Question for 1997 owners
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Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 627
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From: Pittsburgh PA
Question for 1997 owners
I had a 99 a few years ago but sold it to buy a house, now I've come across a nice 97 in my price range. I was wondering if there are any major 1st model year bugs? Thanks
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,735
Likes: 14
From: Visalia CA
'97 Issues
No more issues than the 99 you owned. Rocking seats, column lock, noisy fuel pump, loud and hard runflats, etc. I have a '97 and have delt with all of the above. Also, not very happy with the overall quality of the car. But that's another story I delt with yesterday under the topic "justifying the unjustifiable".
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 876
Likes: 1
From: Bar Mills Maine
No more issues than the 99 you owned. Rocking seats, column lock, noisy fuel pump, loud and hard runflats, etc. I have a '97 and have delt with all of the above. Also, not very happy with the overall quality of the car. But that's another story I delt with yesterday under the topic "justifying the unjustifiable".
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 813
Likes: 0
From: Long Island New York
I have had my car since 97 orginal owner, I have paid attention to a lot of the misshaps or hiccups that other newer vette owners have some are the same. Maybe the sensors are a little more problematic, but thats all , you would have to compare the specs and ratios on all the years. 
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 236
Likes: 0
From: CT
I got to say that I love my 97. Outside of the little problems like the noisy fuel pump, and sometimes the gas gauge going dead because of the sticky sender I and my wife love this car, Because of its looks and performance wouldn't give it up for anything. No major problems, thank God, GM and the previous owner. Also check out the VIN for any recalls that might have to be done and get them done ASAP if you get the car. I owned plenty of cars in the past and most of them had bigger issues then the vette
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Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 519
Likes: 1
From: Just North of Buffalo NY
I agree with the previous posts. No big problems. Just typical Vette stuff...cloumn lock, rocking seats, etc. I was disappointed in the quality of the leather seats and after they split at the seams, I replaced the covers. 55k miles of smiles. If it checks out to your satisfaction, go for it. 
Instructor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: Bloomington Illinois
I have had my '97 for almost two years now, and I have had no problems whatsoever. There were a few problems that are unique to '97s, but nothing major and nothing that can't be easily fixed. When buying one, just look for signs of abuse/neglect, just like you would for any other C5. Good luck!
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From: YPSILANTI, MI
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,735
Likes: 14
From: Visalia CA
Info
I bought my Artic White automatic '97 two months ago in CA. It had 44,000 mi. Excellent cond. inside and out. The only thing changed was '01 thin spoke wheels. I paid $20K. I think I got a good deal. Some may not. Sometimes, prices vary by location and season. Here in CA, I think the prices remain fairly steady. I have heard of some CF members getting a better deal than me. Like a newer model and fewer miles than mine for a lower price. Good luck with your purchase. 