Shopping for first c5
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 273
Likes: 1
From: Columbia Maryland
Shopping for first c5
Im searching for C5s in the lowest of low price ranges. The ones I seem to be able to afford are in the 90-100k mile territory.
Coming from a toyota, im worried that the reliability/life of the car is going to go down a lot from what I'm used too, but I've also heard great things about the ls series of engines.
Anything I should look for specifically wrong on 97-99 C5's ?
To be even more specific M6 and targa.
Any general pointers or links would be greatly appriciated
Thanks!
Brian
Coming from a toyota, im worried that the reliability/life of the car is going to go down a lot from what I'm used too, but I've also heard great things about the ls series of engines.
Anything I should look for specifically wrong on 97-99 C5's ?
To be even more specific M6 and targa.
Any general pointers or links would be greatly appriciated
Thanks!
Brian
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 312
From: P-town Baby! Virginia
I wouldn't be very concerned about buying a high mileage C5...the engines are pretty reliable and durable. I would just make a list of options/colors you are interested in and start hunting for your new ride! Best of luck finding your new vette!
This forum is a great resource and there are some great deals on vettes for sale on this board.
This forum is a great resource and there are some great deals on vettes for sale on this board.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 273
Likes: 1
From: Columbia Maryland
Originally Posted by IMXCITD
I wouldn't be very concerned about buying a high mileage C5...the engines are pretty reliable and durable. I would just make a list of options/colors you are interested in and start hunting for your new ride! Best of luck finding your new vette!
This forum is a great resource and there are some great deals on vettes for sale on this board.
This forum is a great resource and there are some great deals on vettes for sale on this board.
Ive been reading the board on and off for a little while now and it seems to be the least elitist of any I've been a part of. I thought it was hilarious driving a POS corolla and going online to the forums for help and getting talked down to by some guy that spend $100 on an electric supercharger off ebay.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 16,135
Likes: 5
From: Newberry FL
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
You might want to go ahead and fill in your profile. You can get better help from local folks that might have a "know" on available vettes in your general area.
Micah
Micah
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 273
Likes: 1
From: Columbia Maryland
Originally Posted by mph1972
You might want to go ahead and fill in your profile. You can get better help from local folks that might have a "know" on available vettes in your general area.
Micah
Micah
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,217
Likes: 5
From: Stark County Ohio
Best advice that I can give from my 32+ years buying/owning/driving Corvettes is that first and foremost is CONDITION with mileage being secondary.
Look at several Corvettes for comparison – in and above your price range. The more Corvettes that you inspect, the more you will come to realize the wide range in overall condition of the cars.
I’ve seen Corvettes with 100K in better overall condition than some with only 40K on the clock.
Look under the car with as much intensity as the topside. Putting a car on a lift is the best scenario if possible. Take a mirror and a powerful flashlight for inspections. Rust and corrosion are still your enemies - even with a Corvette.
Look at several Corvettes for comparison – in and above your price range. The more Corvettes that you inspect, the more you will come to realize the wide range in overall condition of the cars.
I’ve seen Corvettes with 100K in better overall condition than some with only 40K on the clock.
Look under the car with as much intensity as the topside. Putting a car on a lift is the best scenario if possible. Take a mirror and a powerful flashlight for inspections. Rust and corrosion are still your enemies - even with a Corvette.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: Lafayette Louisiana
bought mine with 100k on the clock. beautiful car. i ended up having to replace the ac compressor about a year later but that's all that i've 'had' to do. the rest i've done cuz i wanted to 
(appearance mods)
i was concerned about the high mileage thing as well but it was all i could afford. i'm at 115k and going strong and it was certainly NOT a mistake.
go for it.
get one in good condition.
(appearance mods)i was concerned about the high mileage thing as well but it was all i could afford. i'm at 115k and going strong and it was certainly NOT a mistake.
go for it.
get one in good condition.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 273
Likes: 1
From: Columbia Maryland
Originally Posted by theinvid
bought mine with 100k on the clock. beautiful car. i ended up having to replace the ac compressor about a year later but that's all that i've 'had' to do. the rest i've done cuz i wanted to (appearance mods)
i was concerned about the high mileage thing as well but it was all i could afford. i'm at 115k and going strong and it was certainly NOT a mistake.
go for it.
get one in good condition.
(appearance mods)i was concerned about the high mileage thing as well but it was all i could afford. i'm at 115k and going strong and it was certainly NOT a mistake.
go for it.
get one in good condition.
did you do the AC work yourself? I replaced the oriface tube on my dads old lexus and it scared me away from ever working on AC systems ever again...
Although being from GM, ive heard they are much more affordable in terms of parts vs the japanese ones im used to
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,088
Likes: 2
From: tampa florida
Originally Posted by timemender
Best advice that I can give from my 32+ years buying/owning/driving Corvettes is that first and foremost is CONDITION with mileage being secondary.
Look at several Corvettes for comparison – in and above your price range. The more Corvettes that you inspect, the more you will come to realize the wide range in overall condition of the cars.
I’ve seen Corvettes with 100K in better overall condition than some with only 40K on the clock.
Look under the car with as much intensity as the topside. Putting a car on a lift is the best scenario if possible. Take a mirror and a powerful flashlight for inspections. Rust and corrosion are still your enemies - even with a Corvette.
Look at several Corvettes for comparison – in and above your price range. The more Corvettes that you inspect, the more you will come to realize the wide range in overall condition of the cars.
I’ve seen Corvettes with 100K in better overall condition than some with only 40K on the clock.
Look under the car with as much intensity as the topside. Putting a car on a lift is the best scenario if possible. Take a mirror and a powerful flashlight for inspections. Rust and corrosion are still your enemies - even with a Corvette.
Good advice. I would add, and I know its very hard to do, but BE PATIENT. Don't jump at the first one you see. Take someone with you to play devil's advocate. Make sure it is someone who is willing to debate you and tell you like it is. Good Luck and post pics when you get your vette.
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Be sure you look at a number of cars before you decide - quite a few C5s for sale now and prices are very reasonable. You may even have to expand your search area, but to get the right car it will be worth it. Look for any leaks (especially from the rear differential seals). Nothing wrong with a high mileage C5 as long as it has been well cared for and properly maintained. Best of luck finding the right car.