So here is my dilemma. Would I be better off to spend a few more $$ and get a c5 with higher mileage or a lower mileage c4? I was thinking of spending 12-14k on a c4 but have seen some c5’s, 97 and 98 with say 95 to 110k miles for 16 to $17K.

If a C5 were WELL taken care of would there normally be much high cost maintenance issues to deal with after 100k miles? Auto trans rebuild?, clutch in 6spd?

Any particulars to watch on the 97 and 98 with miles on them?

Just sort of pondering and looking for input.

Thanks all…

Tony

 

The C5 is such a better car that it would be hard for me to advise you to get a C4.

 

 

 

 

Isn't the C4 more of an agressive, meat & potatos sports car compared to the C5 which is more of a daily driver/comfy sports car?

I'd say it depends on your needs and wants.

 

C5 most definitely. Better value. Newer technology, etc.

Mark

 

Maybe this will help you make up your mind . SRS

 

with everybody!

 

Not to start a flame war here but I will have to disagree this this statement. You should go out and drive several of each style and than you need to make your decision based on what you like and what you will use it for
I own each and can tell you this for a daily driver I like my C5, My wife drives a C4 LT1as a DD and has for the last 170K miles and would not trade for a C5, for weekends and flat out go power the C4 ZR-1 is hard to beat.

 

It Depends what your looking for, Most in the C5 section are going to say get the C5 Hands down. We have one of each and I can tell you I love my C5 but the wife's C4 is just as fun to drive and a very well built car. We only have 30,000 on the C4 so it is like new. I would say Drive both and see what you like about each. If your going for a C4 get a 95 or 96. Best of luck with your search

PS: see sig below

 

I think most of the folks here are going to advise you to look for a C5, and conversely if you post this same question in C4 Gen, they'll recommend the C4. (funny how it works that way - huh? )

The C5 was a markedly different car than the previous generation. The LS1 in much different than the LT1 or the LT4. The LSx engines are all aluminum - the LTx were cast iron with aluminum heads. The C5 has a lot of technological advances that were first beginning to appear at the end of the C4 run.

Then there are the cosmetics - the two generations look much different. The C4 had a wide sill that you have to slide across to get in, the C5 eliminated most of that. The C4 had a different chassis - the C5 was at the time of it's introduction - the stiffest American car ever made, and it marked the first use of the hydroformed frame rails. It also marked the first time the floor pan was sandwiched with Balsa to provide lightweight insulation.

The C5 is not without it's vices - there are issues with locking columns, rocking seats, some of the 01's had oil issues, all have sticky fuel sending units, oil pressure sending units failing, leaking transaxles and leaky or failing batteries.

We are beginning to see issues with the '01 and '02 polished thinspoke wheels cracking.

I'm not telling you any of this to scare you off. The C5 is a GREAT car! And because of the commonality of these issues, most everyone here can offer advice on how to deal with the issues.

Personally - (and I admit to being biased) the C5 is the way to go. I have a '98 with 55K miles - it has been one of the most reliable vehicles I've ever owned! I don't commute in my car, but I would not hesitate to take it on a long trip...actually I have! They are great touring cars, and best of all - there are three body styles available (after '99) and all will carry luggage on a trip. You might be able to accomplish that with a C4 coupe - but the C4 convertibles have no trunk.

Good luck!

 

I agree. Drive them both and then make your decision. I had four C4's and really liked each one. The ergonomics are not as good as in the C5, but overall the cars were fun to drive and very reliable. The C5 is more refined, but if you can get a low mileage C4, don't discount it as a good car to own.

 

C5 or a what????

Get the C5

 

I used to work as a tech at a GM dealer, so I got to drive a lot of C4's and C5's way before I ever got a C5. I agree that the C5 is a better car in almost every way possible.
Even if the a C4 had everything the C5 does, it's still got an LT1. The LT series motors have nothing but problems with the opti spark, and are way harder to work on (8 hours for plugs and wires, for example). The ZF6 tranny in the C4 Vettes makes noise, and is nearly impossible to get parts for, or even work on for that matter. The LS1, on the other hand, is the easiest motor I've ever worked on. Parts are getting cheaper than ever, now that they've been around for almost 10yrs..

Anyway, buy a C5 !!

 

I drive a C4, I like it because of the way the hood opens. They call it the clam shell. Back in High School in the 70's all the real custom cars had Fiberglass Tilt Front Ends. The C4 looks just like that, hows that for a reason?
I just read about how long it takes to change plugs and wires on the LT1, I can't say I disagree but then again I don't change plugs and wires every year, or every other, or every 3rd for that matter.

 

More of the same from me...

Drive both cars... Pick the one you like the most

Don't Settle for one or the other, only get it because you want it!

If you have limited money, make a wise financial decesion, don't get stiffed...

Be patient when looking for a car, make sure it's exaclty or very close to what you want, then pay what you think it's worth...

'n all that other good stuf..

IMO, I really wanted a Torch Red C5 MN6... so i waited, and thats exactly what i got. C4's just weren't for me...

Good Luck

 

 

Honestly, I loved my C4's. However, the evolved technology found in the C5 is far better. In regards to the C4, there were many problematic idiosyncracies that I can list. However, to be brief, here are several: I remember how the entire car would shake if I removed the targa top. Even the damn dasboard! Although I did install the X-Frame support found on C4 verts (easy bolt on mod), and, received some slight improvements in stability in regards to handling, the car itself would flex, creak, and, groan constantly.

The L-98, and, the LT1 engines were nice, but, the LS1 and LS6, are a great improvement. Frankly, I do miss the clam shell hood, and, the ease in servicing and installing new shocks (better accessibility). The wrap around synthetic remote tire pressure wheel straps would snap very readily. And, at that time (early 90's) many tire service shops would refuse to service such wheels because of potential for damage, and, liability. Nevertheless, the C4 IS an extraordinary, and very beautiful Corvette. However, I prefer the modernity, and, achieved improvements found in the C5. Good luck to you.

 

If you don't care which one you get, just want to get the best one, drive both and buy the tighter of the two.