Hey, I was wondering if some of you guys who've had their cars for a while could help me out. I'm looking at a 2004 M12 car, but its up around 90,000 miles or so. What wears out on these cars? What wore out on your cars and when did it happen? Also, I'm looking at a commemorative coupe. With the LE shale interior, WTH do I do in a couple of years when the arm rest or the steering wheel start to wear out? Just pray I find used stuff made only 1 year in 5,000 cars?

 

I have owned my car for 6 years and honestly I have never had to replace anything other than brakes, plugs and wires. Again it all depends on the how the car was driven, type of roads, and the care it was given.

As far as the arm rest and steering wheel. There are several good companied that make replacement skins for those of any color choice and style you like.


For instance, my 04 silverado SS was bought new and has been taken care of extremly well. In the 140,000 miles I have only had to replace the tires twice, brakes twice, plugs and wires, and inner and outer tie rod ends, which was just done two days ago. Otherwise I havent had to touch anything else other than replacing fluids, coolant oil, front and rear diff, etc.

 

Seat side bolster (door side) wears and the seam will split eventually. The shifter ***** wear too.

 

You're going to have wear items on any car, whether it is a Corvette or a Malibu. Typically the Corvette has been a reliable car, but so much depends on driving style, maintenance performed, and just how careful the owner is with the car. And thankfully for at least a lot of things on the C5, there is an aftermarket replacement available.

 

my 99 has 28000 on it and the drivers seat bolster on the left side is flat and the stitching on the seat back side is worn but not split yet.

 

Having recently got my 99 with 70 thou, I will tell you what I see so far.

Oil pressure sender
Drivers seat side bolster and foams.
Climate control display dead.
Door trim panels delaminated (no aftermarket AFAIK)
Dampner wobble (may or may not be normal)
Belts need changed (probably the originals)

I have been told that most things to expect are relatively minor such as what I listed. Mechanically they seem to run almost forever in stock trim. A clutch would be like brakes. Depends on how it is driven. I suspect interior items would also be subject to the useage and the size of the driver/passenger.

The carfax on mine indicated it had a sheltered life until the last owner. It had only accumulated 50thou by 2009 (average 5K a year) but the other 20thou in only the last two years by the last owner. That tells me it was used as a DD the last two years. The car cover in the trunk also leads me to think it may have been kept outside.

I mention this as it has a direct bearing on wear...particuarly the cosmetic items. You will see ones with over 100K in mint condition and ones with far less that are trashed. Much like any used car really.

 

I have an 04 with 51K and I honestly haven't had to replace anything.

 

Its funny you ask this because my 04 coupe is at 92k and in the last few months I have felt it is finally beginning to show its age a little. I've had the car for a little over 3 years ~40k miles. Until now I have done nothing except basic maintenance like mentioned above. I've changed the plugs and wires, typical oil/filter changes, flushed the coolant, new clutch fluid often, etc. It also needed a new window regulator when I bought it. Oh and I replaced the side bolster inflator bags because one had a pinhole in it (search for a thread where they used childrens blood pressure readers, it cost me $15 to fix).

On to the present. A few nuances have arrisen lately. The telescoping wheel only goes half way out, the climate control display is pretty dim a lot of the time (tap on it like recommended on here and it magically works haha), doors are beginning to delaminate a little bit, driver's side auto dimming mirror is always dimmed. And I now have a vibration while driving, I'm hoping my new tires and rebalance will fix it but I suspect that one of my rear rims is slightly bent and has now recently become worse. I am also considering new C6 Z06 shocks in the near future to go with my C6 Z51 sways. And I plan to tackle all of the little issues this winter, so they are no big deal.

Honestly, this is an incredibly reliable car (until yesterday it's been my only car) and very easy to maintain for the performance it provides. HOWEVER, I would still recommend paying a little more for something with a little less miles. I'd prefer to know that all of the proper maintenance has been done by doing it myself. But don't let the miles scare you away either. Feel free to PM me with any specific questions as my mind is a little hazy right this second to get into detail of all of the little things that have come up over the years.

Check out the following thread and you will see how reliable these cars can really be

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...o-on-a-c5.html

 

My "99 has 118,xxx and it runs & drives like it only has 18,xxx. It's not a daily driver but have taken a lot of trips in it. I replaced the tires in '08 simply because of age (GY runflats). Put the Michelins on & IMHO are much better, but you know how opinions are. Replaced brake pads simply because I thought I should. Everything else is original, including plugs & wires, interior, carpet etc and is in excellent condition. All the other guys are correct, it's how you drive it & maintain it. If you take care of it, it will last a long time, run the hell out of it & that's what will happen. Mine is not a garage queen (had enough of those years ago) & I drive it, but don't abuse it. As far as the shale interior, I don't think that would be a problem for many years. Even the interior is pretty much available & most parts from other years are interchangeable. Quit worrying & enjoy.....

BTW......welcome

tracer1

 

Usually the ABS Module might have issue, just do a thorough inspection of the Vette and always keep an eye out for unusual wear - will be suspension related.

Thanks,Matt