Checking Out A 98 C5
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 31
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Checking Out A 98 C5
Hi guys this is my first post. Going to look at a 98 Vette this morning. I know very little about what to look for in a used one. It a 98 convertible and has 58k on it. Guy says it has new seats and tires. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,876
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From: Jersey Shore Exit 98
Just look for all the normal signs of wear. Take it for a good test drive and if you like the way she looks and handles make him an offer. Search the 'for sale' section so you know whats a good price and what's not. G/L
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Indian Rocks Beach FL
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
Read through this and you should be good to go:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...ngths-etc.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...ngths-etc.html
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Good luck with your search. I've got a lot of Word files, including a Corvette Buyers Checklist, that might help you out. If you'd like a copy, PM me your e-mail address. Chances are I won't be able to get them to you until later this evening though.
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From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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If it needed new seats at only 58,000 miles it probably wasn't very well taken care of.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 691
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From: Los Angeles
Plus since its a vert, I'm sure they saw a lot of sun. So I would say its very normal for the covers to be replaced after 12 years.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Dallas, TX
The prior owner could have been a larger person, no offense intended. That does not help the seat foams wear well. I bought mine with 27k miles and the drivers foams were already pretty flat.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2010
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The car was good. Origional excellent condition not detailed. Seller said he thought the seats and top were replaced by PO. Not they "were" replaced. They were both perfect. Im making an offer! 
Last edited by bronsin; Aug 18, 2010 at 02:06 PM.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: La Follette, TN
Not always true. I got brand new covers on mine about 1 1/2 years ago. No one takes better care of there car than me. I am a cleanin' detailin' dude and my driver side seat is flaking on the inside bolster.
Burning Brakes
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From: Liverpool NY
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My previous 98 had 50,000 miles on it when I sold it and the seats still looked new.
My 02 doesn't have many miles on it but is over 8 years old and the seats appear new.
My 68 still has the original interior in it and the seats look fantastic. That's 42 years old. The seats in my 61 were last redone 32 years ago. They look new. I actually drive it all the time.
Nourishing the leather with Zaino Z9/Z10 and putting towels on the seat when you drive will keep them as new. I know I'm a little eccentric but that's the way to care for a car. I look at the seats as a window into the standard of care that a car receives.
My 02 doesn't have many miles on it but is over 8 years old and the seats appear new.
My 68 still has the original interior in it and the seats look fantastic. That's 42 years old. The seats in my 61 were last redone 32 years ago. They look new. I actually drive it all the time.
Nourishing the leather with Zaino Z9/Z10 and putting towels on the seat when you drive will keep them as new. I know I'm a little eccentric but that's the way to care for a car. I look at the seats as a window into the standard of care that a car receives.
Team Owner
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From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Welcome to this forum.. fill out your profile so that we know where you live...there are many very seasoned members here. Lots of members know almost everything there is to know about a C5. Its a good idea to have some one who knows something about these cars to check it out...there are corvette clubs everywhere, there are regional forums where people in your area congregate, Right in the corvette forum... Most corvette owners and members here are willing to help a new corvette owner out... Find someone close to you and most would be more than happy to take a look.
Bill aka ET
Bill aka ET
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Wellsboro Pa
Welcome to CF and good luck with your quest for a C5. I have had my 98 for a long time and still love it. BTW, I had my seat skins and foam replaced because the stiching came apart on the driver's side. I went with 100% leather on the replacements. My car receives a lot of TLC so it wasn't that I replaced the seat skins because of abuse. Enjoy and good luck!
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 149
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From: San Antonio Texas
Do a CarFax on the Vette and find out if it's been totaled or "drowned" before. Worth the few bucks. Also, get a qualified mechanic to check brakes, etc. They usually get $75 to $100 for thorough check and use this to get price down.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,793
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From: Santa Maria Ca.
The only thing that "bugs" me about my '98 is the rear-mounted,non-repairable,$1700.00 ABS unit-it's working fine,and I just hope it keeps that up.
Mine's an early '98,I think they moved the ABS unit up under the hood later in the model year.
Mine's an early '98,I think they moved the ABS unit up under the hood later in the model year.