scared to buy C5
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 30
From: Fairfax Virginia
I've been a long time owner of a C3 and a long time owner of a C5, and I still currently own both. The C5 was and is a giant leap forward over every generation before it, and the quality of it IMHO is far superior to the C3. I don't think that realistically you have anything to fear in going to a C5 from a C3.
Good luck with your decision.
Good luck with your decision.
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Joined: Mar 2001
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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Bad thing is you usually only hear about the problems people are having with their cars - hardly ever do you see a post from all the other owners that have nothing but positive things to say about the C5. I'm on my 3rd C5 and yes, there have been some problems, just like any other car, but nothing to make me want to abandon my ownership of the car because of mechanical failure.
My '99 had zero problems in a bit over a year of ownership, my '00 had the oil consumption and leaking differential seal issues in 7.5 years of ownership (both problems fixed within the first 3 years of ownership), and my '03 has had zero problems in a year of ownership.
If the car has been well maintained and you have it checked over by a good mechanic, that should put your mind to rest. I bought my '03 basically sight unseen (except for photos) and drove it home from NJ to MO. Put a smile on my face every mile of the way.
My '99 had zero problems in a bit over a year of ownership, my '00 had the oil consumption and leaking differential seal issues in 7.5 years of ownership (both problems fixed within the first 3 years of ownership), and my '03 has had zero problems in a year of ownership.
If the car has been well maintained and you have it checked over by a good mechanic, that should put your mind to rest. I bought my '03 basically sight unseen (except for photos) and drove it home from NJ to MO. Put a smile on my face every mile of the way.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 798
Likes: 2
From: Notorious Miami sunny south florida
if your look for a car that you'll never have to fix one thing or another your in for a rude awakening it dosen't exsist c5 is as good or better than any vette ever built . you have to consider whos driving it and how it's being driven if you run any car hard enough some thing is going to give but under normal drving conditions it a very relyable car becauseits built to be driven hard it's a factory race car from show room to the track and i'm pretty sure you'll never drive it as hard a as it could be driven with that additude you'll never enjoy anything you'll own lighten up
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 985
Likes: 0
From: Cumming Georgia
Don't be afraid, you can do it
If you can do a lot of your own work, this forum can save you a lot of $$. I've had the usual minor issues, but was able to find the fixes here. I'm getting ready to fix the dim heater controls, but am not that worried, as there are plenty of directions on the site how to fix them. My vette now has 113,000 miles on it, and still looks new. My favorite addition was putting a HUD in. With technical help from Josh Meeks (PaceThis I think was his handle), it only took five hours start to finish. Love the car! My Y2K is light years ahead of the '69 I owned 30 years ago.
Tim
Tim
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 351
Likes: 1
From: Laurel Maryland
St. Jude Donor '11
feeling better
I really appreciate all the imput about my fears of the C5 and you have made me feel much more at ease about it. I am still negotiating and am hoping to get it down to about 17000 but he seems firm about the 17900. Wanted to make the deal today but will now give it until next weekend. Thanks for all your thoughts and please keep them coming and I will let you know if I am lucky and become a C5er. laurelboy
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
Just my opinion, If you really like the car I wouldn't let 900 bucks keep you from getting it, 17,900 isn't a bad price if it is in good shape and is what you want, In a week it could be gone.
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Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,487
Likes: 5
From: Naples Florida
I sold my C3 and bought a C5 and have had it for 5 or 6 years now and have had very little problems. If you read these online comments left by people it makes you scared to purchase anything. From lawnmowers to cell phones they put doubts in your head. Buy the car they are a pleasure to drive especially compared to a C3.
Sold my C3
bought this with no regrets except for not making the move sooner
Sold my C3
bought this with no regrets except for not making the move sooner
Racer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 354
Likes: 5
From: Winter Springs, Fl
don't be scared about buying a C5 like most forum members say. if you have a problem post it up and someone will have the answer or point you in the right direction. when you tell a repair shops that you own a Corvette the cost of the repair will go sky high.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
From: Killeen, TX
I've had mine for a little over 2 years but I have only been able to drive it maybe 10 days all together. Awesome car . Like others have said you can have car problems with any car. If you do the stuff yourself you are ok. Im rather new to this forum but, it seems like they got a good bit of info on how to repair/ replace stuff. Just go in and do it, you wont regret it.
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've had mine for a little over 2 years but I have only been able to drive it maybe 10 days all together. Awesome car . Like others have said you can have car problems with any car. If you do the stuff yourself you are ok. Im rather new to this forum but, it seems like they got a good bit of info on how to repair/ replace stuff. Just go in and do it, you wont regret it.
Why even have it?
Mr.Bill
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
From: Killeen, TX
I'm stationed in Hawaii and the car is in Kentucky. When I iniatially bought I did plan on shipping it over here and I didnt plan on staying here for another two years. But I'd never ship it over here, too much money to do that, environment and the roads suck here. Plus I am kinda inbetween setups for it. Don't worry when I get back state side Ill probably drive the crap out of it.
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'm stationed in Hawaii and the car is in Kentucky. When I iniatially bought I did plan on shipping it over here and I didnt plan on staying here for another two years. But I'd never ship it over here, too much money to do that, environment and the roads suck here. Plus I am kinda inbetween setups for it. Don't worry when I get back state side Ill probably drive the crap out of it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,233
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From: Cancer Sucks - please donate to Corvettes Conquer Cancer
Cruise-In X Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
We purchased our 01 Coupe in Oct 2006 - it had 18k miles. We now have 73k on it have driven up and down the East Coast numerous times , been to Bowling Green twice and hoping to get there again this fall. I've had to replace the thermostat, battery and now the Oil Pressure sensor needs to be replaced. The car has been fantastic , great gas mileage and more fun then we could have imagined. I would say go for it - if you don't like it there is always a buyer for it.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 623
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta Ga
I've had my 99 C5 for 2 years and other than oil changes, I have repaired EVERYTHING myself with the incredible help from the people on this board. Most of my repais have been the Car stereo mod, The moving seat problem, adding things like seat warmers..., brakes (which can be done VERY inexpensively, etc...
The biggest problem I have is the desire to add different Mods. I'm satisfied with the power of my C5 so those mods are not that necessary but the car has been an absolute pleasure so far...
The biggest problem I have is the desire to add different Mods. I'm satisfied with the power of my C5 so those mods are not that necessary but the car has been an absolute pleasure so far...
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,890
Likes: 0
From: Cocoa Florida
I might chime in on this one too. I drove 1200 miles each way to go buy a 00 coupe with 90k miles on the clock 4 years ago (I cant tell that part without giving HUGE kudos to StangKiller, if Chris is even still around). In the 4 years I've had it, I've put another 76k on it and the only thing mechanical to fail has been a knock sensor and a hairline crack in the end tank on the radiator.
Absolutely the most reliable car i've had.
Absolutely the most reliable car i've had.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,560
Likes: 4
From: Arlington texas
My 2000 FRC is a daily driver and has 72k on it. It is highly dependable and I don't regret the purchase at all. I've had a couple of minor repairs now but they were inexpensive and about what you'd expect on any 10 year old car. I have a C3,4 and 5. The C4 and 5 are the most dependable cars. The C5 is the most enjoying car to drive. Check the car out to make sure it has no problems now and you'll not regret it.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 14,285
Likes: 0
From: Houston, Tx Got traction?
CI 5-6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07-'08
I might chime in on this one too. I drove 1200 miles each way to go buy a 00 coupe with 90k miles on the clock 4 years ago (I cant tell that part without giving HUGE kudos to StangKiller, if Chris is even still around). In the 4 years I've had it, I've put another 76k on it and the only thing mechanical to fail has been a knock sensor and a hairline crack in the end tank on the radiator.
Absolutely the most reliable car i've had.
Absolutely the most reliable car i've had.
I'm around...but now in Houston.