Buying First C5 - Need Advice
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Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Endicott New York
Oldtimer
Buying First C5 - Need Advice
After 2 years of searching for another C4, I've decided to go with a C5 instead. Found one locally and need some advice. It's a Silver 98 coupe with black/maroon interior, 6 speed with 37,000+ miles. Asking price is $16,500. I drove it earlier today and it is indeed miles apart from my 94. The paint is pretty good with a few scrapes on the rear view mirrors, front bumper and roof panel. Interior is very good and the engine bay is nice and clean. Has new Goodyears (maybe BF Goodrich-I can't remember). Not having any experience with C5's what should I be looking for and have concerns about. Any help?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,469
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That sounds like a pretty nice car at a good price. Read the sticky up at the top of C5 general to get a good idea of what to watch for (but don't let it scare you -- chances are the car you're looking at doesn't have any or all of the issues raised, and if it did chances are they've been worked out by now). Since you're fairly new to C5s a professional inspection would probably be worth the coin, too. But really, a 98 with 37K is a solid car with a ton of potential -- and it's barely been broken in. Welcome to the C5 world... it's a very good place. 
Rich
Rich
Last edited by rcs128; Aug 17, 2008 at 08:07 PM. Reason: spelling
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: yardley, pa 19067
Since it's a 6spd you will need a column lock bypass..Run the VIN to see if it had these common C5 problems fixed: fuel gauge, leaky rear, rocking seat..Could be costly if not..The 99 I bought had the column lock disconnected(since its automatic) and the fuel gauge repaired..I got the rear seal fixed but it looks like its leaking again..Good luck..
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 705
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From: Endicott New York
Oldtimer
Since it's a 6spd you will need a column lock bypass..Run the VIN to see if it had these common C5 problems fixed: fuel gauge, leaky rear, rocking seat..Could be costly if not..The 99 I bought had the column lock disconnected(since its automatic) and the fuel gauge repaired..I got the rear seal fixed but it looks like its leaking again..Good luck..
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,937
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From: Waldorf MD
"Run the VIN" What do you mean? How? If you mean CARFAX, I did one. Only one issue (the owner had already told me about it earlier), the roof blew off while he was driving down the highway. How can I tell if the column lock issue has been fixed? I'm aware that they can lock up on early C5's. THanks.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: MD
St. Jude Donor '11
After 2 years of searching for another C4, I've decided to go with a C5 instead. Found one locally and need some advice. It's a Silver 98 coupe with black/maroon interior, 6 speed with 37,000+ miles. Asking price is $16,500. I drove it earlier today and it is indeed miles apart from my 94. The paint is pretty good with a few scrapes on the rear view mirrors, front bumper and roof panel. Interior is very good and the engine bay is nice and clean. Has new Goodyears (maybe BF Goodrich-I can't remember). Not having any experience with C5's what should I be looking for and have concerns about. Any help?
Racer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 263
Likes: 22
From: Batavia IL
There is a very, I mean very technical thread in the tech section of the forum on the re-calls for the C5. The easiest way it said to check for the column lock is that if you can turn the steering wheel with the ignition key out, chances are it has been done. Read the thread for details.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Lower, Slower Delaware, formerly from Mobtown, MD (Baltimore)
After 2 years of searching for another C4, I've decided to go with a C5 instead. Found one locally and need some advice. It's a Silver 98 coupe with black/maroon interior, 6 speed with 37,000+ miles. Asking price is $16,500. I drove it earlier today and it is indeed miles apart from my 94. The paint is pretty good with a few scrapes on the rear view mirrors, front bumper and roof panel. Interior is very good and the engine bay is nice and clean. Has new Goodyears (maybe BF Goodrich-I can't remember). Not having any experience with C5's what should I be looking for and have concerns about. Any help?
Instructor
Joined: May 2008
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From: Twain Harte CA
We just bought our first 'Vette, and '04 C5 Coupe. Turned out kinda by accident, that it was a Commemorative Edition. I don't know what you want to pay, but there were a number of improvements made to the C5 with the '03 and '04 models. One was a slight increase in HP and torque. Active handling became standard and the Selective Ride Control (magnetic suspension) became an available option. Of course, if you want to spend some additional money, look for a good, clean, low-mileage Anniversary Edition 2003 model. You'll pay more now, but it will be worth more down the line. The '04 Commem. Ed. will also become a collector (only 2215 coupes made), but it may not be worth quite as much as the 50th Anniv. Ed. by my estimation. Not sure on that one, though.
Good luck on your shopping. Post some photos when you succeed!
Good luck on your shopping. Post some photos when you succeed!
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I've got some Word files that may help you. PM me your e-mail address and I'll send them to you.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Iowa City Iowa
The earlier years C5 did not have chrome exhaust extensions from the factory. And I agree, the earlier C5's are great cars, my 2000 is terrific without any significant problems in 65,000 miles.
