To C5 or Not
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Joined: Sep 2007
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To C5 or Not
hey all. I have a 1997 c5 black on black with aftermarket new z06 style chrome rims. I love the car, alot of fun. My question is this: when my c5 dies, shoudl i buy another c5, a c6 or should I move to foreign and get a cl55 amg or clk55 amg??
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I'm not really sure I understand the question. What would die on your car that you would simply dump it and buy a money pit?
The German cars are beautifully engineered and very well made. But when they start to get miles on them and start needing repairs - look out! $$$$$ And they talk about the Corvette tax - ever heard of the Mercedes tax?
I guess I'm a believer in keeping the car until the wheels fall off. Personally I cannot imagine what repair (other than the repairs from a major collision) that would make me get rid of the car. If the engine blew up (can't imagine that with routine maintenance) I'd drop an LS3 in it.
If the trans went - I'd put an LS7 six speed in it. There are so many OEM sources of great upgrades that I'd keep my car rather than sell.
The German cars are beautifully engineered and very well made. But when they start to get miles on them and start needing repairs - look out! $$$$$ And they talk about the Corvette tax - ever heard of the Mercedes tax?
I guess I'm a believer in keeping the car until the wheels fall off. Personally I cannot imagine what repair (other than the repairs from a major collision) that would make me get rid of the car. If the engine blew up (can't imagine that with routine maintenance) I'd drop an LS3 in it.
If the trans went - I'd put an LS7 six speed in it. There are so many OEM sources of great upgrades that I'd keep my car rather than sell.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 969
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From: Northern VA
First off, even though German cars are good but very expensive to service and maintain.
They are well made BUT are only average in defects per thousand vehicles. Mercedes especially, has had major quality issues of late........with BMW not much better (check Consumer Reports).
If you have extra money and need to have the status and style that goes with German cars,...........I say go for it. If you have a sense of value and want the best bang for the buck,........stick with the Corvette.
They are well made BUT are only average in defects per thousand vehicles. Mercedes especially, has had major quality issues of late........with BMW not much better (check Consumer Reports).
If you have extra money and need to have the status and style that goes with German cars,...........I say go for it. If you have a sense of value and want the best bang for the buck,........stick with the Corvette.
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,515
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From: Gig Harbor WA
Having been assistant sales manager of a Mercedes dealership, recommend you check out annual projected maiantenance costs of any Benz compared to a C5. (Data often found in car magazines.) In recent years, Mercedes quality has been slipping, and hourly shop labor rates and parts prices are among the highest in the industry. What you do with your money/credit/payment schedule is up to you and your percieved "needs." I chose the best bang for the buck.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,050
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles CA
Is your car dieing already? You shouldn't have any major problems that mean getting rid of the car for many more years to come if you treat the car right. If your C5 were to die bad soon then I'd say stay away from a Benz. If you wouldn't be able to cover the cost of almost any C5 problem then you certainly won't be able to afford buying an AMG or almost any high performance Benz and keeping up with the upkeep cost.
Stick with a C5 for now. It's too early to say what would be available and good in another 5+ years from now.
Stick with a C5 for now. It's too early to say what would be available and good in another 5+ years from now.
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Joined: Sep 2007
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thanks for all the interesting replies. Well my 1997 has 83000 miles on her. Had to get the starter replaced yesterday as i went to go start up my car after a run along the water and all i heard was the infamous "click" every time i turned the ignitions. Other than that when i brought it she had tranny problems, spent a couple of grand getting that fixesd. Now i have no complaints at all. Quick, fast and agile. Brought the car for 18. Only mods are intake and hypertech chip (which is USELESS.. DO NOT BUY HYPERTECH) lol. You men and women have a point of keeping the vette. If the engine goes how much are new engines? Or is it possibel to get a rebuild kit for the vette engine?? In the near future I will be needing a four door car. BMW 745li
or mercedes s55? I was thinking about it today, there was nice weather in nyc.. wiht the targa top off theres no ohter car that looks like it and its def different than all the "stamped out" beemers and benzs'. So you have all changed my mind.. for two door sports car I'll stick with the vette... unitl the damn fiberglass body breaks in half lol. so whats the better 4 door car?? 2004 bmw 745LI or 2004 mercedes benz S55 AMG??
or mercedes s55? I was thinking about it today, there was nice weather in nyc.. wiht the targa top off theres no ohter car that looks like it and its def different than all the "stamped out" beemers and benzs'. So you have all changed my mind.. for two door sports car I'll stick with the vette... unitl the damn fiberglass body breaks in half lol. so whats the better 4 door car?? 2004 bmw 745LI or 2004 mercedes benz S55 AMG??
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Clanton AL
The car is formed with a one piece hydroformed steel rail chassis that is as rigid as the ones from a high-end mercedes sedan of similar year. So it won't be breaking it in half unless Atlas himself comes and breaks it over his huge,-Titan knee
I suggest you read the c5's strengths and weaknesses sticky at the top of this page. There's alot of good stuff there.
The c5 was the first, drivetrain, body, and chassis design. It was revolutionary in 97 (Motortrend car of the Year in 1998) and still is.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Maker of Sharp Objects, AL - Roll Tide
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
St. Jude Knife Maker
What in the world is a cl55 amg or clk55 amg?? We have never heard of those over here on the CORVETTE FORUM 
Keep the C5
Keep the C5