good hunting
Buying a C5
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Buying a C5
Hi i am new to the forum and am looking to buy a C5 in the next little bit. I am wondering how worried I should be when looking for one about the miles on it. I have read that the motor is bullet proof but wondering about the rest of the car. What is to many miles on one and what should I be watching for?
Thanks
Thanks
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 79
Likes: 2
From: Mt. Aetna PA
Hi i am new to the forum and am looking to buy a C5 in the next little bit. I am wondering how worried I should be when looking for one about the miles on it. I have read that the motor is bullet proof but wondering about the rest of the car. What is to many miles on one and what should I be watching for?
Thanks
Thanks
Make sure you do a thorough PPI.
Of course, any receipts for work done to it is a big plus.
I think the transmission is a big issue for manuals(it's someting I'm currently going through as well). It could be as simple as changing fluid, or buying a new transmission. If it's auto you're after, less risk there.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,027
Likes: 170
From: oregon
maintenance and driving habits are much more important than mileage
if you can find a 1-2 owner car with records and someone who isn't into racing that would be the car i would want.
i looked at a few of these before i bought mine and many of them were driven really hard. owners lying through their teeth, burning oil, rattles, missing pieces on the under side.
most the nice drivers are in the 15-20k price range and the mint mint like new stuff can go as high as low 30s for a highly modded car, turbos, forged motors etc and or a z16 z06 with almost no miles
if you can find a 1-2 owner car with records and someone who isn't into racing that would be the car i would want.
i looked at a few of these before i bought mine and many of them were driven really hard. owners lying through their teeth, burning oil, rattles, missing pieces on the under side.
most the nice drivers are in the 15-20k price range and the mint mint like new stuff can go as high as low 30s for a highly modded car, turbos, forged motors etc and or a z16 z06 with almost no miles
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 6,970
Likes: 14
From: Calif
Hi i am new to the forum and am looking to buy a C5 in the next little bit. I am wondering how worried I should be when looking for one about the miles on it. I have read that the motor is bullet proof but wondering about the rest of the car. What is to many miles on one and what should I be watching for?
Thanks
Thanks
I ordered the car from Bob Stall in La Mesa Ca. Took delivery in Jan 03. Still have the original window sticker.
Just turned 21,000 miles.
Looking for $ 29,000 or best offer.
I love the C7
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 367,452
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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If the car has been well maintained and not abused, a high mileage car should be pretty reliable, although there are always exceptions.
If you'd like a bunch of Word files on the C5, including a Corvette Buyers Checklist, just PM me your e-mail address and I'll forward them to you.
If you'd like a bunch of Word files on the C5, including a Corvette Buyers Checklist, just PM me your e-mail address and I'll forward them to you.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Jackson TN/Houston TX
If the car has been well maintained and not abused, a high mileage car should be pretty reliable, although there are always exceptions.
If you'd like a bunch of Word files on the C5, including a Corvette Buyers Checklist, just PM me your e-mail address and I'll forward them to you.
If you'd like a bunch of Word files on the C5, including a Corvette Buyers Checklist, just PM me your e-mail address and I'll forward them to you.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 1,677
Likes: 22
From: Newark CA
C5s are very reliable cars. Be aware of any differential noise. A replacement can cost $2500. That's the only major problem I had with mine in 12 years. You should be able to find a car with 75,000 miles or less for a little under $20K.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 7,215
Likes: 1
From: Orlando FL
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,027
Likes: 170
From: oregon
if you get lucky you might get a 120-150k mile 2001 car that's been maintained properly for that money which could be a nice car
you really have to go look at the cars, there's so much talk about mileage and money on here and it's only a small part of the picture. these cars are old enough that there is an ENORMOUS difference between the various cars with various mileage.
that said if you can spend 14, save up 2k more and you'll get a lot nicer car. all kinds of sub 100k 2001-2002 coupes for 16k in good condition.
it will surprise you how beat to hell some of the cars you go to look at are, even though they look really pretty in pictures
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 778
Likes: 1
From: Chantilly VA
Read the stickys on this page, to learn something about C5s. You will see many DIY posts. Some you will end up doing. But not to fear many here will help.
Learn how to pull codes from the DIC. Get a copy of the codes (DIC codes) and read them, ask questions about them here if you want, print a copy. Take it with you.
Go 2002 or newer if you budget fits. There are many good pre-2002s. Just newer stuff that's still supported easy. Many may say, get the lowest mileage newest car you can fit to budget. Get the one you like the most, but look at as many as you can. It wont take long. Then just pay your money, take your chances, and drive for fun.
Learn how to pull codes from the DIC. Get a copy of the codes (DIC codes) and read them, ask questions about them here if you want, print a copy. Take it with you.
Go 2002 or newer if you budget fits. There are many good pre-2002s. Just newer stuff that's still supported easy. Many may say, get the lowest mileage newest car you can fit to budget. Get the one you like the most, but look at as many as you can. It wont take long. Then just pay your money, take your chances, and drive for fun.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Jackson TN/Houston TX
Read the stickys on this page, to learn something about C5s. You will see many DIY posts. Some you will end up doing. But not to fear many here will help.
Learn how to pull codes from the DIC. Get a copy of the codes (DIC codes) and read them, ask questions about them here if you want, print a copy. Take it with you.
Go 2002 or newer if you budget fits. There are many good pre-2002s. Just newer stuff that's still supported easy. Many may say, get the lowest mileage newest car you can fit to budget. Get the one you like the most, but look at as many as you can. It wont take long. Then just pay your money, take your chances, and drive for fun.
Learn how to pull codes from the DIC. Get a copy of the codes (DIC codes) and read them, ask questions about them here if you want, print a copy. Take it with you.
Go 2002 or newer if you budget fits. There are many good pre-2002s. Just newer stuff that's still supported easy. Many may say, get the lowest mileage newest car you can fit to budget. Get the one you like the most, but look at as many as you can. It wont take long. Then just pay your money, take your chances, and drive for fun.
Good advice. I have found a couple as well that fit my budget and what I am looking for. Just waiting for the exact one that I know is right. I found a couple 2002 Z's with 40-50k for $19k
Racer
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 422
Likes: 4
From: Cypress TX
Saturday morning I'm going to check out a 97 c5 w/63k, Lts and cai for $16.5. It's on vette finders in Texas in case anyone wants to help a newb!
It looks pretty and is a stick so I'm kind of stuck on it.
All help is appreciated.
Sorry to hijack.
It looks pretty and is a stick so I'm kind of stuck on it.
All help is appreciated.
Sorry to hijack.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,724
Likes: 2
From: Holland Landing Ontario
You should fill out your information. I assume from your name that you are Canadian. If so, you won't find one in Canada for that money with reasonable milage on it. You may find one stateside, but at that money it will still be high milage.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
Read the stickys on this page, to learn something about C5s. You will see many DIY posts. Some you will end up doing. But not to fear many here will help.
Learn how to pull codes from the DIC. Get a copy of the codes (DIC codes) and read them, ask questions about them here if you want, print a copy. Take it with you.
Go 2002 or newer if you budget fits. There are many good pre-2002s. Just newer stuff that's still supported easy. Many may say, get the lowest mileage newest car you can fit to budget. Get the one you like the most, but look at as many as you can. It wont take long. Then just pay your money, take your chances, and drive for fun.
Learn how to pull codes from the DIC. Get a copy of the codes (DIC codes) and read them, ask questions about them here if you want, print a copy. Take it with you.
Go 2002 or newer if you budget fits. There are many good pre-2002s. Just newer stuff that's still supported easy. Many may say, get the lowest mileage newest car you can fit to budget. Get the one you like the most, but look at as many as you can. It wont take long. Then just pay your money, take your chances, and drive for fun.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,753
Likes: 167
From: Youngsville North Carolina
Internet search is your friend...cars.com, autotrader.com and corvette specific for sale sites can give you an idea:
http://www.usedcorvettesforsale.com/
http://www.vettefinders.com/
http://www.usedcorvettesforsale.com/
http://www.vettefinders.com/
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,585
Likes: 28
From: Cedaredge Colorado
picked up a 2004 vert, manual trans, base model, 300 miles on total rebuilt motor, .20 over, new cam, 82k miles, drivers seat is shot, paint is not perfect but looks good. paid 12k even.
purchased cause the price was right and im lookin for somethin to drive the wheels off, and i dont feel bad moddin it with whatever i like. i didnt purchase with resale in mind, i purchased with fun in mind
i have been lookin all over the net for a C5 Z06 or FRC since last summer, everyday checkin here ebay, autotrader, blah blah blah. and i end up with a vert???
like you very hesitant to pull the trigger on quite a few different rides as im a bottom feeder(LOL) and this is my first vette and just didnt want to get in to deep.
take your time, and you will find the right fit for your pocket.
purchased cause the price was right and im lookin for somethin to drive the wheels off, and i dont feel bad moddin it with whatever i like. i didnt purchase with resale in mind, i purchased with fun in mind
i have been lookin all over the net for a C5 Z06 or FRC since last summer, everyday checkin here ebay, autotrader, blah blah blah. and i end up with a vert???
like you very hesitant to pull the trigger on quite a few different rides as im a bottom feeder(LOL) and this is my first vette and just didnt want to get in to deep.
take your time, and you will find the right fit for your pocket.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,027
Likes: 170
From: oregon
picked up a 2004 vert, manual trans, base model, 300 miles on total rebuilt motor, .20 over, new cam, 82k miles, drivers seat is shot, paint is not perfect but looks good. paid 12k even.
purchased cause the price was right and im lookin for somethin to drive the wheels off, and i dont feel bad moddin it with whatever i like. i didnt purchase with resale in mind, i purchased with fun in mind
i have been lookin all over the net for a C5 Z06 or FRC since last summer, everyday checkin here ebay, autotrader, blah blah blah. and i end up with a vert???
like you very hesitant to pull the trigger on quite a few different rides as im a bottom feeder(LOL) and this is my first vette and just didnt want to get in to deep.
take your time, and you will find the right fit for your pocket.
purchased cause the price was right and im lookin for somethin to drive the wheels off, and i dont feel bad moddin it with whatever i like. i didnt purchase with resale in mind, i purchased with fun in mind
i have been lookin all over the net for a C5 Z06 or FRC since last summer, everyday checkin here ebay, autotrader, blah blah blah. and i end up with a vert???
like you very hesitant to pull the trigger on quite a few different rides as im a bottom feeder(LOL) and this is my first vette and just didnt want to get in to deep.
take your time, and you will find the right fit for your pocket.