cgragg

I'm sure this has been posted before, but bear with the noob. I've just about got the wife convinced that I should sell the bike and buy a vette. I can drive a vette year around right. And much safer than a motorcycle.

Anywho, I'm thinking about an early 2000 C5. Most I've seen are creeping up on 100,000 or well over 100,000. So what do I need to be most concerened with mechanically with a vette that's getting close to or over 100,000 miles?
I know routine maintenace is everything, I had a 2001 silverado 5.3 gas that I got 305,000 miles out of before she laid down on me. But I have no experiance with a sports car and what parts tend to wear quicker.

Thanks for any responses.

Blitzkrieg

There is a lot to look for, But I would say it is important to try and find a 1 owner that has all the service records! Chances are that he/she took good care of it if they had the car for this long. Just my .02

NEVER BUY FROM A DEALER OR USED CAR LOT!!!!!!!!! Private owner ONLY!!

Tech

For the most part, the engine and drivetrain aren't much of a concern with 100k miles on them. Like any used vehicle, you'll want to look for signs of previous (and current) problems (leaks, vibration, atypical wear, DTCs) and also indicators of how the previous owner cared for the car (condition and brand of tires, for example) etc.

I'm not afraid to buy from a dealer. There are plenty of private sellers that try to pull a fast one as well. Used car lots are.. eehhh.. scary.

Tech

Where are you located? Maybe someone on the forum (or a local car club) would volunteer to take a look at the 2000 for you.

mikelmco

BS. I bought mine from a dealer and got a great deal on a one owner car. She took the car to this particular dealer for all service. I have all records and all the parts so to speak-both tops, all documentation etc.
Not all dealers suck.

Vetteman Jack

It really depends on how well the car has been taken care of. Leaks, worn belts/hoses, functions that don't work, shocks worn, brakes needing replaced, tire tread - all of these things need to be looked at. I've got a Corvette Buyers Checklist - if your interested in a copy, just PM me your e-mail address.

05wrightm

Can you send that checklist to 05wrightm@gmail.com please? I would greatly appreciate it.

cgragg

Tech, I'm in NE Oklahoma.

Thanks for the replies. I'm aware of most common items to look for, but from reading on craigslist, seems several have noted that they have replaced wheel bearings around 100,000. And I did read one post here about pulling the codes. Would I just need an ODBC 2 code reader? Or do I need to take it to a dealer to have them pull the history?

CPhelps

You can pull the codes from the driver information center, no scanner required.

Turn ignition to on but do not start
Press reset to clear any messages
Press and hold options and press fuel 4 times within 10 seconds.

It is probably a good idea to clear any codes that it has before the test drive (hold reset while on a code) and check again after as a way to see what comes back, although the codes should list a C or H after to differentiate between current and history.

ztheusa

Try to buy a stock Corvette. You don't want someone else's mistake!

Then, keep it that way.

Blitzkrieg

Well than you are one of a few that found the right car at a dealer. Most dealers will say all kinds of crap and not have any records to back it up. Glad you found a nice one!

Most of the rest of us are not so lucky, I bought from private owner!

cgragg

I do agree with buying from a private owner. Ideally, single owner with all records of course. The dealer has already gotten the good deal, now he's got to mark it up a couple thousand to cover his commission, overhead cost etc. Good point though on the mods. I would like to find a vette with an aftermarket exhaust, but nothing to radical.

guido7834

!

Jewjenk

Doesn't have to have 100K, got mine about two years ago at Carmax, had 15K on it.

Winter time is the time to buy.....................

jdot

Winter is the best time to get a good buy. Look on this site for the danger zones in Vette buying. Keep reading and these forums will help you make the best decision. Above all, stay patient and don't grab the first good looking Vette that catches your eye; check it out but good!!

Steven Smith

hey id be interested in this checklist please steven.c.smith111@gmail.com

Mike94ZLT1

Boring.

Rob 02

I don't mind modifications if they are ones I would be doing any way. Having mods done yourself can be expensive and time consuming. I would want to know that any mods that have been done were done properly by someone who is qualified.

caddman11

I to bought my 2001, one owner, from a chevy dealer. Maybe a little more than I wanted,but with 42000 miles and clean I got the car I was looking for for months. Things still go wrong so to keep it affordable you need to turn a wrench sometimes.

69monzacpe

Read the stickies at the top of the forum:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...must-read.html

Really good information there, helped me when I bought my 04 CE vert.