Hello:
I am in the market for my first Corvette. I have read a few books, done some internet research, and have some Corvette experience from my brother's ownership. (My brother has owned C3, C4, and C5 Corvettes from 1979 through 1997 at various times. He now perfers his LT1 C4, but solely recommends a C5 for me.)
Anyhow, I am car literate and have maintained my cars myself for 90% of the maintenace, and 50% of the repairs.
On my list are a 1998 and 2000 Convertible C5.
So, I am looking for advice and some answers to a few questions that I will list below:
1) Is the passenger side air bag disable on the C5? I have been told that some C5s have a weight sensor for the passenger air bag, and some have a disable switch, but I cannot find anything in print to tell me such. My daughter is 8 years old, and I need to confirm that she can ride in this car!
2) What are the known weakness of the C5? Are there build issues, engine issues, or something to have checked before I make an offer? The Corvette Bible basically says the C5 is pretty much a reliable car with great build quality, but I'd appreciate any inputs from experience here.
3) Can a shade tree like myself maintain the LS1 and C5? I like to do belts, hoses, fluid changes, brake pads, etc myself on my cars; is the C5 a high tech nightmare for the shadetree? Does anyone recommend a shop for C5s in the Phoenix area?
Finally, if I don't buy a C5, should I consider a C4, or wait for affordable C6s another 5 years down the road?
I sincerely appreciate your time in replies. Take care, Bill

 

Bill,

There are many threads on learning to buy your first C5 and what to get. Here are the few threads that I started a few weeks ago before I finally bought my car, and it really helped me find mine.

Which C5 for a new guy:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=2001558

Higher Mileage Vette's:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=2005853

Rebuilt Title Vette's:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=2006859


Your questions
1. Yes you can disable the Passenger Side Airbag. There's a key switch in the glove compartment.

2. Better let someone else answer that one, I had mine checked by the dealer.

3. Yes, it is maintainable for a a shadetree mechanic. A lot of guys on the forum do their own work.

As far as buying a C4...I've had both, and the C5 is far superior in quality and ride. I loved my C4, but damn if it didn't rattle my teeth everytime I hit a bottlecap in the road! The C5 has a better suspension, softer and more quiet ride quality, and the LS1/LS6 motors make good power, and are a lot better platform to make more power with because of the aftermarket parts that are available.

 

Yep, good advice you received. I also had the C-4 for a few years, before selling it and taking the leap to the C-5 / Hardtop..I agree, the C-4 was a nice piece of machinery , but comparison to the C-5 has a smoother, quieter ride due to the better suspension, and just wouldn't sell this corvette, if anything I'll make room in the garage for another. I had my passenger side air-bag disabled when I took a young family member on a trip. Looks like you've done your research as you mentioned, good luck on the vette you end of purchasing.....

 

Go with the C5. C6 if you can afford it. I am staying with the C5 and I can afford the C6!

 

totally enjoyed my c4 but my c5 is simply the best