Hello, all.
New to forum, and I am impressed with the level of knowledge shared.
God bless the Corvette Nation.
Now to the meat...
I find myself on the cusp of making a decision that I have waited 36 plus years to arrive. I have dreamed of owning a Corvette as long as I can remember, and it taken a while to get myself in position. Not being the guy that can make the financial comitment of a late model car or retail, I am considering a 1998 auto coupe in black and tan. The body is cream-puff condition, the interior reluctantly shows the 64k miles. Mechanicaly (drive train) the car seems very sound. Clear title and the carfax checks out. The car is priced reasonably according to all book values with mileage and condition considered.
Now the catch...
It seems to plagued with some electrical issues that I have found common upon discovering this forum. i.e.: power seats and mirrors with a mind of their own, no pop / non illuminate head lights, no illum. on climate control, steering does not lock-up and dash and marker lights remain ON after removing the key.
Now the bait...
I can purchase the car for 25% less if I take the car as is and repair it myself. I consider myself a motivated and accomplished diy mechanic. I have a 15 year back ground in NASCAR, am a professional fabricator/welder and feel I have the patients and tenacity to do the work necessary. I'm not afraid of putting the work into it, but am questioning whether I will find myself stuck with a mess! I would appreciate any input and help you guys have to offer on the subject but need to make a decision pretty quick.

 

My 97 had tons of codes and little things like that when i got it. I was told to clean all the grounds "there is alot of them" After doing that all the codes were gone.

 

I own a 2000 MN6 Coupe, had her for 2 plus years, bought her with 38K on the clock from a younger man that was honest about it being a "City Vette". Exhaust was not in good shape,,,,rusted tips,,, because of short runs around town, etc. Otherwise, besides the nose parking block rash a fine car!



You are buying the previous owner as much as the car! A car with 25 to 50K has most likely addressed the most "common" C5 problems compared to a high priced "Garage Queen"! Ro;; the dice and buy the car you fall in love with and do what all of us have done and learn to love your vette and her problems!


Good Luck with your choice,,,,,,,I will NEVER sell my first C5

 

Welcome ROBROB,I'm sure someone will be picking your brain for knowledge.this is a great forum full of info and help.

 

Dash lights staying on a short time after pulling key is normal - markers, no. The headlight issues are generally pretty straightforward to sort out -it's usually either motors, control module or stalk. If it's the stalk, could be causing the marker issue. A/C backlighting can be fixed for ~$50 by sending it to a guy on ebay who has repaired lots of them for forum members here.

If the car is in good shape otherwise, I'd say go for it. You could also have a C5-savvy forum member local to you and the car go with you to check it out and give you the or down, whichever is the case.

Best of luck.

 

If you have moderate or better mechanical skills, there is really nothing you can't do yourself on these cars. Best of all, you can find almost everything you need right here.

Welcome

Peace
Chip

 

I'd say it may be worth checking a couple of things

Make sure the battery hasn't leaked as that can cause glitches. Your profile doesn't say where you're from but make sure its not a flood damaged car.

Other than that with your experience and the tips you'll get here you could probably fix most things.

 

The things you mention don't sound so bad and you appear to have the diy attitude. There's lots of people and articles here on the forum to help you along.

Pull the trigger and start the fixes.

 

Those are easy fixes.

 

As an alternative, you might consider a car for sale on the forum. It seems like there are always great cars for sale here. I just saw a Black 2000 MN6 coupe for sale there with 55,000 miles. I think the guy was asking about 21,000.

 

Thanks so much for all the suppport and feedback!
What a brother hood. You all DEFINATELY love your 'Vettes!
I am doin it! Pullin the trigger and buying my first Vette! i am so excited!
I plan and intend to be a Vette owner for life! (I have waited long enough)
Look forward to sharing my experience(s), and learning from many of yours! I will be posting pics, updating on progress and establishing the Gold Lifetime membership! Once a Vette owner, a Vette owner for life, I say!
Thanks again.
Robert Robertson.

 

sounds like the stalk. Check with Genes Kar Parts for a used stalk at a fraction of the price of a new stalk.


The steering column probably does not lock up because it has a column lock bypass.

Best of luck with the repairs and Congrats

 

Welcome Robrob25

I love your enthusiasm!!!

Nascar and fabricating experience........you'll fit right in

We are assuming it's a good deal you are getting,but without knowing the actual price,we are hoping you get a good deal.
I have a 98 auto also,with 45k miles,and it's really a great car!

 

Once you pull the trigger, we want pics!!!!

 

Pull the trigger...you wont be sorry.

 

Best of luck with the car. Hope all the problems are relatively minor fixes that you can repair yourself.

 

Congrats and enjoy

Chuck

 

Welcome and let the MODS begin.
What you don't know you can find out here. In talking with other people these cars or no worse than others. Most owners do take better care of them. Yes they have their quirks and issues, but you probably be able to find each one of them here or somewhere in the archives here. Have fun with your new "Baby."