It had 17,000 miles and we paid just under $30.
Please help educate a noob
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,628
Likes: 397
From: Madison Wi
Please help educate a noob
My background:
I've been a Camaro owner since 1990. I bought myself a brand new Z28 in 1995 as a college graduation reward. I currently own a 1994 convertible Z28 with a 6 speed transmission that has all the bolt ons and more. I know the LT1 really well and am very mechanicaly talented.
What I know:
I want a Corvette. I love black convertibles. I love shifting gears. I love torch red leather interior. I can only afford $500 or so a month which comes out to around $26,000 financed.
What I don't know:
Given my wants, what should I get? What year? How many miles are too many for my price? I've been told to stay away from anything older than 02. Something to do with bad rings? Are the 01s really that bad? I want my car to have as as low miles as possible, preferable no more than 30k. Am I on the right track? Is it reasonable I should be able to find a car? I'm looking for this spring.
Guide me, please. What should I be looking for? What should I avoid?
Thanks in advance!
I've been a Camaro owner since 1990. I bought myself a brand new Z28 in 1995 as a college graduation reward. I currently own a 1994 convertible Z28 with a 6 speed transmission that has all the bolt ons and more. I know the LT1 really well and am very mechanicaly talented.
What I know:
I want a Corvette. I love black convertibles. I love shifting gears. I love torch red leather interior. I can only afford $500 or so a month which comes out to around $26,000 financed.
What I don't know:
Given my wants, what should I get? What year? How many miles are too many for my price? I've been told to stay away from anything older than 02. Something to do with bad rings? Are the 01s really that bad? I want my car to have as as low miles as possible, preferable no more than 30k. Am I on the right track? Is it reasonable I should be able to find a car? I'm looking for this spring.
Guide me, please. What should I be looking for? What should I avoid?
Thanks in advance!
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 13,007
Likes: 0
From: Happiness is Busch in Victory Lane!
St. Jude Donor '09 & '12, '14
my midyear 01 is perfect.
No oil leaks
SWEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was satisfied I didnt go below 01 due to the modifications GM made.
Sometimes its little stuff.
for example 01 keyfobs are cheaper then 00.
01 and later Active handling II standard / Airbag switch standard.
Tons of little stuff that wouldve driven me nuts.
You can check a vettes production date in its VIN
No oil leaks
SWEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was satisfied I didnt go below 01 due to the modifications GM made.
Sometimes its little stuff.
for example 01 keyfobs are cheaper then 00.
01 and later Active handling II standard / Airbag switch standard.
Tons of little stuff that wouldve driven me nuts.
You can check a vettes production date in its VIN
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,628
Likes: 397
From: Madison Wi
my midyear 01 is perfect.
No oil leaks
SWEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was satisfied I didnt go below 01 due to the modifications GM made.
Sometimes its little stuff.
for example 01 keyfobs are cheaper then 00.
01 and later Active handling II standard / Airbag switch standard.
Tons of little stuff that wouldve driven me nuts.
You can check a vettes production date in its VIN
No oil leaks
SWEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was satisfied I didnt go below 01 due to the modifications GM made.
Sometimes its little stuff.
for example 01 keyfobs are cheaper then 00.
01 and later Active handling II standard / Airbag switch standard.
Tons of little stuff that wouldve driven me nuts.
You can check a vettes production date in its VIN
Lepus-temperamentalus
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,827
Likes: 5
From: Roswell Ga
My background:
I've been a Camaro owner since 1990. I bought myself a brand new Z28 in 1995 as a college graduation reward. I currently own a 1994 convertible Z28 with a 6 speed transmission that has all the bolt ons and more. I know the LT1 really well and am very mechanicaly talented.
What I know:
I want a Corvette. I love black convertibles. I love shifting gears. I love torch red leather interior. I can only afford $500 or so a month which comes out to around $26,000 financed.
What I don't know:
Given my wants, what should I get? What year? How many miles are too many for my price? I've been told to stay away from anything older than 02. Something to do with bad rings? Are the 01s really that bad? I want my car to have as as low miles as possible, preferable no more than 30k. Am I on the right track? Is it reasonable I should be able to find a car? I'm looking for this spring.
Guide me, please. What should I be looking for? What should I avoid?
Thanks in advance!
I've been a Camaro owner since 1990. I bought myself a brand new Z28 in 1995 as a college graduation reward. I currently own a 1994 convertible Z28 with a 6 speed transmission that has all the bolt ons and more. I know the LT1 really well and am very mechanicaly talented.
What I know:
I want a Corvette. I love black convertibles. I love shifting gears. I love torch red leather interior. I can only afford $500 or so a month which comes out to around $26,000 financed.
What I don't know:
Given my wants, what should I get? What year? How many miles are too many for my price? I've been told to stay away from anything older than 02. Something to do with bad rings? Are the 01s really that bad? I want my car to have as as low miles as possible, preferable no more than 30k. Am I on the right track? Is it reasonable I should be able to find a car? I'm looking for this spring.
Guide me, please. What should I be looking for? What should I avoid?
Thanks in advance!
The big advantage of some of the later years is some of the equipment that comes on them. Late 98's on get you active handling and optional HUD, plus they have wheels that are more popular. Later years get you five more HP, plus the opportunity to buy a convertible, FRC or a Z06.
Past that, there are few reasons to worry about the year model. Find a nice one you can afford with the fewest miles on it you can find and join one of the finest groups of people on the planet.
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Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 28
From: San Dimas Ca.
Since I have an 02 I would recommend an 01 or better. I think the 01 oil burning issue is overblown. It only happened under specific conditions like driving around town in first or second at higher rpms. The changes they made in 01 all add up to a nicer car. Look at as many as you can. For that kind of money you should be able to find a nice 01 or newer.
Rick
Rick
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 0
From: Fayetteville AR
I purchased an 01 since GM made so many little changes that I thought improved an already great car. I have ZERO oil blowby issues. I never have to add oil between oil changes (which is once a year since I only range from 5k to 7k miles a year). I would look at an 01 or 02, that should be with in your price range.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,995
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
Don't be afraid of milage. I'll give you 2 examples:
My mother recently purchased a 99 tahoe with 70K miles (nearly 30K less than average for that year according to KBB) The tahoe has had several problem including AC, total cooling system malfnction and an overall lack of gerneal maintence. All and all these were problems we couldn't immidiatly see because they were on the verge of failure and they had the engine compartment steam cleaned to hide leaks and residue.
My father on the other hand purchased 00 Silverado 3/4 ton with 250K on the clock. This truck was well maintained and is now used on a daily basis to haul lots of stuff. Since we bought it in early 03, it's been in the shop only once for a minor repair.
make sure that the vehicle you want was properly taken care of. The C5 was designed to be driven and driven hard, but like any car they need to be maintained in order to last.
- btw, owner of a 97 coupe with 108K on the clock. No major problems yet....all the problems I've had are related to crap i did.
My mother recently purchased a 99 tahoe with 70K miles (nearly 30K less than average for that year according to KBB) The tahoe has had several problem including AC, total cooling system malfnction and an overall lack of gerneal maintence. All and all these were problems we couldn't immidiatly see because they were on the verge of failure and they had the engine compartment steam cleaned to hide leaks and residue.
My father on the other hand purchased 00 Silverado 3/4 ton with 250K on the clock. This truck was well maintained and is now used on a daily basis to haul lots of stuff. Since we bought it in early 03, it's been in the shop only once for a minor repair.
make sure that the vehicle you want was properly taken care of. The C5 was designed to be driven and driven hard, but like any car they need to be maintained in order to last.
- btw, owner of a 97 coupe with 108K on the clock. No major problems yet....all the problems I've had are related to crap i did.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 16,270
Likes: 30
From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I have a '98 black/black/gray convertible with a MN6. The only thing it doesn't have that the newer ones have is 5 more hp and HUD. It is mistaken for a newer car all the time. I bought it 4 years ago with 36K, now it has 60K miles. I have had four repair type issues - headlight gears, oil pressure sending unit,a very dim HVAC module and replaced the clutch (I'm the third owner). Other than that - it has been the most trouble free car I've ever owned. It doesn't burn a drop of oil and doesn't leak any either. Performance wise - it has LT headers, Corsa Indy's, a Blackwing, Bilstein shocks, Hotchkis sways, Wilwood rotors and Hawk HPS pads. It handles and rides like a dream - and I totally love the car.
Point is - I wouldn't avoid an early low mileage car over a higher mileage newer car, unless you find a color combination that you HAVE to have.
The torch red interior wasn't available until 2000 - before that the red was called Firethorn Red which was darker...more like a burgundy.
Good luck in your search....
Point is - I wouldn't avoid an early low mileage car over a higher mileage newer car, unless you find a color combination that you HAVE to have.
The torch red interior wasn't available until 2000 - before that the red was called Firethorn Red which was darker...more like a burgundy.
Good luck in your search....
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
From: DFW Texas
I stole a '00 MY, MN6 Coupe, 9,000 mi, LG Pro LT's, HF Cats, X-pipe, B&B PRT's for $26500 a year ago. 
It was/is absolutely perfect and I still can't believe I found it.
Most all models have a specific draw back or or 2, but don't discount any one year model because of blanket issues.
Each car is an individual as much as we are and like mine, I think I found my perfect mate.
Be aware of and be mindful of those issues and check them, but judge the car on it's own merits.
Point is: TAKE YOUR TIME, do the research, scour the general area of the country your in and
be prepared to travel to find the right one.
Persistence and dillegence will reward you with the car of your dreams.....at least mine did
BTW: Having owned the Camaro I'm sure you're acquianted with the deadly 'Mod Fever'
.
If you get the Vette, I guarantee a healty dose is sure to follow
save-the-wave
It was/is absolutely perfect and I still can't believe I found it.
Most all models have a specific draw back or or 2, but don't discount any one year model because of blanket issues.
Each car is an individual as much as we are and like mine, I think I found my perfect mate.
Be aware of and be mindful of those issues and check them, but judge the car on it's own merits.
Point is: TAKE YOUR TIME, do the research, scour the general area of the country your in and
be prepared to travel to find the right one.
Persistence and dillegence will reward you with the car of your dreams.....at least mine did
BTW: Having owned the Camaro I'm sure you're acquianted with the deadly 'Mod Fever'
. If you get the Vette, I guarantee a healty dose is sure to follow
save-the-wave
Last edited by KidShalene; Aug 24, 2007 at 11:55 PM.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 676
Likes: 2
From: Amherst VA
TraceZ... check the classifieds on this site there are some VERY nice vettes in your price range!! You can get a super nice, low mile vette for under 26K!!! If it was me, I would be looking for a ultra low mile, pampered 97-00, and DON'T FORGET THE SIX SPEED!!! 
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,651
Likes: 9
From: HOW FAST WAS I GOING OFFICER? Los Angeles Hating GM Dealership Service Dept.'s Since Sept. 2004
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Inaddition to everything else mentioned ...
Here's a little light reading for ya...
Welcome and good luck on your search
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=984927
Here's a little light reading for ya...
Welcome and good luck on your search
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=984927
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 97,155
Likes: 1,471
From: Calgary, AB. There's a reason why white was the only color offered on every year Corvette. Proud Canadian German Jamaican!
St. Jude Donor '09, '12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
5 bhp more or less means nothing, however '01+ MN6's have 25 more lb/tq which does mean alot. A good word of advice that I hear alot on here is buy the newest lowest mileage car you can afford.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 24,129
Likes: 1,038
From: The Beautiful Pacific Northwest
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09, '14-'15-'16-'17-'18
Of course you could hold out and get a C6 one day...
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 97,155
Likes: 1,471
From: Calgary, AB. There's a reason why white was the only color offered on every year Corvette. Proud Canadian German Jamaican!
St. Jude Donor '09, '12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17