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97 C5 issues?

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Old Sep 19, 2008 | 04:04 PM
  #1  
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Default 97 C5 issues?

I'm going to look at a trade for my 01 Z3 tommorrow for a 97 C5.I've done the C4 thing but never a C5 so a little info from those that know would be welcome.

It's an auto w/90k.No issues as per the owner.He has had it for 7 years or so.

Any pointers on what to look for?
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Old Sep 19, 2008 | 04:18 PM
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Just look the car over like you normally would before a purchase. I personally have a list that I go by and added to over the years.

For beginners I look at the wear pattern on the tires, try and look at the brake pads, all the lights work, underneath the car for any visible damage, and the obvious motor and fluid checks. During the drive I make sure that the car does not pull one way or the other, and while braking it brakes straight and consistant.

Good luck with the purchase. You will absolutely love the C5.
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Old Sep 19, 2008 | 04:34 PM
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Maybe I should have clarified...I was looking for 97 C5 trouble areas.

Sorry bout dat.
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Old Sep 19, 2008 | 04:39 PM
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I can't really think of any trouble's that even the 04' may not have, besides the age. The coupe's top leak during the nice rain showers we get here, the interior vinyl door panels peel lift (I am one of the lucky ones who's doesn't). AC tend to work hard down here so make sure that is up to par. Check the serpentine belt. A lot of people have problems with the crank pulley and the tensioner. Good luck
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Old Sep 19, 2008 | 07:37 PM
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fuel pumps are noisy, but that's normal
Check around the dif for any wetness..
ask him if he did the column lock recall.
actually the '97's are great buys..
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Old Sep 20, 2008 | 02:48 AM
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I hope so....thx for the info guys.
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Old Sep 20, 2008 | 08:03 AM
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Only problem I've had with my '97 is PCM damage from a leaking battery. Not a bad idea to pull panel and check it.
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Old Oct 2, 2008 | 05:55 PM
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Mine has been pretty good. Only real problems were I've had are the main computer went three times. twice under warranty and the third time was this spring - April. It cost about $500.00 and some steering column thing in 2007 (above and beyond the re-call) that cost $900.00. The left front headlight won't go up now - so we'll see.
Otherwise it's been great
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Old Oct 2, 2008 | 06:38 PM
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If I am not mistaken, I believe there were some issues with the 4L60E trans. with some hard 1-2 upshifts. I had a problem with mine but reset the code and did a fluid change on all fluids and I havent had a problem since doing that 3 months ago.

Good luck.
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Old Oct 2, 2008 | 07:16 PM
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Originally Posted by BigSexy181971
I can't really think of any trouble's that even the 04' may not have, besides the age. The coupe's top leak during the nice rain showers we get here, the interior vinyl door panels peel lift (I am one of the lucky ones who's doesn't). AC tend to work hard down here so make sure that is up to par. Check the serpentine belt. A lot of people have problems with the crank pulley and the tensioner. Good luck
I couldn't have said it better I have had very minor issues like these with mine. GREAT CAR.
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Old Oct 2, 2008 | 07:28 PM
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good luck with your choice
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Old Oct 2, 2008 | 08:13 PM
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My 97 has been pretty good. Some things to look for. Rocking seat, inner door panel vinyl sepeartion, pegged oil pressure guage. Check out AC, make sure it blows from the vents. These are some minor issues I had, but otherwise its a good car. Do a carfax.
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