Considering a 2004 C5
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Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Simi Valley CA
Considering a 2004 C5
I'm new to Corvettes...went for a test ride in an 08 the other day and fell in love. It had a good price actually but I'm thinking on going to keep my current car and I've decided for my first corvette I'm not looking to buy brand new.
I'm looking for Convertible and Blue (tough aren't I?)....Oh and I have decided on Auto...not because I cannot manage a manual but rather because I live in So. Cal and want this to be a daily driver. I'm figuring on paying somewhere in the low to mid-20s based on what I'm seeing out here for a C5.
I found a 2004 Commemorative leMans Blue Convertible but the way it is listed and my lack of knowledge about the cars at this point has me questioning the ad..
Can someone tell me what is stock and what is not? Is there anything I should be concerned about?
Thanks!
I'm looking for Convertible and Blue (tough aren't I?)....Oh and I have decided on Auto...not because I cannot manage a manual but rather because I live in So. Cal and want this to be a daily driver. I'm figuring on paying somewhere in the low to mid-20s based on what I'm seeing out here for a C5.
I found a 2004 Commemorative leMans Blue Convertible but the way it is listed and my lack of knowledge about the cars at this point has me questioning the ad..
Can someone tell me what is stock and what is not? Is there anything I should be concerned about?
Has TEA stage 2.5 heads with Jessel full roller rockers, Comp Cam, FAST intake and 90mm throttle body with BBK chrome cold air intake, LG Streets headers, and custom exhaust. Has cats and will pass CA smog. 3.42 rear gears. Z51 suspension, lowered. Custom painted brake calipers and cross drilled brake rotors. Custom Z06 wheels, 18" front, 19" rear with 305/25/19 Michelin PS2 tires. Custom guages and shifter. Engine dress up mods such as custom painted fuel rail covers. Body mods include front, rear and side vent screens
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,538
Likes: 9
From: Pasadena, CA
The car is heavily modified:
heads: not stock
cam: not stock
intake manifold: not stock
throttle body: not stock
manifolds: not stock
intake: not stock
exhaust: not stock
Also, you fell in love with the 08. The 08 C6 has a *much* more powerful engine compared to the 04 C5
heads: not stock
cam: not stock
intake manifold: not stock
throttle body: not stock
manifolds: not stock
intake: not stock
exhaust: not stock
Also, you fell in love with the 08. The 08 C6 has a *much* more powerful engine compared to the 04 C5
Last edited by 03 Z-oh-6; Jun 22, 2009 at 01:07 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 51,504
Likes: 6
From: Sacramento CA
In that list, the catalytic converters might be stock. Maybe.
Is every single performance part in that car compliant with CARB regulations? IE- Has CARB documentation? If not, I'd worry about getting it smogged.
Is every single performance part in that car compliant with CARB regulations? IE- Has CARB documentation? If not, I'd worry about getting it smogged.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,538
Likes: 9
From: Pasadena, CA
No, the CATS are not even stock. Any type of longtube header system will change the stock location of the cats(that's illegal in CA), and they're an aftermarket brand. I live in CA an I'd run from this car because of the smog *****. This car will NOT pass smog unless you "know" someone or the smog tech just doesn't give a ****. Few and far between, I would not take that chance.
Last edited by 03 Z-oh-6; Jun 22, 2009 at 01:15 AM.
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From: Simi Valley CA
Thanks...I'm used to modifying motorcycles, have not done cars in a long while so some of it was greek. I knew enough to ask about it when I saw it 
I'm not too worried about the difference in power for C5 to C6, I assumed there would be a jump when it went to the C6...Just trying to stay within a budget...Might be able to go 2005.
Think I'll take the advice and stay away from it....Oh well I can keep looking....
I'm not too worried about the difference in power for C5 to C6, I assumed there would be a jump when it went to the C6...Just trying to stay within a budget...Might be able to go 2005.
Think I'll take the advice and stay away from it....Oh well I can keep looking....
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,538
Likes: 9
From: Pasadena, CA
Thanks...I'm used to modifying motorcycles, have not done cars in a long while so some of it was greek. I knew enough to ask about it when I saw it
I'm not too worried about the difference in power for C5 to C6, I assumed there would be a jump when it went to the C6...Just trying to stay within a budget...Might be able to go 2005.
Think I'll take the advice and stay away from it....Oh well I can keep looking....
I'm not too worried about the difference in power for C5 to C6, I assumed there would be a jump when it went to the C6...Just trying to stay within a budget...Might be able to go 2005.
Think I'll take the advice and stay away from it....Oh well I can keep looking....
Yeah, living in CA, I'd definitely stay away from that car. The owner of the car HAS to smog the car before he sells it, I'm very curious to see how he could pull that off??
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From: Simi Valley CA
I actually owned an 08 C6(non-z06), and jumped down to an 03 z06. The z06 is a lot more affordable, and to tell you the honest to God truth, I like the C5 z06 better. Since you want an automatic, the C5(non z06) is a nice choice.
Yeah, living in CA, I'd definitely stay away from that car. The owner of the car HAS to smog the car before he sells it, I'm very curious to see how he could pull that off??
Yeah, living in CA, I'd definitely stay away from that car. The owner of the car HAS to smog the car before he sells it, I'm very curious to see how he could pull that off??
I drive a 6 cyl crossover SUV that can't get out of it's own way....heck I'd be happy with any power.
I really didn't get to TEST drive the 08...there was too much traffic in the area. For me it was more how the car fit me and how comfortable it felt...the power..didn't hurt though
I really want a convertible but the 2 seats makes the hubby say I have to keep the SUV too...it's paid off so not too much of a hassle but does change my budget. I like the C6 body style with the non-popup lights a bit better but I can live with them.
I did have a concern with the light top on the Commemorative wonder if anyone has had problems with staining....I've had loads of soft tops but never a light one.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 11,064
Likes: 1,272
From: Central Ma
[QUOTE=bluerose;
I did have a concern with the light top on the Commemorative wonder if anyone has had problems with staining....I've had loads of soft tops but never a light one.[/QUOTE]
I have the shale top and love the contrast, no problems here.
There are plenty of quality C5's to choose from, take some time and you should be able to find a nice one.
I for one would never consider an 05 first year edition C6.
I did have a concern with the light top on the Commemorative wonder if anyone has had problems with staining....I've had loads of soft tops but never a light one.[/QUOTE]
I have the shale top and love the contrast, no problems here.
There are plenty of quality C5's to choose from, take some time and you should be able to find a nice one.
I for one would never consider an 05 first year edition C6.
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Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Simi Valley CA
Around LA there are several trees I don't like to get near with my non-convertible...just wondering if it's hard to take care of...guess the answer is yes.
Last edited by bluerose; Jun 22, 2009 at 10:18 AM.
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,799
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From: Northern Virginia
St. Jude Donor '08
The C6 is a better car. It has a lot less issues than the C5. The latest C5 is a 2004, and sellers want almost as much or more for them as a used C6.
The C6 has better lights, better interior, better stereo, etc than a C5. You can get one that is under warranty. Most C5s are out of their warranty period.
Some good links:
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...ngths-etc.html
Take some test drives in the various models you are considering to see what you like and don't like.
Recommend you stay away from modded vettes unless you are very good mechanically and have a place to work on the car.
Look for a car with very few owners and a complete history. They might cost more but it will be worth it in the long run.
Good luck!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 880
Likes: 0
From: Detroit Area Michigan
I'm new to Corvettes...went for a test ride in an 08 the other day and fell in love. It had a good price actually but I'm thinking on going to keep my current car and I've decided for my first corvette I'm not looking to buy brand new.
I'm looking for Convertible and Blue (tough aren't I?)....Oh and I have decided on Auto...not because I cannot manage a manual but rather because I live in So. Cal and want this to be a daily driver. I'm figuring on paying somewhere in the low to mid-20s based on what I'm seeing out here for a C5.
I found a 2004 Commemorative leMans Blue Convertible but the way it is listed and my lack of knowledge about the cars at this point has me questioning the ad..
Can someone tell me what is stock and what is not? Is there anything I should be concerned about?
Thanks!
I'm looking for Convertible and Blue (tough aren't I?)....Oh and I have decided on Auto...not because I cannot manage a manual but rather because I live in So. Cal and want this to be a daily driver. I'm figuring on paying somewhere in the low to mid-20s based on what I'm seeing out here for a C5.
I found a 2004 Commemorative leMans Blue Convertible but the way it is listed and my lack of knowledge about the cars at this point has me questioning the ad..
Can someone tell me what is stock and what is not? Is there anything I should be concerned about?
Thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 30
From: Fairfax Virginia
It is always good advice to do your homework, but it is a matter of opinion on the pluses and minuses of a C5 versus C6, and that has certainly been debated. It is not my objective to renew that debate. I have both a C5 and a C6 and I like and enjoy both. The C6 is an incremental improvement over the C5, but there are definitely features that I prefer on the C5 over the C6. The C5 seats are one of my preferences and the C5 radio is another. I definitely had more issues with my 05 C6 than I ever had with any C5. The later C6 are not within the budget that you have targeted. I completely agree with the advice to look for a quality car. You will pay more for it, but it is highly likely to be worth the difference in the long run.
Regarding convertible top color, I have had a light colored top for 6 years and I also have a dark colored top. The light is not any harder for me to keep clean than the dark, but my cars are garage kept.
Good luck with your search.
Regarding convertible top color, I have had a light colored top for 6 years and I also have a dark colored top. The light is not any harder for me to keep clean than the dark, but my cars are garage kept.
Good luck with your search.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,799
Likes: 1
From: Northern Virginia
St. Jude Donor '08
It is always good advice to do your homework, but it is a matter of opinion on the pluses and minuses of a C5 versus C6, and that has certainly been debated. It is not my objective to renew that debate. I have both a C5 and a C6 and I like and enjoy both. The C6 is an incremental improvement over the C5, but there are definitely features that I prefer on the C5 over the C6. The C5 seats are one of my preferences and the C5 radio is another. I definitely had more issues with my 05 C6 than I ever had with any C5. The later C6 are not within the budget that you have targeted. I completely agree with the advice to look for a quality car. You will pay more for it, but it is highly likely to be worth the difference in the long run.
Regarding convertible top color, I have had a light colored top for 6 years and I also have a dark colored top. The light is not any harder for me to keep clean than the dark, but my cars are garage kept.
Good luck with your search.
Regarding convertible top color, I have had a light colored top for 6 years and I also have a dark colored top. The light is not any harder for me to keep clean than the dark, but my cars are garage kept.
Good luck with your search.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 732
Likes: 2
From: Baxter MN
Virtually everything being said here is valid. I own a 2004 CE coupe and really like it. I too looked at c6s but to get the options that the CE has, there was a significan price difference that I could not justify. I have the auto trans and have had no problems with it at all.
This is our 2nd vette and I can share with you that if you buy a mechanically modified car you will find that frequently the modifications overload other parts of the car. For example, the auto trans in stock form won't handle an extra 75+ hp without reliability issues. Of course you can get by with it for awhile, but eventually something in the trans will give. The same is true for many other mods. Not saying don't do them or buy them. But recognize the drawbacks.
Anyway, best wishes for finding the car you want.
Glen
This is our 2nd vette and I can share with you that if you buy a mechanically modified car you will find that frequently the modifications overload other parts of the car. For example, the auto trans in stock form won't handle an extra 75+ hp without reliability issues. Of course you can get by with it for awhile, but eventually something in the trans will give. The same is true for many other mods. Not saying don't do them or buy them. But recognize the drawbacks.
Anyway, best wishes for finding the car you want.
Glen
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Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Simi Valley CA
Thanks for the info....I'm considering a bunch of options. Unfortunately my other car went in the shop today and I'm waiting for a damage report. It's not sounding pretty.
I made the mistake of buying a first year car '03 Nissan Murano and it has been in the shop almost as much as I have driven it. First time I was soooo happy I went with my gut an bought an extended warranty. Funny thing was I bought it for the CVT transmission which has been solid as a rock.
Think I'll take my time and look around. I really want to stay in my budget....I could buy more but prefer to "try" things before diving in. Definitely going to stay away from the mods to start.
I made the mistake of buying a first year car '03 Nissan Murano and it has been in the shop almost as much as I have driven it. First time I was soooo happy I went with my gut an bought an extended warranty. Funny thing was I bought it for the CVT transmission which has been solid as a rock.
Think I'll take my time and look around. I really want to stay in my budget....I could buy more but prefer to "try" things before diving in. Definitely going to stay away from the mods to start.