baby them to no end. I think your chances of finding a nice one are pretty good. Also, I personally would not want to buy a highly modified car for the simple reason that the person modified it for a reason. You have to expect that most of these types of vehicles have had the wheels driven off them. Unless you run across a very respectable individual you feel you can trust, I would stick with a stock Vette and then mod it yourself. One last piece of advice, get the car checked by a qualified technician before you put your money down. Good luck.
Excellent advice!
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
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Columbus Ohio
Thanks for the help guys. I deffently am going to buy a stock car. I was just wondering if I got one of the turn key packages would it be reliable for 40 to 50k miles after it was installed and tuned. Thanks for the great advice guys, keep it comming, also if anyone has and expierence with Dynotech's H/C package let me know what you thought.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,987
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
Cruise-In VI Veteran
nobody can really answer your question. there are plenty of head/cam cars around the forum with high miles on them. but there have also been low mileage head/cam cars that have had problems.
when you ask about reliability for 40-50k miles... that all depends on how you drive the car. chances are your motor will be fine. just look forward to your future expenses, clutch, drivetrain, tires... etc.
for those who stress buying the car with low mileage, i have to disagree. would you pay more for a ragged out, hard driven C5, just because it might have lower mileage?? i wouldnt.
problem is, you wont know. best bet is to find a car that is 100% stock. try to buy from an owner, not a dealer. get a feel for the owner, have the car checked out.
good luck with the search!
when you ask about reliability for 40-50k miles... that all depends on how you drive the car. chances are your motor will be fine. just look forward to your future expenses, clutch, drivetrain, tires... etc.
for those who stress buying the car with low mileage, i have to disagree. would you pay more for a ragged out, hard driven C5, just because it might have lower mileage?? i wouldnt.
problem is, you wont know. best bet is to find a car that is 100% stock. try to buy from an owner, not a dealer. get a feel for the owner, have the car checked out.
good luck with the search!
Pro
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 605
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by BlownV6
Btw - 60K+ miles is nothing for the LS1
I guess I'll never understand the point of buying a car (motorcycle, whatever) and then never driving it.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 348
Likes: 2
From: Miami Fl
is funny cause i got the same amount of cash you do and the same dilema,if i buy higher mileage i got cash for bolt ons,also there is a 99 with 17k miles for $24k but i think those miles might of been tinkered with.