2002 reliability
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,858
Likes: 1
From: Burlington County NJ
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 2,943
Likes: 1,696
From: North Coast
02 owner here.
I only had to fix the seat rocking. While out I replace the seat foam bottom on the drivers seat. Then put burlap over the springs to protect the foam.
Other wise it was just service work as the sat from 2016 till I got it with few miles.
I cleaned out a mouse nest in the AC.
it is an auto so the ignition is not a problem. I did clean the grounds and no codes and no battery drain.
Check the roof if a concert as the older ones may need replaced the hat top can be cracked. I had a new roof. The mouse ate a part of it. They paid for it.
the 02 and 03 are the sweet spot. The least issues of all C5 models.
So far in the first year no surprises or issues. I had a great summer. I have seen other buy Vettes and buy the car from hell but so far this one could not be expected better.
Do check the balancer. Make sure of no wobble or slip. But that is any LS.
I only had to fix the seat rocking. While out I replace the seat foam bottom on the drivers seat. Then put burlap over the springs to protect the foam.
Other wise it was just service work as the sat from 2016 till I got it with few miles.
I cleaned out a mouse nest in the AC.
it is an auto so the ignition is not a problem. I did clean the grounds and no codes and no battery drain.
Check the roof if a concert as the older ones may need replaced the hat top can be cracked. I had a new roof. The mouse ate a part of it. They paid for it.
the 02 and 03 are the sweet spot. The least issues of all C5 models.
So far in the first year no surprises or issues. I had a great summer. I have seen other buy Vettes and buy the car from hell but so far this one could not be expected better.
Do check the balancer. Make sure of no wobble or slip. But that is any LS.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 773
Likes: 213
From: Auburn Ohio
01 and 02 For the Win!
#1 Fixable EBCM
#2 None of The goofy “Reengineered Dengineered” Fuel crossover transfer issues...
HA! Most All the “little” stuff still applies though
.... let’s just say it’s good to be a relatively competent mechanic for any of these
....Always good to maintain a level of humor like when your HUD drops out of sight
...permanently, the day after you buy the car!
I have owned, since new, two 2003 Tahoe‘s
Both of which have over 370,000 miles and over 11,600 engine hours on them
....Funny thing, Both running the original harmonic balancers
The seats are as comfortable as the day I bought them Never “Rocked”
....The General. .... can certainly build a dead *** reliable vehicle (when they feel like it!)
......But,
As to our beloved C5s
Ha! Well I guess that’s why they call it a “Sports Car”. !!
#1 Fixable EBCM
#2 None of The goofy “Reengineered Dengineered” Fuel crossover transfer issues...
HA! Most All the “little” stuff still applies though
.... let’s just say it’s good to be a relatively competent mechanic for any of these
....Always good to maintain a level of humor like when your HUD drops out of sight
...permanently, the day after you buy the car!
I have owned, since new, two 2003 Tahoe‘s
Both of which have over 370,000 miles and over 11,600 engine hours on them
....Funny thing, Both running the original harmonic balancers
The seats are as comfortable as the day I bought them Never “Rocked”
....The General. .... can certainly build a dead *** reliable vehicle (when they feel like it!)
......But,
As to our beloved C5s
Ha! Well I guess that’s why they call it a “Sports Car”. !!
1st Gear
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Corvette buyers guide
Hello sir, sort of overheard your earlier conversation. Getting ready to look at 2002 with my brother and wondering if I may please ask for a copy of your checklist? I thank you for your time.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 2,943
Likes: 1,696
From: North Coast
Buy the book
2002 is the sweet spot of the C5 it has the updates with out the fuel system isdues of the later 03 and 04.
C5 Corvette Book of Knowledge
This Is your best investment. It has it all.2002 is the sweet spot of the C5 it has the updates with out the fuel system isdues of the later 03 and 04.
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