scared to buy C5
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
From: Orlando Florida
Every car has problems. Even my girlfriends Toyota has problems (not gas pedal related actually).
The C5 has problems just like any car available ever, but fortunately with the large Corvette forum most if not all of the fixes you can do yourself and save a bucket of cash.
With that said let me go over what I have had to to fix on my 2002 Z06 with 65,000 miles.
1) Traction Control Module failed: fixed permanently for $150 at ABSfixer
2) Column lock problem: Fixed permanently for $30 and with some helpful forum members (helping me find that relay on the passenger side)
3) Water coming into cabin from lower air vents (the "udders" were clogged. 5 minute free fix)
4) Pulsating brakes: Caused by my driving habits. Fixed with new rotors and pads $380
5) Lights on A/C unit went out: pulled unit and re-soldered bad joints
6) Cracked nipple on the coolant reservoir: $110 and 5 minute install + 1 jug of coolant
Considering that the Vette is a sports car and 8 years old, ~$700 over the past 3 years of ownership is very, very do-able.
The C5 has problems just like any car available ever, but fortunately with the large Corvette forum most if not all of the fixes you can do yourself and save a bucket of cash.
With that said let me go over what I have had to to fix on my 2002 Z06 with 65,000 miles.
1) Traction Control Module failed: fixed permanently for $150 at ABSfixer
2) Column lock problem: Fixed permanently for $30 and with some helpful forum members (helping me find that relay on the passenger side)
3) Water coming into cabin from lower air vents (the "udders" were clogged. 5 minute free fix)
4) Pulsating brakes: Caused by my driving habits. Fixed with new rotors and pads $380
5) Lights on A/C unit went out: pulled unit and re-soldered bad joints
6) Cracked nipple on the coolant reservoir: $110 and 5 minute install + 1 jug of coolant
Considering that the Vette is a sports car and 8 years old, ~$700 over the past 3 years of ownership is very, very do-able.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 249
From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Think about this: Reading the forum is only a small percentage of the C5's on the road. For every car with a problem there are probably hundreds with none. Plus, with the assistance of the people of the forum any problem repairs are just a post away. I've got a '03 Z06 that I drive to work and for pleasure. I bought it new and now have 83,000 miles. It has had a few problems but I still love driving it and have no intentions of replacing it anytime soon. Go for it.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,793
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria Ca.
My 98 Coupe needed a starter when it was 11 yrs old and a Slave cylinder when it was 12(no slave on an auto,so no worries for you).
2 months ago,I had to replace the A/C controller ($200.00,and half an hour of my time)
Other than those items,which I consider normal wear and tear replacements,It has been absolutely trouble free-EVERYTHING works as it was designed to work,and I think that's pretty good for a car that's going to be 13 years old in 2 months (built in August'97,70K miles)
We do need to post more about how good these cars are,but what's the thread title going to be?-"Everything on my C5 works perfectly,Should I be worried?"
2 months ago,I had to replace the A/C controller ($200.00,and half an hour of my time)
Other than those items,which I consider normal wear and tear replacements,It has been absolutely trouble free-EVERYTHING works as it was designed to work,and I think that's pretty good for a car that's going to be 13 years old in 2 months (built in August'97,70K miles)
We do need to post more about how good these cars are,but what's the thread title going to be?-"Everything on my C5 works perfectly,Should I be worried?"
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,640
Likes: 83
From: . New York
You could get an Accord, probably have a greater chance of zero problems.
Of course you'ld be driving an accord.
If you read the forums it may seem like the C5 has a lot of potential problems, and as I said it probably does have more than some other cars but few of the ones it has leave you on the side of the road. The vast majority can even be prevented or preempted by maintenance or repair and few break the bank.
We made about a half million of them and many are still going at 200k miles.
You could probably buy a C5 and a Lambo or a Ferrari and drive both equaly doing nothing on the C5 but putting gas in it and changing the oil when the dic told you to while doing the regular mantenance on the other car. Not only is it safe bet that the C5 would go longer, but you could buy several more C5's on what you would spend on just the maintenance on the other car.
In the current market, if someone wanted to do the type of driving that a vette is suited to I cant see any reason why they would consider any other car, just doesnt make sense either cost wise or performance wise.
Good luck
Of course you'ld be driving an accord.
If you read the forums it may seem like the C5 has a lot of potential problems, and as I said it probably does have more than some other cars but few of the ones it has leave you on the side of the road. The vast majority can even be prevented or preempted by maintenance or repair and few break the bank.
We made about a half million of them and many are still going at 200k miles.
You could probably buy a C5 and a Lambo or a Ferrari and drive both equaly doing nothing on the C5 but putting gas in it and changing the oil when the dic told you to while doing the regular mantenance on the other car. Not only is it safe bet that the C5 would go longer, but you could buy several more C5's on what you would spend on just the maintenance on the other car.
In the current market, if someone wanted to do the type of driving that a vette is suited to I cant see any reason why they would consider any other car, just doesnt make sense either cost wise or performance wise.
Good luck
Pro
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 626
Likes: 0
From: Fresno CA
I think my 97 C5 is one of the best built, most fun, and EZ to mod/work on cars I've owned. I'm at 175,000 miles and it's still very dependable. This Forum is a great place for info and ideas if you ever have questions.
I'd jump in with both feet.
I'd jump in with both feet.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 18,681
Likes: 47
From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
I have had a lot less trouble with my C5 than my last2 other cars. A C5 cost no more than any other car to have repaired. I bought my 2002 over 3 years ago with 14,000 miles and now have 47,000 trouble free miles.
I think if the car is in nice shape it is well worth 17,900.
You will always read about the troubles with any car. Who posts and says there car is trouble free?
I think if the car is in nice shape it is well worth 17,900.
You will always read about the troubles with any car. Who posts and says there car is trouble free?
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 18,681
Likes: 47
From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,960
Likes: 21
From: West Norriton PA
St. Jude Donor '08
Just sold my wonderful C3 1975 coupe 4 speed, Have searched forever for the perfect C5 and finally found an awsome 2001 automatic coupe that I had planned to travel by train to pick up this weekend and drive home but after reading things on this forum about little things that go wrong and costs alot to fix it seems like a bad idea. There seems to be alot of electronic problems that plague the C5. Now I am thinking twice about spending 17900 for the car. I would love to get it but scared to take a chance and end up with alot of costly repairs. Dont know what to do.
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Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
I thought the same thing before I purchased my 98 C5 a few years ago. Boy am I glad I bought it. As you should know, any vette can be expensive to repair. I'm always finding little thinks to repair on mine. But, I also drive it everyday. Bought it with 63k on it and now have 93k. Good luck in your search.
Just sold my wonderful C3 1975 coupe 4 speed, Have searched forever for the perfect C5 and finally found an awsome 2001 automatic coupe that I had planned to travel by train to pick up this weekend and drive home but after reading things on this forum about little things that go wrong and costs alot to fix it seems like a bad idea. There seems to be alot of electronic problems that plague the C5. Now I am thinking twice about spending 17900 for the car. I would love to get it but scared to take a chance and end up with alot of costly repairs. Dont know what to do.
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Clearwater Florida
I bought my '03 C5 last August. One problem has been replacing the lamps on the front turn signals; a bear of a job until you've done it a couple of times and get the hang of it. I also had to replace the air pressure sensor in one tire - took it to a tire shop for that job. Otherwise, if the car had any problems, the former owner solved them 'cause I've had nothing else go wrong. Stay away from the dealers. I had a Chevy dealer sell me replacement wiper blade refills that didn't fit the wipers. I'd say if you aren't somewhat handy with tools and don't like getting a little grease on your hands once in awhile, you might not like ANY Corvette. If you want trouble-free, I recommend the Nissan Maxima, like my wife drives.
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 15,324
Likes: 2,080
From: Guelph, Ontario
I just finished posting in another thread on here about how reliable my daily driven 98 has been. I've owned it for six years now, I got it with 32k on it and it now has almost 118k on it and I've spent under $2000 in repairs! It's just been so incredibly reliable for me! A lot of the problems that go wrong on these cars can be fixed for very little money, sometimes even free with the tips on this forum. Parts are not as expensive as people think, there are a lot of vendors out there that sell C5 parts for great prices, and that helps a lot too.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 656
Likes: 5
From: McAlester Oklahoma
Someone said it best, yes, you see people posting problems, but you have to realize there is more c5 owners out there than there is on this forum. And again, I am sure there are many more trouble free c5's out there than ones with trouble.
I was hesitant as well, but I went ahead and did it know what electrical problems were wrong with it. I have spent a grand total of around 50 bucks to fix the 4 or 5 electrical problems mine had. Only one more to go and it wont cost me a dime. Just have to find the time to fix it!
I was hesitant as well, but I went ahead and did it know what electrical problems were wrong with it. I have spent a grand total of around 50 bucks to fix the 4 or 5 electrical problems mine had. Only one more to go and it wont cost me a dime. Just have to find the time to fix it!
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 236
Likes: 0
From: CT
I have a 97 with 163k on it and it is my daily driver. Have done all required maintenance and outside of what I call a fluke, the harmonic balancer, I have enjoyed this car tremendously. Like they say, with the forum's knowledge and ebay or the parts for sale here, there is not much that can't be fixed inexpensively. This forum is a wealth of knowledge. The only thing I found with the 97 and earlier years that needed attention outside of what a regular vehicle would need, was the grounding points. But with Bill Curlee's post, the helpfulness of all the members it was a snap. Hope this helps
Pro
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 651
Likes: 33
From: North Port Florida
The C5 can be problematic. Very sophisticated automobile with lots of electronics.It's like having a beautiful woman for a girlfriend, high maintenance but worth every penny!!! Life is short, so just go for it.
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 28,847
Likes: 819
From: Parrish FL
St. Jude Donor '06 thru '26
FWIW I have owned my '03 for almost 5 years. During that time the only repairs that I have had to make are a leaky rear end and a rocking seat. Both were taken care of by GMPP. 
