I bought a 99 with 12K miles. Its got 30K now in 4 yrs....happy.... 
99 or 02 C5
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
From: Diamond Bar CA
99 or 02 C5
I am looking at 2 C5's for sale tha I may purchase.
1. 99 C5 coupe with 64K miles, one owner
2. 02 C5 coupe with 94K miles, one owner
They both are 6 spd with the same options. They both have service records and clean carfax. Both have good condition interiors and exterior. The problem is, the owners are asking the same price.
I would like your opinions on which each vehicle. I appreciate it
1. 99 C5 coupe with 64K miles, one owner
2. 02 C5 coupe with 94K miles, one owner
They both are 6 spd with the same options. They both have service records and clean carfax. Both have good condition interiors and exterior. The problem is, the owners are asking the same price.
I would like your opinions on which each vehicle. I appreciate it
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,442
Likes: 534
From: PNW Cougar Country WA
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Didn't see the price. If price isn't the only factor i would keep looking. Think you can find 99' or newer with much less miles if you keep looking unless you are restricting yourself to area. Sometimes a $300 air ticket can save you a lot of money and get a better car. Looks like a lot of them out there at good prices now. JMO
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,675
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From: Hayward (Bay Area) CA
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Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,706
Likes: 5
From: Toronto Ontario
I would personally keep looking.
I would go 01-04 myself. Not that there is anything wrong with the 97-00 models but there were a lot of upgrades on the 01 model that made them more worthwhile. I sure you can find something with a lot less milage on it if you just be patient. There is a lot of C5s out there and it is a buyers market right now.
Best of luck!
I would go 01-04 myself. Not that there is anything wrong with the 97-00 models but there were a lot of upgrades on the 01 model that made them more worthwhile. I sure you can find something with a lot less milage on it if you just be patient. There is a lot of C5s out there and it is a buyers market right now.
Best of luck!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 799
Likes: 16
From: Kansas City area
As previously mentioned, there were some changes made between 99 and 02. Do some research on this forum or ask one of the C5 gurus out there for the exact list. Changes included LS6 intake, LS6 block, larger injectors, ride control, second generation active handling, etc.
Usually, I choose the car with fewer miles and/or better maintained. In this case, it depends on how you intend to use the car. If you want to build it for speed, the '02 updates may be of some value. If it's a daily driver or fun third car, those changes won't matter much. Like someone else said above, there should be a number of very good buys out there with lower miles. We are seeing a bit of an uptick on the asking prices as we enter nicer weather.
Good luck on your search and purchase!
Usually, I choose the car with fewer miles and/or better maintained. In this case, it depends on how you intend to use the car. If you want to build it for speed, the '02 updates may be of some value. If it's a daily driver or fun third car, those changes won't matter much. Like someone else said above, there should be a number of very good buys out there with lower miles. We are seeing a bit of an uptick on the asking prices as we enter nicer weather.
Good luck on your search and purchase!
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,799
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From: Northern Virginia
St. Jude Donor '08
Go with the 02, or better yet keep shopping. It's a buyers market out there. No reason to rush.
A lot of significant improvements were made in 2001. Look here.
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/
A lot of significant improvements were made in 2001. Look here.
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 12,466
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From: Fort Wayne IN
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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As previously mentioned, there were some changes made between 99 and 02. Do some research on this forum or ask one of the C5 gurus out there for the exact list. Changes included LS6 intake, LS6 block, larger injectors, ride control, second generation active handling, etc.
There are some notable changes between the 99-02 as mentioned already though. The Magnetic ride control available on the 02 is light years better and more noticeable than the selective ride control available on the 99's. The 02 got the newer cam profile, and a big bump in TQ and small bump in HP (99 was rated at 345/350, 02 was rated at 350/375).
These are all minor differences though, and if you're planning on modding and having fun with the car, for the same price I'd go with the 99 as you'll level the playing field very quickly. If you want the newer and more advanced options and plan to just drive the stocker around in a perceived best configuration, then the 02 may be for you.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 219
Likes: 5
From: Lockport N.Y.
I bought a 98 last September with 21,000 mile on her. It had about $25K in extras on it. No engine work though. It was owned by 2 people before me, real Corevtte enthusiasts. My wife and I took a 1000 mile trip last year before I put it away and didnt have a problem. It now has 23,000 miles on it and i just got it out of storage and put a hundred miles on it. I don't think you would be making a mistake if you went with the 99 if it was taken care of. Good luck!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 799
Likes: 16
From: Kansas City area
