1st Corvette purchase (C5)
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 368
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1st Corvette purchase (C5)
Hello all!
I'm very close to purchasing a C5 Corvette and I'm excited about it! Just looking for the right car.
I just recently sold my motorcycle and will only rent motorcycles in the future so I plan on purchasing a C5 with the money.
What should I look out for (besides the normal stuff) when looking at potential purchases? I'm looking in the 97-02 range because they seem to be what I'm looking for price wise.
All advice will be appreciated.
I'm very close to purchasing a C5 Corvette and I'm excited about it! Just looking for the right car.
I just recently sold my motorcycle and will only rent motorcycles in the future so I plan on purchasing a C5 with the money.
What should I look out for (besides the normal stuff) when looking at potential purchases? I'm looking in the 97-02 range because they seem to be what I'm looking for price wise.
All advice will be appreciated.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 216
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I printed out and took an error code list with me, and instuctions on how to display and read the stored codes using the DIC, so that after my initial test drive, i was able to run thru the codes to see what popped up. Nothing serious in my case. My 99 has some high miles (163K), but I got a good deal, and its been a remarkably solid car in the 3+ months I have owned and DD'd it. Gets just over 20mpg too which i don;'t think is too bad. LOTS of good info on this board.
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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I've got a bunch of Word files that go over the C5, including a Corvette Buyers Checklist. If you'd like a copy of them, PM me your e-mail address and I can get the out to you this evening.
Race Director
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From: Norman Oklahoma - The Only State in the Union with no Blue Counties!
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They updated many features in 2001 including the motor, intake, exhaust, keyfobs, tire monitors, etc. Several pre-01 parts are. I longer made or much more expensive. In the long run, the '02 or '01 will be better options. And this is coming from someone who owns a '97 and a '99.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2011
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2011
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Administrator
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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Instructor
Joined: Feb 2012
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From: Acworth Georgia
Insure that the modes change properly on the HVAC unit (I.e. defrost, dash vent, floor vent...) if they don't, it could indicate that battery case failure and leakage has occurred at some point. Plenty of info on this in the tech forum.
Check the drivers seat for any looseness in the bolster, AKA the rocking seat problem.
Check for excessive rear end whine, usually occurring at 35mph and above while accelerating, it will be very obvious and annoying if it's there. (mine is in the garage on jack stands ready for me to swap out the differential tomorrow morning for this very issue. 2001 z06 58k miles)
Remember that most 2001 model z06's suffered from excessive oil consumption, I'm not sure if base coupes and verts did as well but my z06 also has this issue. I probably go through a quart every 700-800 miles! No smoke, however which is strange with as much oil as its burning.
There are probably a few other nick-nacks I'm forgetting. These are just fresh in my mind right now as what I would consider major issues. Good luck!
Check the drivers seat for any looseness in the bolster, AKA the rocking seat problem.
Check for excessive rear end whine, usually occurring at 35mph and above while accelerating, it will be very obvious and annoying if it's there. (mine is in the garage on jack stands ready for me to swap out the differential tomorrow morning for this very issue. 2001 z06 58k miles)
Remember that most 2001 model z06's suffered from excessive oil consumption, I'm not sure if base coupes and verts did as well but my z06 also has this issue. I probably go through a quart every 700-800 miles! No smoke, however which is strange with as much oil as its burning.
There are probably a few other nick-nacks I'm forgetting. These are just fresh in my mind right now as what I would consider major issues. Good luck!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 901
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From: Palm City Fl
also check for wabble in the harmonic balancer. It it does not run true it is going bad and will need to be replaced ($500 to $700 range). Make sure the windows and door locks all work properly. If it has TPS make sure they are all working and read out properly on the dash, early model TPS are expensive. Make sure the HUD, if so equiped, is working properly. Check fluids, espically trans if auto and clutch if manual. Check all power seats, very common for the lumbar and such to not work, is so equiped. Make sure the key fob or fobs work. Look under the car, at least at the sides for cracks or holes in the body where the car has either hit something or been put on a lift wrong ect...I know I have left so much out, but these are things I have had problems with myself. Good luck, don't be in a hurry and you will find the right car. There are so many that are garage queens out there to be had.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 368
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Thanks for all of the advice gentlemen! I'm soaking it all in.
I'm looking at Vette's in the 97-02 range and I've seen prices in the range of 12.5K - 20K. I'm not looking to spend 20K, but I've seen several 97's, 98's, 99's, 00's in the 12.5 - 15k range with around 70k-110K miles which is more inline with what I'm willing to spend right now. All dont have any major issues but all seem to have minor issues (like keyless entry remote broken and needs replacing for example). No wrecks or anything. They run and drive well. Heck, one I've seen is 100 percent stock that has become a garage queen over the last couple of years. I've looked in KBB at market prices and the prices of the Vette's seem to be in line with KBB.
Would those be considered good buy's?
All advice is welcomed again. Dont hold back.
Thanks,
Bill
I'm looking at Vette's in the 97-02 range and I've seen prices in the range of 12.5K - 20K. I'm not looking to spend 20K, but I've seen several 97's, 98's, 99's, 00's in the 12.5 - 15k range with around 70k-110K miles which is more inline with what I'm willing to spend right now. All dont have any major issues but all seem to have minor issues (like keyless entry remote broken and needs replacing for example). No wrecks or anything. They run and drive well. Heck, one I've seen is 100 percent stock that has become a garage queen over the last couple of years. I've looked in KBB at market prices and the prices of the Vette's seem to be in line with KBB.
Would those be considered good buy's?
All advice is welcomed again. Dont hold back.
Thanks,
Bill
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,857
Likes: 106
From: Sloatsburg NY
Oldtimer
Generally you can do better than the NADA price guide, if you shop around. The market is pretty soft right now so buyers are in the drivers seat. Good luck with the search--that and the research is part of the fun of owning one.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,369
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From: West Coast
They updated many features in 2001 including the motor, intake, exhaust, keyfobs, tire monitors, etc. Several pre-01 parts are. I longer made or much more expensive. In the long run, the '02 or '01 will be better options. And this is coming from someone who owns a '97 and a '99.
Did a bit of research before getting my '01, have had it for over a year and love it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: PITTSBURGH PA
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Look look and Look, I looked for almost 5 Months then found the right car, actually bought it for the wife, A navy blue 1999 Convertible for under 10,000 they are out there just be patient