Hi, C3 owner here, looking hard at getting into C5s. Are there differences I should need to know when buying? Say, between the years as far as options for example. And which year C5 are more reliable than others.

I am from the school of thought (thanks Dad) that the last year models are gradually improved (better) over the first yr production.

If you can shed some light as to what to look at, for example: options, areas that have a history of failures (expensive replacement/repairs/recalls) I would very much appreciate your knowledge and help.

I'm looking at a 99 60k coupe that looks good, drives good. I'm afraid that i'll regret not buying (insert yr model options)

Thank's All!

 

StratFrat
I own a 2004 Z06. I love the car. It's a very nice car to drive and enjoy.
As far as what year to buy for yourself, well I cant say. I bought my 04 Z cause it was the last year of the C5's.
That 99 coupe with 60K on it doesnt sound bad. Remember theres a lot of other 99's or 01's or 03's for sale so dont think it's the only one out there.
Best info I can give is not to be in a hurry to buy and do your homework, whether it's color or style of the C5, there all great cars.
Do you plan to keep your C3?
Good luck.

 

They're all pretty reliable. Just depends on how the previous owner(s) treated and maintained it. This is a good source of info: http://corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/c5/index.html

My '99 has been trouble free. I purchased it 7 years ago with only 1600 miles on the odometer.

 

Thanks Mike for the link! Spent quite a bit time looking in there, mostly in the recall and bulletins section. Thanks!

 

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...r-to-year.html

1997

Completely new, redesigned Corvette. Base (FE1) and Z51 (FE3) suspension packages.
All Z51 cars include: Power Steering Cooler, xx, xx, ??
97-00 C5 LS1's produce 345 HP @ 5600 RPM and 350 Ft Lbs of torque @ 4400 RPM.

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1998

Convertible becomes available
Active Handling becomes available late in year
The two slots of a 1998 (and possibly late 1997s) curve toward the rear at the bottom. (versus straight down)

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1999

26# injectors substituted for 28#
Fuel pump revised to reduce noise
FRC "Fixed Roof Coupe" aka the hardtop, becomes available. All FRC's are MN6 (6-speed) cars with the Z51 suspension package, and are about 60lbs lighter than coupes.
HUD introduced
only one line in driver's side fuel rail cover (no fuel return line?)
Power telescoping wheel becomes an option
? Steering hardware changed to combat wandering
door sill trim plates added

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2000

Millennium Yellow available
? "Thin Spoke" versus "wagon wheel" design wheels become standard.
Pup cats added to CA models for LEV emissions requirements (5hp loss relative to 97-99)
Steel swaybar endlinks instead of plastic on Z51 equipped cars
Z51 swaybar diameters grow (25.4/21.7 to 28.6/21.7 to 28.6/23.6 (note: new rear same as Z06)
No keyhole on passenger side doorhandle
Passenger airbag 'off' switch added to console (light by TC/AH button)

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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 vert change
Chrome exhaust tips for coupe + vert
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
Pup cats added to all models
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 dia from 55 to 63 mm.
Driveshaft couplings have also been upgraded on manual-equipped models for additional strength and durability
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)
Trans 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)

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2002

Z06 Changes:
Z06 LS6 cam changed to: 0.551/0.547, 204/218 on 117.5
Less restrictive intake airbox lid
Descreened MAF
Removal of pup-cats (total with changes = 405hp)
Z06 shocks revised with less rebound for better launching
Z06 brake pads revised for better stopping (generate more dust)
Lighter, sodium filled valves w/ stronger valvesprings
higher tension rings installed to prevent oil burning problems
slight piston redesign *
clutch strength upgraded.
HUD available on Z06 (not avail '01 model year)
Wheel supplier changed to Speedline, moved from forged to cast. Weight nearly identical
Electron Blue color offered
Steel endlinks changed to aluminum
Aluminum automatic transmission cooler case (all models)
AM/FM stereo with in-dash CD player now standard on Coupe and Convertible
AM/FM/Cassette only available with 12-disc CD changer on Coupe and Convertible

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2003

Late model-year new fuel system design from C6's
2003 anniversary edition with Anniversary paint and decal option.

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2004

Z06 shocks further refined. Accompanying upper front control arm bushing, and rear swaybar bushing changes.
2004 Commemorative Editions. CE Z06 comes with carbon fibre hood and has decal package.

 

I've got a few Word files, plus a Corvette Buyers Checklist, that I could send to you. If you'd like a copy, just PM me your e-mail address.

 

The key is to take your time and pick the one you really want.When i started looking i wasn't sure what i really wanted and was looking at base coupes,verts and Zs.After a ton of research i realized the one i wanted had to be the last year of the C5 Z06.I also felt the final model year has the bugs worked out.I was willing to pay a little more for a low mileage well maintained Z and narrowed my search for that type of Corvette.This was a big decision and i told myself that i was not going to settle for less than what i really wanted.Yes i could have spent a few grand less and settled for another year or model, yet i knew i would regret not getting what i really wanted.Spend lots of time on this forum as many members know these cars inside out.The help here is top notch.Good luck with your search.

 

You're welcome.

The adjustable suspension option F45 on the '97-'02 models and F55 on the '03-'04 models will be costly to replace or repair. I have the F45 on mine with no prblems but I intend to replace it with Z51 or Z06 shocks if I ever run into trouble. http://www.westcoastcorvette.com/p-3...7-2004-c5.aspx

http://www.casperselectronics.com/st...90dfa3d23308a2

 

Jack has some great info that has helped many C5 buyers over the years.

 

When I went from my C4 into a C5 I knew which color I wanted and after looking at all of the changes over the years that it would be a 2001 up. 6 spd, Yellow, no electronic suspension, no body side moulding with low miles.
I ended up with a 2004 with less than 38,000 miles. Very happy. Took about 7 months to find the one I wanted.

 

Aren't there certain years in the early part of the production run where replacement PCMs are no longer available? Also certain years (again in the early part of the production run) where the TPS replacements are substantially more costly than in later years?

 

i'd suggest at least 2001 and up. The EBCM in the previous years aren't repairable, nor are they made anymore so they're getting pretty hard to find in the event that yours goes bad.

 

more input thats so good readin

 

There are alot of nice C5's available in the Phoenix market too . . I'd be happy to go scope out any likely candidates if you need boots on the ground here.

Not sure of your budget or requirements, but know of a few that I looked at that were very nice - - a black 97, black 99 and black 02-- $13.5-18.5 all autos . .

PM me if you'd like details.

 

 

Good Luck with whatever you decide on, '01s and '02s are pretty reasonably priced now.

 

I bought my 04 MY Vert with 2700 miles on it earlier this year. Now I have to say that I also spotted a 20K mile similar car just prior to buying mine and that one looked to be almost as nice. My point is simply to agree with what you probably read many times over. If you can afford a lower mile car that's been well kept, it's worth it. There is so much time and money you can pee away on a problematic car that it's just not worth it to me. I'm more than happy to get a premium car even if the price made me gulp a little bit. Since mine also has the magnetic ride control (which I wanted), it also seemed to make sense to get a car that had low miles on this expensive item to fix.

Now I have to give the high mileage guys the respect they deserve. If you are one who doesn't mind the possibility of continuous tinkering, then go for it. I reserve that duty for 60s muscle cars. I am also going to eventually get a high mileage car for the track as I figure it doesn't need to be pretty or perfect.

OJ

 

Going by the list supplied by Cosmic Charlie in post #5, there is little to be gained by getting anything newer than a 2002.
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