I don't know about my first choice? I'd say 02-04 though. I happen to love the msrc that was only available on 03 and 04.
Don't worry about the 02's.

 

havent had an issue with mine

 

Is the '02 problematic? No

Are there common problems, Yes... and I have it almost all of them...

- Leaky differential seal - see Junkman2008's DIY
- Fuel gauge erratic readings (because of bad sending units)
- Door Control Modules - see Bakersfield's DIY
- Grounding issues - see BillCurlee's Sticky

This might not sound encouraging, but from an overall standpoint, I believe the car is very reliable, and, although these problems are common, not everyone is guaranteed to encounter them. Even if you do, as noted above, you can find DIY's on them (although I don't know about the replacement of the fuel sending units).

 

Here's my 5 year history:

Leaky Differential
Climate Control Display Replacement

No complaints on my end...I LOVE this car ! !

 

Actually in the 2002 model year there were several changes by GM over the 01. I tried to find the list with a search but did not find it. The changes were not as dramatic as the 07 to 08 change but when I read it I was glad I bought the 02.

 

I found the C5 model year change list. I was mistaken the significant changes were in 2001.

C5 Yearly differences in models


1997
• Completely new, redesigned Corvette. Base (FE1) and Z51 (FE3) suspension packages.
• All Z51 cars include: Power Steering Cooler, xx, xx, ??
• 97-00 C5 LS1's produce 345 HP @ 5600 RPM and 350 Ft Lbs of torque @ 4400 RPM.

1998
• Convertible becomes available
• Active Handling becomes available late in year
• The two slots of a 1998 (and possibly late 1997s) curve toward the rear at the bottom. (versus straight down)

1999
• 26# injectors substituted for 28#
• Fuel pump revised to reduce noise
• FRC "Fixed Roof Coupe" aka the hardtop, becomes available. All FRC's are MN6 (6-speed) cars with the Z51 suspension package, and are about 60lbs lighter than coupes.
• HUD introduced
• only one line in driver's side fuel rail cover (no fuel return line?)
• Power telescoping wheel becomes an option
• ? Steering hardware changed to combat wandering
• door sill trim plates added

2000
• Millennium Yellow available
• ? "Thin Spoke" versus "wagon wheel" design wheels become standard.
• Pup cats added to CA models for LEV emissions requirements (5hp loss relative to 97-99)
• Steel swaybar endlinks instead of plastic on Z51 equipped cars
• Z51 swaybar diameters grow (25.4/21.7 to 28.6/21.7 to 28.6/23.6 (note: new rear same as Z06)
• No keyhole on passenger side doorhandle
• Passenger airbag 'off' switch added to console (light by TC/AH button)

2001

• return to 28# injectors for all models.
• Second Generation Active Handling
• Nassau Blue discontinued
• Alternator 'clutch' pulley added on A4 cars
• New soundproofing + foam in all cars
• Smaller keyfob
• electrochromic dimming rearview and driver's mirrors
• lighter AGM battery
• Thickness + Material in vert change
• Chrome exhaust tips for coupe + vert
• 85MM MAF with integral temp sensor (versus 74mm with separate plug for IAT)
• LS1 cam profile changed to: .500/0.500, 198/208 on 115.5LSA (From: 0.472/0.479, 202/210 on 117)
• All Corvettes now have the LS6 intake manifold
• All Corvettes now have the LS6 engine block (windage passages in block), which includes a beefier oil pump.
• LS1 changes result in new output of 350 HP @ 5200 RPM and 375 Ft Lbs of torque @ 4400 RPM (MN6)
• Hardtop/FRC discontinued
• Pup cats added to all models
• Stronger synchros in all transmissions
• Exhaust manifolds revised (5hp regained) - thin wall cast replacing SS manifolds
• metal valvestem caps (late year)
• Torque Tube changed from metal-matrix composite to aluminum alloy 6061, increased in dia from 55 to 63 mm.
• Driveshaft couplings have also been upgraded on manual-equipped models for additional strength and durability
• Introduction of the Z06, which has as differences:
o hardtop body style
o rear brake ducting
o screened inlets on front fascia, without foglights
o F1 supercar tires 265-17 front, 295-18 rear, on 17x9.5 and 18x10.5 (one inch wider, respectively
o new LS6 top-end with new style head design (10.5:1 compression, 64cc chamber), LS6 cam (0.525/0.525, 204/211 on 116) - 385hp
o M12 transmission with shorter gearing (1-2-3 analagous to MN6 with 3.90 rear diff
o Titanium exhaust system
o lightweight windshield
o New, stronger clutch with redesigned master + slave cylinder
o Stronger rear differential (shotpeened ring gear)
o Red brake calipers (otherwise identical)
o Trans overtemp warning light on DIC
o 6500 redline gauges with special checkering + Z06 font
o redesigned PCV system to help combat oil burning
o Red LS6 Fuel Rail Covers (FRC's)
o FE4 Z06 suspension - uprated springs, bars (30mm/23.6mm), shocks (note front spring and rear bar same as Z51)

2002
• Z06 Changes:
o Z06 LS6 cam changed to: 0.551/0.547, 204/218 on 117.5
o Less restrictive intake airbox lid
o Descreened MAF
o Removal of pup-cats (total with changes = 405hp)
o Z06 shocks revised with less rebound for better launching
o Z06 brake pads revised for better stopping (generate more dust)
o Lighter, sodium filled valves w/ stronger valvesprings
o higher tension rings installed to prevent oil burning problems
o slight piston redesign *
o clutch strength upgraded.
o HUD available on Z06 (not avail '01 model year)
o Wheel supplier changed to Speedline, moved from forged to cast. Weight nearly identical
• Electron Blue color offered
• Steel endlinks changed to aluminum

2003
• Late model-year new fuel system design from C6's

2004
• Z06 shocks further refined. Accompanying upper front control arm bushing, and rear swaybar bushing changes.

 

Then you have the cracked wheels
and you also have the Steering wheel locking up.

 

He has an '02 A4. Starting 2001, the A4's didn't get the column lock mechanism.

 

After months of research on this forum, I decided I wanted a low mileage 02. Then after months of searching I found one and bought it.

 

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1985893

Not problematic.

 

there should be no difference in the 2001 thru 2004 coupes and verts. All have the same motor, tranny's, ....

if there's one thing the 2001 and 2002 can offer is standard (non-sport) seats, and manual HVAC controls.

Starting 2003, all C5's came with the digital dual zone HVAC control and sport seats.

I intentionally ordered my 2002 without the sport seats because I simply can't get comfortable in them; no matter how much I fiddle with the controls.

 

Mine's good!

So far

 

As others have said, everything I've heard and read is quite the opposite...''02 and newer are better (fewer quirky problems) than prior model years. Didn't know that when I bought mine, but after a year and a half of problem free fun, I'd say its true.

 

no two cars are a-like, some have brake issues like the 02 and 03; according to CR the 01 and 04 were least problematic of the C5 models. IMO the 97-00 were the same as were the 01-04. I love my 01 vert with zero problems so far 17,387K.

 

the only mystery problem i have heard of is the igntion can lockup and u can become stranded, they sell on ebay some kind of bypass. anyone else hear of this?

 

I've had my '02 since it had 2300 miles....nary a problem

 

I had to put a new battery in my 02. The original only lasted 5 1/2 years.

Rick

 

Column Lock ???

I looked at your forum profile, and it is blank. Is your 2003 a manual or automatic ?

Starting 2001, automatic C5's no longer received the mechanism.

 

Two of my neighboors have C6's and previously owned C5's. So I informed them in my quest for a low mileage 02. One of them had an 02 and it broke down so he claimed that it had like 3 faulty pistons or some crap like that. I asked to see what you guys said because well...there kind of *******s and they never bother to clean their own Vettes. Since I kinda just answered my own question and all, ill say thanks for the feedback

Give me 2 months or so an I'll have 02' black targa with 21,000 miles... and then bring on the MODS!

 

Glad to say my wheels are fine and I have an A4 so no column lock. I'm sooooo grateful for that fact.

Those problems of course are common to all years not just 02