Looking into C5. Advice?
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Looking into C5. Advice?
Hi All,
So I've been looking into C5s lately. This is the car I fell in love with as a teenager. I like the looks and the LS1 engine. And, it's more of an achievable dream than other sports cars I like. I'm actually looking for something around $15K, so that may prove a bit challenging. I'm keeping an eye out for a '97 to '99 model.
Let me ask you a couple things:
1) If I do get a '97 to '99 model with >75K miles, can I expect it to run well and be reliable? I know this depends a lot on the previous owner's care/abuse...
2) Most of the classifieds I've seen are for automatic-equipped Vettes. I'd like a manual, but if I do end up with an automatic, can I expect good off-the-line acceleration?
Thanks.
So I've been looking into C5s lately. This is the car I fell in love with as a teenager. I like the looks and the LS1 engine. And, it's more of an achievable dream than other sports cars I like. I'm actually looking for something around $15K, so that may prove a bit challenging. I'm keeping an eye out for a '97 to '99 model.
Let me ask you a couple things:
1) If I do get a '97 to '99 model with >75K miles, can I expect it to run well and be reliable? I know this depends a lot on the previous owner's care/abuse...
2) Most of the classifieds I've seen are for automatic-equipped Vettes. I'd like a manual, but if I do end up with an automatic, can I expect good off-the-line acceleration?
Thanks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,594
Likes: 959
From: Palm Harbor not far from Sebring Florida
St. Jude Donor '11
Oldtimer
Hi All,
Let me ask you a couple things:
1) If I do get a '97 to '99 model with >75K miles, can I expect it to run well and be reliable? I know this depends a lot on the previous owner's care/abuse...
75K miles on an LS1 is nothing to worry about as long as it has be maintained and not really abused.]
2) Most of the classifieds I've seen are for automatic-equipped Vettes. I'd like a manual, but if I do end up with an automatic, can I expect good off-the-line acceleration?
I was actually looking for an automatic, even though I have always said a real sports car need a manual gear box, but I found a six speed that was perfect and I have had it now for 6 year. But there is nothing wrong with an automatic or A4 as they are commonly referred to. If you are using it as a daily driver and in a lot of traffic, I would reather have the auto over a manual. Also if you think you may race it at the drag strip and A4 is the preferrable transmission by most.
Thanks.
Let me ask you a couple things:
1) If I do get a '97 to '99 model with >75K miles, can I expect it to run well and be reliable? I know this depends a lot on the previous owner's care/abuse...
75K miles on an LS1 is nothing to worry about as long as it has be maintained and not really abused.]
2) Most of the classifieds I've seen are for automatic-equipped Vettes. I'd like a manual, but if I do end up with an automatic, can I expect good off-the-line acceleration?
I was actually looking for an automatic, even though I have always said a real sports car need a manual gear box, but I found a six speed that was perfect and I have had it now for 6 year. But there is nothing wrong with an automatic or A4 as they are commonly referred to. If you are using it as a daily driver and in a lot of traffic, I would reather have the auto over a manual. Also if you think you may race it at the drag strip and A4 is the preferrable transmission by most.
Thanks.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 835
Likes: 4
From: Los Angeles CA
I bought an 02 6sp with 68k on for 14k. Glad I didn't get an older one due to the EBCM issues(they all break but only the newer models are repairable). I think you can definitely find the car you desire. As I said though I would prefer a newer one.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,058
Likes: 99
From: Southeast, Tennessee
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '26
they haven't made a 4 speed auto for a lot of years (even though it is referred to as an A4). if that is your perception of the automatic in the C5, you will be pleasantly surprised if automatic is what you seek. there are plenty of 6speeds out there, though if that is what you really want. don't forget to check out the for sale section herat the forum.
Pro
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 730
Likes: 1
From: FT Bragg NC
I'm looking around for my first corvette for about the same price. I would rather have a manual because it gives the driver more control of the vehicle. I have an econobox automatic right now, and I hate how it won't downshift (which needs to happen a lot).
You could probably get one with fewer than 75k miles if you look around carefully. I'm also waiting for winter to set when people seem to get rid of their toys.
Good Luck.
You could probably get one with fewer than 75k miles if you look around carefully. I'm also waiting for winter to set when people seem to get rid of their toys.
Good Luck.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma City Oklahoma
I got my 04 with 54K miles for 18,500 from a dealer.
It took me almost 14 months to find mine and I turned down 4 other corvettes during that time period (including that ugly pace car one). I looked at it as this is something I will probably keep for many many years so it is worth the wait.
Also, depending on where you live the prices will be seasonal at a Used car dealer. My 04 was on sale in the summer for 21,500 and when the winter came around it dropped to 18,500. Plus I got mine 1 month before xmas so the saleman was willing to work a little harder to get that commission for xmas time.
Good luck.
It took me almost 14 months to find mine and I turned down 4 other corvettes during that time period (including that ugly pace car one). I looked at it as this is something I will probably keep for many many years so it is worth the wait.
Also, depending on where you live the prices will be seasonal at a Used car dealer. My 04 was on sale in the summer for 21,500 and when the winter came around it dropped to 18,500. Plus I got mine 1 month before xmas so the saleman was willing to work a little harder to get that commission for xmas time.
Good luck.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,080
Likes: 24,732
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
For your budget, you should be able to get a very nice 97-99 C5. I would try and shoot for the newest one you can find as they made changes each year to the platform. For instance, the HUD became available in '99 and active handling was more prevalent on the '99 and newer models (although some '98s had it). If you really want a manual tranny car, that's what you should look for. But even if you chose to go with an automatic, its still not a bad choice. Just try and find one with the performance axle (3.15 rear gears) - it will have better perfomance than the 2.73 rear axle. And the A4 cars accelerate just fine off the line - enough to get you in trouble if you're not careful. 
If you would like a copy of some files on the C5 including a Corvette Buyers Checklist, PM me your e-mail address and I'll send them to you.
If you would like a copy of some files on the C5 including a Corvette Buyers Checklist, PM me your e-mail address and I'll send them to you.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 9,526
Likes: 12
From: Los Angeles California
The active handling system got better (and easier to fix) in 2001. There was a software update to the active handling system in 2002 (but the electronics are the same).
For a few reasons, I recommend you go with a 2001+. Try to get the newest car you can, as a general rule of thumb. But also, the 2001+ came with a better intake system, better active handling, and a larger number of them came with a heads up display.
Just my 2 cents.
For a few reasons, I recommend you go with a 2001+. Try to get the newest car you can, as a general rule of thumb. But also, the 2001+ came with a better intake system, better active handling, and a larger number of them came with a heads up display.
Just my 2 cents.
