Looking for my first C5. Located in the Tampa area. Just checking ... any suggestions on specific issues to look for on these cars ???

 

There is a lot of information in this thread - some of it will talk about what to look for in a C5 and the common issues....

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

This site is chock full of information about the model years and the colors, options, changes, etc. over the eight year run.....

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/

From that same site - here is a buyers checklist for when you've narrowed it down and you want to thoroughly check the car out.....

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/buying.html

Welcome - good luck with your hunt. I would try to research and understand the models, colors, options, etc. as much as possible to assure that you get exactly what you want. Ask questions here - someone has the answer and has already gone through it.

When you are down to the car - post the VIN. Someone here can run the VIN through GMVIS so that you can get a service and origination history on the car. Do not ask someone here to run a Car-Fax for you - it is a violation of Forum rules.

Other than that - maybe someone else will chime in with some other tips.....

 

I would check for codes that are stored,waterleaks,battery leak, and oil leak on your differential case. That's pretty much all I can think of right now

 

Also put it on a lift and look it over

 

Try to buy the newest C5 model year you can afford and unless you are loaded or capable of performing your own work, get a good warranty.

 

Are Corvettes that crappy where you need Warranty's, I keep reading about Warranty's on this forum?

I have had good luck with every car I have owned and not one came with a Warranty.

 

Its not that Corvettes are crappy, quite the contrary. In stock form, the Corvette is quite reliable, especially for a sports car.

The problem is that there are 14 computers and various other electronic components in the C5 that are quite expensive to repair/replace. You may never need the warranty, but should you need it, the warranty will pay for itself in one repair. JMHO, but I would NEVER own a Corvette without a warranty. There are others that don't feel that way and drive without one for a variety of reason that is but...........

 

14 Computers!

Damn, I guess the Warranty might be worth it.

Thank you.

 

Retail fix on the computers will be the same price as the warranty. But I've seen rebuilt ones for $150+ so you have other alternatives too. Of course it's nice to have the option to get a new OEM one under warranty too.

I recently got mine, a 99 without a warranty obviously. I brought it to a vette specialty shop to look over first though. Didn't cost much and was nice to have piece of mind. They found the few little things it needed and was able to get the price dropped so I can take care of what was needed. It's turned out to be a great car for the past 6 months or so and I've been daily driving it.

What C5 would you be looking at? IE; coupe, Vert, FRC/Z06? up to 20 grand, 30 grand? Basically like it's been said, buy the newest one you can reasonably afford. Check what everyone's mentioned so far in this thread. Those are the usuals. Every car's got the usual suspects to look for and those are the C5's. There are some year specific things like 2001's and the oil leaks and CLB fixes for about half the C5s out there depending on year and trans.

Other then that, like any car, take it for a drive, make sure everything feels good, etc. Check the codes in the DIC (computer with the dash readout). Also another thing to check is the oil PSI. The gauge and the DIC reading. Sometimes the sending unit/sensor fails and the fix is to take off the intake manifold. I think normal was anything from 25-45psi. If it's bad it will read 80psi on the gauges and 100+ on the DIC.

Best of luck and if you have any questions about a possibility feel free to post about it here. You will usually get answers within the hour.


-Shawn

 

You don't need a Warranty, you've got the CorvetteForum

 

I am looking at a 2002 Z06 this spring.

 

I've got some Microsoft Word files that may help you out. PM me your e-mail address and I'd be glad to send you a copy.

 

No sure about the rest of the country, but prices down here in FLA are cheap - check craigslist and traderonline - many available for under $20k. I have never bought a warranty on anything, but if you are not knowlegable and or can't do any work yourself it's something to think about -

 

Thanks. I'm looking at three today. A 97, 98 and 99. All under the 20K range. Looks like the miles are all around 40,000. Thanks for the heads up on the computer. I have owned several C3's. Never worried about computers on them.

 

tampabuckeyes@yahoo.com Thanks

 

Good luck in your search, Dave.

Looks like you've found some good ones!