1998 Corvette ? 100k miles?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 138
Likes: 1
1998 Corvette ? 100k miles?
I haven't considered a Corvette much in my next vehicle purchase but I came across this base 1998 Corvette with a specific color combo I LOVE in great condition. Clean title no accidents, 103k miles, and priced well within my next car budget. My real focus was on an 05-07 Mustang GT but as I'm thinking about the pros about this Corvette I'm really liking the idea.
My problem is I can't have a 15 year old Corvette that will be breaking down on me often as I'm driving to work or driving my 100 mile trek up to Northern Arizona couple times a month to see close family.
From what I've heard the LS motors are SOLID but this in particular is 15 years old with 103,000 miles.
I'm really trying not to fall in love with this Corvette.
My problem is I can't have a 15 year old Corvette that will be breaking down on me often as I'm driving to work or driving my 100 mile trek up to Northern Arizona couple times a month to see close family.
From what I've heard the LS motors are SOLID but this in particular is 15 years old with 103,000 miles.
I'm really trying not to fall in love with this Corvette.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 33
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From: middleport Ohio
well, we just traded off a 07 gt with only 30000 mi for a 97, 6 speed coupe with 90000mi, and couldn't be happier. the ride quality, handling, comfort, and even the gas mileage is way better than the mustang ever was. You really cant compare the two cars. As for the ls1, I'm no expert but from reading on here and else where, if you take care of it ,it will be fine.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2012
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I'm not really doubting from a performance standpoint that the older C5 is better or not. I'm more concerned with the age of a 98 and 103k miles on that.
Ahh the Corvette seems like an awesome purchase......
Ahh the Corvette seems like an awesome purchase......
Last edited by Hob; Feb 10, 2013 at 10:31 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Huntington tx
I got 100,000 miles and expect to go another 100,000. But never forget, things break and there isn't a guarantee that nothing won't break any day. Just some advice, but think about building a breakdown fund just for the off chance it's gonna happen, and it will sooner or later.
Just some FYI, I bought mine and 3 years later I spent a fortune, mostly mods, but some repairs, nothing I wouldn't have expected no matter what vehicle it may have been. I also expect to spend $10,000 more in the next year or two. But then again, I would have spent that much every year if it was a new car note.
Buy what you want, be prepared to spend money to keep it the way you want it.
Just some FYI, I bought mine and 3 years later I spent a fortune, mostly mods, but some repairs, nothing I wouldn't have expected no matter what vehicle it may have been. I also expect to spend $10,000 more in the next year or two. But then again, I would have spent that much every year if it was a new car note.
Buy what you want, be prepared to spend money to keep it the way you want it.
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As long as the car was well maintained and not beaten into the ground, give it some serious consideration. I would recommend having the car checked by a good Corvette mechanic just to ensure all is well. The LS1 motor is really very reliable so 103K miles is not a deal killer, but the engine is not the only part that can give you problems.
As with any car that is 15 years old, things can and do go wrong. If you are totally dependent on that one car, it would be something to really think about. The C5 is an awesome car, but don't let emotions guide your decision making process - check things out thoroughly.
As with any car that is 15 years old, things can and do go wrong. If you are totally dependent on that one car, it would be something to really think about. The C5 is an awesome car, but don't let emotions guide your decision making process - check things out thoroughly.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2012
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Oh no I understand things break! It's only a matter of time on EVERY car. Buuuut, I'm trying to figure out through you owners if I purchased this 1998 if it will be a reliability hazard that I wouldn't have to deal with with a new 05+ Mustang GT for same price.
I built up a 4 cylinder motor that we turbocharged at 11 psi and got 310whp years ago so I can turn my own wrench.
I built up a 4 cylinder motor that we turbocharged at 11 psi and got 310whp years ago so I can turn my own wrench.
Last edited by Hob; Feb 10, 2013 at 10:48 PM.
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I have a 2000 with 83,000 and run flats.
Took care of any issues, cleaned it up, added upgrades, some performance based, some cosmetic, sent PCM out for a tune to ESC, now just updating stereo for ipod use, good to go for many years, made a good car better.
One thing I learned with boats that I brought to bikes and cars is....keep up with them and breakdowns will be rare. If you buy it, go over it well and give it what it needs.
If you are really on the fence, post pics and price and info on the car and maybe someone will ****** it up and save you the decision?
Something else about a vette you learn shortly after buying it...it is not just a nice car or just a fast car, they really wrap around the driver and are fun to drive. They are not difficult to work on for the most part once you set up with what you need to get them off the ground and the help you will get here when you need it is nothing short of amazing. I say buy the vette.
Took care of any issues, cleaned it up, added upgrades, some performance based, some cosmetic, sent PCM out for a tune to ESC, now just updating stereo for ipod use, good to go for many years, made a good car better.
One thing I learned with boats that I brought to bikes and cars is....keep up with them and breakdowns will be rare. If you buy it, go over it well and give it what it needs.
If you are really on the fence, post pics and price and info on the car and maybe someone will ****** it up and save you the decision?
Something else about a vette you learn shortly after buying it...it is not just a nice car or just a fast car, they really wrap around the driver and are fun to drive. They are not difficult to work on for the most part once you set up with what you need to get them off the ground and the help you will get here when you need it is nothing short of amazing. I say buy the vette.
Last edited by fishbust; Feb 10, 2013 at 10:53 PM.
Team Owner
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From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
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The car was designed to go 200,000 miles. A first benchmark for any North American automotive engine design. Thank Dave Hill for this.
I have about 30 members who contact me who have 400,000 miles on their stock C5. hundreds and hundreds of guys with 300,000 miles.
Thousands with 200,000. Many members are just breaking in their 100,000 mile C5 for the track.
I have about 30 members who contact me who have 400,000 miles on their stock C5. hundreds and hundreds of guys with 300,000 miles.
Thousands with 200,000. Many members are just breaking in their 100,000 mile C5 for the track.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,068
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From: Spiro Oklahoma
The car was designed to go 200,000 miles. A first benchmark for any North American automotive engine design. Thank Dave Hill for this.
I have about 30 members who contact me who have 400,000 miles on their stock C5. hundreds and hundreds of guys with 300,000 miles.
Thousands with 200,000. Many members are just breaking in their 100,000 mile C5 for the track.
I have about 30 members who contact me who have 400,000 miles on their stock C5. hundreds and hundreds of guys with 300,000 miles.
Thousands with 200,000. Many members are just breaking in their 100,000 mile C5 for the track.
"I certainly agree! This is information that you can take to the bank Hob! The C5 is a wonderfully built machine!"007
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 969
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From: Northern VA
As long as you spend the 70 bucks or so to pay a Corvette Master Mechanic for an hour to look over your next ride,.......I would not be concerned on longevity.
These cars are quite robust and in my view can easily make it to 200k or more with regular and careful maintenance. GM did their homework on this design and it shows............now the seats are a different story.
These cars are quite robust and in my view can easily make it to 200k or more with regular and careful maintenance. GM did their homework on this design and it shows............now the seats are a different story.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,669
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From: Kingston Ontario
Looked at your profile; no information.
Re-read your question; minimal information.
"clean, right color combo, 103,000 miles, in budget"
However; even given the lack of information, I have to tell you, without a doubt I'd move on it before a Mustang! Common sense dictates you either look over the car or have someone else qualified look it over, before dropping the cash.
103,000 miles is not concerning, unless it has been beat on.
I bought a '99 last year with higher mileage and have no regrets!
Fill out your profile.! Get off the fence, and into this group!
Dan
Re-read your question; minimal information.
"clean, right color combo, 103,000 miles, in budget"
However; even given the lack of information, I have to tell you, without a doubt I'd move on it before a Mustang! Common sense dictates you either look over the car or have someone else qualified look it over, before dropping the cash.
103,000 miles is not concerning, unless it has been beat on.
I bought a '99 last year with higher mileage and have no regrets!
Fill out your profile.! Get off the fence, and into this group!
Dan
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If the price is right grab that thing. They're very reliable.
Another cool thing about the C5 is the average person doesn't know how old it is from looking at the exterior. I got asked if my 99 was a '13 last week
Another cool thing about the C5 is the average person doesn't know how old it is from looking at the exterior. I got asked if my 99 was a '13 last week
