Purchase Questions
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 18
Likes: 1
Purchase Questions
I'm looking to buy a C5 (97-04). I don't know much about Corvettes at this time, but I love the "Euro" look of the C5 and it would be in my price range, around $20k. I'm hoping you all can tell me what years and options to avoid. I'd be looking for a coupe with a manual.
BTW, I'd rather spend time in the car than under it, if you get my drift.
Thanks.
BTW, I'd rather spend time in the car than under it, if you get my drift.
Thanks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,146
Likes: 203
From: Edmonton Alberta, Canada
The C5 is a great car with few issues (and lots of great features), get one with the least amount of mileage (as any used car) have it mechanically inspected. Remember it is just a Chevrolet so "Go and have fun". Good luck and post pic of your new baby when you purchase, welcome aboard. Greetings, Rob
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 14,999
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From: P-town Baby! Virginia
read up and look around this forum, ebay and autotrader. That will help you get some general info and ideas. Start looking at some coupe and get an idea of options, color and specifics you want...that will help you narrow it down and you can begin shopping for your vette. Good luck! 
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
OK, Here is my input, Seeing you have 20K to spend I would look for a 2001 to 2004, They have the latest upgrades, 20K will get you a nice low mileage 01-04 coupe, I know you said manual, But just in case you do go auto get it with the Z51 package, Better suspension, Better gear ratio, Steering cooler, Just in case you find an auto you can't live without. I find a HUD is a nice option, But I wouldn't let it be a deal killer. Learn how to pull the codes, The nice thing about the C5 is it has a code reader built in.
Check and make sure the gas gauge works, Known issue with C5's. Check oil pressure and make sure it works. Look under the rear end and see if it has any leaks where the axel shafts come out. I think this will get you going in the right direction.
Also make sure it has decent tires..
Mr.Bill
Check and make sure the gas gauge works, Known issue with C5's. Check oil pressure and make sure it works. Look under the rear end and see if it has any leaks where the axel shafts come out. I think this will get you going in the right direction.
Also make sure it has decent tires..
Mr.Bill
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: The Voice of Reason!
St. Jude Donor '14
Do some homework and decide what you want. Then don't settle for less. "The one" is out there. It's just a matter of finding it and that is part of the fun. Don't fall into the deal was so good I couldn't pass it up trap. If it's not what you want, move on.
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Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Holly Springs NC
St. Jude Donor '16-'17,'22,'24
Simple advice, Buy the newest, lowest mileage Vette equipped the way you want it that's in your price range. Spending 20K should get you one with 50K or less mileage and an 01-04.
That was the price range of my 04, but it's an A-4.
That was the price range of my 04, but it's an A-4.
Last edited by roadbike56; Apr 6, 2013 at 12:51 AM.
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If you PM me your e-mail address, I will send you a bunch of Word files on the C5 - might help you with your decision making process.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
Thanks for all you do Jack.
Mr.Bill
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Rotonda West, FL 2015 Z51 M7 3LT
Oldtimer
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
Just skimmed this and though it was Da Wolfman! 
Clap For the Wolfman The Guess Who & host Wolfman Jack Midnight Special - YouTube
Clap For the Wolfman The Guess Who & host Wolfman Jack Midnight Special - YouTube
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,724
Likes: 2
From: Holland Landing Ontario
One issue that plagues most C5's (all M6's) at one time or another is steering lock. This can be very expensive to fix. There were 2 recalls done relating to this, but neither one fixed the problem. There is a recent post where a member has had it twice. There is a simple and inexpensive fix called a Column Lock By-Pass (CLB). Many C5's will have it already, but if the one you buy doesn't, I strongly recommend getting one. Do a search on the forum to learn more.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,502
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From: Scottsdale AZ
To the OP-- strongly suggest you take up this generous offer and study the materials to help you make the right decision . .
Thanks again Jack - -
Rollie
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 5,037
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From: Rotonda West, FL 2015 Z51 M7 3LT
Oldtimer
Jack- Although we'd had ten other Corvettes, this was my first C5 and you made the same kind offer when we bought our current car. I cannot tell you how informative and valuable your information was on bringing me up to speed.
To the OP-- strongly suggest you take up this generous offer and study the materials to help you make the right decision . .
Thanks again Jack - -
Rollie
To the OP-- strongly suggest you take up this generous offer and study the materials to help you make the right decision . .
Thanks again Jack - -
Rollie
There should be a sticky list at the top of the forum....
Information for people looking for a C5, and the first post should be to ask Jack for his files! Would be REALLY nice to have that sticky though.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: northern ca
St. Jude Donor '14
OK, Here is my input, Seeing you have 20K to spend I would look for a 2001 to 2004, They have the latest upgrades, 20K will get you a nice low mileage 01-04 coupe, I know you said manual, But just in case you do go auto get it with the Z51 package, Better suspension, Better gear ratio, Steering cooler, Just in case you find an auto you can't live without. I find a HUD is a nice option, But I wouldn't let it be a deal killer. Learn how to pull the codes, The nice thing about the C5 is it has a code reader built in.
Check and make sure the gas gauge works, Known issue with C5's. Check oil pressure and make sure it works. Look under the rear end and see if it has any leaks where the axel shafts come out. I think this will get you going in the right direction.
Also make sure it has decent tires..
Mr.Bill
Check and make sure the gas gauge works, Known issue with C5's. Check oil pressure and make sure it works. Look under the rear end and see if it has any leaks where the axel shafts come out. I think this will get you going in the right direction.
Also make sure it has decent tires..
Mr.Bill
Especially the tires. Low mileage cars frequently have great looking tires that are out of date and unsafe at speed. I've seen cars that had the original tires on them with almost full thread, but 10 plus years old.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 224
Likes: 25
From: IMPERIAL MISSOURI
It's all about the way a car has been treated and maintained! Look around and drive them all. I purchased a 2002 Coupe M6 with 90k miles that was in much better condition and drove WAY better than some of the lower mileage corvettes that I looked at. Plus I was able to save a little dough and start the mods right away!
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 18
Likes: 1
Thanks for all the help, and I am aware of the tire thing having a fun car that I don't drive much. FYI I"m in Colorado and took the Porsche out for its first "spin" of the season. Fun, but still love the idea of owning a Vette. Be back soon.