Should I Purchase This C5?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,578
Likes: 10
WA Events Coordinator
I should have spent more time researching this particular vehicle. Lesson learned.
The previous owner was a liar. The A/C system was completely removed and then he tried to sell it back to me.
The climate control doesn't work, there are a number of codes, engine check light, etc.
There may be an overheating issue. I asked him if there was, but he said there wasn't. There obviously is.
Be careful guys. There are a lot of a-holes out there.
The previous owner was a liar. The A/C system was completely removed and then he tried to sell it back to me.
The climate control doesn't work, there are a number of codes, engine check light, etc.
There may be an overheating issue. I asked him if there was, but he said there wasn't. There obviously is.
Be careful guys. There are a lot of a-holes out there.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 339
Likes: 6
From: Lompoc California
I payed 17 for a 02 bone stock with 65k. so with white interior, you will probably change it. dont see fuel rail covers. possibly some exhaust work to pass smog if you have such in your area. i would ask him at 14k.
This is what the owner wrote on craigslist:
2001 C5 corvette with full cam swap done at 105,xxx miles, car now has 113xxx. Comp Cams custom cam shaft 232/236 579/579 112 LSA, Texas speed hardened push rods, PAC 918 springs, new LS7 lifters, new oil pump, Texas speed offroad X pipe and headers custom welded with stock cats to pass emissions, AIR system removed, custom racing exhaust without mufflers, tuned by Elis Groo of speed secrets in Snohomish, new water pump and reservoir, new brakes with cross drilled rotors and hawk pads done last year. Last but not least I have 3 piece forged wheels on the car with almost new tires on them. 18x9.5 in the front and 19x11 in the rear cut for big brakes. These with the tires cost me $5,000 in January. I need to sell because I just had a kid and need to get a vehicle with more seating. I would be willing to look at trades for crew cab diesel trucks. Here is a corvette that sounds almost exactly the same on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2oaJepme2k
2001 C5 corvette with full cam swap done at 105,xxx miles, car now has 113xxx. Comp Cams custom cam shaft 232/236 579/579 112 LSA, Texas speed hardened push rods, PAC 918 springs, new LS7 lifters, new oil pump, Texas speed offroad X pipe and headers custom welded with stock cats to pass emissions, AIR system removed, custom racing exhaust without mufflers, tuned by Elis Groo of speed secrets in Snohomish, new water pump and reservoir, new brakes with cross drilled rotors and hawk pads done last year. Last but not least I have 3 piece forged wheels on the car with almost new tires on them. 18x9.5 in the front and 19x11 in the rear cut for big brakes. These with the tires cost me $5,000 in January. I need to sell because I just had a kid and need to get a vehicle with more seating. I would be willing to look at trades for crew cab diesel trucks. Here is a corvette that sounds almost exactly the same on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2oaJepme2k
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 835
Likes: 4
From: Los Angeles CA
I should have spent more time researching this particular vehicle. Lesson learned.
The previous owner was a liar. The A/C system was completely removed and then he tried to sell it back to me.
The climate control doesn't work, there are a number of codes, engine check light, etc.
There may be an overheating issue. I asked him if there was, but he said there wasn't. There obviously is.
Be careful guys. There are a lot of a-holes out there.
The previous owner was a liar. The A/C system was completely removed and then he tried to sell it back to me.
The climate control doesn't work, there are a number of codes, engine check light, etc.
There may be an overheating issue. I asked him if there was, but he said there wasn't. There obviously is.
Be careful guys. There are a lot of a-holes out there.
I'm sorry for what you're going through.
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Definitely a very tidy looking C5, the mileage is no problem, mine is an 02, same yellow with a few mods and feels like brand new, they tend to get some annoying problems like power window issues, oil sending unit and other smaller issues but they'll easily go 250k with nothing major if its been reasonably cared for, a fair price for that car is about 13-14k realistically.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Keep in mind that buying this vette cheap isn't your best option. Here is the reason. He seems like a younger person, has put a lot of "stuff" into it to get more HP AND did internal engine work; therefore, there is a good chance this car was driven hard a number of times.
Additionally, the car has that retro look and only appeals to a limited number of buyers; therefore, this car will probably be for sale for a long time. Unless you can steal it for a song and sell it and make some money, don't waste yours on buying it.
Here is my story, I recently purchased a 2003 C5 with 28,000 miles for $17,000. It was in near perfect condition but does need new tires as the woman who drove it never replaced the OEM tires - although a nice amount of tread life remain. So add on an additional $800 - $1,000.
All this said, spend the extra money on a nicer/newer C5. The key is having cash in hand.
Additionally, the car has that retro look and only appeals to a limited number of buyers; therefore, this car will probably be for sale for a long time. Unless you can steal it for a song and sell it and make some money, don't waste yours on buying it.
Here is my story, I recently purchased a 2003 C5 with 28,000 miles for $17,000. It was in near perfect condition but does need new tires as the woman who drove it never replaced the OEM tires - although a nice amount of tread life remain. So add on an additional $800 - $1,000.
All this said, spend the extra money on a nicer/newer C5. The key is having cash in hand.
Last edited by Southern_NJ; Oct 24, 2012 at 10:27 AM. Reason: good judgement
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Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 429
From: Houston TX
Keep in mind that buying this vette cheap isn't your best option. Here is the reason. He seems like a younger person, has put a lot of "stuff" into it to get more HP AND did internal engine work; therefore, there is a good chance this car was driven hard a number of times.
Additionally, the car has that ghetto look and only appeals to a limited number of buyers; therefore, this car will probably be for sale for a long time. Unless you can steal it for a song and sell it and make some money, don't waste yours on buying it.
Here is my story, I recently purchased a 2003 C5 with 28,000 miles for $17,000. It was in near perfect condition but does need new tires as the woman who drove it never replaced the OEM tires - although a nice amount of tread life remain. So add on an additional $800 - $1,000.
All this said, spend the extra money on a nicer/newer C5. The key is having cash in hand.
Additionally, the car has that ghetto look and only appeals to a limited number of buyers; therefore, this car will probably be for sale for a long time. Unless you can steal it for a song and sell it and make some money, don't waste yours on buying it.
Here is my story, I recently purchased a 2003 C5 with 28,000 miles for $17,000. It was in near perfect condition but does need new tires as the woman who drove it never replaced the OEM tires - although a nice amount of tread life remain. So add on an additional $800 - $1,000.
All this said, spend the extra money on a nicer/newer C5. The key is having cash in hand.
Congrats on spending Z06 money on a base coupe though
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,578
Likes: 10
WA Events Coordinator
Rad? I'm not mechanically inclined.
I had a Corvette club mechanic take a look at it. He said the Vette is fine. It just needs a transmission and differential service.
Also, once it stops raining over here I'm taking it in for an oil change. What type of oil should I put in this engine?
I had a Corvette club mechanic take a look at it. He said the Vette is fine. It just needs a transmission and differential service.
Also, once it stops raining over here I'm taking it in for an oil change. What type of oil should I put in this engine?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,103
Likes: 472
From: Newark Delaware
I'd go with the slippery kind.
Sorry, that one was a softball just hanging there. You will get many responses recommending the various brands of synthetics - Mobil 1, Amsoil, Royal Purple, etc. All work very well. I go with the GM recommended Mobil 1, which I can get usually get at a good price at Costco.
K9Leader
Red cars are faster. They did a study on it.
Sorry, that one was a softball just hanging there. You will get many responses recommending the various brands of synthetics - Mobil 1, Amsoil, Royal Purple, etc. All work very well. I go with the GM recommended Mobil 1, which I can get usually get at a good price at Costco.
K9Leader
Red cars are faster. They did a study on it.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,578
Likes: 10
WA Events Coordinator
Just an update.
Other than a minor idling issue - which might be a vacuum leak? - the car drives great...albeit, a bit rough at higher speeds. This might be caused by the aftermarket tires/wheels.
However, once the vehicle is warm, the idling problem disappears.
Also, there is distortion/popping in the speakers, probably from a bad or loose connection somewhere.
Despite these minor complaints, I'm having a blast driving it around. These cars are a lot of fun.
Other than a minor idling issue - which might be a vacuum leak? - the car drives great...albeit, a bit rough at higher speeds. This might be caused by the aftermarket tires/wheels.
However, once the vehicle is warm, the idling problem disappears.
Also, there is distortion/popping in the speakers, probably from a bad or loose connection somewhere.
Despite these minor complaints, I'm having a blast driving it around. These cars are a lot of fun.