Best C5
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Best C5
I have suffered from "vette" withdrawal long enough after selling the 74 ten years ago...ya, I know, bad decision...so I'm thinking a C5 is needed to improve my health.
The question for the forum is "What year C5 will give me the least mechanical/tech problems and the most bang for my buck?
I looked at a 03 with less than 40K miles for under $18,000...sweet machine.
Listening to your thoughts....
The question for the forum is "What year C5 will give me the least mechanical/tech problems and the most bang for my buck?
I looked at a 03 with less than 40K miles for under $18,000...sweet machine.
Listening to your thoughts....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 5,037
Likes: 846
From: Rotonda West, FL 2015 Z51 M7 3LT
Oldtimer
The "standard" answer to that is 2001 or later models. Any year car can have issues or can be rock solid. Buying any used car is a crap shoot but always have it checked out by a good Vette shop (notice I didn't say dealership) unless you are very familiar with them.
My vote on the "best" would be the one sitting in my garage...
Good luck!
My vote on the "best" would be the one sitting in my garage...
Good luck!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 63
From: DC
St. Jude Donor '09-'10
Like Calvin said, the best one is the one in your garage. I have an '03 z06 and I love it. To me, that's the best. I think as long as you stick to the later years you'll be fine.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,488
Likes: 1,743
From: Knoxville Tn
Make yourself a list of exactly how you'd like your toy to be equipped.
Settle for nothing less.
6sp?
HUD?
Z06, coupe, vert
active handling
bone stock, light mods, fully modded.
color
mileage acceptable
price range
etc.
Settle for nothing less.
6sp?
HUD?
Z06, coupe, vert
active handling
bone stock, light mods, fully modded.
color
mileage acceptable
price range
etc.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,499
Likes: 312
From: Scottsdale AZ
I have suffered from "vette" withdrawal long enough after selling the 74 ten years ago...ya, I know, bad decision...so I'm thinking a C5 is needed to improve my health.
The question for the forum is "What year C5 will give me the least mechanical/tech problems and the most bang for my buck?
I looked at a 03 with less than 40K miles for under $18,000...sweet machine.
Listening to your thoughts....
The question for the forum is "What year C5 will give me the least mechanical/tech problems and the most bang for my buck?
I looked at a 03 with less than 40K miles for under $18,000...sweet machine.
Listening to your thoughts....
Then post pics
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 30,587
Likes: 4,615
From: Bonita Springs, Florida
There is no standard answer imo. I have a '99 6spd Coupe and so far it has performed flawlessly for the past 7+ years. The same experience with my wife's '99 6spd FRC. We had other model year C5's, older and newer, and other than a couple of minor issues each performed performed pretty much flawlessly as well, however the '99's have been issue free. Here is a recent thread on this topic.: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...-reliable.html
This is one of the most often repeated topics on the Forum and by using the search feature you will find dozens of threads on this subject and as many opinions as there are members. As with any car you will have the best chance of getting a trouble free reliable car by finding a well cared for, low mileage, well maintained (with documentation), unmodified C5 regardless of the model year. And remember, "you get what you pay for". Be careful and good luck with your search.
My first Corvette was a 1974 Coupe.
This is one of the most often repeated topics on the Forum and by using the search feature you will find dozens of threads on this subject and as many opinions as there are members. As with any car you will have the best chance of getting a trouble free reliable car by finding a well cared for, low mileage, well maintained (with documentation), unmodified C5 regardless of the model year. And remember, "you get what you pay for". Be careful and good luck with your search.
My first Corvette was a 1974 Coupe.
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Athens Ohio
This is a great discussion. I just got my first Corvette a 2001 Coupe. With only 44,000 miles I have been worried about what to expect regarding reliability down the road. Nice to hear other C5 owners having a good experience! Any advice out there regarding preventative maintenance to keep it problem free?
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 5,687
Likes: 212
From: Mo.
In my opinion, find a car that has what you want on it. Have it checked out by a reputable Mechanic and buy it.
I have owned (2) C5 Z's and (1) C5 Vert and (1) C6 Z all with no issues what so ever, PERIOD.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,857
Likes: 106
From: Sloatsburg NY
Oldtimer
This is a great discussion. I just got my first Corvette a 2001 Coupe. With only 44,000 miles I have been worried about what to expect regarding reliability down the road. Nice to hear other C5 owners having a good experience! Any advice out there regarding preventative maintenance to keep it problem free?
I'm sure others will chime in.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 5,037
Likes: 846
From: Rotonda West, FL 2015 Z51 M7 3LT
Oldtimer
I agree SSTG but in most of the "which c5 year to buy" threads, it seems like the answer usually is 2001+ as the early kinks were remedied (in theory) and had more/newer options.
Notice, nowhere did I even insinuate that pre-01's were bad or to stay away from them. Actually, to the contrary.... I had a '97 that was bullet proof for the time that I owned it. And I know you didn't imply that SSTG, just sayin'
Notice, nowhere did I even insinuate that pre-01's were bad or to stay away from them. Actually, to the contrary.... I had a '97 that was bullet proof for the time that I owned it. And I know you didn't imply that SSTG, just sayin'
Last edited by calvins; Mar 3, 2013 at 05:26 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,828
Likes: 14
UP to U
While I am very partial to the C5s also feel the 2003-4 have added improvements that make them "special"
Next you need to decide what model will meet your needs.
If you are going to mod, you will be far better looking at cars that some or all the work has already been completed. You'll save a bundle and if you do your homework will get a great car for pennies on the dollar.
If you want totally stock car then go that route.
In any case good luck and welcome!
Next you need to decide what model will meet your needs.
If you are going to mod, you will be far better looking at cars that some or all the work has already been completed. You'll save a bundle and if you do your homework will get a great car for pennies on the dollar.
If you want totally stock car then go that route.
In any case good luck and welcome!
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
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I liked my '99, '00 and now my '03. I had a few problems with the '00 at first, but over the last 5 years or so I owned it I did not have any problems. I've had my '03 for about 3.5 years now and not one problem.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
Likes: 3,841
From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
One of the greatest misconceptions I see on this forum is this issue of Low mileage. Low mileage on a well maintained C5 would be anything under 100,000 miles, knowing that the LSX engine was designed to do 200,000 before having to get a second wind.. there are many C5 owners with 300,000 and 400, 000 miles right here on this forum. Lots of people do not start modding their engine and racing it until it has 100K. If you find a well maintained C5 ( documented ) and well cared for. don't dismiss it because it has 100K on the clock.. use that to your advantage when negotiating price. There is virtually no difference other than the cost of a 30,000 mile C5 that's 8/10 years old and a C5 with 85,000 miles, that is properly maintained. Buying a C5 today is not like buying your grandfathers 60 Buick Roadmaster, back in 1970.
