Ask me about a 75 and I can tell you just about anything but I am now looking at two C5's and could use some input. One is a 2000 w/36k miles for around $26k the other is a 2002 w/46k miles for around $28k. The basic equipment is about the same but the 2000 has the HUD and a little more chrome. Any advise would be great. Both are convertibles.

 

here are a couple of resources:
The first link is for the 2000 model
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...000/index.html

the second for the 2002
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...002/index.html

2001 and newer vettes have the LS6 intake that adds 5 more HP that older models.
They also have a newer less expensive model (approx $140 vs $400)of tire pressure sensors
Tire pressure sensors last about 7 years. The ones on the '00 if they have not been replaced will need replacing shortly. The pre '01 cannot be turned off. while the newer ones can with a tech II scanner.

You can buy a DIY installation kit and put a HUD in for about $400.
The active handling algorithms were upgraded in '01 for better control.

Read the post sin this thread to get a handle on common C5 issues etc
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=984927

One of the items that is a real pain is Column lock...
read this thread
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1015483

Some of the issues are:

leaking drivers side rear diff.
dim HVAC display
bad relay in door lock unlock mechanism
poor grabbing of parking brake
first mod if not done should be a column lock bypass ( ask if done)
If a manual you want to install a CAGS eliminator ( computer aided gear shift ... it forces a 1st to 4th shift by locking out 2 and 3 under certain throttle speed conditions it was done to meet CAFE mielage requirements)




Personally I would go with the newer model

 

Wow, that was some really useful information. I am going to test drive the 2002 tomorrow. I now have a lot of things to look for.

 

The 2000 uses a little oil if it wasn't fixed. There was a problem with the rings.

I have a 2002, the diff leaked last summer and Chevy fixed it under warranty.

I have used oil only when pushing it hard at the Bloomington Gold Tour

Other then that, I have not used any since. (No WOT, usually)

enjoy

 

Although I haven't had any of the common problems with my 2000, I still wouldn't recommend it because it has more proprietary electronics then the 97-99 and the 01-04. It's the oddball year. For example the FOB's for the 2000's are the most expensive and they only work for that year.

Also a HUD kit is around $400.

 

I would also recommend you read this post.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=984927

Has a lot of good info.

I believe it was the 2001 model year cars that had the excessive oil burning issues. It was related to the rings and a technical service bulletin was issued on the subject. You can do a search in google and probably find more info. It was only an issue on some, not all cars.

Another thing to know are what they call RPO (regular package options) codes. These codes list all the options available for the vettes. If you open the glovebox of the car you will see all the options that came with the car. Someone posted the RPO codes, just don't remember where.

Good luck with your search.

 

The 2000 has much lower miles than the 02 & is cheaper to buy. You can use that extra money you saved for mods Find out as much as you can about the history of the 2. Basically the same car imo the extra 5 hp won't be noticed in the 02.

 

Here is a link to the oil burning issue explained.........

http://www.c5registry.com/2k2z06/page5.htm

 

If the '02 checks out OK, that would be the one I would probably go with. Newer car for just a little more money.

 

We went to drive the 02 (1 hour drive oneway) and what a disappointment! This was owned by people that only think a Corvette is just another car to drive. The interior was filthy and my wife swore that she could smell dog urine. Lots of dog hair. Eng. compartment was dirty with a lot of sand all over it (near coast). Needless to say, we passed on this one. I am now negotiating with a guy on a 2000 with 12000 miles, originial owner has all the original papers w/window sticker. Have only seen pictures and the exterior and interior look great but the engine compartment looks like it has not been detailed. I am trying not to be to **** about that because I can clean that up. I am thinking about trying to get him to include an engine detail in the deal. Right now we are at $28,500. Any imput would be great. Keep the advise coming. What do ya'll think about the price? I am a little concerned about the tire pressure sensors. I could care less about them working if they go out. What happens if you don't fix them? Is it just a warning light or a buzzer or what?

 

My dad always said a used car is worth what someone is willing to pay for it.

If its exactly what you want and you think you've found your car, paying a bit more is worth it in the long run. I think I paid a bit more for my car than I could have paid elsewhere, but it was exactly what I wanted and it was local. Buying a car across the country for $2K less would have made no sense once I figured in all the costs associated with getting it home and the risks involved buying long distance.

If you know its the car for you, BUY IT!!!

 

BTW, Bad tire sensors will activate a "check tire pressure" notice on the DIC, I think.

 

Good luck with your search

 

Nope it will say "Serv Tire Press. Mon." Mine's been giving me that same message at every startup for the past 22,000mi.

 

I dont have any sensors

 

The 12,000 mile car may be a deal. Work the price. Detailing the engine only takes a Saturday AM, so its no biggie.

 

Crause:
JUST what do you want to use the C5 for? Weekends,
Crusie IN's, day trips...etc and are you keeping the C3 ..if so what do you intend to use it for?

I own 64 72 & 98 Ragtops...76 & 79 Coupes....EACH
basically has its own USE... the 64 & 72 Ragtops are
Saturday night Cruise In cars..The 76 is the car I pull
\out o the garage on nice Summer evenings and drive the hell out of on the Back Twisties downshifting as I enter the turns etc... The 79 is the only automatic Vette I have and is "our" lets go to the ice cream place and take a nice slow relaxing Sunday drive in...

My 98 now has 24,000 on it and it replaced my 95 and is used for day trips, weekend 100+ mile drives etc...
Favorite use of th car is driving 100 miles to a Nice Restaurant etc. In Short when I want a comfortable car that moves and the wife is in the passenger seat I take the 98...

=========Now when I purchased the 98 I was actually looking for a 2000-2002 ..had to be a Ragtop
had to be a 6 sp and could be any color EXCEPT black...(95 was black and it drove me to drink keeping clean)..I did NOT care how many miles it had as I figured it would be used 2-3000 miles a year max..

I spent 6 months looking....and gradually expanded my search for ANY year Ragtop (99-2004) as I kept comming up with the fact that all C5's are 95 percent the same.. Went to 4 dealers and told them to keep an eye out for what I wanted (They all knew me and knew I was into Corvettes)..so they took me seriously...

Anywho ... got a call that a guy was buying a 2005
and trading in his 98...low milage ...it had 2000 style wheels, (I do not like the 97-99 wagon wheels)Plus it had the SPL 5 Package (exhaust,air breather etc) ..
Talked to the original owner, looked the car over IN MY GARAGE up on the lift and could not find anything wrong..

So Take you time looking ...just list what you want to use the car or and what options you would NOT except (auto tranny..or coupe..and not black in my case) ..

Good luck...I love my 1998 (9 years old Corvette ragtop now with 24,050 miles on the clock and it will be out of the garage APRIL 1st (aprils fools day) as will the other 4...

Bob G.
64 72 & 98 Verts
76 & 79 Coupes..

 

In my opinion $28,500 is way too much for a 2000. A mint, low mileage 2002 may be worth that money, but not a 2000. As for the lack of engine bay detailing......well, at 12,000 miles it doesn't necessarily mean that the car has been neglected, and it is an easy fix, but it does indicate that the current owner is not typical of the members on this forum.
As others have said on this thread, take your time, there are lots of C5s out there and there is no need to rush into a purchase. Good luck with your search.

 

The mileage is great, the price is not. I'd either get it down, or move on. There will be more out there, and some as nice as this one sounds.

 

I think the price is too high!
If you really like the car and want it, just tell the seller what you will pay for the car and give him your telephone number and walk away. At the price he's asking, it is not likely he will sell it. Tell him that offer is all your can spend and if he decides he wants to sell the car quick for cash just call you. Whatever you do in negotiating for a car, never let the seller know that in your mind that you have already decided to buy the car as that will stop any further lowering of the price.
Another hint is don't take your wife or anyone with you that would be prone to make comments about the car like, "it's a great deal", or "if you don't buy it , I will", etc. I would recommend taking someone who is knowledgeable of Vettes and program them to be as negative about the car as the buyer is positive about it. Many buyers overlook worn or aged tires when looking at shiney waxed paint. Your assistant can openly remind you that those "original" tires that are now several years old need to be replaced even tho they don't have but a few thousand miles on them. For runflats that could cost 1200-$1600.
Good luck in finding the right Vette for you!