Need c5 buying advice..
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 14
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Need c5 buying advice..
I am in the early stages of looking for a C5. that being said, what should i be concerned about in terms of changes from model year to year, (if any). additionally, what are the major issues from year to year that should be addressed in looking at a used C5. I like the z06 performance buy want a vert. i have seen a couple of z06's that have been modified to a vert. Any problems with that? I am not looking at this purchase from an investment standpoint, but rather as another verification on my midlife crisis. I have always loved the look of vettes and now want one that i can enjoy for some years as i near retirement. any input would be appreciated...
Administrator
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bel Air (by way of Fort Worth, TX) Maryland
St. Jude Donor '12 thru '21
I am in the early stages of looking for a C5. that being said, what should i be concerned about in terms of changes from model year to year, (if any). additionally, what are the major issues from year to year that should be addressed in looking at a used C5. I like the z06 performance buy want a vert. i have seen a couple of z06's that have been modified to a vert. Any problems with that? I am not looking at this purchase from an investment standpoint, but rather as another verification on my midlife crisis. I have always loved the look of vettes and now want one that i can enjoy for some years as i near retirement. any input would be appreciated...
The short answer, IMHO, is to get the newest model year C5 you can find/afford. '01-'04 MY's saw the most refinements so you can start your search there.
Unless you plan to race it, just get a vert and save your money on converting a Z06 into one. There are a few who have done the Z06/vert conversion (hope they chime in) I am sure it is not cheap. Use the search engine, lots of opinions on this topic.....
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 11,069
Likes: 1,289
From: Central Ma
Obviously, there is a big fan base for the Z06's, but I don't see the need.
Personally, I can't see owning anything but a vert, but that's just me.
I'd say 02 or newer.
Take some time finding out what you want. There are plenty to choose from, with low miles, and in great shape.
In the high 20's, you can get an unbelievable car.
Good luck.
Personally, I can't see owning anything but a vert, but that's just me.
I'd say 02 or newer.
Take some time finding out what you want. There are plenty to choose from, with low miles, and in great shape.
In the high 20's, you can get an unbelievable car.
Good luck.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Goodyear AZ
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 19,459
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From: Schaumburg IL
CI 7-8-9-11 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
Obviously, there is a big fan base for the Z06's, but I don't see the need.
Personally, I can't see owning anything but a vert, but that's just me.
I'd say 02 or newer.
Take some time finding out what you want. There are plenty to choose from, with low miles, and in great shape.
In the high 20's, you can get an unbelievable car.
Good luck.
Personally, I can't see owning anything but a vert, but that's just me.
I'd say 02 or newer.
Take some time finding out what you want. There are plenty to choose from, with low miles, and in great shape.
In the high 20's, you can get an unbelievable car.
Good luck.
It sounds like you really are leaning toward a Vert, so I would say get the Vert. I would agree, obviously, the newer model year the better, but for sure stick with 01-04. There were a lot of changes in 01 in terms of more options..and prior things that were options prior to 01 that became standard in the 01 year.A lot of people will try and scare you out of buying an 01 because there were some that had oil consumption issues..but it was a limited number of vehicles. Most of us with 01s dont have the issue.
In terms of performance , you can easily take a Vert if you want to bump up performance and spend 5k-8k and pick up alot more power if you end up getting bored with stock power.
Good luck
It is a buyers market now for sure
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,936
Likes: 13
From: Redding California
Attyedhall, welcome to the forum.
This forum is probably the best place for you to learn all you need to know about Corvettes of all model years.
Most will tell you to buy the newest, lowest mileage C5 you can find/afford, and I think it is good advice.
2003 and 2004 model years were at the peak of development, and if you want the adjustable suspension these years have the improved F55 magnetic ride control. But that doesn't mean you have to disregard earlier years.
Here are some links to model year differences, and also a link to a great forum post by forum member leaftye listing many of the issues of the C5.
Whether you want a coupe, 'vert or Z06 will be a decision only you can make.
Enjoy.......
http://www.welovecorvettes.com/c5_models.html
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/
http://www.web-cars.com/corvette/2004.php
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ht=c5+problems
This forum is probably the best place for you to learn all you need to know about Corvettes of all model years.
Most will tell you to buy the newest, lowest mileage C5 you can find/afford, and I think it is good advice.
2003 and 2004 model years were at the peak of development, and if you want the adjustable suspension these years have the improved F55 magnetic ride control. But that doesn't mean you have to disregard earlier years.
Here are some links to model year differences, and also a link to a great forum post by forum member leaftye listing many of the issues of the C5.
Whether you want a coupe, 'vert or Z06 will be a decision only you can make.
Enjoy.......
http://www.welovecorvettes.com/c5_models.html
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/
http://www.web-cars.com/corvette/2004.php
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ht=c5+problems
Administrator
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
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St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
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I've got some Word files that may help you out when searching for that C5. PM me your e-mail address and I'll send them to you.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
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10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
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Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
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Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
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8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 14
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Pro
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 638
Likes: 0
From: The South
You have come to the right place- the brethren on this forum are the most knowledgable people I have ever met concerning corvettes. Plus they are enthusiastically helpful.
What I had to decide was my use for the corvette. I owned two new C6's an 06 and 07 and both were coupes. Not wanting a payment- I finally swallowed my pride and got a C5. My pride was in not having the latest and greatest. The I remembered that it was only a fun-pretty weather escape from the routine car- so we went with a 02 Convertible. It was the best decision I ever made in car purchases. The C5 has a tad more room and for cruising it is wonderful. The vert is much better with conversation and noise than the coupe with the top off.
If it's your daily driver- go with a coupe-if it's escape and play go with the vert.
I bought an 02 and haven't had a minutes problems. They don't have the XM and onstar and navigation. But who needs it when the wind is blowing in your beautiful blonde wife's hair and the sun is shinning- the air is crisp and life is great!
What I had to decide was my use for the corvette. I owned two new C6's an 06 and 07 and both were coupes. Not wanting a payment- I finally swallowed my pride and got a C5. My pride was in not having the latest and greatest. The I remembered that it was only a fun-pretty weather escape from the routine car- so we went with a 02 Convertible. It was the best decision I ever made in car purchases. The C5 has a tad more room and for cruising it is wonderful. The vert is much better with conversation and noise than the coupe with the top off.
If it's your daily driver- go with a coupe-if it's escape and play go with the vert.
I bought an 02 and haven't had a minutes problems. They don't have the XM and onstar and navigation. But who needs it when the wind is blowing in your beautiful blonde wife's hair and the sun is shinning- the air is crisp and life is great!
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Glendale CA
Attyedhall, welcome to the forum.
This forum is probably the best place for you to learn all you need to know about Corvettes of all model years.
Most will tell you to buy the newest, lowest mileage C5 you can find/afford, and I think it is good advice.
2003 and 2004 model years were at the peak of development, and if you want the adjustable suspension these years have the improved F55 magnetic ride control. But that doesn't mean you have to disregard earlier years.
Here are some links to model year differences, and also a link to a great forum post by forum member leaftye listing many of the issues of the C5.
Whether you want a coupe, 'vert or Z06 will be a decision only you can make.
Enjoy.......
http://www.welovecorvettes.com/c5_models.html
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/
http://www.web-cars.com/corvette/2004.php
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ht=c5+problems
This forum is probably the best place for you to learn all you need to know about Corvettes of all model years.
Most will tell you to buy the newest, lowest mileage C5 you can find/afford, and I think it is good advice.
2003 and 2004 model years were at the peak of development, and if you want the adjustable suspension these years have the improved F55 magnetic ride control. But that doesn't mean you have to disregard earlier years.
Here are some links to model year differences, and also a link to a great forum post by forum member leaftye listing many of the issues of the C5.
Whether you want a coupe, 'vert or Z06 will be a decision only you can make.
Enjoy.......
http://www.welovecorvettes.com/c5_models.html
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/
http://www.web-cars.com/corvette/2004.php
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ht=c5+problems
Awesome websites bud...I was trying to find out how many of my color vette's they made and you gave me the perfect link...thanks again!
