please take a look
Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 660
Likes: 3
From: Hagatna Guam
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
How many owners? Was it well maintained? Does everything work, especially the hard to fix items (drivers AC actuator, seats, etc.).
Make a written checklist of things to look for. It's easy to forget something when at the site. If you're satisfied with the car, it'll be all up to you. After all, it'll be your car.
Good luck!
Make a written checklist of things to look for. It's easy to forget something when at the site. If you're satisfied with the car, it'll be all up to you. After all, it'll be your car.
Good luck!
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
The mileage is no issue. I did not put headers and start modding mine until it had 100 (s)miles.
Now over 135K and running very strong. There are several on the Forum that have gone over 200K miles without major work.
I think the asking price is high.... but that is the way used cars are advertised..
Now over 135K and running very strong. There are several on the Forum that have gone over 200K miles without major work.
I think the asking price is high.... but that is the way used cars are advertised..
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
The price may be ok...
looks at this recent post in C5
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...post1576465777
looks at this recent post in C5
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...post1576465777
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,789
Likes: 8
From: Myrtle Beach SC
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
My first C4 had 147k mi on it but was well taken care of 2 owner car. This actually looks decent too "New Tires" cost at least $1k if a good brand take it off the top if true. It depends if you want a hobby car or DD it may fit the bill. Sure a lower miles car would be nice but that one has all the bells and whistles as long as they all work offer less and see what happens.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,068
Likes: 24,731
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Car looks nice in the pics, but the miles are up there. And just a note - the ad says it has a $950 targa top option, but then later on it says it has the body color panel. If it had a $950 option package on it, it would have both the lexan (clear) and painted targa tops. Make sure it has both if you are seriously considering it.
Also, don't be afraid to expand your search area a bit before you decide to buy - even if you have to fly somewhere to pick up a car it could be worth it. I found mine in NJ and flew out there to pick it up and then drove it back. Got a good deal on a very low mileage C5.
Also, don't be afraid to expand your search area a bit before you decide to buy - even if you have to fly somewhere to pick up a car it could be worth it. I found mine in NJ and flew out there to pick it up and then drove it back. Got a good deal on a very low mileage C5.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 533
Likes: 18
From: Boca Raton Florida
Just did a quick search and if you're willing to drive south (into South FL..., Hell) there are quite a few C5s in that price range. Here's my search on AutoTrader:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/search...=1294781782299
For $5K more you could buy back about 108,000 miles...
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...e&rdpage=thumb
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/search...=1294781782299
For $5K more you could buy back about 108,000 miles...
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...e&rdpage=thumb
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Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,225
Likes: 0
From: The Great Truth: "There ain't no free lunch"
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
These cars are very tough but, "wear out" issues are going to be starting soon. That said, someone out there has a 300,000 mile car. First would be a carfax (or similar) to check issues and # of owners. All of the common problems should be handled by now though. I drove over 5 hours to get mine so if you are uncertain, expand your search area. Or offer a low price, they can only say no......
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 73,568
Likes: 33
From: Somewhere in Mo
St. Jude Donor '09-'10, '14
I found mine on auto trader as well. I didn't look there initially because I've nevr had any luck with auto trader. But out of the blue I did a search and found the FRC I'm picking up this week 30 miles from me.Go figure. I did see the one you linked as well and I love the color but the mileage isn't what i'm looking for.
As far as the others who say they got theirs for cheap, I've wondered how they found them so cheap myself. But I'm not a low baller. I find what I like close to my range and make a realistic offer.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 600
Likes: 0
From: Bowling Green KY
Dude, I am no expert, but I have been told many times on this forum that the C5 engine was targeted for 200,000 miles as the "standard".
My 2003 just rolled over 100,000 and is darn near in show shape and I drive it daily and with spirit, if you know what I am saying.
I am looking forward to taking good care of the engine, maintenance wise and feel very confident that 200,000 is definitely in my sights.
However, if I was buying the C5 just to drive for a while and move on to another car, then IMHO, if might be an easier sale with a less mileaged car. But if you are a Vette Nut like most of us are on this forum, then I am thinking the mileage should not bother you in the least. Assuming the car checks out and was appropriately maintained.
I would think a CARFAX should give you a pretty good overview of how the car has been treated or even better, chat with the previous owner.
My '88 C4 has 170,000 and as I said my '03 C5 just rolled over 100k.
Have fun, drive it like ya stole it and enjoy the attention.......
My 2003 just rolled over 100,000 and is darn near in show shape and I drive it daily and with spirit, if you know what I am saying.
I am looking forward to taking good care of the engine, maintenance wise and feel very confident that 200,000 is definitely in my sights.
However, if I was buying the C5 just to drive for a while and move on to another car, then IMHO, if might be an easier sale with a less mileaged car. But if you are a Vette Nut like most of us are on this forum, then I am thinking the mileage should not bother you in the least. Assuming the car checks out and was appropriately maintained.
I would think a CARFAX should give you a pretty good overview of how the car has been treated or even better, chat with the previous owner.
My '88 C4 has 170,000 and as I said my '03 C5 just rolled over 100k.
Have fun, drive it like ya stole it and enjoy the attention.......
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,225
Likes: 0
From: The Great Truth: "There ain't no free lunch"
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 352
From: Carson City Nevada
How about a 2000 convertible with 26,700 miles for 19k? Torch red with oak interior. Auto with hud. It's a beautiful car. Might be able to get it for less than 19k. A Nevada car. Pics at www.sierraclassics.com
Last edited by o2bnkc; Jan 12, 2011 at 02:36 AM.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 452
Likes: 0
From: Ashburn VA
Use the forum for sale page. Too many nice cars on there that you can buy from a member. You can almost count on the car being well cared for if they are a member here as most that take the time to sign on are enthusiasts. Due diligence is the key! Good luck with your search, take your time.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 312
From: P-town Baby! Virginia
couple things...that vette looks pretty clean. I wouldn't let the mileage scare you if it checks out and you research it thoroughly...but I would try to get that price down some. As others have mentioned...a little more $$ and you can be into a vette w considerably less mileage. Also...expand your search area.....find the vette you want...then get it to you. You can work it out. I have bought cars from all over the country...just a matter of logistics. 
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 14,108
Likes: 26
From: 4th on the list of top 100 in USA Ga.
Advise from a recent buyer. If you like the car and it is close enough for you to go take a look, I would do it. I assume since you are considering the car that the miles don't scare you too bad. I bought a 50,000 mile car for $15,500 and I don't believe I got a "steal" but the dealer was asking $19k for it the first time I saw it on auto trader. The car has more rock chips on the nose than I would have liked but after the test drive and the appearance of the rest of the car I bought it. I promised myself that I would not look at any more Corvette for sale ads for at least a year. Someone will always find a killer deal after you have bought and make you think gee, I paid too much. I actually made my offer to the dealer before I saw the car in person with the understanding that I had to be satisfied when I got there or there was no deal. There was/is an almost identical cat at another dealership with only 23k miles and they have had the car since about august and have not come off their $21.5K price. No doubt it does not have as many rock chips as my car but I was not willing to put the extra money out for the lower miles. I'm going to drive my car and will surely get another chip or two along the way. If you like the car, decide what it is worth to you and make an offer ( they turned me down at first but called me back after a few days ). Someone will buy that car at some price sooner or later, it could be you.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,284
Likes: 235
From: Rockledge FL
Thanks to everyone that suggested that I wait. Today on craigslist I found a 2000 with 35K miles listing for 17K.
I went to go check it out and it looks brand new. Paint is flawless, Black on tan. interior has one scuff on the kickpanel. It was raining like crazy right before I went to go look at it and every interior seal was bone dry. Carfax shows no wrecks or damage. No rattling in the clutch like I have heard some do. I pick it up later on today. The only problem I could find with it was the drivers window squeaked on the way up and down. They are fixing that right now so I take delivery later on today. Clutch fluid is dark but I have been reading here what a pain changing that out can be.
Someone please point me in the right direction on new clutch fluid. It seems to me that most people just empty the master and refill a few times.
I went to go check it out and it looks brand new. Paint is flawless, Black on tan. interior has one scuff on the kickpanel. It was raining like crazy right before I went to go look at it and every interior seal was bone dry. Carfax shows no wrecks or damage. No rattling in the clutch like I have heard some do. I pick it up later on today. The only problem I could find with it was the drivers window squeaked on the way up and down. They are fixing that right now so I take delivery later on today. Clutch fluid is dark but I have been reading here what a pain changing that out can be.
Someone please point me in the right direction on new clutch fluid. It seems to me that most people just empty the master and refill a few times.