what to buy?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,447
Likes: 6
From: Los Angeles
There are no "bad years". But some things to think about.
Some 2001s had oil consumption issues
2000 got a small bump in hp, different cam profile
2001-2004 have better cam/intake and some other parts but its only 5 hp and 20tq.
99+ had better PCMs
2001+ had more available options.
2001 Z06 had 385hp, 2002-2004 had 405hp
Certain colors and body styles are available at different points in 97-04.
Whatever model you get, I recommend it has a Heads Up Display (HUD) as one of the options.
It doesn't matter what year you get, as long as you get the body style/options you want. All C5 years are great! Get the newest, lowest mileage C5 you can afford.
Some 2001s had oil consumption issues
2000 got a small bump in hp, different cam profile
2001-2004 have better cam/intake and some other parts but its only 5 hp and 20tq.
99+ had better PCMs
2001+ had more available options.
2001 Z06 had 385hp, 2002-2004 had 405hp
Certain colors and body styles are available at different points in 97-04.
Whatever model you get, I recommend it has a Heads Up Display (HUD) as one of the options.
It doesn't matter what year you get, as long as you get the body style/options you want. All C5 years are great! Get the newest, lowest mileage C5 you can afford.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
The general advice here is go for the newest you can afford. Miles vs cost will play a part though.
02 saw quite a few nice mods added and it avoids the potential for high oil usage that affected some of the 01s.
But
, you'll love whatever you buy.
02 saw quite a few nice mods added and it avoids the potential for high oil usage that affected some of the 01s.
But
, you'll love whatever you buy.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 335
Likes: 5
Sorry boys its going to be Pewter with a pewter top and interior with a 6 speed.I hope I can find one with this combo.I like the c 4 style , but the trunk in the c 5 is handy?I have had an 82, two 89 rags and a 85 coupe.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 8
From: Belleville Il
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,390
Likes: 24,795
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
They are all good buys. Just find one that has been well maintained and has all the options you want.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 3
From: Hawaii
I would op for an '03 or '04 if you can find and afford a clean one. Other than that I would advise you to stay away from the '97 & '98. Limited PCM capability.
I know of which I speak. I have a '98. If I had only know better.....
I know of which I speak. I have a '98. If I had only know better.....
Race Director
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 11,334
Likes: 136
From: Out of Site...Out of Mind. Corvette: anything else is just transportation.
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
There are no "bad years". But some things to think about.
Some 2001s had oil consumption issues
2000 got a small bump in hp, different cam profile
2001-2004 have better cam/intake and some other parts but its only 5 hp and 20tq.
99+ had better PCMs
2001+ had more available options.
2001 Z06 had 385hp, 2002-2004 had 405hp
Certain colors and body styles are available at different points in 97-04.
Whatever model you get, I recommend it has a Heads Up Display (HUD) as one of the options.
It doesn't matter what year you get, as long as you get the body style/options you want. All C5 years are great! Get the newest, lowest mileage C5 you can afford.
Some 2001s had oil consumption issues
2000 got a small bump in hp, different cam profile
2001-2004 have better cam/intake and some other parts but its only 5 hp and 20tq.
99+ had better PCMs
2001+ had more available options.
2001 Z06 had 385hp, 2002-2004 had 405hp
Certain colors and body styles are available at different points in 97-04.
Whatever model you get, I recommend it has a Heads Up Display (HUD) as one of the options.
It doesn't matter what year you get, as long as you get the body style/options you want. All C5 years are great! Get the newest, lowest mileage C5 you can afford.
There are hundreds of C5's out there for sale. Take your time. Research the options available and what you want in a car. The lower milage the better that way it's you putting the miles on it and you'll know how it's been treated. Remember, you get what you pay for.
Good luck.
