I've been shopping since November for my first Corvette. Has to be used since I'm still paying for kids' tuition. As a result I have focused on C4s (94-96), but am finally starting to be convinced by posters over in the C4 boards that for the money I want to spend (originally up to $15K) I might as well look at C5s instead. If I do look at C5s, I might bump my max up to $20K.

As I begin looking at C5s, I was hoping for some help over here on a few questions, from anyone who knows both C4s and C5s:

What model year C5s have gotten all of the new-model bugs out? Are there any model years in my price range ($10K-$20K) that are particularly good, or particularly bad?

For my price range, in a coupe with auto trans (and assuming I would be happy without top performance and without all the electronic bells and whistles), how much mileage should I expect for the vehicles I am looking at?

How do C5s in the mileage range I'm looking at compare to C4s with 30K-50K miles, in terms of expected maintenance and problems?

How will the perfomance of a C5 ion my price range compare to a C4 in the same price range? (Over in C4 world there is much talk that a 1996 LT4 for $13K-$15K can run with or beat an early C5, but since I'll be using it for a daily driver I don't think I want a manual transmission so the LT4 is out of the picture)

Do C5s have the same problems as C4s with weatherstripping, optispark distributors, adjustable suspensions, and failing coatings on clear roof panels?

Do C5s have other common costly problems?

I'm hoping to perform as much maintenance and repair in the future as I can, but I am pretty much a just a newbie who's willing to learn. Am I likely to have more success with a C5 or a C4?


Thanks in advance for the help. Hope I'm not banished from the C4 boards now....

 

I purchased my C4 in August 2007, and the 02 Z06 in July 2008.
Was in love with the C4 until I drove the C5--while I still have a soft spot for the C4 (notice it is the only one in my avatar), the C5 is light years ahead in every respect, except it has a big butt.
There are several low mileage Z06's for approximately 25 grand on this site. I would stay away from the high mile C5 though.
If you are still interested in a C4-the one in my profile will be for sale for 10,500. It has 56K miles and is in good shape

Steve

 

The C4's are of course older so will have more consistant problems,as the C5's get older we will find their weak spots too.I dont know for sure about the roof panels but C5's have a different set up than the opti-spark for the distributer.Check the "stickys" at the top of the forum to learn about things like the leaky differential and column lock problems.I think the C5 will be more reliable due to its age and availability of parts.More and more C4 parts are being discontinued all the time...great cars though.IMHO

 

I am not a C4 fan.
In your upper price range, you can definitely find an 02 coupe with very reasonable mileage, and imo be light years ahead of the game.
Have you driven both models?
If you have not, you should, and after you do, I think you will be convinced.
There are plenty out there.
Good luck.

 

The C5 hands down !!!!!

I have a '95 ZR-1, that is the only C4 I would own at this point. I am actually thinking about getting another Z car.

My first car was a '96 coupe (not the ZR-1). I thought this was great! I remember the first night I had it, I woke up at 2 AM and drove around for 3-4 hours.

However, when I got my '99 Coupe. It was totally different. More comfortable, powerful, more creature friendly. Roomier. I loved it so much, I kept it when the lease came due.

For 15-20 K. Definitely a C5, unless you are thinking of getting a ZR-1.

 

The C5 is a totally different car from the C4 in every way. There were huge improvements made in the C5 over the C4 in technology, ride and handling, quality, interior space, comfort and foot and leg room.

The C5/C6 chasis is a completely new design from the ground up using one piece hydroformed frame rails. As far as I know it is the stiffest production automobile structure made. The C5 was designed and built right from the beginning as a convertible, although the first convertibles were not produced until late 1997 as 1998 models.

The C5 uses a transaxle design. The transmission and differential are in a combined case at the rear axle connected to the engine via a torque tube. The LS1 and LS6 engines of the C5 are completely new all aluminum versions of the Chevy small block V8 and offer more HP and TQ stock for stock, in a lighter car than the C4.

The C5 Corvette uses 34 percent fewer parts, which along with it's lighter weight and much longer wheelbase contributes to a superior ride with better handling and feel. Some think the C4 feels sportier but they confuse harshness and rattles combined with a tight cockpit as sporty.

I had 3 C4's and and although I enjoyed them very much at the time, there is no comparison in structural rigidity between the two. The C4's always creaked and rattled a lot. The C5 and C6 Corvette’s structure (hydroformed chasis) is a far more rigid structure than the C4 which translates to a much stronger and much more durable car. There is no flex in any body style C5 whereas the C4 has a lot of flex, especially in a coupe when you take the targa top out. That was my biggest gripe about the C4, I could actually see the car flex as I drove it with the targa panel out. My C5's, including the convertibles never flex or rattle one bit. You can lift a C5 at any lift point and the structure will not flex at all anywhere.

The C4's inferior Opti-Spark ignition system was done away with for the C5.

Here are some links:

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/c5/frame.html

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/.../01061997.html

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...1061997_2.html

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/.../02071997.html

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...27s+LS1+Engine

Since you are only considering an automatic trans I did not include info or links on the C5 Z06.

 

Thanks for all the great info Mike!

 

the c5 is a big advance over the c4

 

Regarding your question about quality variations in model years among the C5s, in my opinion you do not need to worry. I have had five C5s and still have two. My first was a 98, the second year of production. I was amazed at how consistent the quality and driving experience was from that car to my 04, the last year of production. I've had 3 coupes, 1 convertible and a ZO6. The latter cars had equipment that was not available in 98. However, the 98 was my favorite. Kept it until, I bought a C6. Choose to keep my 03 50th Anniv coupe as a long term keeper.

My opinion is the C5 is well worth giving the extra for. Don't be afraid of early year C5s either.

 

I've owned a 95 6spd coupe and now have my 98 auto coupe. I loved my 95 (my first vette), but like everybody says, the C5 is on a whole other level. And if I could sell the 98 tomorrow, I'd put the money down on a C6!
Drive both generations and see which one makes you grin the most!

 

For 20k you should be able to find a 2002+ car with low millage.

As with all corvettes the newer the year the more bugs have been worked out. get the newest one you can afford

I've owned both a C4 and a C5 and feel and looks wise I prefer the C4 (especially the ZR1 as mentioned above). However, by feel I mean emotional and aural. Acutal handling feel and performance is far superior in the C5 (ZR1 included).

I believe it to be true that an LT4 could run with early LS1 C5s (before they put on the better intake manifold). However, it becomes more of a drivers race.. and for the same cash I would suggest the newer car.

As mentioned above no opti-sparks on the C5 (thank god). but it has its share of generational issues. However, I feel they are less sever than the C4 problems (when it was the same age as my C5 - I put 200k miles on my C4). common C5 issues include the column lock problem, leaky rear axle, door regulators, clutch issues, etc.. but very manageable and my perception is they are more reliable and easier to maintain.. the car (engine, chassis, driveline, etc is a FAR superior piece of engineering).


Having expressed all of this.. I'm considering adding another C4 to the stable to supplement the Z.. specifically a LT1/A4 convertible (1993 Ruby, GS or CE). Damn I love those cars..


Hell man.. its a Corvette.. you cant go wrong with either!!!

 

The C5 is definitely the way to go. Lighter, more rigid, better ride/handling, more power, responds to easy mods better, better parts availability, ect... There's nothing wrong with a C4, but dollar for dollar the C5 wins hands down.

 

I went through the same process, started out thinking that I wanted a C4 and looked at a few, as it has gone along I have switched to looking at C5's. So I am now going through the process of finding a C5.

 

When you enter and exit the C5, you are far less likely to blow out your L5/S1.

 

As you can see in the sig - I own both. I've had a 92, 94, and an 00. All manual.

The C5 is faster, more responsive, far better braking, more reliable, and higher fuel efficiency. It's significantly larger as well.

The C4 has a tighter cockpit, better manual transmission, smaller A pillars and some really nice lines. If feels more like a fighter cockpit - you climb into it.

I had to replace the opti in the C4. Bought the dynaspark. The LT1 also likes to leak oil. replaced a bunch of engine seals...not fun.

Your price range puts you far into the C5 category. It's a buyer's market - a guy at work bought an 06 Z06 for $28k on ebay. 32000 miles. Look around.

 

Have owned both, loved my C4 but the C5 is a far superior car. Buy a C5 with low miles and few mods.

 

I have both a 94 c4 & 2000 c5 and love em both. The c4 is like a gocart on rails which is FUN! The c5 however is definitly a WAY smoother ride especially here in the pothole state of Mich. As daily driver if you have nice roads either one any roughness go w/ c5 Look around I have found lots of c5 s in the early teens ($11,000- $15000) range w/ under 100k miles and well kept looking. Goodluck let us know when you get something enjoy

 

Think the C5 is the way to go. Try to get one from 2001 & up. There were a lot of improvements made that year.

There are a lot of common problems with C5s.

Here is the post on that.

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

Look here for model information.

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/

I think a coupe with an A4 can be found in your price range that is in good condition. Just take your time.

Don't just limit yoour search to the forum. Look at craigslist, auottrader, etc.

Good luck. Hope you find a great car!

 

While there is lots of good-natured (I think) teasing about C5 "big butts" over there, I'm glad to see most would agree the C5 is better AS A DAILY DRIVER. (The rest is subjective feel/personal preference; the C4 has a few things to love, especially the seats if they are kept nicely).

I made the switch in December and to me it is not even close. I paid less than $15K for what I thought is a beautiful '99 with 73K miles. I've put 3K trouble-free miles on it since then. I would never go back.

I won't tell you what you should spend, but if you look carefully you can definitely find a well-cared for 1998-2000 A4 with maybe 60K miles or so for $15K or less.

Happy hunting...

 

Personally don't like the c4. I like vettes like I like my women "CURVEY" lol................I have a c3 and c5, love them both. Don't know what happened in the c4 years.

I pulled up in my red c5, bunch of guys were in town just talking and hanging out, and they swarmed it. One of my other friends pulled up in a white c4, they didn't even notice it........felt sorry for him really.