Looking at a C5
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Looking at a C5
I am in the process of looking at some C5's. My focus is 2003-2004. What should I be looking for as far as options vs standard equipment. I have a Black Book, but it is somewhat unclear as to options vs standard features. What type of maintenance issues have there been, what is the maintenance schedule. Reliability, driving it everyday, bad weather driving. Any other tidbits of wisdom would be welcome as well.
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From: Guelph, Ontario
I drive my C5 everyday, even in the winter and it's been very reliable for me! I just rolled over 150,000 km yesterday (93,000 miles) and posted a thread in the Canadian section where I detailed my experience with the car in terms of repairs and maintenance:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=2033710
In a nutshell, this car has been an extremely reliable daily driver for me! It gets through light snow very well with good all season tires, but I wouldn't recommend driving in deep snow (more than about 4 inches or so) as the car just sits too low for that. But there are only a handful of days like that here, the rest of the time I'm out there driving my Vette and I absolutely love it! It might cost me more in gas than an econobox, but it's ten thousand times more fun to drive on a daily basis! I highly recommend more people drive theirs everyday, it's a blast!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=2033710
In a nutshell, this car has been an extremely reliable daily driver for me! It gets through light snow very well with good all season tires, but I wouldn't recommend driving in deep snow (more than about 4 inches or so) as the car just sits too low for that. But there are only a handful of days like that here, the rest of the time I'm out there driving my Vette and I absolutely love it! It might cost me more in gas than an econobox, but it's ten thousand times more fun to drive on a daily basis! I highly recommend more people drive theirs everyday, it's a blast!
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I've got some Word files that may help you out, including a buyers checklist. PM me your e-mail address and I'll sent them out to you.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: New Smyrna Beach Florida
Here is a site I found listing common C5 issues:
I've Personally had chirping fan belts and failed EBCM (electronic brake control module) and my drivers seat rocks slightly. All in all the car has been very reliable and this year no problems in spite of beating on it at the drag strip. Sticking gas gauge is common as is oil pressure sender failure. Leaking battery used to be a problem, probably not on a 2003 to 04. Many folks have had problems with the column lock although A4s 01 and up don't seem to be affected. Thats the beauty of the forum, the experience to inexpensively repair these issues. 03 to 04 C5 make a great car to own.
I've Personally had chirping fan belts and failed EBCM (electronic brake control module) and my drivers seat rocks slightly. All in all the car has been very reliable and this year no problems in spite of beating on it at the drag strip. Sticking gas gauge is common as is oil pressure sender failure. Leaking battery used to be a problem, probably not on a 2003 to 04. Many folks have had problems with the column lock although A4s 01 and up don't seem to be affected. Thats the beauty of the forum, the experience to inexpensively repair these issues. 03 to 04 C5 make a great car to own.
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From: Central Ma
Considering where the prices are today, I'd say get one fully loaded. The time of the year is working against you, but prices for fully optioned editions are still pretty reasonable.
The MSRC suspension is pricey when new, but a nice option.
Probably the most common failure is the rear axle seal, mostly the left side. See if that has been addressed.
Over all condition, tires, etc.
03-04 is a great choice. Spend some time, and good luck.
The MSRC suspension is pricey when new, but a nice option.
Probably the most common failure is the rear axle seal, mostly the left side. See if that has been addressed.
Over all condition, tires, etc.
03-04 is a great choice. Spend some time, and good luck.
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This has been great information so far. I will take my time and look for just the right Vette and the right price. My wife and I have decided to a have a little fun, so what better way than a Vette!
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Well my search ended last Friday when we drove home a 2003 Millennium Yellow Coupe. It's an well optioned auto with only 13,000 miles. Tires are good, interior near perfect. It's does not have the magnetic ride control, but you can't have everything. I'm going to order the build sheet and window sticker from NCM and see what all it does have. Build date is 3/03, just hope it wasn't a Monday or Friday or the day after St.Patty's day.
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Congrats on your purchase and welcome to the brotherhood! May you have miles and miles of smiles
