I'm about to buy a corvette within the next month or so and can only afford the C5 series.

I was told by someone who was selling a 2005, that if I "buy cheap, I get cheap" (referring to me looking at 00-01 models). I'm finding that my price range options seem to be between the 2000-2002 models (possibly 2004 but I doubt it). The ones I'm looking at all have less than 50k miles.

Would it be better to buy something with low miles on it that's about 10 yrs old, or just better to buy something newer with higher miles (like an '05 with 70k miles? (I know that's actually average mileage for that yr but as far as mileage on corvettes go since they're supposed to be a part-time car I guess.)

I'll be purchasing an extended warranty no matter what I buy, as I've read the reliability ratings on MSN Autos regarding issues with these models.

Do parts fail due to age and not mileage?


Another question: I'm moving across country...has anyone towed their corvette behind a moving truck (Uhaul, Penske, etc.) on the trailer they supply? I read that due to the low profile, they take some extra work loading and unloading (Penske says they don't even have a trailer for that type of car)

Thanks for your help!!!!

 

The '05s were not the most reliable Corvette built, they have known elctrical issues. I went with an '02 Coupe. The '01 up will have the Z06 intake and you can find them with low miles for $18,000 to $23,000 depending on condition and miles. Plus a lightly modded C5 will have about the same power output as the '05.

 

That guy just wants to sell you his 05.
There are lots of great deals to be had on C5s. Don't be scared of a 10yr old C5 with 50K! Check out the for sale section of this forum.

I bought my 99 back in 08 with 18K on the clock. It has 32K on it now and it's been great! No problems, I would drive it across the country and back without a worry. Plenty of guys have driven these cars up over 200K, one guy over 300K.

Get in the game & start enjoying!

 

Thank you!! That makes me feel alot better!! :-)

 

Nothing wrong with buying a C5 with lower mileage. I bought an '03 with 8500 miles on it back in Sep 09 and have not had one problem with the car. C5s are plentiful and you can find good deals on them - just be patient and check the car out thoroughly.

If you'd like some info on what to look for (if you don't already know), PM me your e-mail address and I'll send you what I have - including a Corvette Buyers Checklist.

 

I would go for the newest car with the least miles that you can afford.

 

Don't be fooled by a pretty face. Check the car out inside and out and under and through and over. You get the idea. Make sure of what you are buying. I waited years before I found the right car and I have not been disappointed with mine.

 

On the trailer, a stock height C5--you don't want a lowered one anyway--will go on a U-Haul and similar trailer just fine with precautions and use of common sense. Might need some planks for loading/unloading to avoid dragging/scraping, also picking your spot carefully for on/off will be a big help(finding a slight incline will allow the car to go on/come off almost level).

Look for a 2001-up C5 as the other Forum member mentioned, 'tho an earlier car in great shape at a good price shouldn't be avoided. Have someone who knows C5s look the car over before you buy--you could probably find a Forum member in your area or local Corvette club guy to examine the car for you. Look especially for scraping/cracking under the nose and along the rocker panels underneath as these cars are easy to hit. Read the car's diagnostic codes to check for possible problems, avoid modified cars unless you KNOW the person involved, what was done, and how well. Once you get the car, change all the fluids, maybe spark plugs/wires if higher mileage.

Good luck and have fun. The right C5 Corvette is hands down the world's best auto buy if you are looking for something sporty and don't mind its inherent limitations. I bought a manual trans but they shift terribly. If you aren't absolutely set on a manual I would get an auto and make your life a bit easier. That said, the 2.73 rear-end ration in most autos slows acceleration down substantially so keep that in mind if you/hubby/boyfriend are looking for maximum acceleration(the rear-end ratio can be changed to bring an auto car "up to speed" but it isn't a cheap or simple modification).

 

get the best c5 you can afford and keep a box of cash for repairs and mods.

 

stop and evaluate which car you like the best from a styling perspective then go and find the best example of that body style you can afford keeping a little cash for repairs (true of any of them but more cash for older in general). the milage on a corvette is not as important as it is on say a true exotic these cars last for 100s of thousands of miles.

good luck and you are in for a lot of fun.

 

The preceding is an opinion, not a statement of fact. You may want a lowered Corvette as they look MUCH better (in my opinion) than a stock height one. I have a lowered Z06 with a manual tranny and have no problem with shifting.
Go to your local Corvette dealers and used car dealers and drive a few different types. Manual, auto, coupe, convertible, Z06, and see what you like and do not like. Check out the different colors available. There are some great ones. Drive the vert with top up and top down and drive the coupe with the targa top on and off. DO NOT RUSH. There are a lot of Corvettes for sale. Learn what you want and do not want, and then get the one that has all the features you want. Do not settle for one that is not all you want. Down the road a little you will be unhappy with it.
Remember, Craigslist is your friend. When you know what you want, look for your car on Craigslist. Do not be afraid to travel. I live in Washington State and have bought 4 cars from California on 4 different trips. An area 1000 miles from you could have prices $ 3000 or $4000 cheaper than where you live.

 

These cars really dont break much I think a warranty is a waste. I've never done anything to mine it has 84K on it. Also have a truck with 5.3 LS based motor and it has 388K on stock bottom end. These drivetrains are wonderful.

 

Keep reading this forum ...

you may change your mind about ....

like zo6, z51, auto, mn6, coupe, vert, sport seats, wheels, colors in & out, run flats, mods to want or avoid ....

this forum has ALL the info you could ever need ...

buying before you know about EVERYTHING could be a bummer if you realize later and have a car that is only somewhat you prefer ...

you came to the right place

 

Thanks for the advice!! I have found a yellow '01 coupe I'm in love with, with 44K miles on it. There's a red one as well that has around the same mileage but it's an '02. I had a red car before and always seem to be a cop magnet. I know the yellow stands out just as much but it still seems safer. Wasn't even a big speeder either: 68 in a 55, and 45 in a 30. I'll have to learn to "stay under the radar."

 

I've been paying cash for BMW repairs for the last couple of years so hopefully a Chevy will be a breeze compared to those costs!

Thank you for your help!

 

I think yellow was an option. Let the Corvette fun begin!

 

I had an '02 C5. I loved the Car. But, I had electrical problems from day one. I had to replace just about every major electrical component, numerous sensors/senders, three batteries, two alternators, etc., etc. Much of it under warranty and GMPP extended warranty (the best money I ever spent). The day I traded it in for a Grand Sport the dash was lite up like a pinball machine and the DIC was giving off message after message. 67K miles of thrills, fun. And, shop time.

There are good C5s out there. Also, some problem children.

 

Yes, with my luck, I feel better with a warranty. I would be totally fine if it was in fact a waste, but if something does happen, I'm prepared...kind of like health, car, or life insurance! Thanks!

 

 

Just one thing I learned from my experience......
If you go with a c6 with magnetic selct ride and decide to trailer it across country do some research.
I recently bought an 03 anniversary w/magnetic ride , had it shipped w/o shock stuffers and ended up replacing shocks.
Retro fit w/stand tour shock for $900 but it was an ordeal getting it done correctly.
Good luck. I upgraded from a C4 and couldn't be happier.