Hey guys, my last ride was a 08 z06 and I have not researched a c5 so I'm looking for some insight. My families body shop just took in a 1998 c5 with 80k on the clock, it has z06 wheels and will need seats and carpet. It was abandoned after the owner failed to pay for the storage and pending repair. It's getting a new pass fender and front bumper and roof panel. Since its no extra the whole car was stripped and re-painted. Is there any issues either with a c5 or a 80k mile car that I should be on the lookout for. I will have to pay for the supplies and paint but I don't want to get into it too find other issues that are typical with a c5. Only reason I would get into it would be to have a vette with no payments. Except for paying for the mods of course.

 

Here are some common problems that may be encountered with the C5:

1. Some 2000-2001 C5 had an oil consumption problem due to bad rings.
This had something to do with light tension oil control rings and when way the person drove his car. High RPM and light load combinations. This caused ring flutter and excessive oil usage.
2. Rear end output shaft seal leaks.
3. Clutch slippage. If the car was run hard it will need to be replaced!
4. Steering wheel column lock problems. Column lock bypass kit will fix the problem around $45-50. Bucks if it is not already installed.
5. Battery acid leak problems from original AC Delco battery. Destroys wiring harness, PCM and vacuum lines under the battery. Costly!!!
6. Wet carpets due to AC air box drains plugging up.
7. Windshield cowl drains clogging up causing wiper motor to fail! Easy fix if you catch it prior to destroying the wiper motor!!!
8. Drivers seat tracks wear causing the seat to rock when you accelerate or brake.
9. Emergency flasher switch failure. Expensive part! Very expensive labor to replace it!!
10. Right and left door control electronic module failures.
11. Head light motor (stripped plastic driven gear) "just like the C4"). Same fix, replace with brass!
12. Tire pressure sensor module failures.
13. Head light motor control module failures.
14. Driver seat leather wear on the seat back outboard bolsters.

 

Dang after all that....just run it across the scales. What a waste of a car. 98? I love mine and it isn't any more trouble than any other car. But apparently some view them as valuable as a hay bale.

 

Thanks for the replies. I will look into t more and keep posting b

 

Had 2 '98's. Other than one column lock and one bad headlamp switch I had no issues. Less to go wrong than on an '08.

 

I had a '98 that I really liked. It had no major problems and was a great car until I traded it in 2003 for a new Z06. At trade-in time it had 82,000 fun and reliable miles.