C5 as daily driver
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 272
Likes: 13
From: Colorado
C5 as daily driver
Hey guys. I've been around these forums for a long time but registered back when I had my old 95 Z28 6spd.
I found a deal on a red 2002 C5 automatic, HUD, black leather, Corsa exhaust and 66k miles listed for 18k. I went and took a look at it and it's in very good condition but definitely not perfect. Nothing major just little clear coat scrapes on the front end and a small scratch on the back lid. Interior is nice but I haven't drove it yet. I want to resist that until I'm sure I want to buy cause I'm afraid if I take the test drive I'll instantly buy it lol.
Anyways my concern is I'm thinking about trading in my 2009 Jeep Liberty Limited for this Vette and making it my daily driver. I'm in the south so it's usually hot and humid and little snow and I can work remotely if it does snow.
The Vette sits extremely low. How does it do in day to day driving? Stuff like driveways, speed bumps, etc? I worry that it becomes a choir to do basic driving. I was comfortable in the Z28 as a daily driver BTW.
I found a deal on a red 2002 C5 automatic, HUD, black leather, Corsa exhaust and 66k miles listed for 18k. I went and took a look at it and it's in very good condition but definitely not perfect. Nothing major just little clear coat scrapes on the front end and a small scratch on the back lid. Interior is nice but I haven't drove it yet. I want to resist that until I'm sure I want to buy cause I'm afraid if I take the test drive I'll instantly buy it lol.
Anyways my concern is I'm thinking about trading in my 2009 Jeep Liberty Limited for this Vette and making it my daily driver. I'm in the south so it's usually hot and humid and little snow and I can work remotely if it does snow.
The Vette sits extremely low. How does it do in day to day driving? Stuff like driveways, speed bumps, etc? I worry that it becomes a choir to do basic driving. I was comfortable in the Z28 as a daily driver BTW.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,898
Likes: 9
From: Morrisville PA
.Other than that, it has been a great DD. I typically put 20 bucks of premium in and that gets almost 150 miles for my work commute. That's economy car level. Granted mine is a 6 speed FRC, but other models aren't that far off.
FYI, wait around for a better deal...that is a bit pricey for that mileage. I got mine for 17,500 with 22k on it. Wait until summer ends and you will really find a good deal. With that mileage, I wouldnt be surprised if you find one for 15-16k.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 73,568
Likes: 33
From: Somewhere in Mo
St. Jude Donor '09-'10, '14
Here's a recent poll that ask that question.
lots of folks DD their vette. Actually on this poll more do than don't.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...tte-daily.html
lots of folks DD their vette. Actually on this poll more do than don't.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...tte-daily.html
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,520
Likes: 5
From: Long Island NY
I drive my 2002 a lot, so you can say it's pretty much my daily driver exept during the snow season and it's a very reliable car. Like Jrose7004 said just be careful on driveway aprons as the nose is low and you will scrape the plastic/rubber air dams at the bottom, but they are spring loaded and flexible so don't worry. Other than that just be sure to keep up with your maintanence and you should be good for many years. All the best with it! 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,809
Likes: 3
From: Yorktown Virginia
I love it as a daily driver and to be honest I kept pretty much the same driving habits as when I was driving my Camaro. They are actually pretty close in ride height do the Camaro would scrape in almost the exact same places only place you really notice a difference is in a parking spot that has a curb in front other than that I drive them the same.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 272
Likes: 13
From: Colorado
Amen to this...I already scraped the **** out of the bottom part of my bumper .
Other than that, it has been a great DD. I typically put 20 bucks of premium in and that gets almost 150 miles for my work commute. That's economy car level. Granted mine is a 6 speed FRC, but other models aren't that far off.
FYI, wait around for a better deal...that is a bit pricey for that mileage. I got mine for 17,500 with 22k on it. Wait until summer ends and you will really find a good deal. With that mileage, I wouldnt be surprised if you find one for 15-16k.
.Other than that, it has been a great DD. I typically put 20 bucks of premium in and that gets almost 150 miles for my work commute. That's economy car level. Granted mine is a 6 speed FRC, but other models aren't that far off.
FYI, wait around for a better deal...that is a bit pricey for that mileage. I got mine for 17,500 with 22k on it. Wait until summer ends and you will really find a good deal. With that mileage, I wouldnt be surprised if you find one for 15-16k.
BlueBook on this is around 21k so you think if I get him down to 17k it would be fair?
Here's a recent poll that ask that question.
lots of folks DD their vette. Actually on this poll more do than don't.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...tte-daily.html
lots of folks DD their vette. Actually on this poll more do than don't.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...tte-daily.html
You are practically my neighbor. I'm in the Raleigh area. How's the Vette handle the brutal July and August temps? From what I've read there's little issue and these engines can run hot with no problems.
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,898
Likes: 9
From: Morrisville PA
I'm still haggling on price. I'm not necessarily in a rush but in my area that is one of the lower priced ones. Seems most with 20k miles are going for 20k+ or at least what they are asking for.
BlueBook on this is around 21k so you think if I get him down to 17k it would be fair?
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,760
Likes: 4
From: Broward County Florida
Here's a question for the op -- how is driving a car daily any different than driving it on the weekends? Do the roads magically change overnight where you live?
As long as you don't lower the car and you're not off roading, the stock ride height of the car is perfectly situated to handle 90% of the road conditions out there.
The only stress about daily driving is having to deal with F**KIN IDIOTS who don't know how to merge, make proper lane changes (in ADVANCE) to exit the highway, or people who park rediculously close to you.
I've daily driven my car since 2007 and I'll never want to stop. Personally, everyone who keeps their car in the garage and drives their sh!tbox to work is a bit
to me...
As long as you don't lower the car and you're not off roading, the stock ride height of the car is perfectly situated to handle 90% of the road conditions out there.
The only stress about daily driving is having to deal with F**KIN IDIOTS who don't know how to merge, make proper lane changes (in ADVANCE) to exit the highway, or people who park rediculously close to you.
I've daily driven my car since 2007 and I'll never want to stop. Personally, everyone who keeps their car in the garage and drives their sh!tbox to work is a bit
to me...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 272
Likes: 13
From: Colorado
Here's a question for the op -- how is driving a car daily any different than driving it on the weekends? Do the roads magically change overnight where you live?
As long as you don't lower the car and you're not off roading, the stock ride height of the car is perfectly situated to handle 90% of the road conditions out there.
The only stress about daily driving is having to deal with F**KIN IDIOTS who don't know how to merge, make proper lane changes (in ADVANCE) to exit the highway, or people who park rediculously close to you.
I've daily driven my car since 2007 and I'll never want to stop. Personally, everyone who keeps their car in the garage and drives their sh!tbox to work is a bit to me...
As long as you don't lower the car and you're not off roading, the stock ride height of the car is perfectly situated to handle 90% of the road conditions out there.
The only stress about daily driving is having to deal with F**KIN IDIOTS who don't know how to merge, make proper lane changes (in ADVANCE) to exit the highway, or people who park rediculously close to you.
I've daily driven my car since 2007 and I'll never want to stop. Personally, everyone who keeps their car in the garage and drives their sh!tbox to work is a bit
to me...As for the idiots...believe me where I'm at I TOTALLY understand. People here think merging on the highway at 37mph is completely normal when everyone else is going 65mph.
Again thanks all for the feedback. I'm still working with the dealer but we are getting close. I'm ridiculously excited.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,050
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles CA
I drive my 99 as my daily driver. I love it. Coming from a Jeep you have to think of where you go every day (work, home, etc). How are the roads. I live in Los Anegels and find some pretty crappy roads but I still manage to get around. You just have to learn to take it slow over bumps, maybe go on an angle. But overall you should be fine. Keep in mind some maintenance issues and if you can do it then go for it.
With maintenance I mean do you do work yourself or take it in? Oil changes are about double to triple the price of a econo car. Instead of $25 plan on $60-90ish. Brakes (pads and rotors) would probably be about $100-200 more then most cars. Gas is pretty good especially coming from a truck. But things like tires might run a few more dollars for good ones. You don't need to do the runflats if you don't want to and that will save a few bucks and give a better ride (debatable by some).
With those things in mind if you are comfortable and like the car after a test drive then go for it.
Good luck!
With maintenance I mean do you do work yourself or take it in? Oil changes are about double to triple the price of a econo car. Instead of $25 plan on $60-90ish. Brakes (pads and rotors) would probably be about $100-200 more then most cars. Gas is pretty good especially coming from a truck. But things like tires might run a few more dollars for good ones. You don't need to do the runflats if you don't want to and that will save a few bucks and give a better ride (debatable by some).
With those things in mind if you are comfortable and like the car after a test drive then go for it.
Good luck!
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Everett WA
Take a look at the air-damn on the front of the car. It will tell you how much scraping has been done in the 66k of this car. Also you may want to peek at the underneath at the front nose, sides and center, mine has some scrapes there. One CF member said he has he repainted underneath there every year or two.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 773
Likes: 44
From: San Francisco Bay area CA
I'm in Texas, and I've owned my '02 for 5 years now. Mine's a vert and is driven every day rain or shine, but lately it's been mostly shine with the temps hitting about 100 every day. Regardless, I still drop the top and drive to/from work every day, even with the xtra hot summer weather - only way to go. 
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 11
From: Newport, RI
First off - I think you're paying way too much. I bought my 2004 Coupe two years ago, with 14k miles, and I paid $20,500.
I don't DD mine, but I don't really see any major problems with using the C5 as a DD. The biggest concern I have is finding parking spaces that allow me to open the door all the way. And of course, I'm always worried about somebody opening their door into the side of my C5, which currently has no door dings at all (knock on wood!).
Good luck with your purchase.
I don't DD mine, but I don't really see any major problems with using the C5 as a DD. The biggest concern I have is finding parking spaces that allow me to open the door all the way. And of course, I'm always worried about somebody opening their door into the side of my C5, which currently has no door dings at all (knock on wood!).
Good luck with your purchase.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 21
From: Waldorf MD
My 1998 C5 Coupe is my daily driver with 132,000 miles and only 3 problems: one oil pressure sensor, one headlight gear, and one plastic radiator fill tank. Most reliable car I ever owned and also most fun to drive.
In Florida, I would have 2 concerns: If it only has a glass top, get a shade/headliner for it and make sure it doesn't have a aftermarket cold air intake (they suck high water into engine).
In Florida, I would have 2 concerns: If it only has a glass top, get a shade/headliner for it and make sure it doesn't have a aftermarket cold air intake (they suck high water into engine).
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,568
Likes: 264
From: Near Charlotte NC
[QUOTE=1quick1;
You are practically my neighbor. I'm in the Raleigh area. How's the Vette handle the brutal July and August temps? From what I've read there's little issue and these engines can run hot with no problems.
Have not had any temp probs.I keep the rad clean of debris and run a coolant booster.Hwy temps run 185-189.I have tuned the fans to come on @195 and [email]off@190....so[/email] traffic lights on these 95+ days is not a prob.
\db2
carolina
You are practically my neighbor. I'm in the Raleigh area. How's the Vette handle the brutal July and August temps? From what I've read there's little issue and these engines can run hot with no problems.
Have not had any temp probs.I keep the rad clean of debris and run a coolant booster.Hwy temps run 185-189.I have tuned the fans to come on @195 and [email]off@190....so[/email] traffic lights on these 95+ days is not a prob.
\db2
carolina
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 835
Likes: 4
From: Los Angeles CA
I recently sold my daily (IS350) and while I'm waiting to purchase another daily I'm driving the Corvette every day. Driving a sports car every day is a lot more fun than driving a Civic. The IS350 was sporty but it certainly didn't have the agility and direct feel that the Vette has. That being said even though I feel very comfortable in the Vette the truth is that it is low, it is long and wide, and it is annoying to get out of in tight spaces. I also find since I started daily driving it, it has developed a few more rattles, and some scrapes.
As a long distance driver though, I really like taking it on road trips. I would say if you live in an area where there are good roads(if such a place exists) it is a lot less frustrating driving it every day.
As a long distance driver though, I really like taking it on road trips. I would say if you live in an area where there are good roads(if such a place exists) it is a lot less frustrating driving it every day.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
My '01 vert is my only vehicle.
The only part I don't like about the Vette being a daily driver is that it must sit out in the sun during the day (well except during lunch I come home every day it's only a couple miles and put it in the garage during lunch). To compensate I put frequent coats of Zaino on it, utilizing its UV and UA protectants. During the hard part of summer it wears a top hat during the day.
Oh the other thing I don't like about the Vette being daily driver is the moron's who mow the yards and blow the area afterwards care less about anyone's vehicle. (This always makes me wonder...if it is against the law to litter, then why is it legal to blow all the debris from mowing/edging & the collecting road junk in the curbs into the streets?)
Other than those issues, it's a perfect daily driver.
Stock height vehicles do not pose any real issues, you should be in the habit of always taking driveways and such at an angle.
I'd keep looking just in case, you might find something with a little lower miles and better condition. Is that the color you are looking for?
The only part I don't like about the Vette being a daily driver is that it must sit out in the sun during the day (well except during lunch I come home every day it's only a couple miles and put it in the garage during lunch). To compensate I put frequent coats of Zaino on it, utilizing its UV and UA protectants. During the hard part of summer it wears a top hat during the day.
Oh the other thing I don't like about the Vette being daily driver is the moron's who mow the yards and blow the area afterwards care less about anyone's vehicle. (This always makes me wonder...if it is against the law to litter, then why is it legal to blow all the debris from mowing/edging & the collecting road junk in the curbs into the streets?)
Other than those issues, it's a perfect daily driver.
Stock height vehicles do not pose any real issues, you should be in the habit of always taking driveways and such at an angle.
I'd keep looking just in case, you might find something with a little lower miles and better condition. Is that the color you are looking for?
Last edited by Jet-Jock; Jun 23, 2011 at 08:41 PM.