J/K
2003 vettes the best?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 258
Likes: 1
From: Hamilton MT
2003 vettes the best?
Hi fellow vetters,
I read somewhere a while back, that the 2003 vettes were the best year of the C5's.
Any credibility on that?
What is the best C5 year, if not that?
I am thinking of trading in my 1997 for a newer one and I want to make the best trade I can.
Sure would appreciate any help here.
I read somewhere a while back, that the 2003 vettes were the best year of the C5's.
Any credibility on that?
What is the best C5 year, if not that?
I am thinking of trading in my 1997 for a newer one and I want to make the best trade I can.
Sure would appreciate any help here.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,605
Likes: 2
From: Latrobe PA
The best in what way? They may be worth slightly more in value because of the anniversary year, but they are not made any better than the later model years.
I like the 2001-2004 IMHO!
I like the 2001-2004 IMHO!
Last edited by photoguy; Jan 21, 2007 at 08:43 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,623
Likes: 316
From: Sparks, Nevada
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 258
Likes: 1
From: Hamilton MT
2003 the best?
By which year is best, I was thinking along the lines of most improvements, least year of problems, stuff like that there.
As far as Consumer Reports saying 2001 is best year, they may mean more bang for your buck as in new ones. Who knows unless one can find the article. I do know for a fact that the 2003 has a new liquid suspension system for going easy over bad roads. Found it in the forum, here.
As far as Consumer Reports saying 2001 is best year, they may mean more bang for your buck as in new ones. Who knows unless one can find the article. I do know for a fact that the 2003 has a new liquid suspension system for going easy over bad roads. Found it in the forum, here.
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Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,773
Likes: 2
From: San Diego CA
I don't remember what they were off hand, but there were some refinements made in '04 on the Z06, even though it was the last year of the C5. One was the shock absorbers.
Not sure if the refinements were to all C5's in '04.
Not sure if the refinements were to all C5's in '04.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
From: Palmer Alaska
Of course they are, but I'm a little biased 
j/k
<-------------
Anyway, 2003 and 2004 were the end of the line for C5's, so those two model years had the most refinements. Also, as mentioned before, starting in 2003, the Magnetic Selective Ride control was available. It was standard on AE's and an option for others.
j/k<-------------
Anyway, 2003 and 2004 were the end of the line for C5's, so those two model years had the most refinements. Also, as mentioned before, starting in 2003, the Magnetic Selective Ride control was available. It was standard on AE's and an option for others.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,448
Likes: 4
From: Sarasota Florida
St. Jude Donor '06
2002 or early 2003 is "the best", so far as specification is concerned, and again just imnsho. They have all the significant upgrades and refinements, and don't have the fuel system of late 03-04, which is a step backwards. At least if you're going to mod. If you're going to leave it stock, go for an 04.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,494
Likes: 0
From: McKinney Tx
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude's Donor '05
03's were the best vettes of the C5 generation. The had the fewest consumer complaints and the least trips to the dealerships for defects. Funny mine made to the stealership three times for a rear diff leak
On the flip side the were the most expensive C5 of the bunch.
The 04's, while every bit as good as the 03's, were carry overs until the arrival of the much-hyped C6.
On the flip side the were the most expensive C5 of the bunch.The 04's, while every bit as good as the 03's, were carry overs until the arrival of the much-hyped C6.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,653
Likes: 6
From: North Royalton, OH
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
As an '04 owner, there are a few times I wished I bought an '03. Like when I installed headers, there were (and are) no 02 simulators for my car - no one makes them. On the flip side, the thermostat on the '04 is only $20 compared to $75 on the earlier years - they went back to the "old style" separate thermo rather than the whole thermostat/water neck combo. I've got better leather on my stock seats than some earlier years, and my seats hardly look sat in, much less have a problem with the side bolsters tearing. I'm sure there are a few more things that don't come to mind, but those are the most glaring. Always little differences in the model years. Decide what you want to do, then go for the model that supports that the best (modding, racing, showing, etc).
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,180
Likes: 0
From: Georgetown (Sun City) Texas
I'd buy an '04, simple decision! 
Of course I bought new. I knew I did not like the new stlye coming out and the C5 is really the only generation that I like except the late 60's.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 23,900
Likes: 218
From: Foxtrot Delta Tango
According to the book "all Corvettes are Red" in the last model year before a new generation there are not usually any drastic technological improvements. Instead GM uses gimmicks to entice buyers such as in 96 they had the Collectors Editions and the Grand Sports and in 2004 the Commerative Edition. All the reasearch and development money is funneled toward the new car.