I'm looking to buy my first corvette. I've been looking at C-5's. Any particular year or color I should avoid? I would prefer a gray or tan interior, the black seats seem to show a lot of wear. My budget is $20,000.

 

The seats show wear depending on how the owner's got into the cars. Getting into the car feet first will throw the person's butt against the seat bolster and rub it against the internal seat frame. On the early models (97-99) the side of the bolster was leather but GM changed it to vinyl in the 00 and later models. The vinyl holds up much better than the leather. I bought my 97 new and within three days the bolster started looking worn and I changed how I got into the car. A buddy got his car within a week of me and he didn't change the way he got into the car and the bolster literally ripped at the wear spot in less than 2 months.

The 97 was probably the best of the C5s. They practically hand built each one of them. If you look at the cars in detail on a lift you can see the little detail differences between a 97 and later cars. The later cars have more options that are desirable so that is something to consider as well. The HUD is great, Active Handling wasn't available on the 97 and the 97 ABS module is a limited production type that disappeared during the 98 model year. Later on the Z06 brought a big performance hit to the line with its lighter weight and increased HP. You can sort of pick and choose what stuff you want and then determine which year will do the most for you.

Bill

 

$20k should get you into a really nice C5 i would look at the 01 and up cars for more options as well as more hp

Rick

 

Would you mind sharing where you live?

 

Like all Corvettes, each model year got improvements. Sometimes there were running changes on the assembly line that improved the car.

I would go with a 2002 or later. There were a lot of improvements from the 2001 model. As far as color, there really shouldn't be a specific color to avoid simply because they all look good. Black is really nice looking as an exterior color but it can be a royal pain to maintain. The choice of paint color is pretty much what you want in a car.

Check the C5 For Sale section, there are always a number of nice C5's with low miles in the $20K range. The bottom line is to buy the best car you can find for the money you want to spend. Don't limit selections simply because of the interior color limitations. The black interior color can be nice looking but like all interiors, it takes work to keep it looking nice.

 

I'd look for a low mileage 2000 or 02(some 01's burned oil)..I've had a 99 for 6 years and it's been almost trouble free..There's a guy in my local paper selling a Pewter 00 with 42k miles for 15,995(i'm in the suburbs of Philly)

 

You certainly should be able to find a god one for that kind of money.

 

Your budget should allow for a really nice C5. I've got a number of Word files, including a Corvette Buyers Checklist, that might help you out. If you'd like a copy, PM me your e-mail address.

 

Go for the 2003-04 with low miles and the color and extras you want. Don't see it at the price you can afford - WAIT

 

2001-04 with Low Miles and 1 owner.


Bob

 

i would go with what options best work for you and if a 100% stock car will work better or one that has been modded...mileage...again which works best for you.as far as the color..they are all great colors ..pick which ones stands out to you the best ...

 

Thanks, My E-mail is mrn6443@bex.net

 

Northwest Ohio

 

I am not from the "one owner" is necessary camp.
Things change in people's lives, their minds for one. Finances, illness, family situations, and even death. Look at the condition of the car. Check for codes in the DIC. Have it inspected by someone qualified if you think that you have found "the one". Above all, listen to your gut.

I am the third owner of my 99 and it has been teriffic.

Good luck and enjoy the hunt!

 

I own a 98 6 sp convertible ... and to be honest I have absolutely no intention of selling it for another C5 or C6... looks and runs too good and unless the car is parked and you walk around the car even a Corvette NUT would have a hard time telling what year it really is...


Downside as far as I am concerned is that the tire sensors in the 98 and maybe the 99's can not be turned off .... I had one go bad in the drivers rear last year and I had to keep resetting the dashboard warning system ...royal pain ...new sensor was not that expensive BUT I did have to take it to a tire shop to have it mounted wheel rebalanced and all 4 sensors calibrated again....IF I had a 2000 or newer Corvette to be honest I'd just turn it off and forget about it... no big deal checking the tire pressures on any of my other 5 Corvettes but just to rid myself of the aggravation had to spend a few hundred dollars with the 98 ...

Normal advice...lowest mileage...newest model ...

Color ???/ lol your choice... Mine is silver and grey with black top and I sold a 95 Black on Black 6 sp coupe which I loved BTW BUT I just to get out of the "work" of keeping a black car "looking" clean...

Bottom line in my opinion is any C5 will be fine ...as long as you like the color ...and I sure would almost expect that the car would have at least a cat back exhaust system on it which most Vette owners seem to do as standard procedure...

Bob G