Hello, Hi;

I'm going to look at a Corvette saturday. Any thoughts on what I should be looking for.
It's a 2003 6Spd with HUD and Selective Ride.

Thanks.

 

I've got a Corvette Buyers Checklist that might help you. If you'd like a copy, PM me your e-mail address.

Look for rocking seats, leaks under the car (especially the rear differential seals), see if the column lock issue has been resolved.

 

Good luck hope it turns out to be the one your looking for.

Make sure each and every option works.

Here's a link to download a PDF of the owner's manual. Familiarize yourself with the year model you intend. http://gmpartshouse.com/ (Mouse over the Downloads link at the top and mouse over Corvette then to the year model and click.



Here's info on the on-board Diagnostics system, you can easily check to see if there are any DTCs set and have an understanding of them.


C5 Computer Diagnostic Codes


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The ability to view engine operating data such as oil pressure and coolant temperature, in digital form on the instrument panel has been a feature of Corvettes since 1984. Starting in 1992, the instrument panel could display limited diagnostic data relating to the car's on-board computer systems.

The C5's capacity to display diagnostic codes is significantly expanded. The new Corvette has 11 "Computer Modules" that transmit diagnostics:

Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

Traction Control System (TCS), which combines traction control, ABS and, on cars built after 1997, the optional Active Handling System

Real Time Damping (RTD)

Body Control Module (BCM)

Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC)

Radio

Heating-ventilation-air conditioning (HVAC)

Left Door Control Module (LDCM)

Right Door Control Module (RDCM)

Seat Control Module (SCM)

Remote Function Actuation (RFA).


The Instrument Panel Cluster display, the 20-character fluorescent screen above the steering column that says "Corvette by Chevrolet" every time you start the car, is an important device. Its primary function is to display warning and status messages from the various modules. For cars built before 12/15/97, there are 48 of these warning/status messages. A few additional messages come from cars built after that date and equipped with the Active Handling option. A list of the warning/status messages can be found in your Owner's Manual or in the Service Manual for your model year.

The display can show powertrain operating information and tire pressures by simply pressing different buttons on the Driver Information Center (DIC) to the right of the instrument panel. In addition, using the "options" button, you can configure the C5's keyless entry and security systems. Use of the display and buttons for these purposes is discussed in your Owner's Manual

Do-It-Yourself owners will be most interested in the display of diagnostic trouble codes for all modules that transmit them. The "Diagnostic Display Mode" is entered with the following procedure:

1) Turn on the ignition but don't start the engine.

2) Press the "RESET" button to turn off any warning messages

3) Press and hold "OPTIONS"

4) While holding "OPTIONS", press "FUEL" four times within a 10-second period.

Initially, on-board diagnostics go into an "Automatic Mode" which shows diagnostic codes in a pre-set sequence: PCM - TCS - RTD - BCM - IPC - RADIO - HVAC - LDCM - RDCM - SCM - RFA. All codes will be displayed for each module. If none are present in a given module, you will see "No More Codes" on the display.

There are two kinds of diagnostic codes, "Current" and "History", designated with a letter suffix, "C" or "H". A current code indicates a malfunction is present in the module displaying data. A history code indicates a problem existed sometime in the last 40 or 50 ignition cycles. When not accompanied by a current code of the same number, it's potential evidence of a previous problem, now resolved, that was not removed by clearing the codes. More likely it's an indication of an intermittent malfunction.

Intermittent codes are the most challenging of the diagnostics. An intermittent code may have happened once, may have happened more than once but is inconsistent or may be happening on a regular basis but not at the time the codes are displayed. History codes can also be caused by a current malfunction in a system that is not operating at the time codes are displayed. An example is the rear window defogger which doesn't operate until the Body Control Module detects engine rpm. For history codes set by a module that does not operate with the key on and engine off, a special diagnostic tool called a "Scan Tester" is necessary to properly diagnose the malfunction.

Once the system has displayed all modules, it goes into the manual mode which allows selection of each module using combinations of Driver Information Center buttons. Manual mode can also be entered during the automatic sequence by pressing any button except "E/M". Once the display shows "Manual Diagnostics", select a module by pressing the "OPTIONS" button to go forward or the "TRIP" button to go back. Once a module is selected, a code is displayed, and if more than one are present; press "GAGES" to go forward or "FUEL" to go back.

To exit the diagnostic mode at any time, press "E/M". If you want to erase codes in a given module, press "RESET".

 

After being in the retail car business for 30 years all helpful advice is
useful. All I can add is Use your foot and your gut. Ive appraised all
kinds of cars for trades and I will tell you drive the car at real speed.
Not local stop and go only . you must get a car like a vette to at
least 80 to 85 mph change lanes and check braking while feeling for
vibrations , pulling, noises etc. A well serviced car with a owner that
cared would have no issues.
Good Luck
Tony S

 

Gee guys, thanks for the great information.

I've been wanting one since the late 70s when I had a chance to drive a C3. Now is the time. I've made up my mind that I will not buy until I find the right Corvette. If it takes 3-4 months to find the right one, I'm ok with that.

Thanks again and keep the information coming.

Craig

 

If you find the "right one" in less than 3-4 months consider yourself pretty lucky. In other words--don't be in any hurry, take your time and really get the "right one" for you.!