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Purchased a 2003 50th Anniversary Convertible 2 years ago with 11,575 miles, now at 47,000 miles. Had the issue with windows and door locks not working, tuned out to be a ground issue, fixed per Bill Curlee's great advice in C5 Tech. I've experienced some leaking at the side windows, but only when washing the car & spraying directly with the hose, never had a leak from rain while driving. So far the only big ticket item was to replace the Goodyear Runcraps with a set of Michelins at 22,500 miles and to get an alignment done. BTW the tires look like they'll probably go somewhere between 40,000-50,000 miles before wearing out. So far, so good. Biggest problem is the rapid pace with which the numbers on the odometer are increasing.
The question arose in another thread, so I'll post it here.
I've often read the suggestion that it's best to purchase the latest model year in a generation, because any issues have been worked out by then.
At this point though, 10+ years since the last C5 was built, shouldn't any issues that earlier model years had, have been resolved by previous owners?
Am I missing something and/or being too wishful?
not always but some sure. Its a gamble. The 04's should have the least of these but again its all chance. An example would be the 04's having gas tank crossover pipe leaks.
Here is a partial list of what was repaired under warranty on my 2001 coupe (never raced or taken out of town). I say "partial" because there are several other things they replaced under warranty that they did not list. The entire engine was replaced at 39,000 miles due to the starter motor breaking off a chunk of the block they could not repair.
The past 5 years now that it is out of warranty, been pretty well behaved. Other than having the AC Compressor Seals replaced last year, just regular maintenance items (tires, brakes, bulbs, etc.)
The C5 was designed to go 300,000. Your mileage may vary
Is that an aftermarket console cover I see in the third picture? I have an "Annie" as well but the cover on the console does not have the embroidered logo like yours. Wondering where you got it as it looks nice!
OK, I don't think anyone said on the C5 you can pull trouble codes from the dash and they will display in front of you. Most scanners will only pull emissions related codes. You can pull up all 325 or so potential codes that can be from the 11 or 12 computer modules in the car.
One should pull those codes before buying since they could indicate potential issues with the car. We can help you with understanding what they mean.
We recommend they be pulled before driving a car and then delete them after recording them. Then go for a drive and pull them again afterwards and record them.
Here is how. I can provide more detailed info later from home.
No major issues with the C5s as long as they are maintained, and are not abused.
Nice thing is most people who owns Vettes take pride in them and maintain them well. Of course you can always get a dud or inherit someone else's troubles. Anytime you buy any used car it is a chance you take.
Over 100,000 mile Vettes would naturally have the same issues any 100,000 mile car would have. Age is also a factor, but as stated most Vette owners can better care of their cars than would your average Honda Civic or Nissan Altima owner.
Make sure to check for DIC codes and get a competent Vette mechanic to give it a once over and you should be fine. Some dealers will also provide limited warranties. If that us a concern, might want to buy from a reputable dealer or car lot.
Last edited by bikeriderga; Sep 23, 2015 at 12:54 AM.
MONEY.....You never have enough of it. If it breaks....you have to have it, If you want to do some mods...you have to have it. Whenever you look at it...you automatically think about what's the next upgrade...and you know you don't have enough money.
MONEY.....You never have enough of it. If it breaks....you have to have it, If you want to do some mods...you have to have it. Whenever you look at it...you automatically think about what's the next upgrade...and you know you don't have enough money.
I've had to replace my battery, brakes, tires, shocks and sway bars (just upgraded these to C-6 Z06) and harmonic balancer in my coupe.
All belts etc were done when the balancer were done.
I also replaced the OEM radio with a GPS/radio Double Din.
HID headlights too.
oH yea, and the oil about every 5000 miles.
The seat leather was replaced at 100,000 miles.
I'm around 130,000 miles on a 2001.
I'm going to jack it up and roll a C-7 under it one of these days.
