Service Records When Purchasing a C5
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,425
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From: Seattle Wash.
Service Records When Purchasing a C5
I will be looking at C5's in the coming months and I am interested in knowing what "Red Flags" I should be aware of when I ask the local Chevrolet dealership to run the VIN and pull the service records on the car. I will also Carfax the VIN as well. Oh I forgot, I will be looking at 2002 - 2004 targa's, maybe a vert, A4. Mileage will most likely be in the 25 - 35K area. I own a C3 and do most of the work on it myself. No worries on most of the routine maintenance. Thanks. 
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,608
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From: Aliso Viejo So. Cal.
To be honest, I can't think of any red flags off the top. I would be more concerned that the car was is an accident which can cause all kinds of trouble down the road. As long as the car was serviced and maintained you should be good to go. Good luck 
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The only flags would be what kind of repairs were performed - lots of electical related repairs could be a big flag as well as multiple engine/tranny/rear differential repairs. I would certainly be asking a lot of questions if any of the above showed up on the report.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 251
Likes: 1
From: Katonah NY
I'd have that Chevy dealer or a trusted mechanic give it a thorough going over. Make sure the steering lock recall has been done. If it's a vert, make sure you test drive it at high speed to listen for any whistles. Rare, but... Also make sure the battery area (especially below) is clean and dry.
After all that, if it's not throwing codes and it looks clean it should be alright. They're great, dependable cars.
After all that, if it's not throwing codes and it looks clean it should be alright. They're great, dependable cars.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,425
Likes: 0
From: Seattle Wash.
JD,
That was what I suspected. Any repairs or problems that seem to show up consistently. If I should run across a car with those types of repairs on the service records, I will take a long, hard, look first. I have been spending a LOT of time reading up on C5's on this forum and feel pretty good about finding a good car. I just wanted to know if there were any chronic problem areas that may show up on a VIN search at the dealer that may cause me to look at another car.
Thanks!
That was what I suspected. Any repairs or problems that seem to show up consistently. If I should run across a car with those types of repairs on the service records, I will take a long, hard, look first. I have been spending a LOT of time reading up on C5's on this forum and feel pretty good about finding a good car. I just wanted to know if there were any chronic problem areas that may show up on a VIN search at the dealer that may cause me to look at another car.
Thanks!
