So....pretty sure I've narrowed it down to one of those 3 years. Depending on options one in that range should be near my price. I know there were subtle styling differences and in 02 there were more changes. Is there one year in these 3 I should be looking closer at ? Should I hold out for an 02 or go for an 00 if it looks right ?

 

Well the 02 will not have the stering wheel lock so u wont get stuck with that problem just make sure which ever u chose u don't buy the piston slap motor.

 

Actually it was the 2001 model year that had all of the major changes and upgrades., Here is the list:

2001
• Return to 28# injectors for all models.
• Second Generation Active Handling
• Nassau Blue discontinued
• Alternator 'clutch' pulley added on A4 cars
• New soundproofing + foam in all cars
• Smaller keyfob
• Electrochromic dimming rearview and driver's mirrors
• Lighter AGM battery
• Thickness + Material in Convertible change
• Chrome exhaust tips for coupe + Convertible
• 85MM MAF with integral temp sensor (versus 74mm with separate plug for IAT)
• LS1 cam profile changed to: .500/0.500, 198/208 on 115.5LSA (From: 0.472/0.479, 202/210 on 117)
• All Corvettes now have the LS6 intake manifold
• All Corvettes now have the LS6 engine block (windage passages in block), which includes a beefier oil pump.
• LS1 changes result in new output of 350 HP @ 5200 RPM and 375 Ft Lbs of torque @ 4400 RPM (MN6)
• Hardtop/FRC discontinued
• Stronger synchros in all transmissions
• Exhaust manifolds revised (5hp regained) - thin wall cast replacing SS manifolds
• Metal valvestem caps (late year)
• Torque Tube changed from metal-matrix composite to aluminum alloy 6061, increased in diameter from 55 to 63 mm.
• Driveshaft couplings have also been upgraded on manual-equipped models for additional strength and durability.
Z06
• Introduction of the Z06, which has as differences:
• Hardtop body style
• Rear brake ducting
• Screened inlets on front fascia, without foglights
• F1 Supercar tires 265-17 front, 295-18 rear, on 17x9.5 and 18x10.5 (one inch wider, respectively
• New LS6 top-end with new style head design (10.5:1 compression, 64cc chamber), LS6 cam (0.525/0.525, 204/211 on 116) - 385hp
• M12 transmission with shorter gearing (1-2-3 analagous to MN6 with 3.90 rear diff
• Titanium exhaust system
• Lightweight windshield
• New, stronger clutch with redesigned master + slave cylinder
• Stronger rear differential (shotpeened ring gear)
• Red brake calipers (otherwise identical)
• Transmission overtemp warning light on DIC
• 6500 redline gauges with special checkering + Z06 font
• Redesigned PCV system to help combat oil burning
• Red LS6 Fuel Rail Covers (FRC's)
• FE4 Z06 suspension - uprated springs, bars (30mm/23.6mm), shocks (note front spring and rear bar same as Z51)

So if your budget is so that you can set an '01 or '02 I would narrow it down to those years. One thing I always say, is buy which ever year is in your price range and with the lowest miles.

 

That information is incorrect. An 01 -04 automatic (only) steering wheel does not lock with the key out. A manual car has the column lock issue with all models of C5.
I wouldn't get the 2000 because of the old type and more expensive tire pressure sensors and remote fobs and a couple of other repair parts issues. Also the hp increased a little to 350hp in 01 and up. You can also buy an 04 many times at a cheaper price than an 03 (don't know why, but it happens a lot). Buy as new as you can in your budget, if the cars are in equal condition.

 

Buy the newest best car you can get within your budget that has the options you want. When I bought my 2000 5 years ago, I could have bought a 2003 for the same money. My 2000 had less than half the milage and was in better condition and it had all the options I wanted. The hp gain in 2001 is only 5. Don't be afraid of the column lock issue. Invest about $50 in a Column Lock By-pass (CLB) and you will never have a problem. I feel the biggest issue with the 2000 at this point is that the BCM is no longer available from GM, but I'm not sure about other sources.

 

also consider the EBCM issue. if it goes out in an 00 you just lost your ABS system for good unless you can find a unicorn wearing a new one. At least an 01+ has the potential to be fixed. Also the tire pressure sensors on a 00 are over 100 each new. the 01+ is not even half that.

 

Get the newest lowest milage car that you can afford.