dependability question
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: IN
dependability question
Going to need a new dd soon, been thinking about trying to find a low mileage Vette. An 03-04 looks like it is going to fall in my price range. I drive 42 miles 1 way with 35 of those being interstate. Takes 45 min. to make the trip and I have decided that if I am going to be in the car for 1 1/2 to 2 hours a day I should at least be driving something fun. I have an 05 GMC Canyon with 140,000 miles that is worth nothing trade in so I am going to use it for the snowy days. Intentions are to drive the C5 everyday that I can, so I will probably be putting around 20,000 a year on the car. I am 51 yrs old so I have no desire to mod or race the car. Just drive it and enjoy. Any issues that I should be concerned about as far as which trans to get knowing going in the car will see alot of miles? Any input concerning a purchase like this from the experienced owners would be appreciated. Thanks Barney
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 62
Likes: 1
From: Morven NC.
Reliability wise? If you drive sanely and keep it up, I see no reason it would not be a good daily driver. Practical..... maybe less than a pickup or family sedan. But it would put you in a better 'mental state' both before and after work. It would also likely make your co-workers 'lustful' to some degree. The thing is, Craigslist is flooded with Vette's that are either high milers, or are in much need of attention. Unless you have a source for a decent Corvette, like someone you know, or someone who you know has taken care of it, you risk a pretty unreliable car really.
Also, a six speed sucks if its stop and go on a freeway.
Also, a six speed sucks if its stop and go on a freeway.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
The Vette is reliable and has reasonable gas mileage if driven sensibly. Its hopeless in the snow and ice for a DD. Its also easy to work on and many of the regular problems are DIY fixes. My Vert wouldn't be much use going to collect stuff at Home Depot. It was a DD in Las Vegas for 4 years but has a more sedate life nowadays.
Last edited by DeeGee; Feb 27, 2012 at 10:09 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 14,421
Likes: 39
From: Prescott Arizona
A Corvette is just a Chevy, not some exotic car with all their problems.
Mine is a daily driver and it's no different from the 2001 Chevy Impala I was driving before it, except it's more fun to drive.
Mine is a daily driver and it's no different from the 2001 Chevy Impala I was driving before it, except it's more fun to drive.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,146
Likes: 203
From: Edmonton Alberta, Canada
As a daily driver personally I would not have a Corvette (although I used my C3 '80 Corvette as one) if you drive on poor roads, deal will agressive drivers or dont have a designated parking spot for it there will be more stress associated than fun. The car is very capable of being a DD but after time you become very protective of it. On a long commute as yours only an automatic would be suitable. Also if you encounter road debris regularly..and commute in the dark the lighting is very poor and expect some serious damage. Just my .02 cents. Good luck with any decision you make. Greetings, Rob
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte NORTH CAROLINA
I disagree with those that say you have to have an automatic. That totally depends on what you are used to. I've driven automatic and manual cars over the years and now have had a 2001 vert with the m6 for about 3 weeks and it's a piece of cake to drive in traffic.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 9
From: Lexington Park MD
Mine is a DD and my commute is almost identical to yours. In my mind there's no better car for a commuter! It is comfortable, easy to drive, looks good, and makes you smile so I highly recommend it. I'm about to crack 100k and yes a few things are wearing out but that is no different than on aany other car. Other than fluids and regular maintenance I have not had a single issue with the car. Mine is an 04 coupe.
As for which trans to go with, that's up to you. I've always had manual cars but there are times when I'm stuck in bad traffic that I wish I had an auto. But the majority of the time I am happy with the stick and it is my personal preference.
Good luck, it sounds like you already know what you want.
As for which trans to go with, that's up to you. I've always had manual cars but there are times when I'm stuck in bad traffic that I wish I had an auto. But the majority of the time I am happy with the stick and it is my personal preference.
Good luck, it sounds like you already know what you want.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,705
Likes: 485
From: Everett WA
C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Heck I've used my 95 for a year round dd for the past 6 years at 15K a year and will now be doing the same with my 04. These cars are very reliable if they are well maintained and frankly they stay much healthier if they are driven every day. go for it
Plus good gas milage. Robert
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 311
From: Bristol, VT
I DD my 2000 vert M6 in the summer and wish my commute was longer! Living in Vermont traffic is essentially zero though, so no issues with manual here, but in areas where there are actually people, your millage may vary.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
From: Rochester Ny
I put 8k miles on mine last summer. 5k with a cam/heads setup. No issues an during the teardown for the install (vehicle had exactly 50k on it), all the parts looked great. The clutch still felt awesome and the rest of the vehicle is still sound.
I wouldn't hesitate to DD one. As long as you can afford to maintain it.
I wouldn't hesitate to DD one. As long as you can afford to maintain it.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 228
Likes: 2
I agree with everyone else these cars are reliable... thats why I got one lol
I bought my 02 for a daily driver but its just to sexy
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 14,421
Likes: 39
From: Prescott Arizona
But it is a Chevy with a lot of parts that are shared with other models. It's not like some models or Ferrari's where you have to pull the motor every 7000 miles to change out the timing chains or belts. And a tune up can cost you half the cost of a good used C5.
Take care of it like any other car and it will be just fine.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: IN
I can use my truck for snowy days. As far as the regular maintenance, I do that on all my vehicles. My commute is real easy, 7 miles country road to interstate,32 miles interstate, then 3 miles in town with 3 stop lights. My truck is manual made this trip for 4-1/2 years,no problems. The 1 thing that is upsetting to me is the staggered wheel size. I am a firm believer in tire rotation and with the cost of tires now days the extra mileage you get from rotating would be helpful as far as maintenance costs. I have always been able to take a 50,000 mile tire and routinly get 70-75,000 out of them. But I guess that is something I will have to deal with if I choose this route.
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If you find a car that has been well maintained, the C5 makes for a very nice DD. It is comfortable, has plenty of performance to enjoy, and gets very good gas mileage (automatic gets around 25-27 mpg highway, manual gets high 20's, low 30's on the highway). While there are some common problems that show up over time, all in all the C5 is a very reliable platform.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 543
Likes: 1
From: North Wales, PA
You will be fine. Everyone told me I couldn't DD my 04 cam'd GTO... and I did. Sun, rain, snow. It was fine. Just keep up with regular maintance and get good tires. My GTO with Potenza 960AS tires was able to go though so much snow my front bumper was a plow. Granted, I'm not expected the Vette to be nearly that good but capable to get me home if it does start snowing while at work.
I got my 03 Z06 a few weeks ago and plan to DD it. So far I'm getting 22MPG per tank per the DIC. Thats with reasonable speeds on the highway and spirited driving on the backroads.
Once I fry my PS2s I'm going to be getting some Conti DWS for it(the only all-season big enough for the Z06).
I got my 03 Z06 a few weeks ago and plan to DD it. So far I'm getting 22MPG per tank per the DIC. Thats with reasonable speeds on the highway and spirited driving on the backroads.
Once I fry my PS2s I'm going to be getting some Conti DWS for it(the only all-season big enough for the Z06).
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 228
Likes: 2
Sorry if I offended anyone.
But it is a Chevy with a lot of parts that are shared with other models. It's not like some models or Ferrari's where you have to pull the motor every 7000 miles to change out the timing chains or belts. And a tune up can cost you half the cost of a good used C5.
Take care of it like any other car and it will be just fine.
But it is a Chevy with a lot of parts that are shared with other models. It's not like some models or Ferrari's where you have to pull the motor every 7000 miles to change out the timing chains or belts. And a tune up can cost you half the cost of a good used C5.
Take care of it like any other car and it will be just fine.
