C5 CORVETTE ?'s
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3
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C5 CORVETTE ?'s
Hello, I am a huge corvette fan since I was around .....well since i can remember. I am hoping on purchasing a C5 or C5 Z06 pretty soon here and just wanted some insight. Are these LS1 and LS6 engines reliable and are there any major or minor things that go wrong with them? Also are there transmissions good or just so-so. Another thing is about how much to the standard chevy car like a cobalt is the corvette to get repaired and for oil changes and such. Thanks for any responses and any info you may have and GOD BLESS AMERICA
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
From: New Orleans Louisiana
Do some searches on this forum and get all your answers.
Corvette vs cobalt is apple to oranges.
Too many issues to explain in one post.
The secret to reasonable routine costs is to get a GM Shop manual and do as much as you can yourself. Oil changes,belt changes, water pumps, alternators etc,are all easy to do. Even some electrical issues like door control modules are pretty easy diy projects. But if you have to use a mechanic or the dreaded GM dealers you will pay the "corvette tax"
The LS1 engines are very reliable if maintained properly. Transmissions,..same.
Take your time ,educate yourself and find a good car with reasonable mileage and repair records and join the club.
Corvette vs cobalt is apple to oranges.
Too many issues to explain in one post.
The secret to reasonable routine costs is to get a GM Shop manual and do as much as you can yourself. Oil changes,belt changes, water pumps, alternators etc,are all easy to do. Even some electrical issues like door control modules are pretty easy diy projects. But if you have to use a mechanic or the dreaded GM dealers you will pay the "corvette tax"
The LS1 engines are very reliable if maintained properly. Transmissions,..same.
Take your time ,educate yourself and find a good car with reasonable mileage and repair records and join the club.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 58,508
Likes: 1,841
From: Oklahoma City OK
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Spend a little bit of time reading these forums and you'll find that the LS1 is a great engine and the C5 is a great car! Good luck in your search for the right car.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 415
Likes: 1
From: british columbia
They really aren't much more than any car to maintain if you can do much of the work yourself, the big costs are in labor, these things can be a bear to take apart for some work, so big savings if you can do it yourself.
When your thinking of what corvette to get, make sure you shop the differences in insurance costs for a young guy, theres a big difference between a C5 Z06 and a base C5 coupe.
Good luck!
When your thinking of what corvette to get, make sure you shop the differences in insurance costs for a young guy, theres a big difference between a C5 Z06 and a base C5 coupe.
Good luck!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,484
Likes: 1,071
From: Chester County Pennsylvania
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Hello, I am a huge corvette fan since I was around .....well since i can remember. I am hoping on purchasing a C5 or C5 Z06 pretty soon here and just wanted some insight. Are these LS1 and LS6 engines reliable and are there any major or minor things that go wrong with them? Also are there transmissions good or just so-so. Another thing is about how much to the standard chevy car like a cobalt is the corvette to get repaired and for oil changes and such. Thanks for any responses and any info you may have and GOD BLESS AMERICA
The LS1 and LS6 motors are very dependable, as you read through the Forum you will see discussions of cars with over 100K on them. There are things that go wrong with them; again read the Forum and you will get a good perspective, however keep in mind that a lot of ownwers don't ever experience the negative things discussed here. Many of the Forum members do their own maintenance, oil changes, brakes, etc. This forum is a great knowledge resource...good luck!
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 108
Likes: 18
Something else to consider. I bought a 2002 convertible at the age of 52. Even with an impeccable credit rating, I almost didn't get it because most lending institutions don't want to lend on cars that old, and if they do, the interest rate is sky-high and the term is short (which makes for a huge car payment). The dealer I got it from used their clout with one of their regular lenders and I was able to get a good rate and term that barely fit my budget. Of course this is all a moot point if you're using cash. Just saying, anyone trying to finance a car that is at best 7 to 8 years old might be in for some surprises.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,809
Likes: 3
From: Yorktown Virginia
I think anything over 10 years or 100k you are going to have a very hard time getting a loan on, but what you could do is set aside 300-400 each month for three years or so and you would have enough to pay for one outright. Which is the same as getting a load for the car except you will actually pay less due to not having to pay interest on it.
