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Thinking about getting a C5

Old May 30, 2011 | 02:31 PM
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Default Thinking about getting a C5

Hey guys, new to the forum. I've always had a truck but I sold that the other day and I am rockin a 93 dodge minivan until I get a C5. I am looking at one right now, already went to look at it in person and what not.

Its a black '98 6 speed, fully loaded. It has 160k on it but I can get it for $9k. It needs work. Interior needs to be redone and parking brake needs fixing. Hopefully nothing more than just tightening the cable. Only positive thing it has is 09 C6 Magnesium rims.

I know one of the service advisers over at Chevy and he says he wouldn't buy a C5 with that many miles for $9k unless it was showroom condition. What do you guys have to say?
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Old May 30, 2011 | 02:41 PM
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Just look at all you can. You'll know the right one when you come across it..
Good Luck
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Old May 30, 2011 | 02:44 PM
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The emergency brake typically needs the shoes adjusted on the rear wheels. This is not a unusual situation on C5's and not a big deal.
As I don't know your financial situation, all I can say is if it's limited to 8-10K, if you have it checked out and it has been well maintained and in reasonable condition, it's probably priced close to what it's worth.
Better yet, if you can spend 3-5K more, you'll find many C5's with much lower miles that are ready to drive without spending several thousands of dollars to get ut up to par. If it were me, I find a way to get/save about 5k more money and get a better car. Just my opinion!
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Old May 30, 2011 | 02:50 PM
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Don't be tempted by the first one you see, look around and be patient.
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Old May 30, 2011 | 02:54 PM
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Thanks for the input, I agree with trying to spend a little more for a nicer condition vette, however my budget is $10k without taking out a loan. I already have a loan that I am almost done paying off but I need to free up my credit so I can move out in the next few months (I am only 20)
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Old May 30, 2011 | 02:58 PM
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Originally Posted by sfc rick


Don't be tempted by the first one you see, look around and be patient.
personally I wouldn't buy one with that kind of mileage. Just too many parts that may be toward the end of their lifespan.
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Old May 30, 2011 | 03:23 PM
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Don't do it. These things have too many issues for a 20 year old who can't pay for the repairs and most likely doesn't have the knowledge to repair them.

I'm not disrespecting your age, I'm just being realistic. 9K for a 160K mile C5? Not me! Not to mention insurance costs.
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Old May 30, 2011 | 03:25 PM
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save more.

pass on this high mileage 98.

for $9000 you will NEVER find a c5 in show room condition, that service manager is on crack.

$10,000 or less will just buy you a money pit.
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Old May 30, 2011 | 03:41 PM
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Originally Posted by RetiredSFC 97
Don't do it. These things have too many issues for a 20 year old who can't pay for the repairs and most likely doesn't have the knowledge to repair them.

I'm not disrespecting your age, I'm just being realistic. 9K for a 160K mile C5? Not me! Not to mention insurance costs.
I can do the repairs and get parts at wholesale cost. That is not an issue. It's just the whole idea of having 160k seems like a lot for a vette, or anything besides a diesel. And insurance is the same as it was to insure my Silverado.

Originally Posted by imavettegirl
save more.

pass on this high mileage 98.

for $9000 you will NEVER find a c5 in show room condition, that service manager is on crack.
He was being facetious

Anyways I see where you guys are coming from, I guess I will pass it up and wait for a better deal. Thanks!
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Old May 30, 2011 | 04:42 PM
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The world is full of C5's for sale. I wouldn't personally buy a car with that many miles but take your time and look around.
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Old May 30, 2011 | 05:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Loud Horses
Only positive thing it has is 09 C6 Magnesium rims.
I didn't know 09 offered those
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Old May 30, 2011 | 05:36 PM
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Originally Posted by kris6868
Just look at all you can. You'll know the right one when you come across it..
Good Luck
wise words my friend..... Welcome to the c5 guys here....
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Old May 30, 2011 | 05:49 PM
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Good luck with your search

Chuck
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Old May 30, 2011 | 06:20 PM
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KBB Retail $7125 in fair condition

that is most likely a hard car to sell .... offer them $6000, you can always go up in price ...

shop shop shop - better cars & deals are around - search for a NON DEALER car for sale ...


http://www.kbb.com/
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Old May 30, 2011 | 06:57 PM
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Wow that low on KBB? That isn't even worth my time lol, thanks for pointing that out.

I'm sure a good deal will pop up soon enough.
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Old May 30, 2011 | 09:58 PM
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Good decision to pass on the car. Save up some more cash and then buy a better Vette with a lot less miles on it.
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Old May 31, 2011 | 12:43 AM
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Originally Posted by imavettegirl
save more.

pass on this high mileage 98.

for $9000 you will NEVER find a c5 in show room condition, that service manager is on crack.

$10,000 or less will just buy you a money pit.
Wow, this is a first - I agree with imavettegirl
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Old May 31, 2011 | 05:53 PM
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Originally Posted by mcm95403
Wow, this is a first - I agree with imavettegirl
I know where you are coming from. When i was first on the market for a C5, I wanted a yellow Corvette. Finally found one with a peeling top, parking brake did not work and they wanted $24,000.00 for it. I was going to go for it until a friend of mine gave me the exact advice that the guys on this Forum are giving you. I waited and got the car of my Dreams!
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