Best year for a coupe/convertible
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,509
Likes: 239
From: Coconut Creek FL
Originally Posted by craig04c5
I would not buy a GM 1st or 2nd year car. Therefore I would stay away from 97 & 98 (97 was the 1st year for the C5).
I don't agree with this- I owned a 97 and it was a fantastic car....and problem free. I am sure other 97, 98 owners would agree...the early C5's were not hindered by the leaking rear diff or oil consumption issues...and there were other issues the later C5's encountered that the early one's didn't have...EBCM comes to mind...
I sold that and got a 2000 C5 (still the 345HP engine) though a 6 speed...it too is a great car...not all the early years are bad...sure you see them from time to time...but I have seen many late years with MAJOR issues. Plus you can get an early C5 for a great price now a days.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 12,952
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From: Greer SC
Cruise-In II Veteran
Originally Posted by 84vetwife76vetmom
I love it when women can handle themselves and their cars. We seem to be an understated group that can handle more than we are given credit for.
Lori
Lori
And back to the original poster, there were numerous upgrades in '01, so I would recommend '01 or newer. Here is a link to that information... http://www.corvettemuseum.com/specs/2001/index.htm Read the Section "New for 2001".
Last edited by Sully C5; Oct 2, 2006 at 10:43 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,131
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From: "Never play games with a bitch who can play them better" NE PA
Cruise-In VIII & IX Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07-'08
I completely agree--I will---eventually fit into the heavily modded category but unfortunately for now it will have to stay stock(I have 2 others to work on first) but that also doesn't mean that some people will not be seeing my tail lights---that would be a guarantee..
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Clermont Florida
Sully...That is a great artical about the inprovements made in 2001. Well I've decided to go with the convertible and will focus on the lowest milage 02 with the auto. My next question is what suspension package is the best for a daily driver?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,903
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From: I finished a Marathon, did you? Michigan
CI 6-7, 9-10 Veteran
Originally Posted by jrose7004
Get the newest car you can afford!
But also, the best year for either is 2004. They quit doing any more upgrades the the C5 after 2004
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
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From: Greer SC
Cruise-In II Veteran
Originally Posted by Tight Lines
Sully...That is a great artical about the inprovements made in 2001. Well I've decided to go with the convertible and will focus on the lowest milage 02 with the auto. My next question is what suspension package is the best for a daily driver?
Don't forget that the A4 tranny has two rears...standard is 2.73 & performance is 3.15. Personally I would go with the 3.15.
Here is info about the 2002 & available options...
http://www.idavette.net/facts/2002/index.htm
And information regarding the suspension...
Spring Rates, Front/Rear, *lb/in:
Base...440/577
MSRC..457/577
Z51....525/634
Stabilizer Bars:
Base Suspension: 23mm-front / 19.1mm-rear
Z51 (00-04): 28.6mm-front / 23.6mm-rear
Keep in mind that you can always upgrade the rear and the suspension. So if you find a car you like at a good price, you can always replace any part that does provide the performance you desire. Look at me...there is not one part on our car (other than interior & body) that is original equipment. We replaced everything!
Last edited by Sully C5; Oct 2, 2006 at 10:24 PM.
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Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
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Originally Posted by craig04c5
I would not buy a GM 1st or 2nd year car. Therefore I would stay away from 97 & 98 (97 was the 1st year for the C5).
Actually, statistically speaking, 97 was also the most trouble free of the entire run. And the 98 won "car of the year" awards...
Of course, you should buy what you're comfortable with, but I have a very trouble free 1998 Vert, and wouldn't think for a moment to buy something newer...
I usually suggest to buy the nicest, lowest mileage one you can afford...forget about the year.
