Hey guys. I just sold my c3 and im looking into buying a c5 2000-2002 in the next few months. Im thinking of a vert 6spd. Can anyone give me some helpful advice about any known problems these cars are prone to that i should look for? Thanks a lot

 

batteries go dead if not run over a 2 week period of time. Check for the column lock bypass to see if it has been replaced. (Recall). I have heard of rear differentials leaking on some cars that don't get driven a lot. (low milage cars).2001 Z-06's are oil burners (only year). That is all I can think of.

 

There are numerous threads on this matter - but here is an overview:

1. Column lock - recall by GM. Most have found this solution to be less than satisfactory, and for ~$50 have gone with an aftermarket solution (Column Lock Bypass) that is sold by many of the Forum vendors.

2. SOME '00/'01 Vettes had an oil consumption issue. It was a TSB by GM, and many were fixed by them. If you come across one of those that are FS, do a seach (through any GM dealer) of the TSB and determine if that particular Vette is/was affected.

3. '97-'00 had a recall for the passenger side seat belt (also a TSB through GM).

4. The "run flat" GY tires ARE noisy - many have elected to change brands for that reason.

In addition to the above, check for:

A. Battery - many of the original Delcos developed leaks - since a lot of the computers in the Vette are located directly under the battery tray, look closely at that area to ensure that no acid from the battery got onto/into the computer.

B. Many have issues with the brightness of the AC read outs - it is fixable with replacement of the LED - there are a number of How To posts on this here in C5 General.

C. If it is a Vert - in some instances there is wear on the drivers side, towards the rear of the top. Cause- window alignment (again many threads on how to adjust this on the C5 General section).

There are other issues - most of which are minor, and not really of concern.

Hope you find one that fits your needs - the C5's are really a great example of a Corvette

 

Visit www.corvetteactioncenter.com for a list of service bulletins, specs, recalls, options of each year, etc. Thats how I decided on the 03 I just bought.

 

there are some problems with the C5 that could rear its ugly head from time to time, just keep some funds put away to deal with them (5 grand sounds good) and enjoy the ride.

 

On some earlier models, 97-99 I think, Had really noisy fuel pumps.
Also the seats rock, which isn't fun in a hard brake.

 

Fuel pump issue = '97

Rocking seats - few & far between

 

Since you are looking for 2000-2002, you should read about all the upgrades made in 2001.
http://www.corvettemuseum.com/specs/2001/index.htm

Our previous Vette was also a C3...the C5 is an awesome car!

 

I went from a C3 (1981) to a C5 (2003 Z06). The C5 has been a fantastic car. If you are able to find a good used C5 (and many excellent vehicles are available), you will not regret it. You will be thrilled!

 

I have recently been researching the purchase of a C5. Being a former owner of two earlier model Vettes each has its own weak areas. I read that the clutch pedal has had its share of complaints as far as engagement and pedal position from the floor. This hydraulic clutch linkage maybe the problem or some have suggested pressure plate .
Vettes being a 'glass bodied vehicle the ground circuit is taxed and many electrical problems can be attributed to corroded ground connections. This is true with all year Vettes.
The oil ring problem is a well known problem with the 2000 C5 so make sure that this problem was addressed if considering a 2000 .
http://www.idavette.net/hib/02ls6/page5.htm This is the scoop on the oil consumption.

 

I've got a 2003 with 25K miles. I'm getting all kinds of messages about the ABS system, Traction Control System, etc. It's a C1214 error code. Took it to the dealer and they want 2800 to fix it saying the EBCM and BPM are both bad. I checked this forum and evidently this may be a common problem on C5 vettes.

I'm not paying 2800.00 to fix it, instead I've removed the EBCM and hoping the guys at ABSFixer.com can repair it. If not, I'm out a lot of money.

My situation isn't unique if you do a search for EBCM on this forum.

Good luck.

 

I have a 2000, how do I find out what vin #'s were affected by this, I have tried searching google, anyone have a direct link or know??

 

AC54ME has hit the high pts. i sold my C3 and Bought a C5 vert and never looked back . much nicer ride

 

thanx. great help.. keep it comin guys

 

I owned a C3 and had fun with it but it couldn't come close to the C5. You're on the right track. 2002 had some upgrades over previous years and would recommend that you try and buy '02-'04. I have an '02 mn6 vert and believe it's a good example of the best Corvette ever built. Good luck in your search, take your time and enjoy the hunt.

 

i did 2 months of heavy online research and drove all three models of the c5 2002-2004 rocks! i got an '02 zo6 woohoo!
barely could afford that but its worth it!

but those verts are fricken beautiful!

helluva car!

 

actually it's 2001 and up that had upgrades, quite a few actually. Any year c5 you buy though is a great year, they all have little to moderate glitches, probably most common though is column lock and it affects all c5's. Read some of the stickies in the Tech area, good luck

 

I was mainly thinking about the "second generation Active Handling" system featuring dynamic rear brake proportioning plus rear brake stability control new in '02. Also the A4 auto trans cooler case went from stainless steel to lighter weight aluminum. '02 coupe and vert standard sound system included a CD player/AM FM. Then I drew a blank!

 

LS1C5Vette; http://www.idavette.net/hib/02ls6/page5.htm This is the article that explained to me what the complaint and fix was for the oil consumption of the LS1

dD

 

AC54ME's summary is spot on. Some of the 01s used a lot of oil although the TSB is for the Z06 so a Vert shouldn't be affected. Even so, an 02 may be a better option if you can find one.

The only other thing I've had on my 02 is a bad door lock module. I'd say battery and diff are the ones to check carefully.