Which Year C5?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Which Year C5?
I will be purchasing a C5 next year and have started my preliminary search. All things else held constant, is there a better year C5 I should be looking for. I have never purchased anything the first year so a 97 model is pretty much out of the question. I figure if there are any "bugs" they would work them out in the later models. I am pretty much looking at models 2000-2004. Any suggestions? Anythng in particular I should be looking for when buying a used Corvette?
Thanks in advance!
John
Thanks in advance!
John
Supremacy 1 car at a time
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,683
Likes: 0
From: West Chester Pa
I looked around for 2 months before I came across mine, the car belonged to a friend of a friend who takes outstanding care of his cars and I ended up on getting a really good deal on it. My search was pretty simple, I wanted an 02-04 Z06 with less than 25000 miles and I wanted the car garage kept. Keep looking around youll find the right one, when you go look at it talk to the owner and ask to go for a ride. Watch how they drive the car, do they let it warm up before they lean on it? Just pay attention to the little things.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 373
Likes: 0
From: Belews Creek N.C.
I will be purchasing a C5 next year and have started my preliminary search. All things else held constant, is there a better year C5 I should be looking for. I have never purchased anything the first year so a 97 model is pretty much out of the question. I figure if there are any "bugs" they would work them out in the later models. I am pretty much looking at models 2000-2004. Any suggestions? Anythng in particular I should be looking for when buying a used Corvette?
Thanks in advance!
John
Thanks in advance!
John
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 15,136
Likes: 477
From: NM
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 7,215
Likes: 1
From: Orlando FL
2000 had the hottest factory cam, 03-04 have more refinement. I just bought a 98 vert, garage kept, my advice is least miles most well maintained. I vote for the vert as I am a huge fan of these. Good luck do your homework. Be careful of Catrina cars and shady people. $25 for carfax is a solid idea. Welcome in advance
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,024
Likes: 18
From: DFW Texas
I had a 99 that I tried to beat the crap out of it - and it's would start up and run like a cat with its *** on fire. Ran it 15k miles or so, then got a 2000. Not as hard on it but absolutely ZERO issues with either.
If you can find one and have Cheby pull up all the service records and nothing alarming, don't know how you could go wrong. They all they their common little things to deal with here and there, but it's as strong as a mule.
GOOD LUCK in your Search.........
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If you can find one and have Cheby pull up all the service records and nothing alarming, don't know how you could go wrong. They all they their common little things to deal with here and there, but it's as strong as a mule.
GOOD LUCK in your Search.........
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Some of the 01s had high oil useage. May be worth going for an 02 or newer on that basis. That said, they are all great cars and you'll be happy whichever you choose.
Best of luck
Best of luck
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
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Get the newest, lowest mileage car you can afford that has the options you want on it. Shop around carefully and really check the car out. PM me your e-mail address - I have a Word file that can be used as a checklist.
