As some of you may know, I'm looking for 01-04 C5's. But I came upon this 98 on a site. It has 43K, and the dealer is asking $14K. However, it looks like it has the F45 suspension. I'm not too familiar with it but I read that it's very expensive to repair. What does everyone think about it? The carfax is clean and everything. I'm just concerned about older models like 97-98 and the potential cost to repair, not to mention my budget is higher and I can get a much newer (even 04) with better options like HUD... but this car looks clean. Obviously I'm not asking you to make the decision for me. I just want to hear some opinions on whether the 98 is even worth the money or trouble. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Happy new years all!

 

Buy the newest vette you can afford. There were some significant improvements over the life of the C5. If you can afford 'more' C5, then get it
good luck with your decision.

 

I have a 98 C5 with the F45 suspension. Has about the same mileage too Yes, the shocks are expensive to replace, but most replace them with aftermarket or Z06 shocks anyways (it's not that difficult...need simulators). No problems so far. You can buy a lot of mods with the money you save buying a slightly older Vette.
On the other hand, if you have the money, might as well buy the newest Vette you can afford.
Good luck!

 

I have a 98 with 119,000 miles, only 2 problems: one headlight gear and one oil pressure sensor.

Although improvements were made in C5s, the engineering development was thorough, and early years have no significant problems (other than noisey fuel pump). It is basically the same C5.

The major options missing on early years are: HUD (avaliable in 1999) and Active Handling (available in mid-1998). HUD can be added, but is complicated and the gauge cluster must be changed.

Good luck with your shopping.

 

A lot of people seem to be afraid of the earlier C5s but there is no reason to worry, they are just as reliable as the newer ones. I've got a 98 that I bought in August 2004 when it had 32k on it and it now has 101k on it (it's my daily driver!) In February 05 my climate control display went dim and I paid to have a new one put in, but I now know that it can be fixed for free, thanks to this forum. In Jan 06 my ECM died on me, but it was due to corrosion (a one-two punch, the oem battery leaked acid on it, and water got into the area and further corroded the unit)

Since those two things, the only repair I've had done in the past three years has been replacing the 2 serpentine belts this week, although that can be argued that it's more of a maintenance item than a repair (especially since they were the original belts and just started squealing recently)

The beauty of these cars is that parts to fix them really don't cost all that much at all, and they are also easy enough to fix that a handy do it yourself can do most of the work themselves, and even if they can't, most garages can easily handle it.

 

Why do you think a 98 is any more expensive to repair than a 2001-2004? If the same problem happens on both cars, it costs the same to repair.

As for the 98's, I've had one for five years now and never had a minutes problem with it. ALL the C5's are very reliable save the common problems (rocking seat, locking column, gas gauge) that plague all model years. The only advantage I know of with the later models is the availability of a few options. Past that, I see no reason to spend extra money just to have different numbers on the title.

 

What were these "significant improvements"?

 

I didn't say 98s are MORE expensive to repair. My number 1 concern for that specific 98 is the F45. I know if I get an 03 with the F55 it'd be expensive too. What I'm saying is that out of the.. 20+ vettes I'm looking at, this 98 is the only one that has the F45.

And 01+ has increased hp/tq, newer wheels (which I prefer..) and active handling standard.

I'm just concerned that early model years might have trouble. For example, you can read consumer report's on the C6's reliability. The 05's were worst.

I understand a lot of problems can be fixed cheaply. Which brings it back to my question and concern about the F45. What is the exact amount it will cost (say, typical dealer)?

 

from another 98 owner - well said!


BTW - I have 06 Z06 shocks and Hotchkis Sway Bars, they seem to be working pretty good

 

$14K for a '98 with those miles is not a bad deal IMO. Nothing wrong with the '98s - they just may not have all the options you want. If the car checks out and you feel you can live without a HUD, active handling (if it doesn't have that), etc., then go for it.

 

I agree that certain options that were not available on 98's may be what you're looking for, in which case you'll be forced to spend more to get those options. Then you have to decide just how much they're worth to you. A set of thin spokes for your 98 is really pretty cheap compared to buying a later year car.

As for the F45, can't help you there. I've got the Z51 on mine. But as someone else says, most people just replace them with Z06 shocks anyway.

 

$14K for a 98 with 43K on it is damn good in my opnion. I've got 60K on mine and I'm sure not selling it for $14K. Last I checked...which was a couple of months ago, NADA was saying it was worth about $17k. I'd buy that one in a heartbeat if everything else looks good.

BTW, you didn't get REALLY lucky and find a nice BLACK one, did you?

 

Nope, it's a color I do like, grey (I don't know what color it's called in 98).

It's a good deal, but not the kind that would get sold right away or else it would be gone by now.

It's now 11 years old. You can't really expect it to hold anything close to $17K.

I found an 01 with 20K miles for $18K.. I think I'm going with that one instead. It's a 6-speed vs the 98's auto.

 

If you aren't looking for a Z06 (01-04 only) then as long as it's in good condition I wouldn't worry about the early C5's. I think I read some things were updated after the first year but a 98 should be good. Sure it's got a few less horse power then a 01+ but it's not much to pay a few more grand to get. A few cheap mods and you will be right there anyway. I'd say look at your overall goal for the car. If it's just for daily driving or fun weekend driving and some light modding then go for the 98. If you are going to look for a diehard track car or something close then look for a Z06. If you want more fresh air then look at verts.

As mentioned the suspension is the most pain to fix but not bad to just replace to a different suspension. Thinks some people like over what it sounds like you might be looking at there are Sport seats, Z51 package, and HUD. I have a 99 with the Z51 package and sport seats and I think the HUD was an option still then which mine has. It became standard in 00 or 01. If you can find a Z51 for not much more then I'd say go for that. Otherwise you can just buy the various parts pretty cheap (Z51 or Z06 suspension bars and such) for pretty cheap.

It's all about what you feel about the car. If you can test drive it anyway and just see. Who knows, you might find something you don't like about it and cross it off the list.

Best of luck.

 

But even switching to a different suspension would cost a lot of money.

I'm really looking for a weekend cruiser/toy... I'm not loaded in any way, and I'm not planning on spending hundreds/thousands to mod.

I just want to spend my money wisely on a good car and not have to spend thousands to fix. I'm willing to put in some money to maintain it properly. I can't test drive any of these cars as they are all in different states. I'm planning on relying on carfax and inspection (if anyone knows what companies do, that would be nice) and shipping.

Thanks for your info anyhow.

 

If you are looking for a 2001-2004 don't settle for anything less, You may find yourself saying I should of.... Keep looking you will find what you want....

 

I did find the 01 Autocheck was clean too...

 

I have the F45 suspension on my '98 and recently switched to coilovers. As someone mentioned, it required simulators for the computer. I've had mine almost 9 years and haven't had any problems.

 

How much is the cost to switch over? I think I saw simulators for.. $200?