Best early C5?
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Instructor
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Best early C5?
Is the 1999 C5 the best early C5? Do you get the most bang for the buck and price with the 1999 C5 instead of say a 2002-2004??
Is there a big difference in the later years besides the wheels?
Is there a big difference in the later years besides the wheels?
Race Director
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From: Hurricane Alley
'01-'04 has the LS6 intake and several of them have the LS6 block. The '01-'04 also had an increase in hp. and tq. You can go to www.corvetteactioncenter.com and get a lot of the info. you are looking for there. 
C5 General
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From: Boosted in Manhattan & Round Rock TX. President of the Non Club Club of Kansas and Round Rock , Not the flat part.
A 97 is the best bang for the buck.
Look for low miles and a clean body. 15k-20k or so.
Paul G.
Look for low miles and a clean body. 15k-20k or so.
Paul G.
Last edited by unionlandlord; Jun 25, 2007 at 01:58 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Visalia CA
I don't think there is such a thing as "a best early C5".
Each car must be evaluated on all its merits. Price, mileage, condition, etc.
I think it goes something like this:
The older the car, the lower the price.
The higher the mileage, the lower the price.
So, a high mileage '97 would be the cheapest C5 you could get.
In my opinion, the best "bang for the buck" would be a '97 with around 50K or less for $15,000 to $20,000.
Each car must be evaluated on all its merits. Price, mileage, condition, etc.
I think it goes something like this:
The older the car, the lower the price.
The higher the mileage, the lower the price.
So, a high mileage '97 would be the cheapest C5 you could get.
In my opinion, the best "bang for the buck" would be a '97 with around 50K or less for $15,000 to $20,000.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: East Hampton CT
I'm happy with my 1997. It doesn't seem to have more (or less) issues than lower mileage and newer C5's since they all seem to share components that still go bad (side view mirrors, bcm/pcm, rocking seat, flasher module, turn signal stalk, hvac display, etc). Get the lowest mileage you can afford, or you can get something cheap with high mileage that looks good and start modding right away
Advanced
Joined: May 2007
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From: Bemidji Minnesota
I have a 98 convertible with 195K on it and its still runs strong with very few mechanical issues. If price is the big factor, look for older, high milage C5's that have good maintanence records and have a certified mechanic give it a through inspection.
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Pro
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From: Saratoga Springs Ut
I picked up 98 torch red m6 with 16,000 on it for 22K. The thing is like new. I'm very happy with it. 22k was not a deal but I thought it was a fair price.
Last edited by TheDEfan; Jun 25, 2007 at 06:44 PM.
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Just depends on what you are looking for. The stock '97-98 do not offer some of the options the later years do (HUD, updated wheels, active handling (some '98s had it though)). Any year C5 can be a very good purchase depending on how well it has been taken care of and the price you can get it for.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Berwick Louisiana
I have a nice 97 w/52k for sale in the classified section
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1737210
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1737210