Need advice on 1998
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 442
Likes: 3
From: Kingsport TN
Need advice on 1998
I plan to look at 98 coupe (auto) in a few days with 49,000 miles. The guy is asking $20.5K. I'd like to hear from anyone who has a 98 model year as to any problems you may have or things to check on the car.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,761
Likes: 235
From: North Carolina
Good luck with your search, I'll pass along the usual issues that popped up on my 98. I've had it since new 02/98
Check both seat tracks for the rocking seat problem.
Check for any rear axle seal leaks
Inspect the battery tray and area underneath the tray for any acid leaks on the computer and harness below the tray. The early C5's had a issue with side post battery leakage.
If the car has the adjustable shocks, make sure all settings are operational.
Check all four tire pressure sensors for proper operation.
Have someone run the maintenance history to verify the column lock recall and other TSB/recalls have been completed.
Will add to the list if I remember others
Check both seat tracks for the rocking seat problem.
Check for any rear axle seal leaks
Inspect the battery tray and area underneath the tray for any acid leaks on the computer and harness below the tray. The early C5's had a issue with side post battery leakage.
If the car has the adjustable shocks, make sure all settings are operational.
Check all four tire pressure sensors for proper operation.
Have someone run the maintenance history to verify the column lock recall and other TSB/recalls have been completed.
Will add to the list if I remember others
Racer
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 456
Likes: 0
From: Port Orange Florida
DITTO to MCINTEX with my 98 and its problems. Mine has only 41000 miles and is in good to excellent condition and was going to trade it on a used 2004 CLK 320 and the dealer was only willing to give me $16,800for trade in value so I said 
CARFAX stated the CLK came out of Mobile, Alabama right after hurricane Katrina and the carpeting was stained with watermarks upo to the side speaker grilles on the doors and they had the nerve to tell me that the car was never flooded and it was coffee spillage.
I told them they must have dumped a 200 gallon drum of coffee to get stains like that. TYPICAL USED CAR SALESMAN!!! They must have thought I just fell off the turnip truck to be that gullible.
CARFAX stated the CLK came out of Mobile, Alabama right after hurricane Katrina and the carpeting was stained with watermarks upo to the side speaker grilles on the doors and they had the nerve to tell me that the car was never flooded and it was coffee spillage.
I told them they must have dumped a 200 gallon drum of coffee to get stains like that. TYPICAL USED CAR SALESMAN!!! They must have thought I just fell off the turnip truck to be that gullible.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 607
Likes: 1
From: Chesterfield Virginia
I'm the fourth owner of my 98. Got it in april with 37k on the clock for $24k. It's an A4 - there is no HUD or passenger side air bag shut off. Both can be installed but at a hefty price. I have a little one who will never be in it until he's big enough. The HUD I've never had before in any car so I don't know what I'm missing, although I've been told I'm missing a good addition. Check the battery containment area. They leaked causing corrosion (check the underside right below the battery area - you may find rust on the chassis. Make sure the FOB's work. Check the codes to see if there are history codes or current codes. Especially if it's from a dealership, they may not know how to clear or read or get the codes. Check under the cargo area carpet (coupe model) for any signs or smell of water. I'm sure there are other things, but this may help.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,206
Likes: 0
From: USA USA
Cruise-In II Veteran
98
As said,rocking seats,TPM system,seat bolster wear,column lock recall done(VIN will tell you that).Check for proper console lid operation,it could be all bent to pcs.,if it had been opened incorrectly.Check the tech tips as well. Some of these will show you how to correct Gm's little issues.
Matt
Matt
