Well, I test drove a 97 C5 and was verry impressed! That was my first time driving a corvette, and it was awesome. I didn't buy it though, it had some issues, including what looked like a laundry list of electrical problems...

The dealer showed me the GM service repair list and it had the Electronic Drive Train Control Module replaced 3 times, as well as about 30 other things (mostly electrical stuff) replaced. The car also had some "Gremlins" causing some weird behavior...

During the test drive the check engine light came on, as well the Right Front and Rear Left tire pressure sensors indicated the tire pressure was too high. When we got back to the dealer, sure enough they had 45psi in those tires... But my question is, do the Tire Pressure sensors set off the Check Engine light? Cause when we were gonna take it to Autozone the CEL went off (after letting out air pressure) and i was curious of letting out air fixed the problem.

High pitch constant whine behind driver. You can hear it change pitch slightly if you try to roll the window up when it's already roll all the way up. I'm assuming that noise is the annoying fuel pump described in the common problems thread?

Well, I'm still in the market for a C5 and will continue to post any questions/concerns here. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

the whine is the old style fuel pump....and oh yeah...I wouldn't touch that car

 

I own a 97 - and the only thing I can tell you is that the whine you hear is the fuel pump...though mine is not as bad as others have suggested. If it has that many electrical issues I would walk away and find a better example. I have NEVER (knowck on wood) had an issue like what you discuss with my 97 (with 74K on the clock). I did replace the TAC module as this is a common issue with the early year C5's. The tire pressure monitor system will alert to either high or low pressure...it should not make the CEL light come on...there is something else wrong!

The 97 is a fine machine, I have the Z51 option along with the performance axel ratio (automatic tranny) and it screams!

I may be looking to sell if you are interested!

Torch Red baby!

 

I'm really interested in a 6spd manual, but then I'm also dying for a Torch Red vette. It seems all the manuals are White in color, and all the Autos are Red... lol. I may be interested PM with a price estimate and i'll let ya know if we're on the same page. Though I would like to drive an auto out here (WA State), just to see if i like it - i've always driven manuals...

 

Keep looking - you'll find the right car for you without all those problems.