Notices
C5 General General C5 Corvette and C5 Z06 Discussion not covered in Tech

C5 issues at higher mileage?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 25, 2006 | 04:11 PM
  #1  
txjeep's Avatar
txjeep
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 176
Likes: 1
From: Sugar Land TX
Default C5 issues at higher mileage?

Howdy C5 owners. I need your help. I found a 2002 C5 with 75k on it that I have taken a liking to. It appears to be well maintained, but the higher mileage is concerning me a bit.

What kind of problems are typical for C5s with this kind of mileage?

What should I expect over the next 30k miles?

Any input is appreciated!
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2006 | 04:18 PM
  #2  
2ndVette's Avatar
2ndVette
Drifting
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,289
Likes: 1
From: the West is the best
Default

I don't know how you could get any meaningful response to a question like that. The correct answer is who knows! If I were to venture an opinion, 75K should not be viewed as high mileage for any car. It would be different if you were buying a car with only 12K mile warranties that we are all doing prior to the 80s. Then there is subjective opinions as to what high mileage represents. Pristine? Average? What is your mechanical ability? Would you prefer a car that you just put gas in and drive? The questions are endless and you are the only one that can answer them.
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2006 | 04:42 PM
  #3  
txjeep's Avatar
txjeep
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 176
Likes: 1
From: Sugar Land TX
Default

The second question is admittedly subjective, the first is not. Most cars have certain issues that are common, and the list usually grows with higher mileage.

I am looking at this as my daily driver. Considering that it has 75k miles on it, I am a little concerned about reliability. I put about 10k a year on my vehicles and would probably keep this one at least 2-3 years, which puts me right at 100k miles. I am mechanically capable, but do not have the time for repairs these days (kids, work, life, etc.).

Does anyone here have 60k+ miles on their C5? If so, would you mind sharing whether or not your C5 has been what you consider reliable?

Thanks!
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2006 | 05:17 PM
  #4  
TSLDave's Avatar
TSLDave
Advanced
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Nashville TN
Default

1998 coupe with 73K miles. The ONLY problem I've had is the battery. Change the oil and service it regulary and it will last at LEAST as well as any other car. I've also got two other cars ( not vettes) with 200+K and have had 3 others that I've sold at 200+K. preventive maintenance!!!!!! Abuse it, and you take your chances
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2006 | 05:53 PM
  #5  
txjeep's Avatar
txjeep
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 176
Likes: 1
From: Sugar Land TX
Default

Thanks Dave. Good info.

It looks like no news is good news in this case.

Jason
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2006 | 06:58 PM
  #6  
gkc501's Avatar
gkc501
Racer
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 433
Likes: 0
From: melbourne beach fl
Default

’01 with 72,000 miles. No problems at all the last 20,000 miles or so. All the problems I had were factory defects the first few years – all were fixed under warranty.

My vette is my daily driver, and I consider it to be a very reliable one.
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2006 | 07:18 PM
  #7  
mcarota's Avatar
mcarota
Racer
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 349
Likes: 0
From: Clifton Park New York
Default

Just sold my 98 with 84k miles on it. The things that I did were: battery, belts, plugs, wires, tires, headlight swtich, and brakes. Other than regular maintenance items, I had no problems with the car, it ran strong!!!!
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2006 | 07:21 PM
  #8  
Stangkiller's Avatar
Stangkiller
Race Director
15 Year Member
 
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
Default

i'm at 132,000 miles. Most of my problems i caused myself...although, the a/c failed and so did the starter...big deal.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Apr 25, 2006 | 10:13 PM
  #9  
rws.1's Avatar
rws.1
Race Director
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
Default

78K miles here
brakes, tires, battery
fluids
Nothing else mileage related
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2006 | 10:33 PM
  #10  
Joevette99's Avatar
Joevette99
Racer
Supporting Member
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 298
Likes: 12
Default 79,000 on Mine

I have a '99 Targa 6sp. I have had it since 5k. hear is the history.

1. Front Brakes/Rotors 65k
2. Oil pressure gauge sending unit 45k(very common)
3. Steering column locked up (3 times) everyone has this problem and there is a recall to fix.
4. Replace muffler 73k just because I wanted a change in sound.
5. Changed clutch with Z06 one at 75k and all fluids(trans, rear).
6. B&B shorties, Blackwing air filter, Lingenfelter TB and Z06 intake manifold at 75k.

Car runs very strong. Does not burn oil. Car is so fast traction control pops on in first gear at 4500rpm's..makin some horsepower.

I am contemplating H/C swap because car is in such good shape and has been very trouble free.

On the other hand, the difference between a 40k and 75k car is only a few grand. Go for the less mileage car if you can afford it.

Good Luck

Car runs strong as ever.
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2006 | 12:52 AM
  #11  
99vertnbm's Avatar
99vertnbm
Advanced
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Cookeville TN
Default

84,000 miles. MN6
1 set of tires
1 set of brake pads
28 oil changes.
Asjust parking brake shoes once.
1 bumper cover repaint-rock chips
1 serpentine belt
2 sets of floor mats
No other bolts turned
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2006 | 07:55 AM
  #12  
Grumpy's Avatar
Grumpy
MONARTOR
20 Year Member
Veteran: Army
St. Jude 20 Year Donor
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 250,142
Likes: 146
From: What I know, is dwarfed by what I pretend to know
Cruise-In 5-6-7-8 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Default

02 91K

oil pressure sensor
O2 sensor(driver side)
Front wheel bearings
all after warranty ran out.
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2006 | 08:13 AM
  #13  
txjeep's Avatar
txjeep
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 176
Likes: 1
From: Sugar Land TX
Default

Thanks everyone. That's exactly what I was looking for. Sounds like GM did a good job on the C5.
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2006 | 01:36 PM
  #14  
fdxpilot's Avatar
fdxpilot
Safety Car
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,661
Likes: 67
From: Ocean Springs MS
Default

Originally Posted by txjeep
Thanks everyone. That's exactly what I was looking for. Sounds like GM did a good job on the C5.
They did, at that. If you read the forum(s) a lot, you can begin to think C5s have lots of problems. But consider how many were made, and that a lot of forum cars are modified, which can bring up reliability issues. Also, people rarely post that they drove their car the last few days and had no problems. There are a few problem areas, as mentioned. Lately, it seems like a rash of EBTCM (the electronic part of the ABS/TC/AH control module) failures has popped up. I had one, as well as a headlight motor in 30K miles. Otherwise, works good, lasts long, goes fast!!
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2006 | 01:47 PM
  #15  
wolverdick's Avatar
wolverdick
Racer
Supporting Lifetime Gold
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 318
Likes: 0
From: Commerce City CO
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'10
Default

Mine is only at 62k but has seen a lot of cross country driving.
Havent had any issues with the oil pressure sensor but heres my list of fixes/mods.
Blown Catalytic converters once, decide to use that as an excuse to replace headers, install high flow cats, x-pipe and new magnaflow muffler.
The heasdlight gear issue. Replaced my gears with the brass ones, no more winking.
Also have replaced the front under spoiler. Scraped to death so many times, i finally just got a new one.
Other than that, this car is a dream to drive and own.
Treat her well, and shell perform like nothing you can imagine.
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2006 | 02:48 PM
  #16  
Rapidity's Avatar
Rapidity
Instructor
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: Rocky Mount NC
Default

01 w/ ~55k on it... oil pressure sensor just went out and just yesterday i broke the passanger side sun visor. lol
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2006 | 02:55 PM
  #17  
chargedsol's Avatar
chargedsol
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 754
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area CA
Default

98 with 90k. fuel pressure issue was fixed earlier, still happens once in a while.
some electrical gremlins

other then that, its still running strong, i even have the original clutch in still!!
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To C5 issues at higher mileage?

Old Apr 26, 2006 | 02:58 PM
  #18  
MattB's Avatar
MattB
Drifting
Supporting Lifetime
10 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,590
Likes: 1
From: Littleton Colorado
Default

Bought mine last year at 74k and its now at about 86k, it is a 2000 coupe. No real problems; Oil pressure sensor has never worked for me, and my AC compressor belt disappeared sometime in the last two weeks. Not sure if that means I have a problem with the compressor or not, most likely I did something to it. :o

I just started taking it to the track and it is a beast.
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2006 | 03:09 PM
  #19  
FASTAZU's Avatar
FASTAZU
Race Director
20 Year Member
Veteran: Navy
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 3
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 11,614
Likes: 1,055
From: Compound in the Grove, Ga.
2026 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C4 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2024 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods)
2018 C4 of Year Finalist
2015 C4 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '16
Default

04 about to turn 60K miles....no issues
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2006 | 03:12 PM
  #20  
Disco Stu's Avatar
Disco Stu
Safety Car
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 3,865
Likes: 0
From: Memphis
Default

2002 coupe, 65k miles.

tires. battery (x2 under warranty). ABS sensor under warranty. just replaced 4 rotors and pads over lunch.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:51 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 11:09:53


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE