Currently deployed in Afghanistan, when I take R&R next spring I want to buy a Corvette or an 03 terminator, what should I look for when looking at a C5??? Never owned a Chevy so I'm clueless to chevys.. Thanks!

 

Trevor,

Thanks for your service. You'll find many military and ex-military here, and will really feel welcome. Here are a few links:

Good overview of the Corvette history

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Corvette

Specs to compare models / years

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...004/specs.html

OK read - general review

http://consumerguideauto.howstuffwor...corvette-6.htm

Article on what to look for in a C5 (mostly just general car stuff, but a couple of C5 specific items)

http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/c..._c5/index.html

 

Trevor - Thanks for your service and best of luck finding an awesome C5 once you return home. I've got a few Word files, including a Corvette Buyers Checklist that you might be interested in. If so, just PM me your e-mail address and I'll send them to you.

 

First, thank you for your service...much appreciated!

You can't go wrong with a C5. A blast to drive, reliable & they look awsome. Also an entire community of enthusiasts!

Terminator?

 

As a Viet Nam vet, all I can say is thanks for your services and state safe over there.

A C5 is a great car. You will not be disappointed in it. Just research the one you are looking at. You can find many low mileage cars available. Prices will vary depending on were in the states you are. Once you find something this is a great forum for info.

By the way, what is a terminator?

 

a terminator is an 03/04 supercharged mustang cobra.

 

Hi Trevor
I also like to say thanks for your service. Good choice in cars imo the 03-04’s 4v Termi’s are nice cars. I new to the C5's also the things I’ll add depending on which body style your looking at performance wise Z06 HT 2001 385hp/385tq, 2002+ Z06 405hp/385tq better manual trans than the coupe and vert. Targa coupe and vert, 97-00 345hp, 350tq 01-04 350hp-370tq power wise. Keep in mind if you not looking to sc it seems these 5.7L LSx motors with heads, cam and header’s with supporting mods some of these vettes you hit 400-450rwhp on around 3100lb car with supporting mods and dr’s should be looking at around a mid or high 10sec car as long as it hooks up I would think.

Things I do few off the top of my head imo.
Carfax of course.
Try to get low miles so when you put miles and go to sell they won’t be to high so makes it easier to sell. Look at each body panel very close at the orange peel patteren looking at the paint (orange peel) should look uniform on all body panels, too smooth on some panels vs other panels on the same side could indicate possible body damage/accident. Then of course stand back and look at the car from a distance and take your time looking hard make sure all the paint panels match up shade and color wise looking to quick and not knowing the color could miss it. Check glass all around the car for original manufacture label in windows should be the same different brand on one window could indicate possible accident.


Take care and good luck your going to have nice car which ever one you end up buying.

 

Thanks guys but I was more or so looking for common problems that these vettes have, if any?

 

First off like I said I am new to owning a C5 but I really do not think there is much to look for to be worried about on the C5's. All cars and the Mustangs have a list of TSB's for things or problem parts that can occur but of course depend on your car and how many could come up. When you look at the vette just make sure every single thing works take the car for a good long road test before you buy it and check the DIC real good and as your driving. The only thing comes off the top of my head what I see people concerned about is the column lock on most models (see sticky on this) could check if the recall was done and fuel sensor problem seems to come up number of times. On some Z06's some seem to have a valve spring problem, (breaking) but will not be able to tell before hand so won't know till it hapens if it it even happens at all with the car you buy if its a Z06. On the 03 Termi's I know they had a problem with one of the heads on early 03 models so if looking at a low mile early 03 might want to check into that