Yet another "which C5 to buy thread"
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: NE Ohio
Yet another "which C5 to buy thread"
I posted a few days ago in the "Intros" part of the forum and am now just getting into the nitty-gritty of searching the C5 forum. Long story short....I was planning on buying a 2009 CTS-V until one of my colleagues introduced me to this forum...knowing I love Corvettes. Now I'm about 90% certain I'm going to keep my daily driver and add a C5 to the stable.
I am very interested in a C5, probably non-Z06 until I learn more about Corvettes. I love the look of the C5. I do need a little help, though and have a few basic questions.
a) Which years to avoid? There are quite a few low-mileage 1999s and 2000s for reasonable prices. Is there a good reason for me to buy later years?
b) Major recalls on the C5 I need to be aware of? There's not really a FAQ describing these, so I ask.
c) Any particular problem with the automatic? I'm considering a manual transmission, but would love to give my non-manual driving wife a chance at enjoying the Corvette love, too.
d) are we able to mod the stereo for the older C5s to accept iPods/XM/etc.? Not a deal-breaker, that's what my Acura RL is for...the 'vette would be purely for driving.
Thank you so much for your help!
I am very interested in a C5, probably non-Z06 until I learn more about Corvettes. I love the look of the C5. I do need a little help, though and have a few basic questions.
a) Which years to avoid? There are quite a few low-mileage 1999s and 2000s for reasonable prices. Is there a good reason for me to buy later years?
b) Major recalls on the C5 I need to be aware of? There's not really a FAQ describing these, so I ask.
c) Any particular problem with the automatic? I'm considering a manual transmission, but would love to give my non-manual driving wife a chance at enjoying the Corvette love, too.
d) are we able to mod the stereo for the older C5s to accept iPods/XM/etc.? Not a deal-breaker, that's what my Acura RL is for...the 'vette would be purely for driving.
Thank you so much for your help!
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,987
Likes: 26
From: Kerrville, Texas USA Hook 'em Horns!
CentralTX Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Welcome to the forum. There is a good sticky at the top of the page with a lot of helpful info. Here is a link to it.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=984927
I have an IPOD2Car installed in my C5. Works great. Another linkey.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1752127
Good luck finding your C5!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=984927
I have an IPOD2Car installed in my C5. Works great. Another linkey.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1752127
Good luck finding your C5!
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,732
Likes: 21
From: Napa Ca
I seem to recall 
that GM refused to recall any of the more common problems on the C5 much less acknowledge they even existed: steering column lock, differential leaks, headlight gear wear, gas gauge reading empty when full and vv. Did I miss anything?
that GM refused to recall any of the more common problems on the C5 much less acknowledge they even existed: steering column lock, differential leaks, headlight gear wear, gas gauge reading empty when full and vv. Did I miss anything?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 8
From: Belleville Il
I love my M6 FRC, but I drove my friends A4 (it has long tubes,hiflow cats x-pipe and corsas and a dyno tune) and was impressed.I'm not an expert,but know of no major problems with either trannies.A side note,,The M6 cars had column lock issues and recalls all the way through the generation life.I believe 2001 the issue was resolved in the A4 cars.Personally (I do have a fondness for stick shift) I think they're both great cars.If you don't mind auto trans go for it.If there is one car I could learn to tolerate an auto, it would be a vette .For convenience sake you may want to look at 01 or newer in the auto,or you will want to become familiar with the term CLB (column lock bypass)Welcome to the world of Corvettes !!It's addictive-- as some one told me,,"They'll need a belt sander to wipe the smile off your face after you drive it"
Pro
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 638
Likes: 1
From: Bainbridge Island Wa
However, having said that, I did buy an aftermarket warranty for the car when I aged out of the factory warranty. One problem could easly go through a grand if the right part breaks.
Last edited by ValiantSailor; Feb 15, 2008 at 01:01 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 10,926
Likes: 30
From: Not where I want to be!!
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-‘19
Good luck with your purchase. It took me over 2 years to find the C5 I wanted. But it was worth the wait. I love my car, much better than the Roush I used to own.
On a side note, aren't you a moderator on the acurazine forum??
On a side note, aren't you a moderator on the acurazine forum??
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Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,799
Likes: 1
From: Northern Virginia
St. Jude Donor '08
Here is a link to a site with tons of info about vettes that you should find very helpful.
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/
I highly recommend test driving all the different models to see which you like and don't like.
A lot depends on how you plan to use the car.
The newer models generally have a number of minor, but significant improvements to them like better shocks, HUD, active handling, etc.
Good luck in your search.
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/
I highly recommend test driving all the different models to see which you like and don't like.
A lot depends on how you plan to use the car.
The newer models generally have a number of minor, but significant improvements to them like better shocks, HUD, active handling, etc.
Good luck in your search.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 469
Likes: 0
From: Salt Lake City Utah
I would go as far to say that Active Handling is a MUST! It has saved me countless times and I do not ever turn it off. 2003 and 2004 have less problems and you have the option of Magnetic Select Ride for those years, a great option! (Wish I had it
)
)
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: NE Ohio
EDIT: Thanks for the links to the FAQs. I'm so new here that I wasn't sure even where to find them. I'll be sure to read them.
Last edited by neuronbob; Feb 15, 2008 at 11:45 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 9,420
Likes: 8
From: Southern New Jersey, The wet part at the bottom
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
I would steer you toward anything '02-'04 as "02 brought with it a second gen active handling system and if you're thinking convertible the '02-'04 vert top is greatly improved over earlier C5 tops. And you will find that pricing doesn't change drastically through the production run, not to mention you are talking about buying a used performance car, so I'd buy the newest, lowest mileage car you can afford. Good luck with your search, and take your time as it will pay off down the road.