opua

Newbie here. I am thinking of getting a C5. I now got a 96 Miata and a VW Passat. I wanted something with more power. I also want something with lots of safety feature. I understand that the C5 does not come with side airbags. Is that right?

Also, when did electronic stability control become available and when it became standard? I read 1999, is it standard or available as an option. If an option, what is availability like?

Other than the engine, are there major differences in a base coupe C5 with Z51 package from year to year?

For $20k +/- a couple of grand, what year/mileage of a C5 can I expect? (I did browse the classified ads here.)

If somebody can point me to a site with all these answers or with FAQ on C5, that would be much appreciated.

Thanks. Dave

NJAnthony

FWIW, it depends on how lucky you get, or how patient you are.

I paid 21K for a 2000 Coupe with everything I wanted earlier this year. HUD, M6, Bose, etc... It had 41K miles. This is in the ballpark, I didn't get ripped off, I didn't get a spectacular deal... I just didn't want to wait

ScottJ97

Since there hasn't been an overwhelming response here, I'll tell you what little I know and hope it will help.

There was never an option for any extra airbags in the C5. Just the two front.

ESC is known as Active Handling. I don't know when it became standard but I do know that feature was improved at some point. The newer ones work "better," by some definition of better.

Base coupe with Z51: no major differences among the years. 2001 (I think?) saw minor engine upgrades (345 to 350hp) in all models.

blacksedan87

As mentioned - there were no side airbags available for the C5 from the factory.

Electronic Stability Control - all C5s came standard with Traction Control, and in midyear '98 - option code JL4 Active Handling became available. Here's an interesting article that discusses exactly what it is - click here

In 2002 Second Generation Active Handling was made standard on all C5's. Here is a quote from the press release announcing the 2002 cars:

"All Corvettes have the second-generation Active Handling system as standard equipment. The system features dynamic rear brake proportioning to prevent rear wheel lockup; rear brake stability control to assist the driver in maintaining control under light braking and high acceleration conditions; integral traction control calibrated to allow drivers to experience the vehicle's power and handling while maintaining control over excessive wheelspin. It also has an on/off switch and a "Competitive Mode" which allows the driver to disengage the traction control feature without giving up Active Handling's other benefits."

Regarding the Z51 package - here is a link - click here that compares the available suspension options.

If you are looking to spend around $20K expect to find a 1999 or 2000 coupe with about 50K miles. You might find a 1998 convertible with a little more or similar mileage for that money.

Good luck - hope this helps.

Vetteman Jack

No side air bags for the C5 - only front driver and passenger. Active Handling became an option in 1998 (late) and became standard on the 2001 model (per the Corvette Black Book).

For $20K +/- $2K, you should be able to find a decent 2000 with perhaps 50K miles.

opua

Thanks. Those are good links.