Hey guys. I'm looking for some opinions. I've owned several C4's and a couple of C3's. I've got some space in the garage and I've run across a 1997 Base. One-owner, base model, zero modifications, clear title. 70k miles. Silver, black interior, 3k miles on tires. $12,000

I'm very comfortable with the price. My question is, are there any "quirks" I should be looking for since this is a first year C5 model. Common maintenance items (ie main seals on the C4's, etc...).

Thanks!

 

Plastic swaybar end links, harmonic balancer separation(?), column lock bypass installed or serviced by dealer. Not really first year specific items.

 

I've got a lot of Word files that talk about the C5, including a Corvette Buyers Checklist. If you'd like a copy, PM me your e-mail address.

 

Sounds like a nice car and a fair price depending upon condition and how many winters it's lived through.

Post a couple pics if you bring it home !

 

Sounds like a fair price on a great car! Buy it!

I have a 98 myself and they only problem it has had so far is the Oil Pressure sensor.

Here's what I would look for....

1. EBCM problems can run big $ for replacement on pre-2001 models so make sure no "service traction control" codes on the DIC.

2. Oil pressure sender failures are common. Turn the key to on but don't start the car. If the oil pressure reads high even "pinned" then it is likey a sender failure. Fairly easy fix, but requires taking the intake off. approx $45 part.

3. Heard of several "Harmonic Ballencer" issues, but don't really know what to look for on that. Hopefully someone else will elaborate.

4. Column lock issues. I believe if you leave the car off and can turn the steering wheel lock-lock then it has the bypass and is not a concern. If the steering wheel locks, then you still have the column lock feature from the factory and this may go bad in the future. Someone correct me if i'm wrong.

5. Take a look under the rear of the car on the Transaxle. If there is a noticeable amount of oil/grease on the case on either side and not on the other, likely has a "leaky butt" issue.

6. With the car on take a look at the HVAC display. It is common for the display to be dim or not functioning. This is any easy fix with just a soldering iron.

7. Look at the front bumper support "fangs" in front of the lower air dam from underneath. If these are in excellent shape or just slightly scratched, it typically means the owner was very carefull about speed bumps and slopes, generally an indication of how well the care was taken care of all together. These are made to protect the front bumper cover, so some scratches, etc are to be expected with these cars.

These are some of the big things I can think of that are "Common". Most of which are easy fixes, but may help with negotiation. I'm no expert, so if anybody else wants to correct me or add feel free!

Tyler

 

If the balancer is going bad, the pulley will either move forward or backward. Look for wobble on the main crank pulley when the engine is running. With the engine off, if you can see the rubber where the balancer and pulley meet, the pulley is separating rearwards towards the oil pan and timing cover like in this picture.



Otherwise, it's moving forwards towards the steering rack.

 

You should find out how long the tires have been on the vette.They may need to be replace if they have been on for a long time
Fred

 

Dont forget rocking seats where the rubber grommets have dissolved and cracked weather stripping around the top.
all easily fixed except for the ecbm but a negotiating factor.

 

Southern car. Carolinas.

 

Awesome info. Thank you!