Should I avoid a 1997 C5?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
From: Birmingham Al
Should I avoid a 1997 C5?
I am narrowing down a list of C5 cars to buy and I keep hearing an opinion from several people. It goes like this... "Don't buy a 1997, it was the first model year and they didn't get it right".
Is there any truth to that rumor? What would be wrong?
I found a very low mile, one owner 1997 (with my preferred color/option/transmission, etc) and think it is a good vehicle. I would strongly consider buying it.
Tell me where I could be wrong. Thanks in advance.
Is there any truth to that rumor? What would be wrong?
I found a very low mile, one owner 1997 (with my preferred color/option/transmission, etc) and think it is a good vehicle. I would strongly consider buying it.
Tell me where I could be wrong. Thanks in advance.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,501
Likes: 1
From: TAMPA BAY FL.
that's always been a rule of thumb. There were problems with the 97. among them was a noisy or faulty fuel pump, sticky steering column lock( that seems to still haunt us today!) dead fuel gages, jittery wheel sensors and traction control system problems.
Most of these problems should have ben fixed by previous owners and shouldnt be a reason to walk away from a nice clean low mileage car, as they are all fixable.
It was after all the newest model of the c5 generation! First year with the LS1, torque tube to a transaxle that fixed the weight ratios, hydroformed frame rails etc. where else can you buy a car that can do what the vette can do for this kind of money!
How much are they asking? I would not hesitate to buy a 97, the newer the better but if its your wallet dictating what you buy there is nothing wrong with them. Drive it in to the ground and don't regret it for a minute!
Most of these problems should have ben fixed by previous owners and shouldnt be a reason to walk away from a nice clean low mileage car, as they are all fixable.
It was after all the newest model of the c5 generation! First year with the LS1, torque tube to a transaxle that fixed the weight ratios, hydroformed frame rails etc. where else can you buy a car that can do what the vette can do for this kind of money!
How much are they asking? I would not hesitate to buy a 97, the newer the better but if its your wallet dictating what you buy there is nothing wrong with them. Drive it in to the ground and don't regret it for a minute!
Team Owner
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 21,473
Likes: 356
From: Palmdale, Ca----- 2009 Cyber Gray 4LT A6 F55 452 RWHP 422 RWTQ- RIP 1998 C5 734 RWHP & 585 RWTQ-----
If it's what you want and the price is right then I would go for it!
But just for some kicks check out the C5 For Sale section to get some comparisons!
Thanks,Matt
But just for some kicks check out the C5 For Sale section to get some comparisons!
Thanks,Matt
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,195
Likes: 25
From: Tacoma WA
Yeah - the VAST MAJORITY of the problems with C5s are shared between all C5s... lol
Also, the '97 did not have the HUD option - but it is possible to add it.
The Noisy Fuel pump does not indicate Faulty. My pump is noisy, but there is nothing wrong with it. So as far as problems go - it isn't really one, it's just occasionally irritating.
If you go the Forced Induction route - i believe there are some alternator bracket differences that will **** you off - but are workaround able.
If ya found a clean low mileage one - i would jump on it. The differences will be marginal for the money. You run just as much risk getting an '02 with some weird problem as a '97... IMO.
Dan
Also, the '97 did not have the HUD option - but it is possible to add it.
The Noisy Fuel pump does not indicate Faulty. My pump is noisy, but there is nothing wrong with it. So as far as problems go - it isn't really one, it's just occasionally irritating.
If you go the Forced Induction route - i believe there are some alternator bracket differences that will **** you off - but are workaround able.
If ya found a clean low mileage one - i would jump on it. The differences will be marginal for the money. You run just as much risk getting an '02 with some weird problem as a '97... IMO.
Dan
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,119
Likes: 272
From: SC
A 97 is fine, I looked for a 97 and ended up with a 98 because the car was clean and the price was right. I would have bought a 97 if i could have found a Nassau Blue that was clean. These cars are the same from 97-04 with just a few differences. To me, I would not spend the money for a newer one unless I went with a c6.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,735
Likes: 14
From: Visalia CA
I Own a 97
I love my 97. The only irritating thing I have about it is the dreaded "97 seat creep". Under medium to hard braking it feels like the seat is moving forward. As far as the 97 being the first year for the C5, I believe GM tests their new models for millions of miles b4 they are ever released. You'll have lemons in any year of Vette or any car, for that matter. If the car looks good and the price is right, go for it! 
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,974
Likes: 5
From: CenTex Texas
The "rocking seat" problem occurs with other year C5's too and not just '97's. There was a recall done for this a few yrs ago......that's how i got mine fixed.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 665
Likes: 0
From: DON`T MAKE ME BLEED MY OWN BLOOD!!! TX
Same here ,go for it for the right one and right price 
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 25,889
Likes: 7
From: Virginia Beach
CI 3-5-6-7-8 Veteran
Go for it... the '01+ cars have a host of upgrades though. A few:
*Stronger torque tube setup
*LS6 block and intake manifold
*Marginally different cam
*Revised Active Handling
etc etc.
*Stronger torque tube setup
*LS6 block and intake manifold
*Marginally different cam
*Revised Active Handling
etc etc.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 14,358
Likes: 1
From: Medford NJ
I had a 99 and now have a 97. For the most part I think many of the issues in the 97 are shared throughout the other model years, but everyone on here has indicated a couple noteworthy ones. The fuel pump is loud... but on mine it seems to only do it/or be noticeable for like 5 minutes or so. My TCS and ABS lights have come on periodically but then seem to go away with the next start up.
Now I have recently had some electrical issues but it sounds as if this is commonplace thruout different model years.
Another thing to think about is the ammentites that were added to later models like the HUD and Competition Driving Mode to name two.
In general they do say to avoid the 1st model year of any new car, but I found this car last year with only 3k miles on it in pristine condition for a price comparable to what cars in my area were going for with 20k+ miles so mine was a no brainer.
Now I have recently had some electrical issues but it sounds as if this is commonplace thruout different model years.
Another thing to think about is the ammentites that were added to later models like the HUD and Competition Driving Mode to name two.
In general they do say to avoid the 1st model year of any new car, but I found this car last year with only 3k miles on it in pristine condition for a price comparable to what cars in my area were going for with 20k+ miles so mine was a no brainer.