I will be looking to buy a Corvette in between the months of Jan-Mar. I have 17-22 grand to spend. I am and have been looking for one between the years of 1997-2004 (C5's - Coupes, FRCs, and Z06s). I am coming here to ask for peoples advice on the following questions, and am open to all other information people feel I should know!

I have done some research and it hasn't been working in my favor. Currently I am deployed and the internet isn't up to par. So I am asking these questions to hopefully have my answers centrally located.

I know minimal changes were made basically every yr of production but I don't know of anything big really. What are the exact differences made between all the yrs?

What are the packages all the models offer (Z06, Z51?, Coupe, etc etc) and what do they include?

Those are my basic and beginning questions. I am familiar with the LS1 motor, I used to have a 1999 Camaro Z28 with 400rwhp and 370lbtq.

Also, I don't plan on doing heavy modifications. It's going to be a daily driver (About 20-40 miles a day). I want something that performs well, and looks good.

So you suggest I go the dealer route? Autotrader? Ebay? Forums? ...or any other places? What things should I be looking for while buying? What are some red flags?

Basically, anything you think I should know that can be centralized here... Please tell me!

Thanks for all your help and advice.

John

E-mail is: Mooley@comcast.net if you wanted to just e-mail me information.

 

In general terms....I think you will enjoy any C5....but I would try to narrow it down to what you want....vert, coupe, frc/z.....then you get start narrowing in on the exact vette. Stick/auto? Where do you live....do like the top down or off....or doesn't matter to you? Answer some of these questions....then you can start searching more effectively. I would use all avenues to find your vette. I will be glad to help you look as you are having a tough time. shooot me a pm.

 

Yah ive been looking for myslef, and have found it difficult to find a vette below 26K. Id check everywhere you can when the time comes and hopefully u find one. If u need any extra help searching ill be glad to look around

 

Here is a short list of common issues to look for... it is an incomplete list, there are many other issues, I'm sure others will chime in.

-stripped headlight gears
-rocking seat tracks (fore and aft movement)
-parking brake effectivness (or lack thereof)
-Air conditioner actuator-warm air blowing on drivers side, cool on passenger side
-leaking differential seal
-oil pressure gauge pegged out (bad sending unit)
-water intrusion - check carpet in footwells and behind seats for dampness or musty smell.

 

decide what you actually want first and then go from there good luck

 

Thanks for all the advice everyone.

IMXCITD: I love the idea of the Targa, but also love the body style of the FRC/Z06's. I was raised in Northern ILL. but will be in the Military for another 18mos. or so (Stationed in Savannah GA.). I don't know where I am heading afterward. I would prefer a stick. I loved it on my z28 and I don't plan on the track so no need for the auto. I would like to stay away from convertibles. Any more advice/suggestions?

Darkstar87695: I have been looking on the forums/ebay for the past month or two and have found many people selling 40,000-70,000 mile vette's between 15,500 and 23,000. I guess it just depends what your looking for. Thanks and if you see any good prices feel free to shoot me a PM around Jan or March. Thanks!

SebringSixSpeed: Thanks for all the advice on the problems. I read up on http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=258388 and the links included within it. Those and your knowledge def. gave me a good understanding of the problems and whatnot to look for. If anything else comes up let me know please and thank you.

dobewillie: It's so hard deciding which is why I have come to you guys (The pros with more knowledge and better exp.) lol. What is your preference.

I have drove both a C5 and Z06, and granted I didn't have history on either car because they were both at a dealership, but the C5 felt more solid than the Z06...? Anyone care to chime in?

Thanks for the quick replies and hopefully more will come.

John

 

Good list. Other things to look at is the coolant tank, they tend to start leaking between the seam after time. Fuel guage is another electrical issue but one that a bottle of Techron seems to cure.

 

You will also want to check the fault codes stored on any C5 you check out. It's simple to do and some good instructions and codes are here

 

Could you please elaborate on this for me? Thanks!

 

Sure, I'd be glad to.

The C5 is almost completely controled and monitored by computer modules. The engine, ABS brakes, fuel, exhaust, the magnasteer, lights, radio, HVAC, emissions controls, door controls, tire pressure, etc, etc, etc, even the shock absorbers (if F45 equiped) are all monitored and to some degree controled by computers.

If there is a "fault" or a malfunction of any of these systems, there will be a stored record (diagnostic trouble code, or DTC) that can be retrieved by pressing a series of buttons on the dash, as long as the owner or a mechanic has not reset them.

By holding the "options" button down and pressing the "fuel" button 4 times you will see the stored codes scroll through the display. The code meanings are available from many different websites including the link I posted previously.

So print off a copy of the codes and their meanings and take it with you when you look at different cars. That way you can pull up the codes and see if anything has been going wrong and you can show the owner. That may work in your favor as far as bargaining for a car you want or knowing that there is an expensive repair needed.

Good luck.

 

Thanks man, really helps and gives me a great buying tool.

John

Anyone else?