Hi, I am about to get a 02' Convertible Corvette it has the of course 5.7 V8 and its 2:73 rear end and i was mainly coming on here to see what were the most popular problems with this model or anything in general I should know about.

Thanks in Advance
Alisha

 

While there is a lot of data on the sticky weights and measurements at the top C5 General, it can be an overwhelming amount of information for someone trying ascertain they are considering all aspects. That said, can you tell us a little more about the potential new vehicle?

My guess is the 2.73 rear end is a part of an A4 Automatic.

If it is an automatic then you will not need to worry about the Electronic Column Lock issue that plaques all 6 speeds and pre-01 automatics.

Head lamp motors are a big failure part. Requires rebuilding the motor or replacing it.

Some year models 98-02 have oil consumption issues, if rev'ing over 3200 RPM consistently. There is a ring fix but unless it is severe, I wouldn't worry about it.

Some have leaky rear ends.

Clogged udders that channel water from the wiper facia can be clogged with leaves and such and require periodic cleaning to ensure no water enters the cabin.

People have experienced typical issues as with any vehicle.

 

Welcome Alisha! Here's a link to a thread that is a sticky at the top of the page....it has a done of information, but the beginning of the thread lists a lot of the common issues. Take a look, and don't be scared off but what you read. These cars, with basic maintenance can live a very long time.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...ngths-etc.html

 

Thanks for the info, Yes it is an Automatic (one thing i wish it wasnt) And that was going to be another question was about the headlamps but with so much use i should expect that, Yeah im not mechanically dumb by no means so i know what to expect as far as typical issues i am just going to drive the car this weekend and wanted to know if there was anything special i should look out for since i've never owned one, for that fact even worked on one but it seems like a great car and deal but it is used and its around 86K.

 

Also Blacksedan87 Im going to flip threw there now, Appreciated it!

 

Actually, after following this forum for a few years, I believe I can safely say that none of the typical C5 problems are popular..........haven't found anyone yet, who likes these problems

 

That one has some miles on it for an 02. If it seems like the right one be sure to figure in a transmission flush, coolant and other assorted fluids.

Get on hands and knees and look under the nose up into the condensor intake area. Ensure there is no build up on material and the surface visual inspection of the fins. The radiator sits just behind it. While your there push back on the center air dam to ensure it works and flips back forward.

If it has sentinel lights, for most of my daytime daily driving, I set the option to off so entering the garage doesn't cause the lights to come on. Reduces number of motor cycles.

Wiggle the back of the driver's seat to see if it is ok or needs to be fixed. Some exhibit loose fitting problems.

Many of these items I'm mentioning, do a search on C5 Gen and you'll be able to review some of the issues and possible fixes.

The body panels roll under the sides, again on the hands and knees to see if and how badly the rocker panels have been damaged. Especially the front connect points.

Since your crawling around when at the rear look at the driver side corner of the rear end to determine if it is leaking. While there take note of the exhaust if it is stock or third party. Stock as the oval shaped tips.

Next item, with a flash light try to examine the lower battery area for any evidence of corrosion. It'd be great to have the ability to lift the battery out for a few minutes to see if any previous damage has occurred from a nasty battery. The wiring harnesses and one computer mount under the battery.

Just check to ensure everything works, bring a CD with you to test the audio disc. The console door opens funky with a two step motion. So don't immediately assume it is broke.

It's not unusual to hear the injectors clatter at low/idle rpm and should clean up with a slight increase in RPM.

 

Yeah i actually just had my envoy flushed and was definitely planning on doing the same with this one, but i figured being an 02 the mileage wasnt that bad about 12K a year but of course i would like to find something a little lower, Oh and i have to add the car in your picture looks exactly like the one im looking at except its Black instead of Tan, Oh yeah for sure im bringing my tool bag with me but i see you mentioned the stock exhaust are they pretty good for that year? Also with the drivers seat do you mean like fixable loose or just coming loose over time?

 

Glad to hear you are interested in a corvette. If you want a manual, then keep looking. There are a lot of good deals out there and you should be able to find what you are looking for.

Regardless of manual or auto, the corvette is a very reliable vehicle. Do not view the posts and information provided about the vette to indicate that they are not reliable. The information that is posted is negative because we discuss problems that we experience and not necessarily the good experiences. I have had 4.5 years of trouble free operation - even with my modifications.

 

Thanks i know, I was originally looking for a manual only but then i realized why, because i know it would be nice to play with but then again i got to thinking that maybe an Auto would be better in the long run and yes i wont strictly base my buying the car or not solely on what is written here but it will give me alot of influence and i really just wanted to hear what people thought who actually drive them day to day not just a review written by an editor or what a dealer is telling me & almost 5 years thats great,While i know there are deals everywhere it seems like this is the best one i've ran across in awhile beside my 69 Camaro the guy is asking $17,900 for it.

 

Mine is an '02 and I haven't had any problems

 

Mine is an '01 with 38K on the clock and it is a daily driver.

Fixable loose but you'll need to do a search as there is several illustrated post to that. Might be a tech note on it too here. I'll look.

My previous two C4's were auto's so it's really what you want. There is so much low end torque in these things, you can basically bring the vehicle to a stop and let off the brake without touching the clutch and it will smooth accelerate again. My normal start off in first is without gas, I add the gas after it starts off. Racing or on purposes launches are a different thing. Essentially you can start off in fifth and go all the way to top speed never changing gears.

Check the condition of the weather strips. If you can, open the top up, unlatch the two from handles lift the front to the vertical position and then bring the back forward to meet the front vertical. Examine the weather strip on the sides that is conceal when the top is up. While it is up, reach under the water fall tonneau on the drivers side and there is a button, press it to release the tonneau, both windows should go down. Put the top back up by lowering the rear then the front, close the latches.

Lot's of people like to change the stock exhaust for a better sound. Corsa and Borla are popular choices. Some like to get a used Z06 TI exhaust and swap it out. They all do the job.

 

good luck with your new ride there are common problems with the c5 and you have gotten links to view them but its a great generation of corvettes

 

my 02 has been very realiable the only problems were the dreaded
clb a batteryand a power seat motor not bad for7 years i would
buy the car if you like it but a 6 speed does the trick

 

Thanks everyone for your input Its greatly appreciated!

 

Some of the common annoyances like the fuel gauge problem IMO can partially due to cars sitting a lot. Drive it a lot,,running the tank up and down,,throw in an occasional bottle of Techron into top tier gas and ENJOY!!! Change the oil every year or when the OLM Gets around 10%< and you should be good to go!!! !!!! Just noticed you are from Atlanta,,we drop down there once or twice a year,,to visit sister in law and her hubby!! Wife gets to visit little sis,,,and I get to drive the vet 650 miles each way LOL!!!

 

'02 is a great yr.