C4 guy needs info on C5
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 921
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
C4 guy needs info on C5
Hi all,
Gotta new job and time for a new vette. Saw a yellow vert and now I want one (6 spd).
I know there are problems common to the C5's (as there are to the C4' also). Someone said to avoid the early 97 but I'ld rather not spend any more initially than need be (cheapness is a common trait of a C4er).
When did they start producing the yellow vert? What really expensive problems should I look out for? How much? (I'ld like to stay under 20k if possible).
Thanks
Gotta new job and time for a new vette. Saw a yellow vert and now I want one (6 spd).
I know there are problems common to the C5's (as there are to the C4' also). Someone said to avoid the early 97 but I'ld rather not spend any more initially than need be (cheapness is a common trait of a C4er).
When did they start producing the yellow vert? What really expensive problems should I look out for? How much? (I'ld like to stay under 20k if possible).
Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,393
Likes: 3
From: HOU TEX
2000 was the first year for yellow. I owned two '94 C4's b4 and there alot less problems with C5's. The most common one you will experience is the Steering Column Lock problem. here is a a great link to look over and get you on your way:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=984927.
as far as price goes, it depends on mileage. i picked up my 2000 with 61,500 mi in Oct 2005 for $22,000. hope this helps, and good luck...
Jarek
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=984927.
as far as price goes, it depends on mileage. i picked up my 2000 with 61,500 mi in Oct 2005 for $22,000. hope this helps, and good luck...
Jarek
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 922
Likes: 1
From: Thousand Oaks CA.
I moved up from a C4 also....93 Polo Green Vert and there is a huge difference
There were no verts in 97
Verts started in 98
Yellow was 2000
go up to the top of C5 general and read the posting on what to look for
Good Luck with your choice
There were no verts in 97
Verts started in 98
Yellow was 2000
go up to the top of C5 general and read the posting on what to look for
Good Luck with your choice
Last edited by GS Ron; Nov 11, 2007 at 08:57 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: Costa Mesa CA
C-5 Corvette Purchase
I do not know where you live so pricing is going to be a major consideration. The following is common with any used vehicle, do a car fax report on the vehicle, if the dealer does not do this for you, run, do not walk away from it, regardless of how your heart strings pull at it.
2nd rule: a manually shift car will be used harder and driven at higher speeds than an automatic, this is true (been in the car industry 35 years and will not have a stick shift on the lot).
The C-5's matured in 2001 and there have been no recalls since the design changes were made in 2001 effecting model years 2001, 2002, 2003 and finally 2004. These years are the best C-5's made. The 98 models, actually released in 1997, has known engine and transmission issues, especially with the manual shifted cars.
Hope this helps, the change in ride and performance at lower cost per mile will be yours when you purchase a 2001 or newer. Should be ok with used car mileage under 55,000 and get the extended warranty and car fax report. There have been attempts to take Hurricane Katrina salavaged cars, clean them up, new interior etc, but these cars were under water - carfax will show this to you, as well as any skips in service, dramatic odometer reading changes, etc.
2nd rule: a manually shift car will be used harder and driven at higher speeds than an automatic, this is true (been in the car industry 35 years and will not have a stick shift on the lot).
The C-5's matured in 2001 and there have been no recalls since the design changes were made in 2001 effecting model years 2001, 2002, 2003 and finally 2004. These years are the best C-5's made. The 98 models, actually released in 1997, has known engine and transmission issues, especially with the manual shifted cars.
Hope this helps, the change in ride and performance at lower cost per mile will be yours when you purchase a 2001 or newer. Should be ok with used car mileage under 55,000 and get the extended warranty and car fax report. There have been attempts to take Hurricane Katrina salavaged cars, clean them up, new interior etc, but these cars were under water - carfax will show this to you, as well as any skips in service, dramatic odometer reading changes, etc.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
You should be able to get a 60K mile '00 or '01 for under $20K but a Vert will be a challenge... you are probably in the $22-25K range depending on Year, options actual mileage and area of the country.
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Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
Sorry forgot the common problems
Column lock
hyper blinking directions (bad hazard switch)
dim A/C display
burnt relays for door lock/unlock on Door control module
leaking drivers side of rear differential
worn headlight gears ( like C4)
faulty oil pressure sensor
rocking seat
gas gauge reads empty
Column lock
hyper blinking directions (bad hazard switch)
dim A/C display
burnt relays for door lock/unlock on Door control module
leaking drivers side of rear differential
worn headlight gears ( like C4)
faulty oil pressure sensor
rocking seat
gas gauge reads empty
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: Costa Mesa CA
RWS - sure like the photo's of your ? car? Where can I get one?
Seriously, the C-5 is one of the best examples of the Corvette, it won the national championship for five straight years against Aston Martins, Baby Ferrari, Jaguar and other hopefuls in the GT-1 class, all priced 2-3 times the cost of the Corvette.
Racing the Vette translates to engineering design improvements, case in point, a race car that is tame and gentle on the street, yet when provoked with a full throttle, comes to life like a race car. Well Done Chevrolet and Duntov who started the whole thing.
Seriously, the C-5 is one of the best examples of the Corvette, it won the national championship for five straight years against Aston Martins, Baby Ferrari, Jaguar and other hopefuls in the GT-1 class, all priced 2-3 times the cost of the Corvette.
Racing the Vette translates to engineering design improvements, case in point, a race car that is tame and gentle on the street, yet when provoked with a full throttle, comes to life like a race car. Well Done Chevrolet and Duntov who started the whole thing.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,600
Likes: 2
From: Outer banks North Carolina
I have owned 2 97s and they were both great cars! The first one was number 400 and it ran trouble free for me. It had 32000 miles on it when I bought it and I put over 40000 more on it in 2 years! No problems at all, just change oil when the time comes up and drive it like you stole it! The one Ive got now runs great, especially with the 3.42s I put in and the cold air system. Dont be afraid of a 97 vette. If it was taken care of it will be a good car and a huge improvment over a c-4!
Dave
Dave
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,600
Likes: 2
From: Outer banks North Carolina
The Beep
A quick addition, I think granpa bear got some wrong info, The engine problems wernt with the 97-98 vettes. The only one i know about were oil consumption problems with some 2000-2001 vettes! It was something about the rings not seating properly. Neither one of my 97s used any oil between changes! Not trying to be a smart azz bear, but I think you got the yers wrong on the engine problems!
Dave
Dave
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,545
Likes: 17
From: Bartlett Tennessee
I went from a 91 C-4 to my 98 C-5 and haven't looked back. The only problems I've had has been the Rockin chair syndrome,replaced the oil sending unit and A/C compressor around 89 k.At present I have 91k on my Coupe and it runs GREAT !!!! 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,447
Likes: 6
From: Los Angeles
Don't let any of these things scare you...1997-2004 are ALL good years.
There may be certain problems that are isolated near one manufacturing year or another, but they aren't that numerous...there are no "bad years" with the C5.
There may be certain problems that are isolated near one manufacturing year or another, but they aren't that numerous...there are no "bad years" with the C5.