I am currently wanting to get into a C5 but do not know alot about them. I have owned 80 and 89 model Vettes and I know that the C5's are worlds different than those two. I know that I want a six speed and would like to spend no more than 13-14k. I guess mainly what I would like to know is how much do they improve as they go up from 1997-2004? I have questions like for instance was there a certain nagging problem in a 97 model that may have been corrected in 98 or 99? Just general performance and maintenance questions, I guess what it all boils down to is what is the best year to buy that will give me the best bang for my buck. Thanks guys looking forward to the suggestions

 

Most of the nagging issues on the early C5's were never really fixed....

1. Rocking seat
2. Leaky seal on differential
3. Column lock
4. Wear issues on outboard seat side bolsters
5. Failing oil pressure sending units
6. HVAC and radio control units fading out

This having been said - the aftermarket has produced fixes for most of these problems. Also clever owners have come up with ways to address the issues and have generally shared their fixes with members of this as well as other forums.

Bottom line - buy the lowest mileage newest car you can afford. And if any of these issues come up - rest assured that someone else before you has encountered the same issue and fixed it. The C5 is a great car (I own two of them) and I wouldn't hesitate to buy another if I had the space to house it. I'd love to find either a low mileage '04 Z16 Z06 for me or a low mileage '04 A4 coupe for my wife in either Mag Red or Commemorative blue.

 

This link is a good place to start, you scan through it. If something is unclear or raising concern ask about it. Sticky

Here's a link to most of the service bulletins: click

Here's a list of some of the model differences:

1997
* Completely new, redesigned Corvette. Base (FE1) and Z51 (FE3) suspension packages.
* All Z51 cars include: Power Steering Cooler
* 97-00 C5 LS1's produce 345 HP @ 5600 RPM and 350 Ft Lbs of torque @ 4400 RPM.

1998
* Convertible becomes available
* Active Handling becomes available late in year
* The two slots of a 1998 (and possibly late 1997s) curve toward the rear at the bottom. (versus straight down)

1999
* 26# injectors substituted for 28#
* Fuel pump revised to reduce noise
* FRC "Fixed Roof Coupe" aka the hardtop, becomes available. All FRC's are MN6 (6-speed) cars with the Z51 suspension package, and are about 60lbs lighter than coupes.
* HUD introduced
* Only one line in driver's side fuel rail cover (no fuel return line?)
* Power telescoping wheel becomes an option
* Steering hardware changed to combat wandering
* Door sill trim plates added

2000
* Millennium Yellow available
* "Thin Spoke" versus "wagon wheel" design wheels become standard.
* Pup cats added to all models for LEV emissions requirements (5hp loss relative to 97-99)
* Steel swaybar endlinks instead of plastic on Z51 equipped cars
* Z51 swaybar diameters grow (25.4/21.7 to 28.6/21.7 to 28.6/23.6 (note: new rear same as Z06)
* No keyhole on passenger side doorhandle
* Passenger airbag 'off' switch added to console (light by TC/AH button)

2001
* Return to 28# injectors for all models.
* Second Generation Active Handling
* Nassau Blue discontinued
* Alternator 'clutch' pulley added on A4 cars
* New soundproofing + foam in all cars
* Smaller keyfob
* Electrochromic dimming rearview and driver's mirrors
* Lighter AGM battery
* Thickness + Material in Convertible change
* Chrome exhaust tips for coupe + Convertible
* 85MM MAF with integral temp sensor (versus 74mm with separate plug for IAT)
* LS1 cam profile changed to: .500/0.500, 198/208 on 115.5LSA (From: 0.472/0.479, 202/210 on 117)
* All Corvettes now have the LS6 intake manifold
* All Corvettes now have the LS6 engine block (windage passages in block), which includes a beefier oil pump.
* LS1 changes result in new output of 350 HP @ 5200 RPM and 375 Ft Lbs of torque @ 4400 RPM (MN6)
* Hardtop/FRC discontinued
* Stronger synchros in all transmissions
* Exhaust manifolds revised (5hp regained) - thin wall cast replacing SS manifolds
* Metal valvestem caps (late year)
* Torque Tube changed from metal-matrix composite to aluminum alloy 6061, increased in diameter from 55 to 63 mm.
* Driveshaft couplings have also been upgraded on manual-equipped models for additional strength and durability
* Introduction of the Z06, which has as differences:
* Hardtop body style
* Rear brake ducting
* Screened inlets on front fascia, without foglights
* F1 Supercar tires 265-17 front, 295-18 rear, on 17x9.5 and 18x10.5 (one inch wider, respectively
* New LS6 top-end with new style head design (10.5:1 compression, 64cc chamber), LS6 cam (0.525/0.525, 204/211 on 116) - 385hp
* M12 transmission with shorter gearing (1-2-3 analagous to MN6 with 3.90 rear diff
* Titanium exhaust system
* Lightweight windshield
* New, stronger clutch with redesigned master + slave cylinder
* Stronger rear differential (shotpeened ring gear)
* Red brake calipers (otherwise identical)
* Transmission overtemp warning light on DIC
* 6500 redline gauges with special checkering + Z06 font
* Redesigned PCV system to help combat oil burning
* Red LS6 Fuel Rail Covers (FRC's)
* FE4 Z06 suspension - uprated springs, bars (30mm/23.6mm), shocks (note front spring and rear bar same as Z51)

2002
* Z06 Changes:
* Z06 LS6 cam changed to: 0.551/0.547, 204/218 on 117.5
* Less restrictive intake airbox lid
* Descreened MAF
* Removal of pup-cats (total with changes = 405hp)
* Z06 shocks revised with less rebound for better launching
* Z06 brake pads revised for better stopping (generate more dust)
* Lighter, sodium filled valves w/ stronger valve springs
* Higher tension rings installed to prevent oil burning problems
* Slight piston redesign *
* Clutch strength upgraded.
* HUD available on Z06 (not avail '01 model year)
* Wheel supplier changed to Speedline, moved from forged to cast. Weight nearly identical
* Electron Blue color offered
* Steel endlinks changed to aluminum

2003
* Late model-year new fuel system design from C6's

2004
* Z06 shocks further refined. Accompanying upper front control arm bushing, and rear swaybar bushing changes.

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I would say '00/'01 and up. But your price range might limit you. Another 4K will change the selection entirely.

In general, coming from a C4, this generation is a major improvement all the way around from the previous generation. And it should, so that's not a negative thing for C4. Every major generation should dramatically improve. C5 has what half the part count I believe as the C4. Each vehicle is going to be unique, one may provide super service another may be a PITA, it's the luck of the draw (and some research maybe.). Every aspect you look at you can see an improvement.

 

Great stuff so far I appreciate it, keep it coming please.

 

buy the vette that you can afford and enjoy. You will enjoy getting into a C5. Don't worry about the early years.....overall very solid and dependable..........with a few minor issues here and there.

 

Good luck with your search. I've got a few Word files that might help you out, including a Corvette Buyers Checklist. If you'd like a copy, PM me your e-mail address.

 

My previous C5 was a 98 coupe. I currently own an 02 coupe. They feel like the same car. I think the whole C5 generation is very reliable and wouldn't shy away from any year. In your price range, a 97 or 98 will get you into the lowest mileage car. Find the lowest mileage, well cared for car you can in your price range.

 

Great info and the Sticky IS a great place to start your research. Good luck and let us know how you make out.

 

Better hurry up. You might be low on the price range soon....

It's was reported on various news outlets on Monday, that due to the economy, people are buying less new cars and more used, thus lowering supply and raising demand and prices on the used ones.

Just got a letter from a local Buick dealer, who used to be Pontiac dealer, stating how low their inventory is supposed to be on used vehicles and quoting the remainder on my loan on the Solstice, what it's worth and what they will consider on a trade in plus $5000. Looks good, but the Solstice will be paid off next year, so no dice.............

 

As stated above, buy the cleanest car, with the lowest mileage and the newest year you find in your desired price range.

They are GREAT cars!

 

I bought my 2004 Cpe a year ago this month. Prices are generally more now than then. Dealers are advertising for used cars to buy.

Mine had 22,570 miles and I knew the battery and tires were original, but darn it the car was the right color, had the extra preferred package with both tops and no mods had been done. The only unexpected problem was the transmission accumulator started leaking.

Looking at the prices in this area currently I would buy it again.

Best of luck in your purchase!

 

I would vote for a 2000 or up. Besides what is on the list posted above there were many other fixes such as quieter fuel pump, sound deadning and window seals. I can't remember all of them but there were a lot from 97-99 making a 2000+ a good option. I would have went with a 2001 if I could do it over again to get the LS6 manifold but it's pretty minor.