When checking out pre owned C5 Corvettes prior to purchase what are the things a person should check for? I have owned C4's, what are the things to watch out for specific to the C5 model.

TIA

 

Start with your very own CARFAX.

 

Make sure the Column Lock Recall was done or be prepared to buy a CLB (Around $50)
The bolts loosen up on the seat tracks and they rock back and forth
Try to find out if any work has been to the gas tank sending units.

 

Used C5 Buyer's Checklist

Check for the rocking seat, leaky rear end, headlight motors, and if it is a 6-speed plan on getting the column lock bypass kit if it is not installed already. After that, this should get you started.

History/Maintenance/Inspection
Documentation available?
Window Sticker Build Sheet?
Are maintenance records available?
Who maintained the car and where?
Are maintenance or upgrade receipts available?
How many previous owners have there been?
Can the former owners be contacted?
Is it currently registered?
Does it have a current inspection sticker?
Will it pass state inspection?
Are there any modifications?
If equipped with standard transmission, has the clutch ever been replaced? If so, what mileage?
Has the car ever been in an accident or had bodywork done?
Has the car been kept garaged?
What have been the average driving conditions? (Sun only, rain, snow?)
Does the car need anything now?

Body Condition
1. Does the car sit level?
2. Check body panels for uniformity.
3. Check for body damage. Look at: Wheel wells, floor pan, rear hatch front and rear valance, fenders, quarter panels, uniform body molding. Check for paint over-spray in: headlights, gas door, door jams, fender skirts, engine compartment?. Is there evidence of body damage?
4. Is the paint oxidized
5. Has the car ever been repainted?
6. If so, why, by whom, and how long ago?
7. Does sides of the car appear aligned?
8. Are there any waves or stress cracks in the fiberglass?
9. Are there any dings or stone chips in the paint?
10. Are there any cracks or chips in the windshield or side and rear glass?
11. Do the doors open and close normally?
12. Do the doors and trunk lock and unlock correctly with the key?
13. Do the doors and trunk (if applicable) lock/unlock correctly with remote key FOB
14. Does the rear hatch glass open properly? From inside?
15. Do the struts hold the rear hatch?
16. Does the hood release work?
17. Does the color match the trim tag color code?
18. Are there missing badges, or moldings?

Chassis & Suspension
1. Are the tires in good condition?
2. Is tire wear uniform.
3. Are the wheels stock?
4. Are the wheels in good condition?
5. Are the brake rotors in good condition? (check for cracks or scarring)
6. Are there any wet spots under the car?
7. Are the rubber axle boots in good condition?
8. Inspect the tie rod ends and ball joints.
9. Inspect the shocks. Dry Wet If the shocks appear to be wet, they may be leaking and in need of repair.
10. Is the exhaust in good condition?

Interior Condition
1. Are all door, hatch, and top seals in good condition?
2. (If applicable) Is the ratchet wrench for the targa top there?
3. Are the seats clean? Torn or cracked? Worn?
4. Is the carpet clean? Worn?
5. Can you adjust the mirrors?
6. Does the interior light work? Does it work with the doors?
7. Is the dash in good condition?
8. Is the center console in good condition?
9. Does the glove compartment door work properly?
10. Do the windshield wipers function properly?
11. Does the overall interior condition match the mileage?
12. If equipped, does the tilt wheel work properly?
13. If equipped does the alarm work?

Engine Evaluation
1. Is the oil clean? Dark or black colored oil indicates a change is necessary and may be indicative of past maintenance trends.
2. When was the last oil change? ______________ Overdue?
3. Check for a leaking oil pan gasket.
4. Check for a leaking front/rear main seal.
5. Check the master cylinder and slave cylinder for leakage.
6. Check all coolant lines for leakage.
7. Check the coolant in the reservoir. A brown frothy mixture in the reservoir usually indicates oil and water mixing in the oil filter/cooler housing.
8. Inspect the fuel lines going to the fuel rail for brittleness or cracking.
9. Inspect the plug wires for brittleness or cracking.
10. Inspect the brake fluid for color. Black colored brake fluid indicates a change is necessary.
11. Is the air filter clean?
12. Is the engine bay clean and neat? All hoses / wiring in correct place?

Engine Operation
1. Does the car start properly?
2. The car should have a steady idle.
3. Check the PCM. Engine Codes recorded?
4. Is the oil pressure normal?
5. Engine coolant temperature normal?
6. Is there valve chatter or excessive engine noise?
7. Is there excessive engine vibration at idle or revving? (can indicate bad motor mount).
8. With the engine running, listen for leaks at the exhaust manifolds and exhaust.
9. Does the heat work?
10. Does the AC work? Is the compressor quiet?
11. Does the AC / heater blow at each speed?
12. Does the radio work properly (tape and CD if applicable)?
13. If equipped, does the power antenna work?
14. If equipped, do the power windows and door locks work?
15. Does the defroster work properly?
16. Do all ***** / controls function correctly?
17. Do all of the gauges / dashboard lights work properly?

Test Drive Evaluation
1. Does the parking brake work properly?
2. How does the brake pedal feel?

The following 3 questions assume manual transmission:
3. How does the clutch pedal feel? Firm Soft
4. Does the clutch operate in a smooth quiet manner?
5. Does the shifter seem tight?

6. Are there any squeaks / noises (specially over rough roads)?
7. Is the steering smooth and responsive?
8. When going straight is the wheel straight? Does the car drift to one side?
9. Brake with your hands off the wheel does the car stop straight?
10. At highway speeds does the car pull, or shake / shimmy?
11. Does the cruise control work properly?
12. Is there exceptional wind noise?
13. If equipped, does the ABS system function properly?
14. If equipped, does the Traction control system function properly?
15. If equipped, does the Selective Ride Control function properly?

Miscellaneous
1. Is the battery in good condition? Is the battery leaking down onto the computer (pre-2002)?
2. Do all lights / signals work correctly? Headlights (high and low beams)? Brake lights? Parking/Side Marker Lights? Turn Signals?

To check codes, follow this Tech Tip.
How to check for computer codes.

Write down any current codes and post them here for help.

Best of luck!

 

Thanks Patches, thats awesome. One thing comes to mind about the jacking pucks. What happens if the car was improperly jacked? Where should I look, and for what?

The car in question is a one owner white vert with torch red interior. Only a 2 hour drive from my house. I already ran a Carfax. It came back a one owner car originally titled in the city the owner currently resides in. Last reported maintanence was at 3187 miles. Car now has just under 13000. Clean Carfax report. He said the passenger door would not unlock with the fob. Had it fixed a long time ago. Thats the only thing it ever needed, he said.

I saw pics of the car today. It looks new yet. Has hud, bose, select ride, power tilt / tele wheel, dual climate control, power memory seats. What other options are there for a 2001?
Here are two of the pics that he sent me. Pic quality could be better. I am going to see this car Thursday afternoon. (carrying a bag of money) What would be a fair price range for a car like this?

 

Nice write up patches will bookmark that.

 

28K to 32K, would be a fair price if it is as nice as it looks like it is

 

Here's a link to another web site that has a checklist that can be printed off and taken with you to be used. It's very similar to the one Patches put up.

http://corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/buyform.html

 

Great write up Patches, I am going to book mark this also. I wish I would have had this when I bought my 02 vert back in Feb. Boy I have I learned alot since I got on this web site. Thanks again!!!!

 

I've got a checklist I'd be glad to forward to you. PM me your e-mail address and I'll get it out this evening.

 

Check out the Sticky at the top of the page as well. Great info!

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

 

Yes..fact is it's got low miles..convertible.. and just from the few
pics you can tell it's in immaculate condition...so yes this is
..a high pricer...somewhere around 30K..if no-one else has
the cash they might have to come down to sell it.

 

nice write up

 

patches covered it pretty well good luck with your search

 

Wheel bearings.