Help from experienced owners.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 393
Likes: 17
Help from experienced owners.
Hi Corvette fans. I need a little input. I am considering buying my third Corvette, a '98 C5 (Black on Grey, Auto) with 127000 km (79000 miles). The car is mostly stock with an updated stereo and air intake. Everything looks to be in good shape but I need to know what I should be aware of when I test drive it this weekend.
Not the generic used car stuff, I'm fairly knowledgeable about cars in general, but more specific, Corvette related issues. Anyone have any input on what may be a warning sign that I shouldn't buy this car? Weird noises? strange throttle or steering inputs? Brake feel? Also, is this mileage reasonable for a car this age?
Any information anyone could let me know would be appreciated.
I hope this car checks out because the weather is finally turning good up here and I'm dying to get out on the open road...
Not the generic used car stuff, I'm fairly knowledgeable about cars in general, but more specific, Corvette related issues. Anyone have any input on what may be a warning sign that I shouldn't buy this car? Weird noises? strange throttle or steering inputs? Brake feel? Also, is this mileage reasonable for a car this age?
Any information anyone could let me know would be appreciated.
I hope this car checks out because the weather is finally turning good up here and I'm dying to get out on the open road...
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
The best advice is to find out how to check the DIC codes. Any problems will be flagged up for you. Gotta go but I'm sure someone will post up how to check the codes. Hope tyhe search goes well
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,270
Likes: 29
From: Chilliwack B.C.
I just bought my '98 with the same mileage. Did not have any major issues come up in the pre-inspection report. Lots of people have lots of miles on these cars so 129k km is not a big deal. All my car needed was a belt and an oil change. Your profile is not filled out but we share the same weather - second day in a row of nice weather after our glut of rain!
Good luck with the purchase!
Good luck with the purchase!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,012
Likes: 15
From: Jensen Beach FL
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 393
Likes: 17
I just bought my '98 with the same mileage. Did not have any major issues come up in the pre-inspection report. Lots of people have lots of miles on these cars so 129k km is not a big deal. All my car needed was a belt and an oil change. Your profile is not filled out but we share the same weather - second day in a row of nice weather after our glut of rain!
Good luck with the purchase!
Good luck with the purchase!
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,162
Likes: 4,171
From: Kannapolis NC
Try to find out the history of the column lock recall. Has it been done? Does the car have an aftermarket column lock bypass module installed? A history of what has been done from the current and prior owners can save you a lot of headaches in the future.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,857
Likes: 106
From: Sloatsburg NY
Oldtimer
Here is a link for the codes
http://www.c5forum.com/ayc/dtcdic.php
Don't know about the 1998s, but my 2001 always had fuel gauge issues (not reading completely full when it was and then reading empty when it was between 3/4s and a half only to come back fine below half).
http://www.c5forum.com/ayc/dtcdic.php
Don't know about the 1998s, but my 2001 always had fuel gauge issues (not reading completely full when it was and then reading empty when it was between 3/4s and a half only to come back fine below half).
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 21
From: Waldorf MD
Do check the DIC codes, also:
1) Also put the headlights up and down several times, there should be no machine-gun noise. If there is a headlight gear is going bad. Only $90 for both, but pain to install.
2) A lot of early C5s had loud fuel pumps. Listen for a whining noise behind driver, put on turn signal it will fluctuate. Usually only does it when cold outside. Not a performance problem, just irritating.
3) Oil pressure should be 30-60 psi, if high could be oil pressure sensor bad.
I prefer cars that have been driven verses garage queens. My 1998 had 41,000 miles after 4 years when I bought it. Now has 136,000 miles. Only problems: one headlight gear, one oil pressure sensor, and a plastic radiator overflow tank.
1) Also put the headlights up and down several times, there should be no machine-gun noise. If there is a headlight gear is going bad. Only $90 for both, but pain to install.
2) A lot of early C5s had loud fuel pumps. Listen for a whining noise behind driver, put on turn signal it will fluctuate. Usually only does it when cold outside. Not a performance problem, just irritating.
3) Oil pressure should be 30-60 psi, if high could be oil pressure sensor bad.
I prefer cars that have been driven verses garage queens. My 1998 had 41,000 miles after 4 years when I bought it. Now has 136,000 miles. Only problems: one headlight gear, one oil pressure sensor, and a plastic radiator overflow tank.
Last edited by Oldvetter; Mar 22, 2012 at 04:44 PM.
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Racer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 261
Likes: 6
From: Alva Oklahoma
I would make sure and check all of the seals, especially around the birdcage.
Take the top off and make sure that everything on it works/latches.
Since you already have two corvettes, I'm sure that you would check to see if the tires are good.
I recently bought my first corvette and I spent about an hour looking at literally everything I could on the car to make sure it was what I wanted.
Take the top off and make sure that everything on it works/latches.
Since you already have two corvettes, I'm sure that you would check to see if the tires are good.
I recently bought my first corvette and I spent about an hour looking at literally everything I could on the car to make sure it was what I wanted.
Administrator
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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The mileage is not bad at all for a '98. Many of the issues have been mentioned that you need to check for. If you'd like a Corvette Buyers Checklist, PM me your e-mail address and I'll send it to you - it might help you out when you evaluate the car.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 18,681
Likes: 47
From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
I would make sure and check all of the seals, especially around the birdcage.
Take the top off and make sure that everything on it works/latches.
Since you already have two corvettes, I'm sure that you would check to see if the tires are good.
I recently bought my first corvette and I spent about an hour looking at literally everything I could on the car to make sure it was what I wanted.
Take the top off and make sure that everything on it works/latches.
Since you already have two corvettes, I'm sure that you would check to see if the tires are good.
I recently bought my first corvette and I spent about an hour looking at literally everything I could on the car to make sure it was what I wanted.
Mr.Bill
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,270
Likes: 29
From: Chilliwack B.C.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 988
Likes: 478
From: Roseville MI
Mr. Bill,
As I recall it's the area under the body panels around the cowl and windshield area sometimes prone to rust. However, I was not aware that that area was a concern on the C5.
Scott
As I recall it's the area under the body panels around the cowl and windshield area sometimes prone to rust. However, I was not aware that that area was a concern on the C5.
Scott
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 36,838
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From: Manassas Park VA
St. Jude Donor '07-'08,-'13-'14, '16-'17
Look for the leaky butt
Also compression test the cylinders to see if it has a ring problem...
Peace
Chip
Also compression test the cylinders to see if it has a ring problem...
Peace
Chip
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Instructor
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 240
Likes: 11
From: Plano Texas
Oldtimer
Before I purchased my C5 a couple of years ago, I started with the list found at:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...ngths-etc.html
I found that this was a good summary of common problems to look for.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...ngths-etc.html
I found that this was a good summary of common problems to look for.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 261
Likes: 6
From: Alva Oklahoma
When I started looking for a corvette about a year ago, I was torn between a late C3 or a C5.
Every person I asked that owned a corvette about what to look for said to check the "Birdcage". This is the area right above the windshield and all the way around the seal on top where the targa top removes.
I am not sure on the background behind how it got it's name, but I asked probably 4 or 5 C3 owners and every single one of them used that term.
Every person I asked that owned a corvette about what to look for said to check the "Birdcage". This is the area right above the windshield and all the way around the seal on top where the targa top removes.
I am not sure on the background behind how it got it's name, but I asked probably 4 or 5 C3 owners and every single one of them used that term.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 18,681
Likes: 47
From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
When I started looking for a corvette about a year ago, I was torn between a late C3 or a C5.
Every person I asked that owned a corvette about what to look for said to check the "Birdcage". This is the area right above the windshield and all the way around the seal on top where the targa top removes.
I am not sure on the background behind how it got it's name, but I asked probably 4 or 5 C3 owners and every single one of them used that term.
Every person I asked that owned a corvette about what to look for said to check the "Birdcage". This is the area right above the windshield and all the way around the seal on top where the targa top removes.
I am not sure on the background behind how it got it's name, but I asked probably 4 or 5 C3 owners and every single one of them used that term.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 393
Likes: 17
Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for their input.Every little thing helps when buying a used car, especially a high performance car like the Corvette.
I'll post the results of my road test and possible purchase.
Thanks again!
I'll post the results of my road test and possible purchase.
Thanks again!
