C5 Reliabilty Question
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,257
Likes: 26
From: Delaware
C5 Reliabilty Question
Silly question, does the regular C5 Corvette suffer the same issues as the Z06, ie valve springs, leaky rear axle seals etc...........
I know about the steering column lock issue but I haven't read any thing about the other issues with the Z06 being the same for the standard Vette. Looking to pick one up as a daily driver.
Thanks!
I know about the steering column lock issue but I haven't read any thing about the other issues with the Z06 being the same for the standard Vette. Looking to pick one up as a daily driver.
Thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,479
Likes: 36
As far as reliability is concerned, I believe that both versions are pretty much the same. It's the way they are diven which may be different. Z06's will tend to be driven a little harder than the regular C5.
Last edited by Cybermind; Sep 4, 2010 at 03:40 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
Definitely a few.....
No valve spring issues but other common maladies include leaky differential seals, ECBM and BPMV failures, smog pump check valve and steering sensor failures and occasional oil pressure sensor failures.
Not entirely true. I'm a moderator in a Lexus hybrid forum and (have been using the forum for over 5 years) and I can tell you without a doubt that even the highly sophisticated Lexus RX400h hybrid is virtually void of any issues at all. In over 5 years of owning one, I have yet to have ANYTHING go wrong. They are much more reliable than Corvettes. That being said, I must also mention that there really isn't much direct competition with the Corvette. Boxsters are nice cars but virtually explode with expensive issues after they get past the 80,000 mile mark.
You can go to any other car forum and it will be the same.
Last edited by Dave68; Sep 4, 2010 at 03:45 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 787
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From: Santa Rosa California
For what its worth, I bought a 2000 corvette with 85,000 miles on it about a year ago. I drive the thing HARD.
I have had one mechanical problem in the entire time I've owned it- the thermostat went bad. I replaced it for $80 and the car runs like a freakin champ.
So far I've put new tires (general exclaim), new brakes ($225 for pads and rotors of ebay, theyre sweet) and thats it.
I have had one mechanical problem in the entire time I've owned it- the thermostat went bad. I replaced it for $80 and the car runs like a freakin champ.
So far I've put new tires (general exclaim), new brakes ($225 for pads and rotors of ebay, theyre sweet) and thats it.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Poor pathetic little excuse for a boy
The way I look at it, when things break it just gives me another reason to learn about my car and pick up a wrench...
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Haven't really heard of any issues with the coupe/vert valve springs but yes, they suffer from the leaky differential seals, rocking seats, column lock, headlight gears, etc. That's not to say that every C5 will have those issues though.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Los Angeles California
I've had 2 C5Zs. No spring issue. No leaky axle issue.
The only two issues I've had aren't big deals at all.
On my 02 Z, I got the column lock issue, which I was lucky enough to undo and get a CLB to prevent the problem ($50 part and 20 minutes to install).
On my 03 Z, the previous owner must have slammed the shifter into reverse while it was locking out the reverse gate because the reverse lockout solenoid is shot. Aside from that, both cars were/are incredibly reliable.
My 02 Z had 30K miles on it. Lost it last year in November to a lady running the red and hitting me.
My 03 Z currently has 26K miles on it. I drive it daily and it's drives like new with no issues.
My dad has an 03 Vert with 78K miles on it. He has one issue with an AC actuator but doesn't care because the car is a convertible.
They're reliable cars as long as they're cared for correctly.
The only two issues I've had aren't big deals at all.
On my 02 Z, I got the column lock issue, which I was lucky enough to undo and get a CLB to prevent the problem ($50 part and 20 minutes to install).
On my 03 Z, the previous owner must have slammed the shifter into reverse while it was locking out the reverse gate because the reverse lockout solenoid is shot. Aside from that, both cars were/are incredibly reliable.
My 02 Z had 30K miles on it. Lost it last year in November to a lady running the red and hitting me.
My 03 Z currently has 26K miles on it. I drive it daily and it's drives like new with no issues.
My dad has an 03 Vert with 78K miles on it. He has one issue with an AC actuator but doesn't care because the car is a convertible.
They're reliable cars as long as they're cared for correctly.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,257
Likes: 26
From: Delaware
Care and maintenance is a major issue with any car not just Corvette's. I will have the car I purchase throughly checked out before I buy it. All this is good info guys, thanks!!!