I sold my C3 a couple of weeks ago. I have been shopping for C5 and finally ran across a 1999 with 54k. It is a coupe has every available option for that year and we have negotiated to $15500. Looks like a decent deal but I want to know what you guys think. I am going to look at it tomorrow and plan on bringing it to its new home. Is there anything thing that I definitely need to look out for. Carfax is clean. New to C5s and don't want to get burned.

 

Is it a 6 speed or auto? Does it have both roofs, after market wheels? $15,500 is what Kelly blue books calls for if in excellent condition. Any mods?

 

that doesnt really seem like a "great" deal, but about average price

 

In my area that would be good price, most similar age/mileage cars are asking high teens to low twenties. The key question is whether the color combo and equipment is what your looking for. A car that fits just what you are looking for is worth more than a car that you would simply settle for. If it is what you want, I think the numbers are about right. I see lower values put on cars on this forum than I see most anywhere else.

 

Don't know about C5 values in your area so won't comment on that.

Has the Column Lock issue been addressed?
With the engine off & key out of ignition, will the steering wheel turn? If so, then either one of the recalls was done or it has a CLB (column lock bypass) - ask the current owner if he knows which was done.

Check the left rear axle where it meets the differential for oil leaks.
A design flaw causes this seal to leak - GM has redesigned the seal, but no longer pays for the repair.

 

Check the DIC for CODES!!!!!!

 

Check the harmonic balancer for any vibration common problem with Vettes, tire pressure sensors are due to go any time unless they have been changed. I have a 99 and one by one the batteries are dropping. They are very high to replace, but there are some threads on battery replacement. Dont get me wrong I love mine just a few things to look for.

 

Six speed with factory wheels. It only has the glass roof. The KBB for my area puts it as $16,600 Excellant and $15,700 Good. He said that it was all original with the exception of a K & N air filter.

 

He said that all of the recalls have been done on the steering lock. The info on the leaking seal is great advice. That is what I am looking for.

 

Do I need to take it up to autozone to have the DIC codes checked?

 

Well, are you buying this car simply because you are frustrated with looking for your IDEAL car?

Remember, when things break, you will question yourself as to why you bought this car. When things break on your IDEAL car, you will just shrug your shoulders and think "**** happens"

Best of success

 

What do I need to do about checking the Harmonic Balancer? Is that a simple visual check? He told me that one of the tire pressure sensors was replaced several years ago. Sounds like one down three to go. I don't understand what is meant about the batteries dropping. Does that have to do with the tire pressure sensors?

 

It is not exactly what I was looking for. It does seem to fit the needs.

 

This car is black/black. I didn't mind the exterior but I am a little concerned about burning up in the black interior. The C3 was black/oyster. Nice and cool on the hottest summer days. I also was wanting to automatic but the more people I talk to the more I am willing to go with the manual.

 

He said that all of the recalls have been done on the steering lock. The info on the leaking seal is great advice. That is what I am looking for.

 

Decent price. Check the items listed in previous posts. If the majority check out BUY IT! If any other little problems arise, ask all of us here, we'll help you out!

 

My advice is if the car is not what you want, think hard about compromising. There are a lot of C5s for sale so don't rush into buying one that doesn't have what you want on it.

That said, if you are willing to compromise on your desires, then the price is about right if all things check out.

For the '99, I found some of the desirable options to be the HUD, active handling, sport seats, tilt/tele wheel with memory package.

I have some Word files, including a buyers checklist, that I would be glad to share with you. If interested, PM me your e-mail address.

 

All Autozone can do is check powertrain codes. There are far more codes than powertrain on modern cars and the C5 is the only car ever marketed to my knowledge that lets you display all of the codes. Here is how to do it:

Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Displaying

This vehicle is equipped with an on-board diagnostic display feature capable displaying DTCs. By selecting specific buttons on the IPC, DTCs are displayed on the IPC 20 character display unit. This feature allow DTCs to be read or cleared without the use of a scan tool. When the diagnostic mode is first entered, the IPC will enter into an automatic display sequence and will display all systems that communicate on the serial data line. After each system is displayed, the IPC will display the number of DTCs (current or history) for that system. The manual diagnostic mode may be selected at any time during the automatic DTC display sequence by pressing any button on the DIC except the E/M button. In the manual diagnostic mode, you can manually select what module to display. In this mode, DTCs are only displayed for a specific module and will not proceed to the next until requested. Both diagnostic mode displays will also indicate if the DTC is a current DTC (malfunction present now) or a history DTC (malfunction has occurred, but is not present now) with a C or an H, respectively. Diagnostics will automatically be exited if no DIC buttons are pressed for 60 seconds.
Entering On-Board Diagnostics


To enter the Diagnostic Display function perform the following steps:

1. Turn ON the ignition switch, with the engine OFF.
2. Press the RESET button to acknowledge any warning messages present.
3. Press the OPTIONS button on the Driver Information Center (DIC) and hold.
4. While holding the OPTIONS button press the FUEL button 4 times within a 5 second period.
5. System will first enter automatic display mode followed by the manual display mode.

Automatic Display DTC Mode


The automatic display feature allows you to read each module DTC display function in an automatic display sequence. Each system module DTC will be displayed for 3 seconds followed by a 1 second pause before the next DTC is displayed in an automatic sequence. If no DTC information is available from the system currently displayed on the IPC, the IPC will display NO CODES for that system. If there is a communications problem between any system, the IPC will display NO COMM when the IPC is trying to communicate with that system. When all DTCs have been displayed for all systems, the IPC will display NO MORE CODES for 2 seconds before entering the manual mode. At any time during the automatic display function, the manual display feature can be activated by pressing any button on the DIC except the E/M button. The E/M button is used to completely exit the DIAGNOSTICS mode at any time.

Manual Display DTC Mode

The manual display feature allows you to manually select each module DTC display function. The manual mode will automatically be entered after the automatic DTC display sequence is complete, or can be entered at any time during the automatic mode by pressing any button on the DIC except the E/M (E/M button is used to exit the DIAGNOSTIC mode at any time). When the manual mode is selected, the IPC will display the MANUAL DIAGNOSTICS mode message for 2 seconds, or until any button on the DIC except the E/M is pressed. After the MANUAL DIAGNOSTICS mode message is displayed, the IPC will display the first system abbreviation and quantity of codes stored for that system, then the IPC will wait for further instructions. The buttons on the DIC provide the following functions when operating the on-board diagnostic feature in the manual mode:

DIC Button Functions

DIC Button
Function
1. FUEL===Previous DTC
2. GAGES==Next DTC
3. TRIP===Previous System
4. OPTIONS=Next System
5. E/M====Exit Diagnostics
RESET====Clear DTCs that are currently displayed on the DIC. One at a time.


In both diagnostic modes, systems will be displayed in the following order:

• PCM (Powertrain Control Module)
• TCS (Traction Control System)
• RTD (Real Time Damping) (with F45 option)
• BCM (Body Control Module)
• SDM (Sensing and Diagnostic Module)
• IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster)
• RADIO (Radio)
• HVAC (Heater, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) (with CJ2 option)
• LDCM (Left Door Control Module)
• RDCM (Right Door Control Module)
• SCM (Seat Control Module) (with AAB option)
• RFA (Remote Function Actuation) (known as the remote control door lock receiver (RCDLR))

Bill

 

You can check the DIC codes yourself - there are several posts in C5 Tech section telling you how and waht codes mean. Also If you know anyone with C5 experience and a lift - get it up in the air and look it over. Try to take for long test drive if owner will let you even if you have to spend a few bucks on gas. If a stealership has it - RUN - go find another C5.

I got burned about 6 weeks ago rusing into a '98 from a dealership and not educating myself - unless you are in a big rush spen this weekend reading the Tech section of this forum before you make a mistake like I did.

I love my '98 - vast improvement over my '87 BUT I hate all the little electrial problems it has - IF IF I had know how to pull the codes and stayed away from a highpressure salesman, I'm sure I could have found a much better car.

Good Luck !

 

I feel that it is a good price and I am willing to compromise. I just want to make sure that I go over any areas of potential problems so I don't get stuck with a project. As far as the desireable options all of the ones yo mentioned are on it. In fact it has all of the options that were available for the car. I am PMing you now. Thanks