Looking to move into a C5
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 288
Likes: 18
From: Somerset PA
Looking to move into a C5
I've had my '89 C4 for 4 years now, and I do love it, but I'm thinking about selling it and moving into a C5.
I found a '99 auto coupe locally at a decent price. I did notice a small missing trim piece in the interior door handle area, and the plastic trim benieth the targa top is a bit bent. (I think the top pushed it down and over time if warped that way.) I really like the way the top comes off... much better than the C4! it rides very nice, and the HUD is cool!
Not knowing the C5 that well, are there any special trouble spots that I should check out? Anything that is common to fail or not work properly?
Thanks in advance for the advice!
--- John
I found a '99 auto coupe locally at a decent price. I did notice a small missing trim piece in the interior door handle area, and the plastic trim benieth the targa top is a bit bent. (I think the top pushed it down and over time if warped that way.) I really like the way the top comes off... much better than the C4! it rides very nice, and the HUD is cool!
Not knowing the C5 that well, are there any special trouble spots that I should check out? Anything that is common to fail or not work properly?
Thanks in advance for the advice!
--- John
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,518
Likes: 37
Completely different vehicle. (Except for the name.) And better.
The trim parts are no big deal, all parts available. Maybe talk down the price a bit with the missing trim, not a problem and not costly to replace.
Do a "WTB" here for sale area or look into ebay for parts you need.
The trim parts are no big deal, all parts available. Maybe talk down the price a bit with the missing trim, not a problem and not costly to replace.
Do a "WTB" here for sale area or look into ebay for parts you need.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 732
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From: Baxter MN
We bought our 04 CE in April this year. Sold our '91 after debating whether to keep it or not. The C5 is a very nice car with numerous improvements over the C4. Too many to list, really.
From the beginning to the end, the C5 series proved to be very reliable, durable, well thought out and well put together. As always, the newer the 'vette you can afford, the better it may be.
Best wishes on your decision.
Glen
From the beginning to the end, the C5 series proved to be very reliable, durable, well thought out and well put together. As always, the newer the 'vette you can afford, the better it may be.
Best wishes on your decision.
Glen
Drifting
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From: pasadena in the great state of TEXAS
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: York PA
I would recommend to have it checked out on a lift. Most likley you'll find a leaking left rear diff cover leak (no big deal) I would also check for excessive amounts of rubber behind the wheel wells (like I have 
) to see if the car was raced.
) to see if the car was raced.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Conejo Valley CA
Another thing to be aware of is that many C5's have bad fuel sending units. Its is really not the unit that is the problem, but the integrated fuel level sensors that are in the right tank and left tank assemblies. If you spend a lot time here in C5 land, you see that many have posted that pouring Techron and/or Seafoam in the car resolves the problem... wasn't the case for me. I would find out if the owner every replaced the fuel sending units. If he says no, then ask if the fuel level gauges are reporting accurately. However, the best thing to do is pay the $135 to the dealer and have them thoroughly diagnose the fuel sending units. Better to do that than pay $1000 to have them replaced later.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 288
Likes: 18
From: Somerset PA
Great advice
Indeed, the C5 is known for the rear driver side shaft seal leak on the differential... had mine repaired back in July.
Another thing to be aware of is that many C5's have bad fuel sending units. Its is really not the unit that is the problem, but the integrated fuel level sensors that are in the right tank and left tank assemblies. If you spend a lot time here in C5 land, you see that many have posted that pouring Techron and/or Seafoam in the car resolves the problem... wasn't the case for me. I would find out if the owner every replaced the fuel sending units. If he says no, then ask if the fuel level gauges are reporting accurately. However, the best thing to do is pay the $135 to the dealer and have them thoroughly diagnose the fuel sending units. Better to do that than pay $1000 to have them replaced later.
Another thing to be aware of is that many C5's have bad fuel sending units. Its is really not the unit that is the problem, but the integrated fuel level sensors that are in the right tank and left tank assemblies. If you spend a lot time here in C5 land, you see that many have posted that pouring Techron and/or Seafoam in the car resolves the problem... wasn't the case for me. I would find out if the owner every replaced the fuel sending units. If he says no, then ask if the fuel level gauges are reporting accurately. However, the best thing to do is pay the $135 to the dealer and have them thoroughly diagnose the fuel sending units. Better to do that than pay $1000 to have them replaced later.
What's involved with the Column Lock modification that I hear about?
Here's the car that I'm looking at... Buying it locally, not through ebay (the auction is over anyway)...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevr...spagenameZWDVW
The carfax came back fine. It was a fleet vehicle (rental maybe?) in Florida until 2004, where it racked up most of the mileage (49K). Then sold at auction and it went to Ohio for a few years and only a few throusand miles...
What's a good price to offer? I was thinking $16K - $17K. Is that too much?
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
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No offense intended to the OP - but I think it's hilarious that the C4 owners that slammed the C5 and claimed to hate it are now slowly making their way over to the next generation from their C4's.
The C5 was a huge leap in technology up from the C4 - better aerodynamics, much stiffer chassis due to the introduction of the hydroformed frame rails, lighter more powerful engine, better egress, an actual trunk on the convertibles, three body styles, less complication to assemble, better ergonomics, better side impact sustainability, the list goes on and on. Allegedly - only a couple of fasteners were carried over from the previous generation, otherwise it was a total clean sheet redesign of every component.
Read the book - ALL CORVETTES ARE RED by James Schefter, so you can better understand what the C5 is and is not.
Also - you might consider taking a look at the sticky at the top of the page to see some of the common problems - there are quite a few. But don't let that scare you - with all due respect to the C4, the C5 is a much better car.
The C5 was a huge leap in technology up from the C4 - better aerodynamics, much stiffer chassis due to the introduction of the hydroformed frame rails, lighter more powerful engine, better egress, an actual trunk on the convertibles, three body styles, less complication to assemble, better ergonomics, better side impact sustainability, the list goes on and on. Allegedly - only a couple of fasteners were carried over from the previous generation, otherwise it was a total clean sheet redesign of every component.
Read the book - ALL CORVETTES ARE RED by James Schefter, so you can better understand what the C5 is and is not.
Also - you might consider taking a look at the sticky at the top of the page to see some of the common problems - there are quite a few. But don't let that scare you - with all due respect to the C4, the C5 is a much better car.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 288
Likes: 18
From: Somerset PA
To be fair, there are some C4 people who look down on the C5's, but the same can be said for C5 people looking down on C4's. In their day they were a fantastic car.
I do agree that the C5's appear to be more reliable than the C4's. The ride is much better and some other things seem to be better as well from my limited test-drive. If I sell the C4, I will miss it, but the C5 seems like something that I can feel safer and more confident driving long distances and such.
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I had four C4s and then went with a '99 C5, followed by a '00. The C4s were fine cars, but the C5 was a much more complete package IMO. Better ergonomics, more technology, better fuel efficiency, more power. If the car checks out mechanically and the price is right, then give it some very serious consideration.
I have some Word files that might be useful in making your decision. PM me your e-mail address and I'd be glad to forward them to you.
I have some Word files that might be useful in making your decision. PM me your e-mail address and I'd be glad to forward them to you.
