I've been in the market for a c5 for the past five months. I've gotten a lot more serious in the past three weeks. I have a 99 ws6 right now I'm trying to get rid of so I can get my damn vette!

So I'll stop rambling and get to my question lol. I'm looking at a fully loaded 97 blk/blk M6 coupe with every option other then selective ride control (which I'm kind of bumed out about) and 45,000 miles. I talked the guy down to 20,000. Which i think i did a good job since it's in perfect condition. I've always been iffy on the first year productive for any vehicle. Has there been any common problems or big pain in the *** about the 97?

thanks guys!

 

I haven't had any trouble with mine - I'm at around 40K miles.

 

so theres really no problems or big differences from the other years?

 

they do have problems with column locks, like many of the years do - their original batteries could leak (affected 97 - early 01s), and the driver's seat rails suck, like all years do. I don't know of any problems unique to 97s. On the plus, since the 97 and 98s do have a different fuel supply layout than the later years, I hear they are better if you are thinking of increasing the HP.

 

Yeah - theres some differences, but nothing thats a big deal. Things like, the HUD wasn't an option on early year C5's from the factory - but you can get it aftermarket if you want. Other stuff like the Fuel Pump on Early Model C5s is pretty annoying... you'll hear it if you get that one... lol.

I got my '97 for 20k also, bout 5 months ago, and i haven't had any problems w/ it at all! Seriously, low mileage '97 is an awesome deal! This topic has been discussed in pretty good detail here a bunch of times. I'm sure if you search more on this you'll find loads of good information.

For 20k, I say Buh-Bye WS6 and hello '97 Vette!

(Plus, if you look at it as a lifetime investment, you're getting one of the first C5's ever made - only ~9,000 built in '97 - so that makes it a pretty exclusive car. )

Oh - another thing comes to mind - i think there are some altenator bracket issues in the Forced Induction department for the early model C5s? Nothing that can't be overcome though... just a PITA.

My '97 Had every factory option available except the Seating Memory. I don't know why someone would order a car with every single option, except one... seems dumb... lol - but oh well.

Good Luck!

Dan

 

97's are great, and no piston slap like some of the other years.

 

thats good to hear! I knew that the HUD wasn't aviable until 99. I'm a little bummed about that. I want to get more information about how to installed it or buy it. But i supposed thats another topic lol.

I'm really friggin' bummed about selling my ws6 and I've swore to my self that i will own another one some day. They're absolutely goregous. But I decided to my self. They're no corvette. I'm just glad theres really no big problems unique to the 97 vette.

I'm getting mine for 20,000 and I'm going to take out a $22,000 loan and put a really nice system in it. I know I know it's not performance. But I'm really into taking the top off , cruising , and listening to good loud crisp bassy music.

Man I don't even own the car yet. But the modding itch has already put a strangle hold on me and is begining to bitch slap me. I was tempted the other night to start ordering parts but my reationality came in and I stoped my self

 

oh I forgot to mention. That the 97 I'm looking at has chrome Y2K wheels. The owner got rid of the wagon wheels and slapped those on. Ahhhh I could ramble on about this car for horus sorry

 

Have had mine for a year, just turned 50k...still grinning!

 

Just Traded My '97 A4 With 92,000 Trouble Free Miles.

 

I have a '97 MN6 with 64,5xx miles and it has been great.

 

i love my 97 it has 40k on it i bought it 3 yrs ago this weekend at carlisle. great car!

 

One item that I have read and heard some owners mention was the fuel pump. The system is supposed to be audable to the point of annoyance in some 97 and 98 cars. Not really sure why. Seat bolster wear is a problem along with the track. The track can easily develope movement which is annoying. I have this in my 99.

Ask about the tire sensors and if they have been replaced. They were only ment to last 5 years and cost ro repalce one sensor is 100-125 dollars.

If the car does not have runflats make sure you get a Z06 tire kit or a AAA automobile membership.

Very important item. check the frame rail and wireharness below the battery. If the stock battery leaked these two very important items are in the path of fluid traveling down. My battery leaked and had to have the frame rail touched up. I was lucky that the computer and or wireing harness was not affected.

Good luck and keep us posted.

 

I don't think the '97s have any more problems than the other years. As long as the car has been well maintained and it checks out, go for it.

 

Problems I have had with Christine my 97,

Things that weren't due to me being a knucklehead.

1. Rocking seats (both seats)
2. Sticking fuel gauge
3. AC vent door stuck (hot air out of one side cold out of the other)
4. Drivers side window motor failed
5. Skin separating from both doors around arm rest.
6. Column lock (3 times)
7. Water pump failed
8. Syncros on tranny failed
9. Alternator low output
10. Wear areas on seats
11. Gear on headlight motor stripped.
12. Cracking or crazing of the transparant top.
13. Leaking top.
14. Tire pressure sensors failed (X2)
15. Broken output shaft
16. Cracked gear case
17. AC Compressor

Other things,
1. Fan motor ingestion of a Piggly Wiggly plastic shopping bag.
2. After having the custom painted hood fitted finding out the paint didn't match and my car had been repainted Viper Red by a previous owner. (Clean car fax and bought it from a Dodge dealer, what does that tell ya)
3. Cracked panels from improper jacking.
4. Wife dragged the gas powered metal blade equipped edger along the side of the car.
5. Two broken windshields
6. Internal motor damage due to my way over revving it after getting my first speeding ticket in 10 years.

For the love of god do I have to continue????

 

hope you get that sorted out buddy

any way...I think you'de love the 97.
The hud is easy to install...youll need a gauge bezel that has a plug for hud 99+ one and to have the miles programmed on it and then also the hudparts and to cut out your dash to fit it in. Fairly simple.
I think Late 98s or 99s might be the best year vettes mechanically

 

76,000 miles on mine... my oil gauge is wacky, but the fuel gauge has straightened itself out.... great car... looks like newer ones... costs less !

 

well. He mentioned that everything is in perfect working order. The only thing thats wrong is the tire sensors. I'm one for creature comforts. But I'm not going to pay a total of $450 when I can get out and check the air pressure my self.

I still need to see it in person. I'm going on sunday. But if it's in really good condition. I'm going to buy it for sure. I'm being kind of picky since this will be my second ls1. I think I have justifaction for it haha.

So does anyone offer a HUD kit or do i have to buy the parts seperately my self?

Also some of those problems are just common problems on all cars. I'm ready to take them on! ( as long as i get a few thousand carefree miles lol)

So what exactly is a z06 tire kit? Sorry I defintely know my way around a fourth gen f-body but I'm still learning with the c5.

 

Just remember, if the car has run-flats, you won't know they are low visually...

from the other side of the state.

 

you can buy all the parts from Fred Beans they are the cheapest (search)

The tire sensors are ~375 for all 4 and Id get them, Im about to buy a set.

a zo6 tire kit inflates the tire and temp patches it, allows you to ride home and get it fixed since they dont have runflats or a spare