Best yr vette
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,213
Likes: 1
From: South Alabama
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,658
Likes: 25
From: Rochester Minnesota
I'm a long, long way from being a C5 expert. However, I've been a member of SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) for over 40 years and a gearhead longer. Historically with cars (and especially Vettes), the first model year of a "new" vehicle is more problematic and the last year or two least problematic. There are always exceptions, but I'll bet it applies to C5's also.
As others have said, look for the one in best condition for your budget. The early C5's problems (whatever they were) have probably pretty much occured and been dealt with by previous owners. However, the more owners and the more miles, the more has probably also been "taken out" of the car.
As others have said, look for the one in best condition for your budget. The early C5's problems (whatever they were) have probably pretty much occured and been dealt with by previous owners. However, the more owners and the more miles, the more has probably also been "taken out" of the car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,331
Likes: 2
From: Akron Ohio
Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 706
Likes: 0
From: Clearwater FL
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,545
Likes: 17
From: Bartlett Tennessee
All years of the C5 were good and they have proven to be very reliable. There are some common problems with all years, and yes, the later model year cars did have features that the earlier ones didn't - plus some options on the earlier cars were standard on the later ones.
BUT I SURE DO LOVE MY 98 !!!!!!
Last edited by 2 GRUMPY; Feb 19, 2007 at 03:44 AM. Reason: LEFT SOME THING OUT -MY VOTE !!
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 10,295
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From: Downers Grove IL
St. Jude Donor '15
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Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 10,295
Likes: 4
From: Downers Grove IL
St. Jude Donor '15
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,213
Likes: 1
From: South Alabama
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,331
Likes: 2
From: Akron Ohio
I am not going to write out a list, but pretty much everything in the car improved: engine, interior, some new options, transmission, soft top(verts), sound proofing, etc...Do a search, there should be some links.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 432
Likes: 2
From: peoria az
St. Jude Donor '07
welcome to forum,we been waiting for you
hey guys this is my first post, i tried searching but i couldnt find any info on my question
im gunna be looking into gettin a c5 soon, and i know that the 01 and up i believe had a lil more power and a few minor other things different but Reliability wise is there really any difference between the years, i was told not to get a 97 because that was the first yr of the LS1 but other then that is there any yrs that are more prone to have problems then the others?
thanks in advance
-evan-
im gunna be looking into gettin a c5 soon, and i know that the 01 and up i believe had a lil more power and a few minor other things different but Reliability wise is there really any difference between the years, i was told not to get a 97 because that was the first yr of the LS1 but other then that is there any yrs that are more prone to have problems then the others?
thanks in advance
-evan-
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/history/press/
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 7,215
Likes: 1
From: Orlando FL
this is why i brought up this question, if youll click the link below and explain for me please
http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Re...ette&trimid=-1
it seems like the 97 had more problems and so did the 2000 but i thought they were all the same so why would some have different problems then others?
http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Re...ette&trimid=-1
it seems like the 97 had more problems and so did the 2000 but i thought they were all the same so why would some have different problems then others?
there are slight differences as the C5 evolved. my advice would be to buy the newest lowest milage car you can afford. milage is important but more important is how the car was treated over the years. do some looking and dont jump on the first thing you find good luck and welcome
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,333
Likes: 1
From: VA
St. Jude Donor '03-'11
Other than the oil consumption issue (I think that was 01?), I haven't heard anything to make me believe one year is more or less reliable than others - that's just unscientific observation by hanging around here a few years.
It comes down to what features you want. If you want convertible, 97 is out. If you want HUD, most of 98 is out too. '01 and later cars have much cheaper tire pressure sensors, but that'll only save you a couple hundred bucks every few years (and they can be turned off). At some point after '99, I believe you can go into the competitive driving mode without having to stop the car... again, pretty minor.
I'm happy with my '99
It comes down to what features you want. If you want convertible, 97 is out. If you want HUD, most of 98 is out too. '01 and later cars have much cheaper tire pressure sensors, but that'll only save you a couple hundred bucks every few years (and they can be turned off). At some point after '99, I believe you can go into the competitive driving mode without having to stop the car... again, pretty minor.
I'm happy with my '99
Advanced
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 69
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From: Out in the Woods VIRGINIA
